According to Ayurveda, the tri-doshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta can be dominating in different ages according to our lifespan.
As per Ashtanga
Hrudayam Sutrasthana, “in a person’s life, childhood is dominated by Kapha, middle age is dominated by Pitta and old age is dominated by Vata. “
1)
Childhood- The Kapha dosha is dominant in our childhood, from birth till we hit puberty. In The first sixteen years of our life, Kapha is predominant in our body. The dominance of Kapha in this age helps in the growth and nourishment. The rapid growth, and increase in body weight is all responsible due to Kapha dosha. Children are chubbier naturally, commonly called Baby fat, which is in direct relation with Kapha dosha. It is also the time when we are most vulnerable to cold, cough, weak digestion, and respiratory disorders in early stages of our life.
2)
Adulthood- The Pitta dosha is dominant in our adult years, it approximately lasts from 16-year-old to 50 years old. This age of life is about forming an identity, coming in contact with harsh realities and digesting the new information. We are particularly goal oriented and develop our unique abilities into careers. With an intense level of ambition and focus, one can ace their adult years of life, just like dominance of Pitta dosha would. We are more prone to problems such as gastritis, acidity, early greying of hair, overworking ourselves.
3)
Elderhood- In old age, Vata dosha is predominant, it starts from 50- or 55-year-old until death. Elders are filled with experiences, mastery, maturity, wisdom and sharing their gifts with the community. It is a time where one feels most connected to God and develops spiritually. It is also a time where we discover that our body is not as strong and it becomes harder to rejuvenate ourselves. All the qualities of elderly come together beautifully to describe strengths and weaknesses in Vata dosha. We become more prone to diseases such as weak memory, osteoarthritis, insomnia, which are related to Vata dosha diseases.
