Ayurveda

Are you Pitta, Vata, or Kapha? These are the three Doshas that influence your health and happiness. Even the slightest imbalance can take a toll on your body and mind.

Most people have a dominant Dosha or body type. Once you figure out yours, take the steps needed to improve your health. From what you eat to what exercises you do, everything affects your Dosha. Let’s take a quick look at the three body types and their characteristics:

Pitta

Pitta people are known for their intelligence and charisma. They’re hard-working, enthusiastic, and perfectionist. This makes them great leaders and gives them a competitive edge in business.

Their bodies are generally of medium size, strong, and well-proportioned. These individuals have a sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit. When their Dosha is out-of-balance, they can become demanding and aggressive. Compared to the Vata type, they’re more passionate and romantic. They also have a strong appetite and get irritated when food is not readily available.

People with a Pitta body type have fine, straight hair and fair or reddish skin. They are prone to hair loss, balding, and sunburn. Common health problems include stomach acid, heartburn, skin cancer, boils, acne, poor vision, and insomnia. Those who fall into this category usually have the following characteristics:

• Prefer cold climates
• Become hot easily
• Goal-oriented
• Sleep well
• Strong digestion
• Radiant skin
• Subject to anger and irritability
• Good management and leadership
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Like to be in command
• Self-confident and assertive
• Soft nails
• Sharp nose
• Cravings for sweet, astringent, and bitter foods
• Appreciate material prosperity

When the Pitta is out of balance, you may experience high blood pressure, mood swings, bleeding, and digestive problems. Skin disorders are common too.

Vata

Vata people are creative and can easily adapt to change. Their vivacious nature and good mood make them great friends. They also have high energy and are always up for adventure. However, when their Dosha is out of balance, they get tired easily and experience digestive distress.

Those with this body type are thin and have a hard time gaining weight. When sick, they’re at risk for muscle loss. Vata people need to get proper rest and avoid over-stimulation. PMS, consolation, weight loss, and poor digestion are usually attributed to Vata imbalances.

In general, Vata individuals have dry skin and prefer warm, humid climates. When their Dosha is in balance, they have a clear, alert mind, learn new things easily, and enjoy good digestion. Vata imbalances can result in fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, depression, anxiety, poor mental focus, and dehydration. Other common characteristics include:

• Joyful, enthusiastic nature
• High energy in short bursts
• Variable appetite
• Discomfort in cold climates
• Cold limbs
• Flat chest
• Prominent veins and muscle tendons
• Rough, cracked skin
• Dark complexion
• Brittle nails
• Prone to anxiety
• Tendency to spend money quickly

Adequate rest is crucial for keeping this Dosha in balance. Small, frequent meals, regular massage, and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, can help restore your Vata.

Kapha

Kapha maintains body resistance. This Dosha has a strong impact on your immune system, brain function, and energy levels.

People with this body type have a large build and gain weight easily. They dislike cold weather and tend to be possessive. Unlike other Doshas, their veins and bones are not prominent.

Kapha individuals are easy-going, forgiving, and affectionate. They move gracefully and maintain a balance in everything they do. They’re non-judgmental and have a compassionate nature. Their strong listening skills and kind personality make them excellent friends that you can rely on. Other common characteristics include:

• Calm mood
• Loving
• Loyal
• Patient
• Dislike change
• Avoid conflict
• Stubborn
• Sleep well
• Good digestion
• Difficulty letting go of things and relationships

When out-of-balance, Kapha people can become overweight and experience strong food cravings. They may also lose their motivation and get tired easily. Hay fever, common cold, respiratory disorders, depression, and high blood pressure are common concerns.

As you see, each Dosha has specific traits. Consider these aspects when planning your diet. For instance, if you’re the Kapha type, avoid sugar, fatty foods, and salt. Pitta people, by comparison, can enjoy sugary treats without having to worry about weight gain. Spend some time figuring out your dominant Dosha and start eating for your type for better physical and emotional health.

 

According to Ayurveda, optimal health is a state of balance between the three Doshas. Each has a unique set of characteristics that must be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes. Stress, poor nutrition, heavy workloads, and other factors can affect this delicate balance. Many common health concerns are actually signs of an imbalanced Dosha.

Once you figure out your body type, watch for any warning signs. An imbalanced Vata, for instance, may cause anxiety, fear, nervous, and dry skin. You might also have trouble sleeping at night and feel worried for no reason.

Each Dosha manifest itself in a specific way when out-of-balance. Depending on your body type, you may experience the following symptoms:

Common Pitta Imbalances

Pitta is located in the small intestine. Thus, any imbalance will affect digestion and appetite. You may gain weight, eat more than usual, and experience mood swings. Your strengths, such as ambition and perseverance, can turn into weaknesses. For instance, Pitta people tend to become judgmental and harsh when their Dosha is out of balance. Other warning signs include:

• Anger
• Irritability
• Depression
• Hostility
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Intense hunger and cravings
• Bad breath
• Peptic ulcers
• Skin rashes, eczema, or dermatitis
• Excessive sweating
• Indigestion
• Inflammation in the body and joints

In general, pitta imbalances are triggered by emotional stress, toxin buildup, poor food choices, and prolonged exposure to the sun.

Common Vata Imbalances

Vata is located in the heart, lungs, brain, and throat. Thus, most symptoms tend to affect the upper body and mental function. When this Dosha is imbalanced, you may feel anxious and insecure, have a hard time staying focused, and experience intense fear. In the long run, excessive Vata can result in sleep disorders, mental instability, and depression.

People with an imbalanced Vata may lose weight for no obvious reason, struggle with bloating, and worry excessively. Other common symptoms include:

• Negative thoughts
• Feeling ungrounded
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dizziness
• Loss of strength
• Low energy
• Fatugue snd lethargy
• Dry skin
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Muscle atrophy
• Joint pain
• Tremors

There are various factors that can aggravate the Vata, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to cold, and too much traveling. Stress has the biggest impact on this Dosha. Thus, proper rest is essential. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and exercise can make all the difference.

Common Kapha Imbalances

Kapha resides in the upper part of the stomach as well as in the heart and lungs. When out-of-balance, it may cause respiratory tract disorders and cardiovascular problems. Brain fog, depression, asthma, hypertension, and lethargy are all warnings that it’s time to change your lifestyle habits. Excessive Kapha may also trigger:

• Emotional eating
• Negative emotions
• Feeling slow and dull
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Digestive problems
• Thick, white tongue coat
• High cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis
• Nasal congestion
• Hay fever
• Chronic sinus infections
• Fluid retention
• Deep vein thrombosis

Over time, Kapha imbalances can lead to heart disease, cancer, and cystic ovaries. You may also experience daytime sleepiness, poor mental focus, and excessive thirst. Your cravings for sweet and salty foods will increase.

Bringing the three Doshas into balance requires lasting lifestyle changes. Once you make these changes, your life will improve on every level. Your energy will increase, your mind will be sharper, and you’ll reach your goals easier.