What's your dosha (body type) ?

Have you ever thought about what keeps our heart beating regularly, our blood flowing through arteries and veins, and our digestive enzymes working at the right time? Or how nerve signals move swiftly from one neuron to another? Despite numerous scientific advancements and research, modern science struggles to answer these questions.

However, Ayurveda possesses a remarkable understanding of three fundamental forces that regulate every bodily function. These three forces are present within all of us, at varying degrees of dominance.

By knowing your body type, you can learn to live in balance knowing how to best look after your unique self.

But first, let's understand what doshas represent.

Understanding doshas in Ayurveda:

Doshas are these fundamental energies, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which form the essential pillars of wellness.

They sculpt our individual body constitution, influence our health, and guide our overall state of being. Doshas stand as elemental forces that orchestrate a range of physiological and psychological functions within our body - from basic cellular process to the most complex biological functions.

Each dosha manifests as a unique blend of the five fundamental elements earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space). Vata-Pitta-Kapha is present in every cell, tissue and organ.

When in a state of natural balance they create health and longevity and when out of balance they create excess toxins, skin problems and health issues. When these forces are in a state of natural balance, the defence mechanism and natural function of the body works at peak efficiency.

The significance of doshas in Ayurveda:

Within the realm of Ayurveda, each individual's distinctive constitution is forged by their dominant dosha or a combination of doshas. This is your natural, unchanging dosha makeup, which is determined at the moment of conception and birth. It's influenced by the doshas of your parents and is considered your fundamental constitution.

Out of the three doshas, most individuals have a dominant dosha with varying levels of the others. This inherent makeup has influence over many facets, spanning from physical attributes and metabolic tendencies to personality traits and susceptibility to specific health conditions.

Beyond your inherent constitution, doshas are dynamic, subject to fluctuations in response to external and internal influences such as the seasons. These influential factors encompass dietary choices, lifestyle practices, seasonal variations, stressors, and more.

The overarching aim of Ayurveda revolves around the preservation or restoration of doshic equilibrium, recognising that imbalances are the root causes of illness and discomfort.

Navigating the path of dosha balance to achieve and sustain optimal health, Ayurveda recommends an alignment of one's lifestyle choices with their dominant dosha, all while attentively addressing any existing imbalances.

Below is an overview of each Dosha.

Is there a particular dosha that relates to you most? Or is it a combination of two that dominates and makes you, you?

Encompassing air and ether, vata symbolises motion and transformation. It governs bodily functions linked to movement such as circulation, respiration, and nerve impulses. It controls the movement of blood through the circulatory system, air in and out of the lungs, excretions out of the body and nutrients into cells. When vata exists in equilibrium, you can emanate creativity, enthusiasm, and boundless energy. Imbalance or excess of vata can bring anxiety, digestive complications, and restlessness.

Qualities of Vata:

Cold, light, dry, irregular, rough, moving, quick, changeable.

If vata dosha predominates, movement and change are characteristic of your nature. You will tend to always be on the go, with an energetic and creative mind. As long as vata is in balance, you will be lively and enthusiastic, with a lean body.

Physical characteristics:

Those with a predominance of Vata dosha usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts, and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. They sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it manifests in the body as weight loss, constipation, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive challenges.

Emotional characteristics:

Vata types love creativity, excitement and new experiences. They are quick to anger but also to forgive. When Vatas are in balance, they are energetic, creative, and flexible. They love to talk and take initiative.. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia. When they feel overwhelmed or stressed, their response is, what did i do wrong?

Since the Vata dosha is characterised as restless, constantly in motion and irregular, the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing Vata is to maintain a regular routine.

Combining fire and water, Pitta oversees metamorphosis and metabolic processes. Your biological fire/energy is of transformation. It governs digestion, body temperature, metabolism, energy production and cognitive functions. Well-balanced pitta types are characterised by focus, sharp intellect, and self-assuredness. An overabundance of pitta, however, may culminate in anger, inflammation, and digestive maladies.

Qualities of Pitta:

Sharp, hot, pungent, light, intense, penetrating, acidic.

Physical characteristics:

The Pitta predominance means that these qualities are generously present in your mental , emotional and physical make up i.e. fiery and intense nature in both body and mind. Pittas are usually of medium and symmetrical size and weight. They have soft , fair sensitive skin. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have fine hair with tendency towards thinning of hair or greying, baldness is also common in a pitta. They have a regular sleep pattern. When in balance, pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, pitta type may suffer from burning sensations, acidity, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat that can lead to skin sensitivity or rashes , heartburn, and indigestion.

