Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old wellness science, teaches that we are made of five natural elements space, air, fire, water, and earth—which combine into three life forces or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique balance of these doshas forming their Ayurvedic body type or constitution. Understanding your dosha helps optimize health, happiness, and longevity by guiding personalized diet and lifestyle choices.
Vata (space and air) types are generally thin, restless, with dry skin and brittle nails. They prefer warm climates, have irregular digestion, and tend to be talkative and energetic. Imbalanced Vata can cause dryness, joint pain, constipation, anxiety, and insomnia. Remedies include warm meals, regular routines, oils/ghee, warming spices, and early sleep.
Pitta (fire and water) types have medium build, sharp features, warm body temperature, and a strong digestion but may get irritable and perfectionist. Imbalances cause excess heat, skin issues, ulcers, acid reflux, and anger. Balancing Pitta involves cooling foods, ghee, meditation, moderate yoga, hydration, and spending time in peaceful nature.
Kapha (earth and water) types are sturdy, calm, with moist skin and thick hair. They have slow digestion, gain weight easily, and are peaceful but may be lethargic. Imbalances lead to congestion, obesity, respiratory issues, and depression. Balancing Kapha requires dry, spicy foods, regular exercise, yoga, avoiding daytime naps, and breath control (pranayama).
Most people have a combination of two doshas. Ayurveda encourages living according to your dosha’s needs, which promotes balance, preventing disease and enhancing well-being over a lifetime. Knowing your Ayurvedic body type is central to achieving ideal physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
What's Your Dominant Dosha?
