According to Ayurveda, everyone is unique in their composition of both the physical body, as well as the more subtle realm of the mind and emotions. Ayurveda believes that our individuality comes from a unique combination of three basic operating principles, known as doshas. These principles can be found not only in our own human body, but also in every realm of the natural world. The doshas, or operating principals, are known as vata (ether and air), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth).
Dosha Tendencies:
While people all have some of each dosha, most of us tend to have an abundance of one or a predominant combination of two.
Vata
Generally speaking, vata types tend to be connected to space and air. Vata tendencies are dryness, quickness, high creativity, unpredictable movements and nervousness. This dosha is also associated with dryness, coolness, clarity and unbound space. People of a more vata constitution are often capable writers, painters and creative thinkers. The time of life for Vata is menopause/retirement to death.
Pitta
Pitta people have the tendenct towards being more fiery and determined. They tend towards strong leadership capabilities, willpower, drive and when out of balance, anger and violence. The Pitta dosha also governs all heat processes in the body, such metabolism and transformation of food into assimilated nutrients. Pitta is also responsible for the digestion of life's experience, in both the mind and the body. This fire force controls sensory input, as well as mental discrimination.People of a more pitta constitution are often capable leaders, orators and focused business men/women.The time of life for Pitta is puberty to menopause/retirement.
Kapha
Kaphas types are a combination of earth and water. These individuals tend to move slowly and surely. Kapha people are be both stable and loyal, but can also tend towards smothering love as well as greediness when out of balance. Kapha is also associated with containment and calmness. People of a more kapha constitution are often wonderful social workers, group formers, and grounded mainstays of society. The time of life for Kapha is birth to puberty.
How Can I Determine My Personal Constitution?
Of course, the best way is to find your constitutional tendency is to consult an accredited Ayurvedic physician. But for the sake of creating our healthy Ayurvedic recipes, you can get a general idea of your constitution by taking one of the constitutional surveys featured in the links below.
