Doshas are the manifestations of the elemental forces in human body. Ayurveda says that there are three kinds of Doshas (Tridosha) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and the imbalance(Vikruti) of these Doshas (or Dosas) is the root cause of most of our physical and mental problems.
Dominance of a Dosha determines body type or “Prakriti” of an individual.
- Vata type: Vata is identified with “Marut” or air and “Byoma” or space, thus maintaining mobility.
- Pitta type: Pitta is identified with “Agni” or fire and controls digestion and assimilation.
- Kapha type: Kapha is identified with “Apa” or water and “Kshiti” or earth and maintain formation or body structure.
- Characteristics of Vata type people:
- They are generally thin in structure.
- They perform any activity quickly.
- They have irregular hunger and digestion.
- They can grasp any information quickly and quickly forget them.
- They have tendency toward constipation.
- They have light and interrupted sleep and generally suffer from insomnia.
- Their moods change frequently.
- They become tired easily.
- Their mental and physical energy comes in bursts.
Common physical ailments: Vata types are prone to insomnia, chronic constipation, anxiety and depression, muscular spasm, chronic pain, high blood pressure and arthrarhitis.
- Characteristics of Pitta type people:
- They are generally medium built.
- They have medium strength and endurance.
- They have sharp intelligence.
- They have sharp hunger and thirst, strong digestive capacity.
- They easily become irritated and angry under stress.
- They have aversion to sun and hot weather.
- They have precise, articulate speech.
- They cannot skip meals.
Common physical ailments: Pitta type is prone to rashes, acne, heartburns, ulcers, premature balding, poor eyesight and premature gray hair.
- Characteristics of Kapha type people:
- They are generally solid; powerfully build with great physical strength and endurance.
- They have steady energy, slow and graceful in action.
- They are slow to anger.
- They have good memory.
- They are affectionate, tolerant and forgiving.
- They have slow digestion and mild hunger.
- They are generally possessive and complacent.
Common physical ailments: Kapha type is prone to obesity, congested sinuses, chest colds, painful joints, asthma, diabetes and high cholesterol.