Doshas

Not “one size fits all”, why should your health care?

The key to Ayurvedic wellness and healing is the knowledge that health is not a “one size fits all” proposition. One must understand the unique nature of each person and situation, taking into account the individual, the season, the geography, and so on.

Have you ever wondered why some people are hyperactive while others stay calm? Why some people do not put on weight despite eating more than what is required while others gain weight by eating a simple three course meal? Ayurveda resolves all these questions with the three doshas or body types.

Ayurvedic Body Types

In Indian Ayurveda, there are mainly three types of body types—Vata, Pitta & Kapha. The doshas are described as biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. They govern the physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and fulfillment. These doshas are derived from the five elements of nature and its related properties, wherein Vata is composed of space & air, Kapha of fire & water and Pitta of earth & water.

The balance of doshas in the body goes a long way in keeping you healthy. According to Ayurveda, if the proportion of doshas in your current state is close to your birth constitution, then you remain energetic and healthy. Any imbalance or divergence between these states can lead you to feel sick and unhealthy. In Ayurveda, vikruti is the term used to describe this imbalance or deviation away from the prakruti.

Since we are most susceptible to imbalances related to our doshas, having a deeper understand of what really constitutes them and what kind of a dosha you belong to is important.

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Kapha Dosha (Water energy)

Kapha dosha is the energy of building and lubrication that provides the body with physical form, structure and smooth functioning of all its parts. The main location of kapha in the body are chest, throat, lungs, head, fatty tissues, connective tissues, ligaments and tendons. It aids in lubricating the joints, store energy and give bulk to the tissues.

Kapha people are usually loving in nature, easy going, relaxed and slow paced. They are compassionate and non-judgmental people and have a graceful appearance. They do not get upset easily and are known to be possessive by nature and so hold on to things and people for a long period of time. They are usually good in money matters and possess good amount of wealth.

Kapha Body Type

Kapha people usually constitute well-developed bodies but also have a tendency to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and braod and their veins and tendons are not visible because of thick layer of skin and good muscle development. They usually have fair complexion and have lustrous and oily skin. Their hair is thick, dark and of wavy kind and eyes are often dense and large and of black or blue shade.

They have a regular appetite but due to slow digestion they tend to consume less amount of food. They possess good stamina and generally remain happy, healthy and peaceful.

The Kapha Mind

People of kappa mind set are usually calm and do not get aggravated easily. They are of forgiving and peaceful nature and believe in maintaining harmony in their surroundings. However they do exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness. Though they have slow comprehension, but once they understand a thing the knowledge is retained and stays with them for long.

Vata Dosha (Wind energy)

The vata dosha is derived from the elements of space and air and it is known as the energy of movement that governs all the biological activities of the body. It is also called the ‘king of doshas’ since it governs the body’s greater life force and gives motion to other two doshas of pitta and kapha.

People born with vata dosha are usually active, creative and are gifted with the natural ability to express and communicate. They are also quick learners, have a lively and fun personality, and are full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance. But when their vata goes out of balance, they start showing tendencies to act on impulse, mood swings and respond to stress with fear, anxiety and worry. Some of the common signs of vata imbalance also include bodily disorders related to dryness of skin, dry cough, constipation, lower back pain, menstrual disorders and abdominal pain among others.

Vata Body Type

People of vata body type are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are usually visible. They usually have brown to wheatish complexion and their skin remains dry, rough and cracked.

They can be rather too shot or too tall and usually are on the slim side. Because of poor muscle development, their prominent joints and bones are usually visible. Their hair is usually curly and scanty and have thin eyelashes. Most of the times, they have sunken eyes, hands and feet often remain cold, nails are rough and brittle while the shape of their nose is bent and turned up. They might have a disturbed sleep pattern and so sleep less than other two body types.

Vata people love to gorge on sweets and love their drinks hot.

The Vata Mind

Psychologically, vata people are characterized by short term memory and yet have a quick mental understanding and so are able to grasp things quickly and easily. Though they might understand things quickly, but also have the tendency to forget it with equal speed. They have little to no will power and possess little tolerance, confidence and boldness. Because of weak reasoning power, people belonging to the vata type are usually nervous, fearful and easily get anxious.

Pitta Dosha (Fire energy)

Pitta Dosha is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body. It functions through carrier substances such as organic acids, hormones, enzymes and bile. The main location of pitta in the body are the small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood and eyes. It is known to provide heat and energy to the body through the breakdown of complex food molecules and governs all the processes related to conversion and transformation throughout the mind and body.

People of pitta type are usually intelligent people and are governed by the emotions of joy, willpower, courage, anger, jealousy and mental perception and.

Pitta Body Type

People of pitta body type are usually of medium height and have a delicate and slender body frame. Their muscle development is moderate and usually have a fair or reddish kind of complexion. They are blessed with a soft skin and hair is usually silky but more on the thinner side and may have a tendency for premature greying. The colour of their eyes usually range from green, grey or copper brown and be of medium prominence.

The pitta people have a strong metabolism and good digestion which results in them having a strong appetite. They have a natural craving for both sweet and bitter food items and may take food and liquids in large quantities.

The Pitta Mind

People with pitta body type have a sharp mind with excellent concentration powers. They tend to quickly comprehend situations and react with agility. They are considered to be good orators and generally possess good management and leadership skills. They are usually competitive by nature and enjoy challenges.