In “Yoga – A Gem for Women,” Geeta Iyengar presents a profound understanding of the three doṣas that beautifully bridges ancient Āyurvedic wisdom with modern yoga practice. Her explanation reveals how these fundamental energies – Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha – govern our physical and mental well-being through specific physiological functions.
According to Iyengar, each doṣa corresponds to essential bodily processes: “Clana – Movement, Pācana – Digestion or assimilation, and Lepana – Respiration or illumination” (p.39). This understanding aligns with the traditional Āyurvedic view of Vāta (air and ether) governing movement and circulation, Pitta (fire and water) managing metabolism and transformation, and Kapha (earth and water) maintaining structure and stability.
The genius of Iyengar’s explanation lies in how she connects these ancient concepts to practical health concerns. She describes how the body maintains health through “thirteen srotas or vessels” that carry various substances, from prāṇa (breath) to rasa (bodily fluids). When these channels function properly and the doṣas remain balanced, we experience what she calls “perfect harmony of bodily functions, a well-balanced metabolism and happy and poised state of the mind and of the senses.”
Disease, she explains, occurs when this delicate balance is disturbed: “Any deficiency or excess in the normal quantity of the doṣas (humours) or the dhātus (ingredients), or any obstruction in their flow brings about imbalance.” In maintaining doṣic balance through yoga, she suggests that different approaches are needed depending on our constitution. When Vāta is disturbed, we might focus on grounding and stabilizing practices. For Pitta imbalances, cooling and meditative practices can be beneficial. When Kapha needs balancing, more dynamic and energizing sequences may be appropriate.
Notice Iyengar’s emphasis on the mind-body connection: While the doṣas affect our physical health, they also influence our mental state. As she notes, “Practice of Yoga brings a perfect balance in body and mind. It makes the body healthy to cooperate with the mind, so that steadiness, composure, and firmness are developed” (p.41).
This holistic approach to health, combining Āyurvedic wisdom with yoga practice, offers us a comprehensive framework for maintaining balance in our modern lives. Through understanding and working with the doṣas, we can better navigate our path toward what Iyengar describes as the ultimate goal – Self-realization.
The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability – while the principles remain ancient, their application is thoroughly modern and practical. Whether we’re dealing with stress, digestive issues, or energy imbalances, understanding our doṣic nature can help us choose the right yoga practices to restore balance and promote overall well-being. Through this lens, yoga becomes not just a physical practice, but a sophisticated system for maintaining harmony in body, mind, and spirit.
