Three Ayurvedic Doshas of India
Physical and Personality Types Are Described as Vata, Pitta or Kapha
May 15, 2007
The Doshas are a set of characteristics in India’s Ayurvedic medicine. Similar to the ancient Greek concept of “humours,” the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) or “tri-dosha” are used to describe people based on their physical, mental, emotional and personality characteristics. Each dosha combines two of the five Ayurvedic elements, which are similar to the more well-known Chinese five elements.
The Meaning of a “Dosha”
Ayurvedic traditions recognize and honour the uniqueness of each individual, but the highest virtue is balance. It is believed that every person requires different ingredients for optimal health to balance their doshas and their particular constitution type.
While Ayurveda means “the knowledge of life,” dosha means “dysfunction” or “abnormal” - a divergence from the perfect balance for which Ayurvedic medicine strives.
Every person possesses some of the qualities of all three doshas. The unique balance of vata, pitta, and kapha determines a person’s constitution, body type, and mental and emotional strengths and weaknesses.
Finding Your Dosha Type
Most people will have one predominant constitutional dosha, but others have two or even all three in equal balance. Dozens of tests and resources are available that can help assess dosha type.
The Three Doshas:
VATA
Vata dosha is composed of the elements of air and space (or ether). Vata is dry, cool, light, clear, and active. It governs breathing, elimination, motor skills and the senses.
People who have a vata constitution are noticeably tall or short, with a light frame, small musculature, and low body fat. They usually have dry hair and skin, low body temperature and blood pressure, a small mouth and grey, brown or blue eyes.
Vata temperament is quick and clever, but impatient and lacking in stamina. Vata people are commonly active and creative, but they tend to sleep lightly and may be shy, anxious and insecure.
Vata imbalance can cause worries, insomnia, fluctuating appetite, cramps and constipation. Vata governs the other two doshas and is usually the first cause of illness or disease.
Foods that are warm, moist, mildly spicy and well-cooked balance and contain vata.
PITTA
Pitta is predominantly fire with some water. It is hot, light, liquid, sour, sharp and oily. Pitta governs metabolism and digestive processes of the mind, body and spirit; intelligence and understanding; hunger and thirst; and the fiery emotions of anger, hate and jealousy.
Pitta people are of medium build, with fair skin that may show freckles or blemishes, a medium-sized mouth, and blue or hazel eyes.
Those with pitta temperament are organized, ambitious and driven but easily irritated. They love knowledge and possess leadership abilities. Although they are competitive, controlling and judgmental, they usually accomplish a great deal. They have strong digestive systems, moderate stamina and enjoy physical activity.
Pitta governs the small intestine, stomach, skin, eyes, fat, sweat and blood. Imbalance often shows as impatience, hostility, and emotional outbursts but can affect these physical areas.
Pitta should avoid cigarettes and anything heating or aggravating to the body’s systems. Foods to soothe pitta are cool, sweet, bitter and astringent.
KAPHA
Kapha combines the elements of water and earth, and has the most physicality of the three doshas. Kapha is cool, heavy, dense, slow, and liquid, and governs the joints, strength, the heart and lungs, and wound healing.
Kapha people are usually heavier than the other dosha types due to slower metabolism. Kapha individuals have cool or oily skin, dark eyes, large lips and thick, wavy hair.
Kapha people are relaxed, patient, compassionate, and steady. They neither learn nor accept change easily, but they have steady energy and stamina. They may seem withdrawn or impassionate.
Excess kapha results in emotional attachment and clinginess, greed, and envy. It can also contribute to weight gain, lethargy, congestion and allergies.
Foods that are warm, light, dry, spicy, and bitter balance kapha.
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