01 / FUNCTIONAL PATTERN
Vata
Movement · communication · transport
Vata describes the functions of movement, signaling, transport, variability, and responsiveness. Traditional pulse descriptions may emphasize movement, lightness, variability, or irregularity.
02 / FUNCTIONAL PATTERN
Pitta
Transformation · metabolism · heat
Pitta describes transformation, conversion, metabolism, heat, and intensity. Traditional pulse descriptions may emphasize heat, sharpness, activity, or intensity.
03 / FUNCTIONAL PATTERN
Kapha
Structure · stability · nourishment
Kapha describes structure, stability, lubrication, reserve, and nourishment. Traditional descriptions may emphasize steadiness, fullness, slower movement, or heavier qualities.
“These descriptions are Ayurvedic constructs rather than biomedical diagnoses.”
The patterns are used in traditional explanatory and clinical frameworks. They should not be reduced to fixed labels, cartoon stereotypes, or one-to-one translations into modern physiology.
A pulse-reading lens
Patterns, not labels.
Movement
How something travels, changes, communicates, or varies.
Transformation
How something converts, processes, heats, or intensifies.
Structure
How something holds, stabilizes, nourishes, or provides reserve.