The tri-energies in humans are responsible for physical, biological and mental attributes of a person. All three of them have different characteristics and express their attributes in the individual. For understanding it in a very easy way, we can simply say that "Vata" or Kinetic energy is just like air in the universe, Pitta or Thermal energy is just like Fire and Kapha or Potential energy is just like Earth.
These Vata, Pitta and Kapha provide basic characters of Air, Fire and Earth in the body. Some of the typical attributes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha people are explained in the tables.
Vata: Vata or Vayu is compared with Kinetic energy within the body. All the movements in the universe and inside the body are considered to be because of "Vata". All the planetary movements, revolving of electrons around the nucleus, anything which moves has Vata component in it.
Location of Vata in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Vata in our body is - large intestine (Colon, rectum), urinary bladder, urinary tract, spine, thighs and legs.
Functions of Vata in our body: It governs the physical movement of the body, circulates the body fluids, controls respiration, stimulates excretion of digestive juices, regulates peristaltic movements of intestines. In other words, it can be said that it controls neuro-hormonal system. The neurotransmitters, hormones can be considered as moving from one organ to the other because of Vata.
Emotions controlled by Vata: Fear, stress, anxiety, impatience are all aggravated and generally elevated in Vata type personalities and in case of increased Vata.
Physical attributes of Vata: Vata is rough, dry, light, mobile, cool and subtle.
Vata type personalities: Ayurveda has explained physical and mental characteristics of people having high Vata constitution. These can be read in the table provided.
Remedies for Vata disorders - Massage with hot Oils, Internal consumption of Ghee, Regular Sleep, Herbs like Ashwagandha, Ginger, Cumin, Turmeric, Guggul, Garlic, Asa foetida, Hot fomentation, Prayers and Meditation regulates Vata.
Pitta: Pittta is compared with Thermal energy within the body. It is responsible for all the metabolic and chemical reactions occurring in our body. The heat energy or "the fire" required for a chemical reaction is "Pitta".
Location of Pitta in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Pitta in our body is middle portion of our body. i.e. stomach, liver, spleen, duodenum, gall bladder, bile, small intestine, pancreas, heart, retina, skin and blood. Functions of Pitta in our body: It governs the digestive process, metabolic and enzymatic activity within our body.
Emotions controlled by Pitta: Fear, stress, anxiety, impatience are all aggravated and in Pitta type personalities and also in case of increased Pitta.
Physical attributes of Pitta: Pitta is hot, sharp, acrid, oily and acidic.
Remedies for Pitta disorders - Fresh Green coconut water, All foods which are bitter especially pumpkin family fruits and vegetables like bottle gourd, long gourd, round gourd etc. All green leafy vegetables, Apples, Papaya, Melons, Dragon fruit, Herbs like Neem, Amla, Katuki, Aloe vera juice, Brahmi. Ghee should be used. Yoga and meditation also help in Pitta disorders.
Kapha: Kapha is compared with Potential energy within the body. It has Earth and Water as its elemental constituents. So the attributes are just like earth and water. It provides stability to our body and cells. It is responsible for the structures to stick together, like bones joining with ligaments and muscles with tendons. It provides stability to the body and also to the mind. It is responsible for lubrication within the joints. In general, the fluid and solid structures constitute "Kapha" within the body. It is nutritive and supportive to the body. The adipose tissue is also a form of "Kapha" within our bodies.
Location of Kapha in our body: According to Ayurveda, the location of Kapha in our body is Upper portion of our body. i.e. Lungs, Throat, Larynx, Nose, Brain, Eyes.
Functions of Kapha in our body: It is responsible for nutrition and support within our body. It keeps the structures bound to each other. It acts as a cohesion agent.
Emotions controlled by Kapha: Patience, Mental Stability, Slowness, More retaining abilities.
Physical attributes of Kapha: Kapha is cool, sticky, dull, oily and sweet
Remedies for Kapha disorders - Since Kapha is heavy, cool dull, sticky, immobile in order to burn Kapha we will need diet/herbs which are rich in subtle, hot, mobile properties. The herbs useful for Kapha are all spices like turmeric, cinnamon, clove, ginger, garlic, holy basil, are all good for Kapha.