Ayurveda is a science that involves knowing and eating for your body type, otherwise known as a dosha. Once you or an Ayurvedic healer have determined your dosha, there are many products that can supplement your food choices such as medicines, herbs and skin care that you can use to bring your body back to balance. There are also many Ayurvedic schools, spas, retreats, workshops and healing centers that can help you learn more about the way of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Your Ayurvedic dosha can be determined by answering questions about your skin, body type and characteristics. In Ayurveda, knowing your type is essential to eating correctly for a balanced mind, body and spirit. It is said that each of us has a portion of vata, pitta and kapha, but that we have a main, primary dosha that stands out above the rest. Dosha is said to mean ‘that which changes’ and while knowing your type is important, it is also wise to check in with your habits and traits to notice any changes that might show an imbalance or shift in one of the three ayurvedic doshas.

Ayurveda: Vata Dosha

Those with a primarily vata ayurvedic dosha are usually highly imaginative, lively and have an excitable personality. They are usually slender, talk and walk fast and are known to have dry skin, hair and nails. Mentally, they are quick to learn new ideas, but are also quick to forget them. If balanced, those with a vata dosha are full of creativity, generosity and joy, but if imbalanced they may show signs of stress, anxiety or nervousness. Vata people usually loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and tend to gravitate toward hot beverages, due to their likeliness to have cold hands and feet. They may also have disturbed sleeping patterns.

Ayurveda: Pitta Dosha

Those with a primarily pitta dosha usually have a medium build, love competition and are assertive and self confident. They may have fair skin that burns easily and thin hair, with strong appetites and a love of cold beverages. Mentally, people with a pitta dosha are intelligent, sharp and make good leaders. If unbalanced, they might show signs of aggression, anger and impatience. If balanced a pitta person will show signs of courage, happiness and enthusiasm for life. Pitta people usually crave sweet and bitter tastes and tend to be warm year round and perspire more than vata types.

Ayurveda: Kapha Dosha

Those who are known in aruyveda to have a kapha dosha are relaxed, slow paced and physically strong. They are usually affectionate, deliberate and slow to anger. Physically, they tend to have thick, dark hair, oily skin, a strong stamina and can easily put on excess weight. Kapha people usually crave bitter and pungent foods and have a slow digestion process. When a kapha person is imbalanced they may show signs of greed and attachment, but when balanced they are patient, stable and caring.

Finding Your Ayurvedic Body Type

While this small outline of the three doshas may help to give you an idea of your type, there is an amazing amount of information available on ayurveda. There are many books, websites and ayurveda practitioners that can help you determine your type and the foods and herbs that are best for health, harmony and happiness.