Ayurveda is a holistic and functional system of medicine that views the macrocosmos (the universe) as reflected within the microcosmos (the individual). The five elements present in nature—earth, water, fire, air/wind, and ether—are also found within our bodies. The distribution of these elements is regulated by the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These represent biological energies derived from the five elements, and govern physical and physiological functions in the body:
Vata (Air and Ether): Governs movement, creativity, and flexibility.
Pitta (Fire and Water): Represents transformation, metabolism, and digestion.
Kapha (Earth and Water): Embodies stability, structure, and cohesion.
But when we talk about the mind, this is not the domain of the Doshas – it is the domain of the three Maha Gunas- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The three Gunas are actually responsible for the Doshas and the physical body’s manifestation.
Sattva: Purity, harmony, and balance.
Rajas: Activity, passion, and restlessness. Ability for action.
Tamas: Inertia, darkness, and stagnation. Ability to stop and finish activities.
“Pathogenic factors in the body are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, while those in the
mind are Rajas and Tamas.”
Charaka Samhita.SU.1.57
In essence, the mind is pure and healthy before the conditioning and interaction with life as a baby, child, adolescence and adult. All that happens in the mind can disrupt both the Gunas in the mind and the Doshas in the body.
Ayurveda clearly teaches that we are not our thoughts, as they can be observed. Thoughts, feelings, and emotions are objects of the mind that flow through the Manovahasrotas (channels of the mind) and can be witnessed. Thus, we are not defined by our thoughts, feelings, or emotions—they belong to us but do not constitute who we are. To release trapped thoughts or emotions, it is essential to understand how they became stuck in the first place. The mind clings to certain thoughts or emotions due to an affinity or attachment to them.
Ayurveda, thousands of years ago, already recognised the profound link between the physical and the emotional body. Emotions, when not expressed, processed, or healed, become trapped in specific organs, manifesting as physical imbalances. Unconscious emotions become also part of this. Below is a brief presentation of various organs, the emotions associated with them, and which imbalances are present when these emotions remain unresolved.
The stomach is linked to the mind and emotions through dosha Kapha and its channels.
Affected by: emotional factors in general but specially by worry and greed.
Aggravation as nausea, belching, vomiting, lack of appetite and indigestion – all showing an excess of Kapha.
The small intestine is linked to the mind and emotions through dosha Pitta and its channels.
Affected by: irritability and anger.
Aggravation: heartburn, hyperacidity or ulcers – all showing an excess of Pitta.
The colon is linked to the mind and emotions through dosha Vata and its channels.
Affected by: stress, anxiety and fear.
Aggravation manifests as gas, distention and constipation – all showing an excess of Vata Dosha.
The lungs are linked to both Kapha and Vata. Lungs are easily damaged by emotions since they are a very sensitive and receptive organ.
Affected by: grief and sorrow due to Kapha emotions. Vata dries the lungs out, and relate to Vata emotions like stress, fear and anxiety.
Aggravation: phlegm, cough, asthma and difficult breathing.
The heart is linked to Vata channels as Vata controls the nerve plexus that allow the heart to beat. Thus, emotionally, the heart is mainly disturbed by excessive Vata emotions.
Affected by: any emotional trauma and/or the suppression of emotions.
Aggravation: palpitations, high or low blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart pains and any circulatory problem.
The liver is damaged by Pitta type of emotions such as anger or hatred. Also, all factors that derange the liver harm the gall bladder. Note that the gall bladder is often damaged before the liver, and shows imbalances in the liver long before the liver is diseased.
Affected by: anger, hatred, resentment , irritation
Aggravated: generalised metabolic imbalances affecting digestion, hormone production, etc
The pancreas is linked to dosha Kapha and its channels, and relates mainly to Kapha type emotions.
Affected: grief, sorrow, resentment
Aggravated: irregular sugar metabolism, hypoglycemia and diabetes.
The kidneys are damaged by psychological trauma. They are very sensitive organs.
Affected by: fear, fright, greed and stinginess.
Aggravated: most disorders of lymph and water (edema)
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda emphasises the importance of emotional processing, self-awareness, and alignment with natural rhythms to prevent stagnation and promote health. When emotions are acknowledged, expressed, and released, the body returns to balance, allowing us to experience greater harmony, vitality, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
Moreover, in our natal charts, we can also gain deep insight into how we experience and deal with emotions, particularly through the Moon—its sign, nakshatra (lunar mansion), and its connection to the 4th house. For example, emotions such as fear and anger are reflected through Saturn, Ketu, and Mars, respectively. Saturn represents our conscious fears, while Ketu reveals subconscious ones. Rahu, often linked to phobias, frequently interacts with Saturn when these are present.
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