Ayurveda is the traditional natural healing system of India. According to the Upanishads, we are one with all life in the process of eating, through which we participate in creation. The earth is perceived of as made up of five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth, which are manifestations of the Divine. Balancing the elements is the key to mental and physical health. Most disease is traced to the wrong diet, thus Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on herbs, right foods, and right living habits for one’s constitutional type, or dosha. In this post, we will discuss the doshas.

The Doshas

The five elements are expressed in three main constitutional types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each constitution has specific needs for its characteristic physical, emotional and mental orientation. There are few pure types and most people are a mix of two of the types. More rarely, one will be tri-doshic. When one of the doshas is out of balance, illness results. If ether and air predominate, your dosha is Vata; if fire and water predominate, your dosha is Pitta; If water and earth predominate, your dosha is Kapha. Your dosha is best determined by an Ayurveda practitioner, by observation, pulse and questions to the patient, not dissimilar to those of homeopathy. IN general the characteristics of the doshas are:

Vata
Thin and usually always have been
Unusually tall or short
Light bones and prominent joints
Difficulty gaining weight
Small dark eyes
Dark hair
Dry skin
Dark complexion, tans easily
Prefers warm climate, sunshine, humidity
Variable, finicky appetite
Constipation
Digestion variable
Dislikes routine
Creative thinker
Physically active
Changes mind frequently
Fear or anxiety when stressed
Dream often
Changeable moods
Light sleeper
Sexual interest variable
Brittle nails
Cold hands and feet
Thin fast variable pulse
Variable thirst

Pitta
Medium frame
Medium height
Medium bone structure
Loses or gains weight easily
Green grey or hazel eyes
Oily skin and hair
Fair skin, sunburns easily
Fine, light, red, blond, or early grey hair
Prefer cool weather
Irritable if a meal is missed
Easy regular bowel movement
Good digestion
Enjoy routine
Good initiator and leader
Physically competitive
Strong opinions
Anger, frustration irritable under stress
Vivid dreams
Forceful in expressing ideas
Likes high protein foods
Fevers when ill
Sleeps well
Strong sexual interest
Flexible strong nails
Good circulation, perspires easily
Strong full pulse, warm hands
Strong thirst

Kapha
Ample build
Heavy bone structure
Gains weight easily
Large eyes with thick lashes
Thick well lubricated skin
Tans slowly
Wavy thick hair, light or dark, oily
Any climate fine, except humidity
Likes to eat, good appetite
Regular thick bowel movement
Good digestion, sometimes slow
Works well with routine
Good organizer
Loves leisure activities
Slow to change opinions
Tends to avoid difficult situations
Remembers dreams if they are intense
Steady, reliable, dislikes change
Likes fatty foods, bread, starches
Mucus and fluid retention when ill
Sound heavy sleeper
Steady sexual interest
Strong thick nails
Moderate perspiration
Slow steady pulse, cool hands
Rarely thirsty

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