Ayurvedic Body Types

According to Ayurvedic science, each person's physical and emotional constitution can be categorized as one or a combination of three ayurverdic body types called doshas. Ayurvedic medicine depends on the diagnosis of your dominating dosha and the prescription of dietary, lifestyle and exercise habits that will balance the three doshas as they battle for dominance (referred to as tri-dosha balance). The three doshas are referred to as vata, pitta and kapha.

Vata
The vata dosha is derived of space and air.  Its primary location in the body is in the colon, but it also controls the movements of the body such as breathing, heart rate and other expansion and contraction movements down to the cellular level. The vata dosha is governor of the feelings of anxiety, anticipation and pain. Vata opens the other two doshas, allowing the full expression of the other doshas.

If vata is your dominant dosha, you are slim, excitable, impulsive and imaginative. You talk and move quickly and are erratic in behavior.

Common vata physical ailments are headaches, elimination complications, anxiety issues, upset stomach and neurological disorders. If your vata influences are in balance, you will be mentally alert, creative, regular, sleep well, exhibit strong resilience to illness, be emotionally stable and will have strong bodily functions.

Pitta
The pitta dosha is representative of the interaction between fire and water. These two forces moderate each other (water puts out a fire and a fire causes water to evaporate). Pitta regulates digestion, metabolism, intelligence and comprehension. Emotionally, it arouses rage and envy. Its throne is in the stomach, small intestine, blood and fat reserves of the body.

If you are dominated by pitta, you are of average physical structure, well-built and strong, but moderately proportioned. You are organized and efficient and love a challenge, but can be overly demanding if out of balance. You are emotionally invested in relationships and like to have control.

Typical pitta physical discomforts include skin problems, stomach problems, poor vision and anemia.  If your pitta influences are in balance, you will be ambitious, enthusiastic, decisive, have a good appetite and healthy digestive processes and will exhibit a bright complexion.

Kapha
The kapha dosha is comprised of the integration of water and earth, fluids and solid materials, combined together like sand being stirred into water. Kapha solidifies the elements in the body, strengthening the muscles and tissues while healing, moisturizing, lubricating and supporting. Kapha is found in the liquid secretions of the body and is centered in the chest. It is also responsible for feelings of emotional attachment, serenity, greed, mercy and love.

If kapha is your dominant dosha, you are broad in structure and you are calm and relaxed in spirit. You are strong, steadfast and self-sufficient. You may be possessive or slow to embrace change, but you are gentle and kind.

Kapha people tend to have sinus and lung issues, sluggish digestion, problems with obesity and can struggle with depression. If kapha is in balance, you will be strong physically and emotionally, content, logical and able to be a support to those around you.