What Are Doshas in Ayurveda?

Vata Pitta Kapha

Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing system from India, teaches that each person has a unique constitution or ‘prakriti’ composed of three energetic forces called doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Your dominant dosha influences your physical characteristics, mental tendencies, and emotional predispositions. Understanding your dosha combination is the first step towards achieving optimal health through personalised diet, lifestyle, and wellness practices.

The Three Doshas Explained

Vata: Air & Space

Vata governs movement, creativity, and flexibility. When balanced, Vata types are energetic, creative, and quick-thinking. When imbalanced, they may experience anxiety, dry skin, and digestive irregularity.

  • Physical traits: Thin frame, dry skin, prominent joints
  • Mental traits: Quick-thinking, imaginative, adaptable
  • Emotional traits: Enthusiastic, lively when balanced; anxious when not

Pitta: Fire & Water

Pitta governs transformation, metabolism, and intelligence. When balanced, Pitta types are focused, passionate, and decisive. When imbalanced, they may experience inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues.

  • Physical traits: Medium build, warm skin, strong digestion
  • Mental traits: Sharp intellect, focused, determined
  • Emotional traits: Passionate, courageous when balanced; irritable when not

Kapha: Earth & Water

Kapha governs structure, stability, and lubrication. When balanced, Kapha types are calm, compassionate, and strong. When imbalanced, they may experience weight gain, congestion, and lethargy.

  • Physical traits: Solid build, smooth skin, steady stamina
  • Mental traits: Methodical, reliable, patient
  • Emotional traits: Compassionate, steady when balanced; attached when not
Aspect Vata Pitta Kapha
Elements Air + Ether (Space) Fire + Water Water + Earth
Primary Function Movement and communication Transformation and metabolism Structure and lubrication
Body Build Thin, light, delicate Medium, muscular, athletic Large, solid, heavy
Skin Dry, rough, cold Warm, oily, prone to rashes Smooth, oily, cool
Hair Dry, frizzy, thin Fine, soft, may gray or bald early Thick, wavy, oily
Appetite Irregular, variable Strong, sharp Slow, steady
Digestion Irregular, prone to gas and bloating Strong, prone to acidity Slow, prone to heaviness
Temperament Anxious, creative, quick-thinking Intense, focused, ambitious Calm, steady, loving
Speech Fast, scattered Sharp, articulate Slow, melodious
Sleep Light, interrupted Moderate Deep, long
Weather Sensitivity Dislikes cold, dry, windy weather Dislikes heat and sun Dislikes cold, damp weather
Imbalance Signs Anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation Anger, ulcers, inflammation Lethargy, weight gain, congestion
Balanced State Energetic, lively, imaginative Intelligent, driven, courageous Loyal, stable, compassionate

Why Knowing Your Dosha Matters

Personalised Nutrition

Each dosha responds differently to various foods. Vata types benefit from warm, grounding foods; Pitta types from cooling, moderately heavy foods; and Kapha types from light, warming, and drying foods. By eating according to your dosha, you can maintain balance and prevent digestive issues.

Targeted Lifestyle Practices

Your dosha influences which daily routines will benefit you most. Vata types thrive with regular schedules and calming practices; Pitta types need cooling activities and moderate exercise; Kapha types benefit from stimulating activities and vigorous exercise.

Effective Stress Management

Each dosha has unique stress patterns. Understanding your constitutional tendencies helps you recognise imbalances early and implement appropriate self-care measures before health issues develop.

Our Expert-Analysed Dosha Quiz

Unlike generic online quizzes, our comprehensive assessment was developed in consultation with certified Ayurvedic practitioners with decades of experience in constitutional analysis.

The quiz evaluates multiple aspects of your being:

  • Physical characteristics that don’t change over time
  • Mental tendencies and thought patterns
  • Emotional predispositions and reactions
  • Digestive patterns and food preferences
  • Sleep habits and energy fluctuations

You’ll receive not just your dominant dosha, but your full constitutional profile with personalised insights.

Signs of Dosha Imbalance

Vata Imbalance Signs

  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Irregular digestion and bloating
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Poor circulation (cold hands/feet)
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating

Pitta Imbalance Signs

  • Irritability and anger
  • Acid indigestion and heartburn
  • Skin rashes and inflammation
  • Excessive body heat
  • Sharp hunger and thirst
  • Perfectionism and criticism

Kapha Imbalance Signs

  • Lethargy and oversleeping
  • Slow digestion and weight gain
  • Congestion and excess mucus
  • Water retention
  • Attachment and possessiveness
  • Resistance to change

Recognising these imbalance signs early allows you to take proactive steps to restore harmony through appropriate dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Regular reassessment is recommended as external factors can influence your current dosha state.

What You’ll Learn From Our Quiz

Your Unique Constitution

Discover your precise dosha combination, showing the proportions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in your natural constitution.

Current Imbalances

Identify which doshas may currently be excessive or deficient, and how this affects your wellbeing.

Personalised Recommendations

Receive tailored suggestions for diet, lifestyle, exercise, and self-care practices to restore and maintain your natural balance.

Begin Your Ayurvedic Journey Today

Self-knowledge is the foundation of health in Ayurveda. By understanding your unique constitution, you gain powerful insights into your natural tendencies and how to maintain balance through life’s changes.

Our comprehensive dosha assessment takes just 10 minutes to complete but provides benefits that can last a lifetime. Your results are immediately available, with detailed explanations and personalised recommendations.

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