Dosha (दोष)

The three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are the primary life forces or biological humors that govern all physiological a.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

वायुः पित्तं कफश्चेति त्रयो दोषाः समासतः। विकृताविकृता देहं घ्नन्ति ते वर्तयन्ति च॥

— (Ashtanga Hrudayam, Sutrasthana 1/6)

Explanation

The three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are the primary life forces or biological humors that govern all physiological and psychological functions of the body. In their balanced state (Avikrita), they maintain health and life. In their imbalanced state (Vikrita), they cause disease and lead to the destruction of the body.

Clinical Importance

Diagnosis in Ayurveda is fundamentally based on identifying the state of the Doshas. All treatment aims to restore the Doshas to their state of equilibrium (Dosha Samya).