The Science of the Doshas: How to Work with Your Nature, Not Against It

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE:

This week we explore one of the most widely known, and often misunderstood, aspects of Ayurveda: the Doshas. Through conversation and lived experience, we unpack what Dosha really means, where this framework comes from and how to move beyond pop-Ayurveda stereotypes.

This is an episode for anyone curious about Ayurveda as a deeper system of health and for those ready to engage in real self-study beyond the memes and online quizzes.

DEFINITION AND ETYMOLOGY OF DOSHA

In Sanskrit, Dosha means “that which becomes imbalanced.”
It is derived from the root duṣ, meaning “to spoil” or “to go out of balance.” Rather than defining you, Dosha refers to the tendencies that lead to imbalance not fixed traits.

Dosha is not your personality or your identity, it's a tool for observation and self-regulation.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED

The meaning and origin of the word Dosha.
Clarifying the difference between Prakriti (your original constitution) and Vikriti (your current state of imbalance).
How the Doshas relate to the Mahabhutas (five elements) and Gunas (qualities).
Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (earth & water) as patterns of change.
How Dosha theory supports lifestyle choices, seasonal alignment and sadhana.
Why Dosha is not about boxing yourself in, but recognising how you go out of balance.

TEXTUAL SOURCES

Referencing the Charaka Samhita, one of Ayurveda’s foundational medical texts.
Dosha as part of Samkhya philosophy, emerging from elemental theory (Mahabhutas) and Triguna framework.
Mention of Ashtanga Hridayam for practical application of diet, daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal practices (ritucharya).

PRACTICAL INTEGRATION

How to observe your current state rather than obsess over your fixed Dosha.
Why context and timing matter more than rigid labels.

Using food, movement and routine to balance the elements within.
Questions for reflection:
What qualities dominate in your body and mind today?
What are you drawn to in moments of stress or fatigue?
How can you restore opposite qualities through nature and lifestyle?

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.
Instagram: ⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM