What is your Ayurvedic body type

What is your Ayurvedic body type

According to Ayurveda, each of us has a unique combination of three elemental substances in our bodies. These elemental substances are called Dosha and consist of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The specific combinations of these Dosha that we possess determine our Ayurveda body type, and even our temperaments. Every one of us has varying degrees of these elements. They are usually not present in equal proportions. It is very rarely a person may have evenly distributed doshas. By either increasing or decreasing doshas they can be brought to a state of balance, which is crucial to maintain good health. Although varying degrees of these dynamic energies exist in our bodies, one of them will dominate the rest as the main dosha. The secondary dosha is the one present in the next highest proportion, and typically has a strong influence. This is referred to as a dual-doshic constitution.

VATA TYPE

Vata is often called the “King of the Doshas,” as it governs the body’s greater life force and gives motion to Pitta and Kapha. People with predominant Vata dosha display physical and mental characteristics related to the elements of space and air. They are generally very active, restless and energetic. Due to their fast metabolism, they are often thin with little muscle development and protruding joints. Their skin is normally dry, and the sleeping, eating and personal habits are irregular and erratic. Physiologically, Vata governs everything related to movement, such as breathing, talking, nerve impulses, movements in the muscles and tissues, circulation, assimilation of food, elimination, urination, and menstruation.

PITTA TYPE

People with predominantly Pitta dosha display characteristics of the fire and water elements. They are usually of medium build, with greater muscular development than Vata. Their skin is soft and warm, and they have a lot of body heat and often perspire excessively. People with mainly Pitta dosha tend to have thin hair and may experience premature greying, baldness or excessive hair loss. Their skin flushes easily and has a greater number of freckles and moles. They are also easily prone to acne, rashes, bruises and sunburns. They have stronger appetites and sleep moderately. Pitta is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body that functions through carrier substances such as organic acids, hormones, enzymes, and bile.

KAPHA TYPE

Kapha has the elemental qualities of earth and water. People who have this as their main dosha have a solid bodily frame. They gain weight easily and have a high muscular development. Their skin is thick, smooth and moist with few wrinkles. The 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. Physiologically, Kapha moistens food, gives bulk to our tissues, lubricates joints, stores energy, and relates to cool bodily fluids such as water, mucous, and lymph.

By maintaining the proportion of the current state of your doshas close to your birth constitution (Prakruti) you achieve a vibrant health. This can only be achieved through the science of Ayurveda.