Ayurvedic Body Type | Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
Figuring out your Ayurvedic body type helps you understand what causes an imbalance in your body. But to first know the body type one must first understand the Five Great Elements – Ether, Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. In short,
Ether (space) is the field that is simultaneously the source of all matter and the space in.
Air is representative of the subtle movement of ether. which it exists.
The movement of all matter particles in ether makes friction which creates heat and in turns generate Fire.
From the heat of the fire, certain ethereal elements are dissolved and liquefied, bringing about Water.
As these molecules solidify, the Earth element is formed.
We possess a unique balance of these five elements in varying degrees. This balance of elements is known as a Dosha. There are three fundamental doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and good health is considered to be a perfect state of balance between these three doshas.
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
All of the doshas contain all five elements (as do all things in nature), but each is predominantly composed of two elements.
Dosha | Primary Elements |
| Vata | Air + Ether |
| Pitta | Fire + Water |
| Kapha | Water + Earth |
Vata reflects the mobile nature of Wind (Air) energy.
Pitta reflects the transformative nature of Fire energy.
Kapha reflects the binding nature of Water energy.
Are you wondering which Ayurvedic body type you are?
Though it’s believed that each person has a unique constitution, they generally fall under one of three main dosha types ( Ayurvedic body type ) — vata, kapha, and pitta — based on their body traits, personality, and sensitivities.
Vata : Those with the Vata dosha are usually described as slim, energetic, and creative. They’re known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. What’s more, their mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat . Some of the common signs of vata imbalance also include bodily disorders related to dryness of skin, dry cough, constipation, lower back pain, menstrual disorders and abdominal pain among others.
Strengths: Naturally slim, learn quickly, highly creative, multitasker, kind-hearted
Weaknesses: Forgetful, unstable mood, can get overwhelmed easily, highly sensitive to the cold
Kapha : People with Kapha dosha are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring. They’re known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner. A kapha imbalance in our bodies, which can look like excess mucus, allergies, and/or congestion. Our bodies often become lethargic and slow without the sun’s energizing light, and our minds become foggy and dull.
Strengths: Empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints, healthy immune system
Weaknesses: Prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, over-sleeping, breathing issues (i.e., asthma, allergies), higher risk of heart disease
Pitta : People with Pitta dosha are said to usually have a muscular build, be very athletic, and serve as strong leaders. They’re highly motivated, goal-oriented, and competitive. Still, their aggressive and tenacious nature can be off-putting to some people, which can lead to conflict. If the pitta is imbalanced, it can lead to anger and agitation, and may even cause burning disorders such as ulcers and inflammation.
Strengths: Intelligent, learns quickly, self-determined, masters skills easily, strong desire for success, good circulation, healthy skin and hair
Weaknesses: Impatient, prone to conflict, always hungry, mood swings when hungry, prone to acne and inflammation, sensitive to hot temperatures
How to Balance Your Dosha in your Ayurvedic Body Type
To balance each dosha, certain foods need to be consumed while some need to be avoided. Also, certain lifestyles needs to be adopted for balancing each doshas.
Adequate rest and relaxation is needed to keep the vata in balance. Anything that brings stability and grounding will be helpful in restoring the vata.
High consumption of spicy and astringent foods contributes to vata imbalance. Hence, a peace-making diet with salty, sweet and sour tastes and warm, moist and easily digestible foods is recommended. This includes vegetables like broccoli, leafy vegetables and cauliflower, wheat and rice, mild spices like cumin, ginger and cinnamon. In addition, moist foods like berries, melons, and yogurt can help counter-balance vata’s dry quality as can other hydrating cooked foods such as soups or stews.
Balancing Pitta
To maintain a balance,meditation, massages and inhaling cooling scents such as rose, mint and lavender can help relax the body. Spend time in nature—be with plants, walk on the grass, walk by the lakeside, and moon gaze to bring peace to the mind.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and spicy, oily, fried, salty and fermented foods may result in pitta imbalance. Dr. Tyagi agrees that pitta prakriti should avoid very spicy, acidic or hot foods. Pitta balance can be restored with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and heavy, cool foods such as sweet fruits, dairy products, curry leaves, barley, oats and mint. Avoid sour fruits, red meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant.
Balancing Kapha
Keeping the body active is a must for kapha personalities. It ensures that they do not slip into lethargy and inertia. Regular practice of yoga helps keeping the energy high, keeping toxins away and the body active. To maintain a balance, gentle exercises, stimulating activities and an extra intake of fluids can keep the energy flowing.
One of the major reasons for kapha imbalance is excessive food consumption. Therefore, a light, low-fat diet of bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes is recommended. This can include steamed or raw vegetables, ripe fruits, grains like oats, rye, barley and millets, honey and strong spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, mustard and turmeric.
Final Takeaways
According to Ayurveda, an imbalanced dosha leads to poor health and disease. The doshas are ‘health types’ used in ayurvedic medicine to specify how certain people should eat, sleep, exercise, and what their emotional strengths and weaknesses may be Therefore, opting for food, exercises and lifestyle habits based on your dosha is believed to promote optimal health and balance.Unhealthy diet, stress, repressed emotions and insufficient exercise are considered to be elements that disturb ones’ doshic balance. Hence, to maintain the balance and good health, a person has to juggle with the three doshas, and increase or decrease them, as conditions demand.
References : Yoga Journal ( https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/health/doshas/ )
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