Ayurvedic Body Types, Ayurveda Doshas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha Body Type

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Ayurvedic Body Types

An Introduction
There are two distinct, yet inter-related, classifications of a person in Ayurveda. The first relates to
the body, and the second to the mind. Your nature is determined by this combination of body and Ayurvedic Body Types
mind types, and is known as your prakriti. Prakriti means “nature”. When referring to the theory of
creation, it is the unmanifested nature of cosmic matter. When referring to humans, prakriti means The Five Elements
the unique physical and psychological nature displayed.
Mind Types
Knowing your dosha and guna provides you with an understanding of your basic physical and
psychological nature, and helps you tailor a personal diet and lifestyle that maintains optimum health Kapha Diet
and peace of mind. Each person has a unique dosha with unique nutritional needs. Establishing
your dosha enables you determine suitable diets, exercise and lifestyles to maintain balance. This is Vata Diet
the key to maintaining health.
Pitta Diet
Definition of dosha
It is difficult to translate the precise meaning of dosha. It is often translated as “biological type” or
physical constitution. This definition allows a simple and easy understanding of the concept.
However, the original definition of dosha is more complex. In Sanskrit, dosha is defined as “doosyati
iti doshah.” The literal meaning of this is “that which contaminates is called dosha.” So doshas may
be considered the pathogenic factors, or disease-causing agents in the body. Imbalance of vata,
pitta and kapha doshas cause disease in the body.

Dosha only refers to the three biological energies of vata, pitta and kapha. As an imbalance of these
elemental combinations is the direct cause of physical disease, they are the prime disease causing
factors (the “contaminants”). Secondary factors in the disease process, like body tissues (dhatus),
toxins (ama) and waste materials (malas) are actually the product of, or dependent upon, an
imbalance in the doshas.

The Body Types - Prakriti

Knowing your prakriti helps you to tailor a personal diet and lifestyle that can prevent disease and
physical disorders, and obtain peace of mind. It provides you with an understanding of your basic
physical and psychological nature, and how to keep it in balance with your surroundings. This is the
key to maintaining health.

Every human usually has varying degrees of vata, pitta and kapha. The doshas are usually not
present in equal proportions. In most people there is a natural uneven distribution. Very rarely, a
person may have a completely even distribution of doshas.

Although we each have characteristics of vata, pitta or kapha to different degrees, one of these
elemental natures will dominate and that is the “main” dosha. The secondary dosha is the one
present in the next highest proportion. Every dosha type or combination is acknowledged in
Ayurveda, which lists seven separate physical constitution types based on the basic three:

vata
pitta
kapha
vata-pitta
vata-kapha
pitta-kapha
vata-pitta-kapha

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Ayurvedic Body Types, Ayurveda Doshas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha Body Type

Take our VPK Test to identify your body type now!

Vata Type
People with a predominant vata dosha display physical and emotional characteristics linked to the
elemental qualities of space/akasha and air/vayu. They are very active - mobile, restless and
energetic. They have fast metabolisms, so are often thin with little muscle development and
protruding joints that may make cracking noises. Their skin is dry, rough and thin with
visible veins.

Sleeping, eating and personal habits are irregular and erratic, with appetite and sexual desire varying
between extremes. They sleep lightly, are easily disturbed and prone to insomnia. Their speech and
movement is usually fast, and they are talkative and enjoy all forms of communication. Their pulse is
fast, weak and irregular. They dislike cold, windy or dry environments and feel chilled quickly or
shiver easily. Extremities (hands and feet) are often cold, or become cold easily.

Mentally and emotionally they are rapid. They gather information or display emotions quickly, or
determine swiftly whether they like or dislike something. While they learn quickly and are usually
intellectual, their retention is poor. Money is spent quickly and impulsively. They demonstrate high
  creativity, innovation and sensitivity.  

Individuals with this nature are introspective, shy, modest and lacking in confidence. They are often
unsettled and impatient, but very flexible and adaptable to change. People with vata dosha often feel
 
anxious, worried or stressed - especially in unfamiliar, cramped or noisy environments. They are
most likely to be loners, or non-conformists.

Read more specific dietary guidelines for Vata.

Pitta Type
People with a pitta dosha display an inherent fire/agni elemental character. They are of medium
build, with greater muscular development than that displayed by vata. Their skin is soft and warm,
and they have a lot of body heat and often perspire excessively. Their hair is thin and often reddish
or blond, and they may experience premature graying, baldness or excessive hair loss. Their skin
flushes easily and they often have many freckles and moles. Their skin develops acne, rashes,
bruises or sunburn easily.

Their desires (appetite, sex) are strong in nature. Sleep is moderate and not easily disturbed. The
pulse is strong and stable. Individuals with pitta dosha predominant speak loudly and passionately,
and often dominate the conversation. They have an aversion to hot weather, sunlight and heat, and
their eyes are sensitive.

In temperament, they are extroverted and love to be the focus of attention. Although they can usually
control their emotions, they may become irritable, angry and judgmental under stress. Money is
prudently managed. They are decisive, aggressive, ambitious and determined, often aspiring to
positions of leadership. They enjoy competitive sports and games, either as spectators or
participants. Their intelligence is high, and they have good insight and a keen sense of
discrimination.

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Ayurvedic Body Types, Ayurveda Doshas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha Body Type

Read more specific dietary guidelines for Pitta.

Kapha Type
People with a predominant kapha dosha tend to have a heavy and solid, or large build. They are
often overweight, gain weight easily and have high muscle development (plump and round). Their
skin is thick, smooth and moist with few wrinkles. Their complexion is usually clear, fair or pale, and
hair is oily, thick and wavy. Their teeth are strong, white and well formed.

People of the kapha type have a moderate or low appetite and slow digestion. They enjoy eating
gourmet or luxury foods (that appeal to taste and smell) or buying and preparing food. In movement
and activity, they tend to be slow and methodical, with a lot of endurance. However, they are
sluggish and lethargic or difficult to motivate. They are prone to sleep heavily and excessively. Their
pulse is slow, steady and regular. They have a pleasant appearance and voice. Those with kapha
dosha dislike damp conditions.

In temperament, they prefer familiar surroundings and tradition. They learn slowly, but have excellent
memories. Money is hoarded (or they are thrifty) and they are good, stable providers. Typically, they
are serene and tranquil and their emotions are slow to become excited or aroused. However, they
can be sentimental, nostalgic and romantic in nature. They are highly tolerant and forgiving, with
medium intelligence. They prefer to belong to a group, club or community. They cling to their family
or familiar associations.

You cannot change your elemental nature or dosha. For instance, if you wish to acquire kapha
qualities, you cannot do so by eating a lot of food high in kapha elements of water/jala and
earth/prithvi. By doing so, you will only disturb your primary dosha. Changing your nature through
acquiring positive qualities, and minimizing negative temperamental characteristics, is the role of the
mind.

When you are healthy, you are generally instinctively attracted to foods and activities similar in
elemental composition to your own body. When you are sick and the elements are unbalanced, you
are attracted to those foods opposite in nature. For example, if you are suffering from a cold, or
chest congestion (due to an imbalance in kapha), you usually choose to avoid those foods that are
kapha in nature such as dairy products, or heavy and oily foods.

Read more specific dietary guidelines for Kapha.

 
 

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