The Dosha’s
We all have one thing in common, we are human beings with three dosha working together to keep us alive.
And yet, according to Ayurveda, we are all unique. We each possess a combination of qualities which determineour body-type, metabolic nature and mental orientation.This is called constitution, or our Prakriti.
Vaidya Atreya Smith “Anatomy and Physiology in Ayurveda” Volume 1
Ayurveda uses the word specifically to mean an individual’s nature or unique constitution. Each person’s combination of VPK is determined by genetics, diet, and lifestyle,as well as the emotions of the parents and seasonal, environmental factors at time of conception.Prakriti is simply the specific psychophysical and functional habits of a person.It’s a persons specific amount of each element in their body~mind.
To ground your understanding of your constitution, study the overall physical, functional and mental tendencies of the three types. Though Ayurveda often describes people by a dual-doshic combination, each dosha imbues the individual with certain essential characteristics or qualities.There is no better or worse dosha.
In total, there are 7 doshic combinations. Your dominant dosha/s determines your:physical/structural appearance, your metabolic functioning, mind, dominant emotions and personality.You’re doshic blueprint also determine your tendencies towards health, imbalances and your most likely diseases.
In Psychology, an archetype is a typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature.
We could say that Prakriti is an archetype that represents Universal patterns as evidenced by the doshas and the 7 types of combinations. Each person will express their combined doshas in a unique way. No two people are alike
The 7 possible Doshic Archetypes are~
- Vata dominant
- Pitta dominant
- Kapha dominant
- Vata/Pitta dominant
- Vata/Kapha dominant
- Pitta/Kapha dominant
- Tridoshic or equal VPK
What Ayurveda Knows About You
While there is undoubtedly no one quite like you out there, it is remarkable how accurate Ayurveda can be in predicting who we are—simply based on the broad strokes of our constitutions. As you read through this introduction, and start to piece together the ways in which your dominant dosha has shaped your constitution, you will probably begin to see your particular strengths and vulnerabilities more clearly. And as your understanding of your constitution expands, your capacity to use these insights to your advantage will also improve.
Physical Characteristics
Please keep in mind that distinguishing physical characteristics should always be considered within the context of your ethnicity. For example, traits like eye colour, skin colour, or hair type are assessed in comparison to others with a similar heritage.
Sex Bias:- Men demonstrate more pitta fiery qualities, have a stronger appetite, slightly hotter, faster metabolism, whereas women tend to demonstrate more Kapha qualities with higher body fat, softer features, slower metabolism, pregnancy, maternal instincts. Age Bias -Its generally easier to determine the constitution for people in their mid 30’s. Children express more Kapha, adults more Pitta, the elderly more Vata
40 years plus- Some midlife Kapha develops. Generally indicated by excess body weight, accumulation of toxins, lower metabolism, lack of exercise, overeating.
As a Vata type, your constitution is distinctly Vata-predominant, and you probably have a lot in common with other Vata types who share that core distinction.
Physical Characteristics
Vata Body type produces long and narrow features, thinness and irregularity such as asymmetrical and disproportional features. Vata has a light narrow frame, with long narrow limbs and slight muscle mass. Vatas are naturally thin, and may have difficulty in gaining weight or may yo- yo in weight. You have thin skin which is prone to dryness and a dusty grey complexion.
Your face shape is narrow, long, with small eyes and thin lashes. Your nose may be small or long and narrow. You have narrow, small, lips and teeth can be large or small.
Your hair is thin, dry, wavy or curly. Your hands, have rectangular palms and long fingers. You are prone to thin brittle nails. Your tongue is narrow, long, thin, brownish in colour and often looks a little dry.
You dislike the cold and have a tendency towards poor or variable circulation. You are affected by the cold more than Pitta or Kapha. You often suffer from cold fingers and toes.
Personality: Your emotional and Mental tendencies
Ether bestows a dreamy expansive nature to the personality
Air bestows light mobile, bubbly emotions
When Vata emotions are balanced the personality exhibits~
Happy, creative, inspired, energetic and enthusiastic energy with lots of ideas. You are social, love change and are always looking for something new to try or do. You are imaginative, innovative and an abstract thinker. Vata are spontaneous and flexible, good communicators, often intellectually brilliant, with a great short term memory.
When Vata emotions are imbalanced either the Air or Ether elements increase and the personality exhibits~fear, worry, anxiety rumination, nervousness, hypersensitivity, depression, Imbalanced Vata speak quickly with dramatic mood swings. You exhibit fragility, spaciness and superficiality. You are the most sensitive and suffer more from stress and anxiety.
Digestion
Appetite~Variable, with extremes. Quick to become hungry and quick to satisfy with variable hunger and a small appetite. Vata often meals or forgets to eat and has difficulty digesting heavy foods. You are subject to food allergies and food sensitivities. You experience frequent bloating, burping, distention, dryness, gas, straining, dry stools, frequent constipation.
Energy Levels, Stamina and Sleep
Vata people have lower stamina and energy than Pitta or Kapha. You may do well to avoid tasks that require too much physical stamina and strength. Too much exertion like walking for too long or traveling too much can cause vata vitiation, sleep disorders, and fatigue. Vata is the air element in our body that controls the mind. When it is out of balance, one is prone to worry, sleeplessness, light sleep, or fatigue from lack of sleep and other sleep-related disorders. Vata constitutions sleep the least among the doshas and it may get shorter as they age. Sleeping on soft beds can help you to fall asleep easily due to the heightened comfort.
