Dosha

Beginning with twentieth-century ayurvedic literature, the "three-dosha theory" (Sanskrit: त्रिदोषोपदेशः, tridoṣa-upadeśaḥ) has described how the quantities and qualities of three fundamental types of substances called wind, bile, and phlegm (Sanskrit: वात, पित्त, कफ; vāta, pitta, kapha) fluctuate in the body according to the seasons, time of day, process of digestion, and several other factors and thereby determine changing conditions of growth, aging, health, and disease.

For example, an excess of vata is blamed for mental, nervous, and digestive disorders, including low energy and weakening of all body tissues.

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.

She found that different online dosha websites gave different results in personalized quizzes, and summarized that "Ayurveda is basically superstition mixed with a soupçon of practical health advice.

[16][17] Even some Ayurvedic scholars have expressed reservations about the Tridosha theory, arguing that it should be viewed as a useful framework rather than a definitive, universally applicable concept, and instead be employed as a heuristic tool to inform practice and decision-making.