Ayurveda is among the oldest holistic approaches to medical practice that is widely used today. Ayurveda refers to “the science of life” which is the basis of Ayurveda– all about finding the equilibrium between body, mind and spirit, and balance between the tridoshas (three doshas): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which originated out of the elements in Nature: Aakash (space), Jala (water),  Prithvi (earth), Theja (fire) and Vayu (air).  Ayurveda says that the dosha of a person is the dynamic element which determines their personality and overall health. It is important to know your Ayurvedic constitution, which is the core of Ayurvedic approach to wellness. Understanding your constitution will allow you to enhance life’s quality, with health and wellness.

Here we discuss the general traits of the Ayurvedic body types of every dosha, read on to familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles and self-discovery which is the essence of Ayurveda.

What Are Doshas?

Vata, pitta, and kapha —collectively known as the Ayurveda doshas. All these tridoshas contribute to our body’s physiology in a certain way, and therefore no dosha is better than or superior to others. Each one has its own range of functions to perform in the body. However, when doshas are not in balance, they can create destruction to our wellbeing. The three elements that control all of our daily activities along with personality traits, as well as the mind-body complex that defines our individuality. Each dosha has particular characteristics. The pitta dosha is composed of water and fire elements, and is responsible for digestion. The vata dosha represents the element of air and is the driving force behind all kinds of movement within the body. The kapha dosha is an earth element that helps to provide moisturization to skin as well as lubrication for joints. In most cases there are three or two doshas that are dominant.

Vata

Vata is defined by the mobility in Wind (Air) energy. The main component of vata can be described as Air + Ether and is generally described as cold, thin, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious. Vata people are generally thin, talkative, distracted, and they have dry skin, tough nails, thin hair, slightly sunken eyes. Vata represents the energy of movement. It controls every movement– the flow of breath, the pulsation of the heart, the contraction of muscles, tissue movements, cellular mobility, and communication between the brain and nervous system.

The strengths of vata body type is that they are quick to learn, extremely creative, multitasker, loving, flexible and  naturally slim. Their weaknesses are nervousness, unstable mood, may become overwhelmed quickly, extremely sensitive to cold, trouble sleeping, have irregular appetites and eating patterns that are susceptible to gastric issues and digestion, and poor circulation.

According to Ayurveda, to be healthy the vata-dominant individual must adhere to a consistent daily routine, reduce stress by engaging in meditation, and other activities to calm and keep a comfortable body temperature by not residing in cold climates and consuming warm beverages and food.

Pitta

Pitta is the transformative nature of Fire energy. The main components in pitta are Fire + Water and are often described as light, hot, sharp, oily, liquid and mobile. The pitta dominant person is attractive, active and a perfectionist.

Pitta is the energy that drives transformation, and therefore is closely associated with the element of fire. Pitta is not mobile or stable, but expands– much as the warmth of a fire  is absorbed by the surroundings and it flows along the direction determined by terrain.

Pitta is closely linked to understanding, intelligence, digestion of food, emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It regulates metabolism and nutrition, the body’s temperature, as well as the understanding.

The strengths of pitta body types are, they are smart, determined, learn quickly, self-motivated and master skills easily, naturally powerful leaders, fast metabolism with good circulation, and healthy hair and skin. Their weaknesses are impatience with conflict, constantly craving food, mood changes during times of hunger, susceptible to inflammation and acne and sensitive to heat.

Dosha sufferers who have a pitta dominance must focus on balancing work and life and stay clear of extreme heat such as hot weather and spicy food.

Kapha

Kapha represents the binding nature of Water energy. The principal elements of kapha include Water + Earth. It is described as stable, steady, heavy, slow, cold and soft. People who have this dosha are described as tough, strong-boned and compassionate.

Kapha is the embodiment of the watery energy of compassion and love. This dosha is hydrating for every cell and system as well as lubricates joints. It soothes the skin, increases the immune system and protects all tissues.

The strength of kapha type is that they are compassionate, loving, trustworthy and patient. They have happy, healthy joints and bones and a strong immune system. Their weaknesses are that they are prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sleeplessness and breathing problems (i.e. asthma and allergies) as well as a greater risk of developing heart disease, mucus buildup, vulnerable to depression, requires constant motivation and encouragement

For optimal well-being, a kapha-dominant must practice regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintain the body temperature warm (e.g. being in a sauna, or eating a warm meal) and create an established routine for sleep.

Understanding Imbalances in the Doshas

Doshas imbalances are typically caused by poor lifestyle and diet choices in addition to emotional trauma or stress. These issues can disrupt the internal balance that is represented by the constitution. If the doshas get imbalanced, each interferes with the body’s health in its own way. Thus, vata, pitta, and kapha are all linked to a specific series of health problems and the tendency to develop diseases.

Although we all can have an imbalance in any one of the three Ayurveda doshas vata, pitta, and kapha, we are more likely to have imbalance with our dominant doshas. For example, if someone has a vata-pitta dominant constitution they are more prone to have imbalances in vata or pitta before getting kapha imbalances. However, it is possible to have imbalances in different dosha, even if it is completely different from your constitution. For example, someone who is vata- pitta dominant by birth, they can still have kapha imbalances.  It’s perfectly normal to experience the build-up of the kapha. It can happen due to a variety of reasons, like food habits, environmental factors and the season.

