What’s Your Ayurvedic Body Type?

Struggling with an ailment that you can’t quite seem to shake?

You may want to try Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine from India that’s based on the belief that the way each person’s body works is affected by three primary life forces called doshas.

The three doshas are called kapha, pitta, and vata.

And every individual has an Ayurvedic body type based on which of these forces is most dominant in the body. 

What Is Your Ayurvedic Body Type?

While most people lean toward dominance in one dosha, the majority of people are a combination of two.

For instance, someone who is dominant in vata but exhibits pitta tendencies would be considered vata-pitta. 

According to Ayurveda, keeping your dominant dosha in balance is key to health and wellness. Thus, all Ayurvedic medical and dietary recommendations are based on what will benefit your type. 

We’ll take a look at the components of each dosha so you can start to figure out where you fit. 

Kapha

Earth and water elements come together in kapha.

This is the life force responsible for all the structures and fluids of the body. Its properties are heaviness, slowness, and steadiness.

Kapha people have these qualities in droves. They are even-keeled and not easily flustered. Their combined patience and understanding make them a delight to be around.

They can calmly handle several issues simultaneously and are able to retain what they’ve learned—right down to the finest detail.

Kapha types rely heavily on regularity and routine though. And when life upsets their schedules, their kapha takes over and they can become paralyzed by lethargy and excessive sleep. 

This can lead to depression and obesity.

Pitta

If you’re often told that you’re fiery, you may be a pitta type.

Those with pitta dominance enjoy being outdoors and in bright and well-ventilated spaces. Pittas love structure, organization, and management. They are masters of concentration and know how to handle money. 

Because the pitta dosha represents fire and water, a pitta type would benefit from an Ayurvedic Massage that uses cooling oils such as rose and sandalwood.

If pitta becomes too dominant in a pitta type, they are prone to fits of anger or rage. This is especially the case when they’re hungry.

They can have difficulty sleeping or relaxing—particularly after prolonged concentrated work. 

With too much pitta, there is the risk of increased and chronic inflammation in the body that lead to gastritis, ulcers, or even skin diseases. 

Vata

The vata type craves excitement and new experiences.

They are, by nature, quick to anger. But they are just as quick to forgive. Vata types are creative, energetic, and flexible. They are go-getters who take initiative and love to converse.

Because vata represents space and air, it’s no wonder that those with excessive vata are often considered spacy and ungrounded.

When the vata is thrown off balance by excessive stress, vata types are prone to obsessing, worrying, and trouble sleeping. 

Too much vata leaves them feeling unsettled, disquieted, and out of control and can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even forgetting to eat. 

Could Ayurveda Help You? 

If you’re looking for a new way to address some old ills, Ayurveda may have some answers for you.

Once you know your Ayurvedic body type, you can begin to tailor your lifestyle and diet in such a way that you won’t experience imbalances.

You might be surprised to see what a difference it could make!

And for more informative articles on living a healthy life, keep checking back with our health blog.