the 3 body types according to ayurveda
- doshas

Ayurveda has more than 10 000 years and is described as the science of life and it uses in fact Yoga as a way of healing and health maintenance. It is based on the 5 elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth which are present in everything including ourselves.

The combination of elements makes the three different doshasVata, Pita and Kapha which can tell you a lot about yourself!

Read more about each dosha and take the dosha quizz bellow to find your dominant dosha!

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” 

Ayurvedic Proverb

Besides, different doshas have different diet needs and even exercise needs. The goal of Ayurveda is to help each individual body to find balance and stability.

Vata

Vata is a combination between Eather and Air.

Vata people have a physique that could be described as thin, with undeveloped muscles, hips, and narrow shoulders. Their bodies are flexible, light, and often seem too small. The hair is fine, often curly or even frizzy, and they do not have a lot of it. The eyes of Vata individuals are small and, producing few tears, they suffer from an uncomfortable dryness.

Their joints sometimes crack for lack of lubrication. Their skin is dry with the tendency to break, forming calluses. It is often cold to the touch. They sweat little, urinate little, and the stools are small and dry. They can be prone to constipation since their digestive equilibrium is fragile. They regularly suffer from bloating, hiccups, burps, and feelings of tightness in the throat.

The term Vata is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning to move. As such, Vata individuals never stay in one place, love to travel, are always in motion, and think little before acting which can sometimes be problematic for them. Their moods change quickly, and their beliefs are subject to regular questioning and other disruptions.

They are very energetic, with a tendency toward hyperactivity, and do not know how to relax. They only stop when they are exhausted, and even then, Vatas have difficulty listening to their bodies. As such, they try to use their energy to the maximum, often abusing coffee or other stimulants. They alternate between times of exaggerated activity and nervousness, and times of total exhaustion allowing them to sink into a heavy and restful sleep.

Apart from these periods of fatigue, Vata individuals have great difficulty going to sleep and are often prone to insomnia. However, when balanced, they wake up in a good mood, fresh and full of energy. They are “morning people.”

In all respects, Vata individuals are highly sensitive. They feel their emotions very strongly, are not very resistant to diseases and have difficulty tolerating loud noises. Likewise, pain is more difficult to endure for them than for others.

To avoid pain, Vata individuals develop excessive fear, caution, and insecurities. Vatas can sometimes develop an excessive need for control. They have a lot of trouble engaging for long periods and get bored quickly. They are creative, endowed with a great imagination and lively intelligence, but have difficulty with memorization.

When balanced, Vatas have a cheerful, enthusiastic personality, with a need to connect with others. They often talk fast and too much.

The cold is particularly difficult for them, as they generally suffer from poor circulation in the hands and feet. Finally, they have difficulty creating a daily routine and tend to let their wants of the moment drive their actions.

 

pita

Pita is a combination between Fire and Water.

Pitta constitution often have a well-proportioned body and are of average weight. They are more muscular than Vata individuals and their skin is rather pale and thin. Pitas eyes are often light (green, gray, hazel), and their hair is rather fine, silky, straight, and light. Redheaded people are always of pure Pitta constitution or dual (that is to say, Pitta, combined with one of two other doshas).

Their hair has a tendency to become gray early in life. Their skin, like their hair, is also soft and oily. Pittas blush easily, whether from sunburn, physical exertion, or shyness. They may have many moles or freckles. Their eyes are larger than those of the Vata, as well as wetter and with a tendency to tend to shine.

They are often considered somewhat “good looking.” In general, their physique looks well-honed with sharp and beautiful features.

Pitas salivation and sweat are excessive, often accompanied by a strong body odor. Urine and stools are produced in large quantity, and their stools are moist. Pittas do not often experience constipation.

Pitta individuals have an excellent appetite, proper digestion, and high metabolism. They consume a large quantity of liquids and food and have a pronounced taste for sweetness. Skipping a meal or being hungry will trigger great irritability. With your natural tendency to confront and debate, prepare yourself for a heated discussion if you are in the presence of a hungry Pitta.

The word Pitta is derived from a Sanskrit term meaning: to heat. As such, Pitta individuals easily have fever, heartburn, nausea, and are particularly susceptible to inflammatory diseases. They are also very sensitive to heat and light, so they prefer dry, cool and calm climates.

These are intense, hotheaded personalities with lots of charisma, and an ability to impose themselves. They easily understand and retain information, are intelligent, very orderly, and determined. As such, they often reach the goals they have set for themselves. They are occasionally conflicted and are very quick to anger, even if you manage to keep calm on the surface. They love success, and it’s important for them to show it to everyone.

They are prone to skin problems which spread on the body like eczema, shingles, and acne. If they are imbalanced, they will become bossy, perfectionists to the extreme, rigid and hard on themselves and their family and friends. They can be very cynical and feel uncontrollable feelings of hate and anger.

Sleep-wise, Pittas sleep an average of 6-8 hours at a time. They don’t experience any particular issues, but they may neglect to listen to the signs of fatigue when they become too involved or even obsessed with their passions. Their vitality is enhanced in the evening.

Kapha

Kapha is a combination between Earth and Water.

Kapha people have strong, vigorous bodies, and are of robust appearance. Their build is wide, and imposing and muscular. They tend to gain weight easily and have trouble losing it. Their digestion, metabolism, and bowel movements are slow. These are hardy people, who are quite resistant to diseases. Their skin is soft, well hydrated, clammy, and cold to the touch and it tends to be oily. Their eyes are attractive, big, blue or dark brown, and overhung with long and thick eyebrows and eyelashes. Their hair is thick, full and wavy. It is also greasy.

Their joints and their entire body for that matter have a good degree of hydration and lubrication. Kaphas are often quite flexible. Their digestion is slow and they can easily miss a meal or work on an empty stomach without it causing any problems.

They love everything sweet, salty, and greasy. Unfortunately, this is what increases their water retention and propensity to gain weight. Their excretions have a slow pace. This slowness and stability characterize everything about Kapha.

Their speech is slow, even monotonous, their movements are gentle and graceful, their comprehension is slow, but once something is learned, it’s for life as their long-term memory is exceptional. Their sleep is long and deep.

Upon waking, the Kapha usually feel dazed. They are at their maximum vitality in the middle of the day. Generally, they don’t feel a strong desire to move and be active. Their personality is gentle, loving, peaceful, tolerant, attentive, stable, confident, and compassionate. They are very helpful to those around them. Kaphas are often pious, with their religious or spiritual faith deeply rooted in them. Besides, they are thrifty and not big spenders.

They do not tolerate heavy, humid, cloudy, or cold weather very well. When imbalanced, they generally suffer from water-related problems: colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc.

Disharmony in a Kapha individual causes jealousy, greed, envy, laziness, reactiveness, depression, and resistance to change. It also causes attachment and dependence on others: Kapha can become “clingy” and drown in their relationships.

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1 thought on “Discover the 3 body types according to Ayurveda – Doshas”

  1. Pingback: Types Of Yoga - Which Is The Best For Me? » Log In Yoga

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