If you’re thinking about whether it’s possible that dominant Dosha (constitution) changes over time in your life, Ayurveda would say no. However there can be changes in dosha balance due to various reasons like diet, stress or the environment. It’s perfectly normal for your present condition of balance to change, even often, and it doesn’t affect  your constitution, it is the foundation for your health and stays in constant form throughout your life.

Imbalanced Vata

When it’s out of balance, the vata is likely to create anxiety, fear, loneliness, isolation and exhaustion. It can cause physical and energetic exhaustion, cause a disruption in communication and trigger all kinds of abnormal movements within the body, such as shaking or trembling.

Signs of vata imbalance are:

• Dryness and roughness of the skin
• Cold sensitivity
• Digestive issues like bloating, Constipation, irregular bowel movement
• Feeling of tiredness and low energy
• Too much weight loss
• Restlessness
• Pain in bones and joints
• Anxiety and fear
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble focusing and remembering things
• Abnormal pulse rate
• Palpitation
• A preference for a hot and humid surroundings

Imbalanced Pitta

When it’s out of the balance, pitta can trigger intense, reactive emotions like anger, frustration or jealousy, as well as criticism. A pitta imbalance is usually at the source of a variety of heat-related ailments that affect tissues and organs throughout the body.

Signs of pitta imbalances are:

• Experiencing  high degree of heat  and excessive sweating
• Skin issues (inflammation, acnes, rashes)
• Yellowish skin
• Increases Hunger and thirst 
• DIgestive issues like heartburn, acidity, diarrhea
• dizziness and fatigue
• A burning sensation
• Hot flashes
• Increases fear and anger
• Tendency for perfectionism
• Bitter taste and bad breath in mouth
• Lack of sleep

Imbalanced Kapha

If it is out of balance Kapha can trigger feelings of greed, attachment, and possessiveness. They can cause resistance, lethargy and a resistance to changes. Physically, kapha tends to cause stagnation and sluggishness to tissues and organs throughout the body– including the mind.

Signs of imbalances in kapha:

• Weight gain
• Drowsiness
• Feeling slow and tired
• Respiratory disorders and congestion
• Indigestion
• Sweet taste in mouth
• Hardening of Blood Vessels
• Loss of appetite
• Joint problems
• Excessive Sleep
• Moodiness

How to Balance Doshas

Remedies for Balancing Vita

1. Make sure you go to bed by 10:00 pm and wake up before 6:15 am.
2. Create a routine that is consistent that includes regular time for eating and sleeping as well as working (dinacharya).
3. Take warm drinks and eat freshly prepared warm, whole food items.
4. Choose foods that are naturally sweet, sour and salty.
5. Utilize a large amount of high quality oils or ghee, and warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and cumin to spice up your diet every day.
6. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and chocolate.
7. Include a routine of exercise in your day-to-day routine.
8. Implement herbs and remedies for reducing vata.

Remedies for Balancing Pitta

1. Keep a routine for the day that includes regular time for eating sleep, work (dinacharya).
2. Use clarified butter, when you are cooking.
3. Drink 4 to 5 Liters of room temperature water each day.
4. Be around people who are happy and optimistic
5. Meditation is a key ingredient to a peaceful mind. It assists in calming emotions such as anger, frustration, and other emotions. A few minutes of meditation every day is suggested. 
6. Moderately difficult yoga poses can help ease Pitta by enhancing blood circulation and detoxifying the body.
7. Enjoy nature by spending time with the plants, walking on the grass, walking along the shores of lakes, and looking at the moon to bring peace to your mind.

Remedies for Kapha Imbalance

1. Foods with hot, astringent and bitter flavors are ideal to keep kapha in balance. Warm and dry foods help as well.
2. Maintaining a healthy body is essential for those who are kapha. This ensures that they don’t fall into a state of inertia and lethargy.
3. Regular practice of yoga is helpful in keeping the energy up while keeping the body clear of toxins by moving the body.
4. The slow and controlled breath that is taken during Pranayama keeps your mind relaxed and helps improve the health of the lungs.
5. Do not sleep during the day, which may increase the amount of kapha.

What is Your Dosha or Mind-Body Type?

Some people are pure Vata, pitta, or Kapha types and others are vata-pitta, vata-kapha or pitta-kapha. Rarely, but possibly is the even balance among all Ayurveda doshas within one person, namely vata-pitta-kapha.

Once you know the dosha combinations that make your Ayurvedic constitution, you can keep your doshas in harmony by following an appropriate diet as well as exercise lifestyle. Even drinking a cup of herbal tea that is best for your dosha can help. Harmony of doshas are the key for staying healthy and good.

If you’ve not yet figured out what your dosha is, why not try our Ayurveda dosha analysis?

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding your Ayurvedic body type among vata, pitta, and kapha, is crucial for maintaining a healthy life. An imbalanced dosha can lead to health issues and diseases. So, choosing your food, exercise, and lifestyle practices according to your dosha is thought to improve your health and equilibrium.

If you are unsure about your ayurvedic body type and constitution or you need personal guidance to understand how to balance tridosha, explore more about Ayurveda. At Ayurclinic the best clinic for Ayurveda in Australia offers expert consultation for you to understand your unique Ayurvedic body type and ways to balance it.

Take your first step toward holistic wellness with Ayurveda.