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.