Your Ayurvedic constitution: are you a Vata, Pitta or Kapha type?

In Ayurveda there are three different types of constitutions or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The three doshas represent the combination of the five elements present in nature: air, space, earth, fire and water. These elements combine to create the three doshas.

It's very important to know your dosha because it can help you understand what is good for you (and your health) as well the things you should avoid in order to stay in balance. In Ayurvedic medicine remedies are prescribed depending on your dosha and the dosha that is disturbed.

It's quite rare that somebody embodies the characteristics of only one dosha. Most people are the combination of two or even three doshas, but in general one of the doshas is always dominant.

Here is a little test you can do in order to find out what dosha is predominating. Select the statements that describe you the best.

Type A

- small-boned, the built is thin, doesn't gain weight easily,
- joints and veins are prominent, the skin is dry and rough,
- the hair is dry and rough,
- cracked nails,
- eyes are small and active,
- lips are discolored, dry and thin,
- has little strenght and gets tired easily,
- the appetite is variable, at times can get very hungry,
- very physically active (even restless),
- the stool is hard and dry, tendency toward constipation,
- the mind is always active and restless,
- has the tendency to be fearful and anxious when under stress,
- recent memory is good but long-term memory is poor,
- has light sleep,
- has tendency towards cold hands and feet, light perspiration,
- dreams are fearful and full of movement.

Type B

- medium built,
- normal body weight, may be atletic and muscular,
- the skin is oily, reddish and sensitive, warm to the touch,
- hair is fine and oily, tendency towards balding and premature graying,
- medium and penetrating eyes that are sensitive to light,
- lips are medium-sized and soft,
- nails are soft and flexible,
- medium strenght,
- the appetite is quite strong, tends to be irritable if misses a meal,
- enjoys physical activity, especially if competitive,
- bowel movements sre regular, oily, soft and loose,
- the mind is sharp and focused,
- tendency toward irritability, anger and frustration when under stress,
- has excellent memory,
- usually sleeps well,
- the circulation is good and perspires frequently,
- dreams are passionate, sometimes violent and angry,
- tendency towards aggression, high blood pressure, inflammatory processes.

Type C

- the built is thick and stocky. Larger bone structure,
- often overweight,
- the skin is thick and cool, prone to acne,
- the hair is strong, thick, oily and shiny,
- eyes are round, big and prominent,
- lips are full, large and smooth,
- nails are strong and thick,
- is strong with good endurance,
- not very active, sometimes lazy even lethargic,
- bowel movements are slow, thick, heavy and oily stools,
- the mind is slow and calm,
- tends to avoid situatuions that are difficult,
- has slow but sustaining memory,
- the sleep is sound and heavy,
- perspiration is moderate,
- dreams are peaceful, calm, romantic (often involving water),
- has tendency towards reaspiratory and lymph congestion, water retention, etc.

If you selected mostly A, you are Vata. Vatas are creative and fast thinking, the artistic types. They are dominated by air so they need routine in their life in order to control their energy. They should avoid cold, dried, raw and frozen foods and in order to achieve balance they need to eat warm foods (to help their digestion). They should avoid cold weather as well. When in imbalance, emotionally, they are fearful, insecure, anxious (even suffering from mental problems) while physically they may suffer from digestive problems, congestion and excessive gases. Their main organ is the colon.

If you selected mostly B, you are Pitta. Pittas have strong will and determination. Their dominant element is fire so they have the tendency to be hot and fiery. When in imbalance they may have inflammations (the -itis alterations like gastritis, othitis, laryngitis, etc.), skin rashes, fever and ulcers, and a certain tendency to aggressive outbursts. Their main organs are the small intestines and the stomach. They should avoid excessive heat and steam in order to cool down. They should avoid as well all the foods that are oily or foods that may cause irritation of some kind (hot spices, caffeine, salt). Expressing emotion should be very important for Pittas.

If you selected mostly C, you are Kapha. Kaphas have good strenght and stamina. They are dominated by earth. They have a certain tendency towards routine so they should try to break it every now and then. They tend to get attached to things and people. Financial and emotional security is very important to Kaphas (they are quite materialistic). Production of mucus is typical for Kaphas, they have a tendency towards congestion, sinusitis, slughiness. Their main body part is the chest. When in imbalance they suffer from obesity, diabetes and water retention. In order to be in balance Kaphas should try to be more physically active, avoid heavy and fatty foods, large amouts of sugar and bread. They should engage in more exiting and challenging activities in order to avoid their indolence.