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.