Dosha

Dosha

Spoilage, destructiveness, imbalance, lack; can also be translated as darkness or evening.

Doshas in Yoga and Ayurveda are fundamental psychophysiological principles or substances, the purpose of which is to regulate all functions of the mind and body. The concept comes from the root duṣ (दुष्), which means "to spoil". In a state of equilibrium, they support the body; in case of imbalance, they cause illness.

There are three such principles (sometimes they are called types of body constitution according to the prevailing dosha in a person):

• Kapha-dosha (combination of prithvi-tattva and jala-tattva)
• Pitta-dosha (combination of jala-tattva and agni-tattva)
• Vata-dosha (combination of vayu-tattva and akasha-tattva)

Ayurveda says that the ratio and quality of three types of substances – vata, pitta and kapha – varies in the human body depending on the time of year and day, dietary characteristics and a number of other factors. This determines the conditions for the development of the body, its health and aging. Improper diet, bad habits and stress lead to an imbalance of the natural constitution (prakriti).

In the ancient ayurvedic treatise "Ashtanga-hridaya samhita", compiled by the doctor and scientist Vagbhata, it is said about the three doshas:

Realize that in general there are only three bodily doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. They destroy a sick body and maintain a healthy one.

In hatha-yoga, there are practices that affect certain doshas, eliminating their imbalance. These are mainly shatkarmas and pranayamas.