Emotional characteristics:

Pittas have a powerful intellect, very organised and a strong ability to concentrate. When they're in balance they promote understanding and intelligence. They are leaders, good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They have good entrepreneurial skill and are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often direct or outspoken. Out-of-balance pittas can arouse anger, hate/jealousy. They can be short-tempered, impatient, demanding, critical and argumentative. When Pittas are over-stressed or out of balance they can have tendency to blame others or their typical response is what did you do wrong?

Since the Pitta dosha is characterised by fire and water element the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing Pitta is to stay cool -- both physically and emotionally.

Enriched by earth and water, Kapha embodies structure, strength and stability. Both physically and psychologically. Physical growth, strength, and immune vigour. Balanced Kapha individuals radiate composure, nurturing qualities, and dependability. An excess of Kapha can usher in lethargy, weight gain, and emotional attachment. Kapha energy of protection and is governed by water and earth elements and support. It gives strength and stability, both physically and psychologically. Kapha energy enhances resistance against disease and promotes the healing process. Kapha governs the structure of the body and lubrication that body needs, it provides stability, compactness to the bodily tissues . It holds the cells together Kapha governs the structure of the body and lubrication that body needs, it provides stability, compactness to the bodily tissues. It holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, and bone.

The primary function of Kapha is protection and stability.

Qualities of Kapha:

Heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, oily.

Physical characteristics:

Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Kapha's generally have excellent health with natural resistance to disease. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are important Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when imbalanced it builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they're out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.

Emotional characteristics:

Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. Not easily upset, you can be a point of stability for friends and family. You are better at finishing things than starting them and are often traditional or conventional in behaviour and beliefs. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. The typical Kapha stress response is lack of motivation, withdrawn, exhibit signs of jealousy and possessiveness or simply I don't want to deal with it. Since the Kapha dosha is characterised by wet, cold, heavy virtues the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing Kapha is physical and emotional stimulation.


Now that you have an idea of your body type (doshic makeup or Prakruti) , how can you use this to look after your health on the daily?

Here are some key strategies for balancing your doshas:

1. Diet:
Tailor your diet to your dosha or the current season. For example, Vata types benefit from warm, nourishing foods, while Pitta types thrive on cooling, hydrating options.

2. Lifestyle:
Establish a daily routine (dinacharya) that aligns with your dosha's preferences. Vata individuals may benefit from grounding practices like meditation, Pitta types from calming activities, and Kapha types from invigorating exercises.

3. Mindfulness:
Develop self-awareness to recognise signs of doshic imbalance, such as physical discomfort or emotional stress. Adjust your lifestyle accordingly to restore equilibrium.

4. Herbal remedies:
Ayurvedic herbs and remedies can help balance doshas. Consult an ayurvedic practitioner for personalised recommendations.

5. Yoga and meditation:
These practices can harmonise the doshas by calming the mind and promoting physical well-being. In conclusion, understanding your dosha and its influence on your constitution is a key step in ayurvedic self-care. By harmonising your lifestyle with your doshic nature and addressing any imbalances, you can enhance your overall health and well-being. Ayurveda's wisdom empowers you to take charge of your health and lead a life in tune with your elemental nature.

6. Ayurvedic Consultation
These practices can harmonise the doshas by calming the mind and promoting physical well-being. In conclusion, understanding your dosha and its influence on your constitution is a key step in ayurvedic self-care. By harmonising your lifestyle with your doshic nature and addressing any imbalances, you can enhance your overall health and well-being. Ayurveda's wisdom empowers you to take charge of your health and lead a life in tune with your elemental nature.

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To discover what may be causing your health issues, receive guidance regarding your doshic constitution and to discover the dietary and lifestyle adjustments that resonate most with your unique needs, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ajit.

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QUIZ: FIND YOUR DOSHIC SKIN TYPE 

Learn how to look after your unique skin type. 

Doshas also apply to your skin type which means that the best way to look after your skin is to make sure you're giving it the right skin food!
Tailor your skin routine to suit with our range of Ayurda skincare - all natural, purely Ayurvedic goodness. 

In just a few minutes, you'll know exactly how to move toward healthier skin!

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