Dosha

Dosha (, IAST: "doṣa") is a central term in Ayurveda originating from Sanskrit, which can be can be translated as "that which can cause problems" (literally meaning "fault" or "defect"), and which refers to three categories or types of substances that are believed to be present in a person's body. Beginning with twentieth-century Ayurvedic literature, the "three-dosha theory" (Sanskrit: , "tridoṣa-upadeśaḥ") has described how the quantities and qualities of three fundamental types of substances called wind, bile, and phlegm (Sanskrit: , , ; "vāta", "pitta", "kapha") fluctuate in the body according to the seasons, time of day, diet, and several other factors and thereby determine changing conditions of growth, aging, health, and disease.
"Doshas" are considered to shape the physical body according to a natural constitution established at birth, determined by the constitutions of the parents as well as the time of conception and other factors. This natual constitution represents the healthy norm for a balanced state for a particular individual. The particular ratio of the doshas in a person's natural constitution is associated with determining their mind-body type including various physiological and psychological characteristics such as physical appearance, physique, and personality.
The Ayurvedic three-dosha theory is often compared to European Humorism although it is a distinct system with a separate history. The three-dosha theory has also been compared to astrology and physiognomy in similarly deriving its tenets from ancient philosophy and superstitions. Using them to diagnose or treat disease is considered pseudoscientific.
Role in disease.
The Ayurvedic theory of doshas describes how bad habits, wrong diet, overwork, etc. may cause relative deficiencies or excesses which cause them to become imbalanced in relation to the natural constitution (prakriti) resulting in a current condition (vikriti) which may potentially lead to disease. For example, an excess of "vata" is blamed for mental, nervous, and digestive disorders, including low energy and weakening of all body tissues. Similarly, excess "pitta" is blamed for blood toxicity, inflammation, and infection. Excess of "kapha" is blamed for increase in mucus, weight, edema, and lung disease, etc. The key to managing all "doshas" is taking care of "vata", that is taught to regulate the other two.
By evaluating individual habits, emotional responses, pulse, and body type, practitioners of Ayurveda determine their current condition and adapt their practices accordingly, prescribing Ayurvedic treatments focused on alleviating any doshic imbalance (illness) using herbs, lifestyle changes, and practices such as pranayama, meditation, and yoga postures.
Principles.
The "doshas" derive their qualities from the five elements (Sanskrit: ; pañca-mahābhūta) of classical Indian philosophy.
"Prana, Tejas and Ojas".
Yoga is a set of disciplines, some that aim to balance and transform energies of the psyche. At the roots of "vata", "pitta" and "kapha" are believed to consist of its subtle counterparts called "prana", "tejas" and "ojas". Unlike the "doshas", which in excess create diseases, this is believed to promote health, creativity and well-being.
• "Prana"the life force and healing energy of "vata" (air)
• "Tejas"inner radiance and healing energy of "pitta" (fire)
• "Ojas"the ultimate energy reserve of the body derived from "kapha" (water)
Ultimately, Ayurveda seeks to reduce disease, particularly those that are chronic, and increase positive health in the body and mind via these three vital essences that aid in renewal and transformation. Increased "prana" is associated with enthusiasm, adaptability and creativity, all of which are considered necessary when pursuing a spiritual path in yoga and to enable one to perform. "Tejas" is claimed to provide courage, fearlessness and insight and to be important when making decisions. Lastly, "ojas" is considered to create peace, confidence and patience to maintain consistent development and sustain continued effort. Eventually, the most important element to develop is "ojas", believed to engender physical and psychological endurance. Aims to achieve this include Ayurvedic diet, tonic herbs, control of the senses, a devotion and most importantly celibacy.