Dosha Theory
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Seat of the Doshas |
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Taste and the Five Elements |
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Six Tastes and their Effect on the Doshas |
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Prana, Ojas, Tejas (The Three Vital Essences) |
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Agni & Ama |
TASTE AND THE FIVE ELEMENTS
Every substance is made up of some combination of the five basic elements so these elements are present in all six tastes. The Fire, Air and Ether elements are light and tend to move upward. They move the dosha energies upwards, producing lightness. On the other hand, Earth and Water elements are heavy and move downward, producing heaviness in the body. The tastes act upon the doshas and will either increase or decrease the quality of the dosha.
| TASTE |
PREDOMINANT ELEMENTS |
| Sweet |
Earth + Water |
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Sour |
Earth + Fire |
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Salty |
Water + Fire |
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Pungent |
Air + Fire |
| Bitter |
Air + Ether |
| Astringent |
Air + Earth |
| Astringent | V ↑ | P ↓ | K ↓ |