What are the three Ayurveda body types?
Ayurveda is an ancient healing science, which is over 5,000 years old. Ayu means life and Veda means Science in Sanskrit. Ayurveda is the Science of Life. This wisdom stems from India. According to Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three fundamental energies or doshas. The three Ayurveda body types are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. One dosha isn’t better than the other. They are each essential and integral to our physiology. But when doshas are out of balance that’s when problems start.
Building blocks of doshas
In Ayurveda, there is a concept of PanchMahaBhoota (5 elements), which is the basis of all cosmic creation. Everything in the universe, from our body to the nature around us to medicine to food to animals, is made up of these 5 elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Prakriti or constitution of a person depends upon the dominant Mahabhuta in the person.
What are the three doshas made of?
Doshas help us understand ourselves and the world around us. All the doshas or three Ayurveda body types contain all five elements (as do all things in nature), but each dosha is predominantly composed of two elements:
Vata is made up of space and air, which is the energy of the movement.
Pitta is constituted by fire and water, which is the principle of digestion, metabolism, and transformation.
Kapha is made up of water and earth, which is the principle of structure and lubrication.
Why doshas matter?
Have you ever wondered why some people are restless while others are quiet? Why can some people eat every hour and remain skinny while others gain 5 pounds just thinking about food? Have you noticed how some people have a short fuse while others can be patient during crisis? Why do some people have skin that glistens while others have dry or acne-prone skin? Ayurveda answers all these questions with the three doshas or 3 Ayurveda body types. If you don’t know your Ayurvedic constitution, please consider booking an appointment, so I can assess both your constitution as well as doshic imbalance.
Learn about the Ayurveda body types!
Vata Body Type
Physical Traits of Vata Body Type
Vata people have irregular features and a small body frame. They tend to be slender and restless. Through their thin skin, you can see the veins. They have wavy and thin hair. They battle dry and cracked skin, especially during winter. Their nails are brittle and eyes slightly sunken. Their hands and feet are cold to the touch. Their joints make a cracking noise when they walk. People with a Vata body type battle nervousness, constipation, and irregular sleep patterns.
Mental Traits of Vata Body Type
Vata people are talkative, enthusiastic, and quickly grasp and understand things. They tend to be more creative as well as spiritual. But because of the air and space elements that makes up vata, they lack stickability. Meaning, they struggle to remember the information for a long time. It doesn’t stick. Vata people may lack willpower, confidence, and tolerance, but they make up for it with their sharp wit.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know about Vata Dosha
Pitta Body Type
Physical Traits of Pitta Body Type
Pitta individuals tend to have medium height and medium build of the body. They usually have soft, radiant, and sensitive skin. The complexion of a person with a pitta nature tends to be rosy or flushed. This unveils the heat within their system. Meaning, Pittas tends to get hot easily. They have fine, silky, and light hair, which is prone to thinning and premature greying. A Pitta face often reflects intensity. Pitta people are generally blessed with a strong appetite but good digestion, which also implies strong metabolism.
Mental Traits of Pitta Body Type
Pitta types tend to be ambitious, focused, and good at leadership roles. They are driven and often burn out quicklybecause there’s a strong desire for them to excel—be it academics or their career. Pitta people show excellent concentration power, comprehend complex equations, respond swiftly, and have a sharp mind. They are quick to respond, understand, articulate. That’s why, Pittas make great lawyers, leaders, decision-makers, CEOs. People with pitta mind and body type are generally competitive and love to take on challenges that help them get ahead in life.
Also read: Guide to Pitta Dosha | Pitta-pacifying diet | Pitta-balancing asanas
Kapha Body Type
Physical Traits of Kapha Body Type
Kaphas in balance are the ones who provide structure, cohesiveness, and stability to their personal and professional networks. Their physical body embodies their inner being. Kaphas tend to have a big frame and stocky body. A well-developed kapha individual is often on the heavier side—they may have broad chests, fully developed muscles, and thick skin that hides almost all their tendons and veins. They have thick and dark hair, big eyes, and naturally oily skin. They walk at a slow pace and have slow metabolism, which attributes to weight gain. But their endurance is remarkable even though Kaphas are reluctant to start any physical activity.
Mental Traits of Kapha Body Type
It takes a lot to rattle a Kapha person. People with Kapha mind-body types have an easygoing demeanor and have a laid-back approach to life. It’s almost challenging to provoke them. They forgive easily because they like calmness and harmony around them. Kaphas are slow learners and aren’t quick to grasp complex concepts. But they have good long-term memory. When out of balance, Kaphas exhibit possessiveness, clinginess, and get unhealthily attached to people, places, and things. They can even be hoarders.
Also read: How to keep Kapha Dosha Balanced?| What’s the best diet for Them | Which are the Kapha-pacifying spices?
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