What's your Dosha?
North Shore News(September 27, 2009)
In Ayurvedic philosophy, everything in the universe is made up of five elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether. In living things, those five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces called doshas. The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. During different times and circumstances in life, different doshas will be more predominant. The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain your dosha balance.

Vata is formed by ether (space) and air. Vata is movement, the body in motion. It is the energy of respiration, heartbeat, nerve impulse and muscle contraction. Vata circulates the blood and lymph, draws and expels air from the lungs, moves food through the digestive system, and eliminates waste. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors and spasms.

Pitta is formed by fire and water. Pitta regulates the body, controlling its metabolism. It is the body in transformation. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, body temperature, skin colouration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence and understanding.

Kapha is formed by earth and water. It builds the body and forms its structure: skeleton, muscles, organs, ligaments, tendons and skin are the work of Kapha. And Kapha lubricates the body, ensuring the smooth function of joints. With strength, stability, and solidity, Kapha is the body in repose.
Know more about your Dosha at http://ayurveda-foryou.com/clinical_ayurveda/consti5.html