Earth – Air – Fire – Water – Space

The five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and space (ether)

These are the five elements that, according to the science of Ayurveda, combine to form all of creation. Everything we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell as well as every living being is formed from some combination of these five elements. The elements combine in differing ways to form the three humors, or doshas. Understanding the doshas, and the elements that form them, can help us find a deeper understanding of our own physical, mental, and emotional states.

Within each of us are all five elements, and all three doshas, in different ratios. Most of us have a dominant dosha, whose energies have the strongest influence on our state of being.

We can find more balance in our lives by using strategies that soothe our dominant dosha and bolster the others. But first, we must know our dominant dosha and understand its properties.

The Three Doshas:

Vata dosha is composed of air and space. It’s properties are: cold, light, dry, and rough. It relates to change and movement.

Those with vata dosha often are light-framed, energetic, and creative. When out of balance, vata dosha may create nervousness, dry skin, and difficulty remembering or focusing.

Tips to balance vata dosha:

Wake and go to bed at set times.
Eat regular meals at consistent times – avoid snacking or grazing
Eat warm, comforting foods - avoid raw foods.
Spend time in nature.
Practice yin, restorative, and other gentle styles of yoga.

Kapha dosha is composed of earth and water. It is heavy, cold, soft, steady, and slow. It relates to consistency and stability.

Those with kapha dosha may be larger-framed. They tend to be calm, stable personalities who are empathetic and compassionate. In excess, kapha dosha can create stagnation and sluggishness in thought and in body.

Tips to balance kapha dosha:

Kaphas benefit from regular exercise – brisk walking or jogging, vinyasa yoga, or other more vigorous activities are best for kapha.
Eat your biggest meal at lunch and a lighter meal such as soup at dinnertime.
Shake up your routine – do something spontaneous or step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Pitta dosha is composed of fire and water. Its qualities are hot, light, sharp, and mobile. It relates to intensity and action.

Pitta types often are described as tenacious and goal-driven. Excess pitta may result in impatience, mood swings, and aggression.

Tips to balance pitta dosha:

Avoid spicy food and extreme heat.
Practice gentle styles of yoga.
Participate in team sports.
Take cool showers or baths.

Some guidelines are recommended for balancing all doshas. These include maintaining a regular daily routine and including all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent – in each meal. Many other factors influence our dosha including time of day and season, our environment, and more. Ayurveda is a complex science that examines both inner and outer influences in depth and provides strategies for wellness in all layers of our being.