| Subtypes | |
|---|---|
| Sharirik Dosha | Vata, Pitta, Kapha |
| Mansik Dosha | Raja, Tama |
| Vata | Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana, Apana |
| Pitta | Pachaka, Ranjaka, Sadhaka, Alochaka, Bhrajaka |
| Kapha | Avalambaka, Kledaka, Shleshaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka |
Dosha
The three dosha theory (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) since its inception from long time ago was established keeping the functional similarity of similar components governing the ecosystem viz. Sun, Moon and Wind. Ayurveda proposes this as a "Loka-Purush Samya Siddhanta."
Etymological meaning
The literal meaning of the term Dosha states the independent capacity of body to vitiate, adulterate or contaminate any subtle to gross tissue or structure. On the other hand these dosha are also involved during the conception or fertilization period influencing the formation of new zygote. So whichever the dosha completely dominates throughout the phase of zygote formation may eventually reflect all the characteristics and attribute as a part of behavior or temperament - Prakruti, throughout the lifetime of that particular individual. Thus the etymological meaning of the term Dosha stands as - whoever is independent, responsible for formation of Prakruti and is highly prone to get vitiated thus creating any abnormal pathology.
Synonyms
Definition
Dosha are generally said to be the humors of the body as per Ayurveda. These humors may be different as per the physical and psychological aspect of the body. Any substance which is independent in capacity to work, exclusively involved in Prakruti formation physiologically and tends to easily gets deviated to create any pathology is termed to be Dosha. This altogether makes the Dosha a different one from the humors of Greek or Latin philosophy. However the term dosha is popularized by the tendency of them to create pathology by deviation in the normal functioning of the body. At physical level there three dosha - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. At psychological level out of three only two - Raja and Tama fits in the category of term Dosha.