In Ayurveda there are three Doshas, each made up of a different combination of the five elements :

Fire | Water | Earth | Air | Space.

We all have a certain amount of each Dosha within us however, the differing proportions determine your temperament and physical constitution. 

When balanced your mind, body & soul live in harmony.  When imbalanced it can lead to physical and mental disorders.

We each have a dominant Dosha.

Which Dosha are you?

            . . . . . . .

Below are the governing characteristics that will help you to determine which Dosha you are:

VATA

∾         Air is Light, Swift, Clear, Weightless.

∾         Space (Ether) is Vast, Infinite, Endless, Open.

:: Physical Characteristics

In Balance – They are lean, lively and agile, with a small amount of muscle tone.  Their energy comes in bursts with sudden bouts of fatigue.  They have flexible bodies with prominent bones and have a hard time gaining weight. They are light sleepers, have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet.  They also tend to have a sensitive digestion.

Imbalanced – It shows in their body with weight loss, restlessness, digestive problems, constipation.

:: Emotional Characteristics

In Balance – They are inspirational, excited, great conversationalists and creative.

Imbalanced – It shows with anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness and fatigue.

VATA prefer warmer weather and warming foods.

Vata is in charge of movement in the body.  Vata is responsible for the pumping action of the heart, the breathing process in the lungs, the peristaltic movement of the intestines, and all the movements of the bones and muscles.

Important locations of Vata are the colon, thighs, hips, bones, ears, and organs of touch.

Within the digestive system, the primary location of Vata is the colon.

The best foods are sweet, salty and sour.

Avoid pungent, bitter or astringent.

PITTA

∾         Fire is Hot, Passionate, Powerful, Dangerous.

∾         Water is Fluid, Cool, Flowing, Moving.

:: Physical Characteristics

In Balance – They are generally well defined with good muscle tone and good skin tone. They have endless energy and a very healthy appetite.  They can gain and lose weight easily and have a good digestion.

Imbalanced – It shows with excessive body heat, indigestion, heartburn

:: Emotional Characteristic

In Balance – They are determined, focused, good decision makers, sharp witted and direct.

Imbalanced – It shows with a short temper, argumentative, aggressive and angry.

Pitta can happily reside in either cool or warm weather.

Pitta is in charge of transformation in the body. Pitta is responsible for all the digestion, absorption, assimilation, heat regulation, sweating and metabolism going on in the body and the mind. It also governs skin complexion, visual perception, and the process of understanding.

Important locations of Pitta are the small intestine, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood and organs of vision.

Within the digestive system, the primary location of Pitta is the small intestine.

The best foods are sweet, bitter and astringent.

Avoid pungent, salty and sour. 

KAPHA

∾         Earth is Dense, Stable, Grounded, Sturdy

∾         Water is Fluid, Cool, Flowing, Moving.

:: Physical Characteristics

In Balance – They generally have a strong build with excellent stamina and well developed muscles.  They have radiant skin and thick hair and tend to sleep soundly. Their digestion is also very good.

Imbalanced – It shows with weight gain, fluid retention, suffer from asthma, diabetes and depression.

:: Emotional Characteristics

In Balance – They are naturally calm, thoughtful, loyal, stable and supportive.

Imbalanced – It shows with stubbornness and a resistance to change.

Kapha prefer cooler weather as they are prone to over heating.

Kapha is in charge of the structure in the body.  Kapha is responsible for the growth, stability, lubrication and storage within the body. Kapha includes the musculoskeletal frame, composition of all joints, the process of tissue building, wound healing and various accumulations. Kapha Dosha is also responsible for mental functions such as memory and emotions.

Important locations of Kapha are chest, throat, head, nose, sinuses, tongue, stomach, lymph and fat tissues.

Within the digestive system, the primary location of Kapha is the stomach.

The best foods are pungent, bitter and astringent.

Avoid sweet, sour and salty.