The Three Doshas Of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine is an alternative system of medicine practiced in the West as a complement to Western medicine. A traditional system of medicine in India, Ayurveda is based on the premise that everyone has a unique constitution with needs that are likewise unique to the individual. To achieve and maintain optimum health, certain foods benefit the body type while others diminish the balance in the body. It also addresses balanced mind and spirit as elements necessary for vitality to live a life in harmony with nature. It offers practical guidelines for diet, exercise, and stress management to attain perfect health.

In Ayurveda, there are three mind and body types known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Everyone has all three doshas but in different proportions with one or two being most prominent. One's individual dosha is unique to the individual much like a fingerprint. Knowing your dosha can help you make the food and exercise choices that are best suited to keeping your body, mind, and spirit in balance for optimum health.

Vata type people are highly imaginative, known for their mental quickness and creativity. They are typically slender and have fast movements, talking and walking quickly. Vata types are joyful and enthusiastic when they are in balance with fun, lively personalities. They tend to act on impulse with bursts of high energy though they often tire easily and need to avoid over exertion. With changeable moods, daily routines tend to be irregular. Signs of Vata imbalance include fatigue, anger and irritability, nervousness, insomnia, inability to concentrate, heart palpitations, and digestive disorders.

Pitta type people are self-confident and assertive, often found in leadership roles. They are typically well built and strong, known for strong digestion and appetite. The Pitta's body temperature is typically warm, making them sensitive to heat with a tendency for excessive perspiration. Pitta types are excellent managers when in balance though they can become authoritarian and be considered by others to be stubborn and pushy. They enjoy material prosperity and exhibiting their wealth and possessions. Signs of Pitta imbalance include impatience, hostility, aggressiveness, mental confusion, fitful sleep, acne or skin rashes, fevers, and night sweats.

Kapha type people are easygoing, relaxed, affectionate, and loving. They tend to have a heavier, sturdy build with a strong resistance to disease. Kapha's are typically slow moving and graceful with soft skin and hair and low, soft voices. Their energy is great but it is more steady than explosive like the Vata types. The Kapha personality is gentle and mild requiring little outside stimulation. Signs of Kapha imbalance include apathy and sluggishness, drowsiness, laziness, depression, nausea, weight gain, water retention, and congestion.