As a Pitta type, your constitution is Pitta-predominant, and you probably have a lot in common with other Pitta types who share that core distinction. Below are a number of traits that you can likely attribute to your constitution.
Physical Characteristics
You have an athletic body shape and build muscle easily. Your skeleton and weight are moderate. You have soft, fair skin of medium thickness, often with freckles. You burn easily. Skin often presents as warm, rosy, ruddy, oily, and sensitive. Your face shape is angular or heart shaped. Your eyes are deep set, intense and penetrating. Your lashes are usually thin and fair. Your nose is pointy or sharp with a medium bridge and your lips are medium and rosy. You have thin hair and may be prone to early grey. Thinning hair, receding hairlines and early baldness are common for Pitta males. Your hands have square palms, moderate fingers and strong, flexible nails. Your tongue is medium sized and a deep, red colour. You have sensitive gums and teeth.
You dislike extreme heat and may have difficulty functioning in warm climates.
You have a tendency to perspire a lot, especially in hot climates. You have great circulation, and often have sweaty hands and feet. You may need to have your feet hanging out of bed at night. You resist cold well.
Personality: Your emotional and Mental tendencies
The Fire element makes the mind sharp, penetrating and aggressive. Pittas are the most purposeful and goal oriented. Even relaxation and sports have a goal attached to it. You initiate events, make great entrepreneurs and gravitate to positions of authority. You dislike following or serving, unless you respect the person in authority. You are passionate, charismatic, focused, energetic, with well-organised speech. You are intelligent, clear, perceptive, brave, courageous and happy.
When your emotions are out of balance, you exhibit a tendency to become obsessed about your purpose and goals. Your emotions are dialled up and present as intense or critical with a sharp tone that can be abrupt, reactive, argumentative and angry.
Digestion
You have a strong appetite and metabolism and don’t like to skip meals. Hangry is a term that often applies to you. You are easily irritated by hot, oily, spicy, salty and deep fried foods. Digestive disturbances include heat or burning in the stomach or abdomen and loose stools. You eliminate frequently ( 1-3x per day)and are rarely constipated. When the qualities of heat, oiliness and liquid are high, you may experience loose or burning stools and diarrhoea, along with increased frequency and pungency, ulcers, Inflamed intestines, haemorrhoids.
Energy Levels, Stamina and Sleep
You have loads of energy and may find it hard to switch off. Your tendency to be purposeful and goal oriented, frequently leads to burn out when you are burning the candle at both ends. You think you have more energy than you actually do. The best thing for you is to learn to slow down and moderate your energy. Your sleep is moderate. If you stay up late, you have difficulty falling asleep. Working cannot switch your mind off as you are constantly planning.
As a kapha type, your constitution is distinctly kapha-predominant, and you probably have a lot in common with other kapha types who share that core distinction. Below are a number of traits that you can likely attribute to your constitution.
Physical Characteristics
Kapha Creates round, soft, large, oily, moist, thick, strong structure and features. Your body shape is generally rounded, full, soft, with a compact, body. Your weight is moderate to heavy. You have large, well-formed bones and your height is moderate. You have thick, soft, moist skin and a pale and smooth complexion. Your face is rounded, soft and pleasing. You have large moist clear eyes, with long, thick lashes. You have full large lips and lushthick hair. Your hands are square palm, short fingers, strong nails. Your tongue is round, large, glossy and pale. You have strong white teeth
You are generally tolerant of temperatureextremes. You adjusteasily.
You have slow circulation and often have cool hands and feet. You are prone to congestive problems.You can run cool, although you do have a tendency towards clamminess in the humidity and heat. You have the longest (in duration) menstrual period and can become quite sad and weepy during menses.
Personality: Your emotional and Mental tendencies
The Water element makes your emotions soft and squishy. You are blessed with deep stable faith, a loving nature and steady and stable mind. You are concerned with comfort and security which makes you caring and wanting to feed and provide for those around you. You make devoted parents, partners, and patient friends. Because of your generally steady emotions, you are likely to remain calm in a crisis. It takes quite a bit to get you angry. You tend to have long term relationships with your work, family, and friends. These long-term tendencies can make parts of your life sticky, promoting desire, greed, attachment and clinging to the past.
You learn and process information slowly and you have a great memory. Your tendency is to reflect over things before making a decision.
When out of balance, Kapha triggers emotions of attachment, greed, and possessiveness and can also create stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to change. Physically, Kapha tends to invite stagnation and congestion in organs and tissues throughout the body—including the mind.
Digestion
You have a small, appetite that is easily satisfied. You often eat due to habit and to appease your emotions. You are not hungry in the morning and are happy to skip breakfast and take a warm drink. You happily satiated with 2 small to moderate meals per day. Your digestion tends to be slow. It takes a long time for you to fully metabolise a meal and longer if the food is heavy or in large qualities. You tend towards sluggish elimination.
Energy Levels, Stamina and Sleep
Your energy levels are steady and your stamina and endurance are strong. You are blessed with a very sturdy constitution. You benefit from staying active. This helps you to maintain your health with relative ease.You love your sleep and tend to sleep soundly. You likely feel dull and sluggish when you first wake up most mornings. Going to bed at a decent hour is important for you because most Kapha types do well to wake up before 6 a.m., when the atmosphere is lighter and clearer and supports the transition from sleep to wakefulness.
