What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a holistic and complete medical system originating from ancient India.
Ayurveda teaches us to become dynamically aware of our connection to the natural world. Through this science we remember that we are in fact a part of nature. Seasonal changes, weather patterns, our diet and lifestyle all have an effect on our physiology and psychology.
All life is created of the 5 great elements: ETHER, AIR, FIRE, WATER, and EARTH.
Ayurvedic Science further arranges the elements into 3 principles or constitutional types known as Doshas.
Vata Pitta Kapha
(Ether + Air) (Fire + Water) (Water + Earth)
We each have a specific ratio of the Doshas within us as part of our body-mind constitution.
This is known as Prakruti - our unique blueprint at birth.
How do I determine my unique constitution?
Explore below to see if you identify more strongly with one or two Doshic types:
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Vata
A person with a “Vata” predominant constitution will be thin and long limbed, tall or very small. They can be sensitive to cold and tend to have dry skin. A Vata person’s mind is interested, active and creative. They are likely to be “multi-taskers” and switch from one inspiration to another. In communication they talk very fast, and may jump easily between subjects. Appetite and digestion are variable in this body type.
When these Air and Ether (Vata) elements increase in the constitution the person can become nervous, anxious and worried. They may be hypersensitive to loud sounds and feel generally too sensitive/ungrounded for the world around them. When this constitution is out of balance dryness, bloating and constipation can result.
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Pitta
A person with a “Pitta” predominant constitution has penetrating eyes and a warm reddish complexion. They are likely to have a medium sized body frame with fair muscle development. Pitta people are bright, engaging and direct. They are good leaders, have strong opinions, and enjoy managing people and situations around them. They like to be “right” and they ask many questions to gain specific and intelligent answers. They generally have a strong appetite for food and life itself!
When out of balance, this “fire” constitution tends towards frustration, irritation and anger. They may be sensitive to heat and prone to inflammation and skin eruptions. Appetite may become overbearing and the person may develop reflux /acid indigestion.
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Kapha
A person with a “Kapha” predominant constitution has beautiful luminous eyes and thick lustrous hair. They are likely to have a larger sized body frame with strong muscle and bone development. Kapha people are stable, supportive, loving and compassionate. They tend to express themselves in a slow and measured way and can have great memory retention. They tend to avoid sudden (or any) change in their life. This doshic type will have a medium strength appetite and slow metabolism.
When out of balance, a person with this “water/earth” constitution tends to be stubborn, slow to forgive, and they may experience grief and sadness. The body may be prone to lymph stagnation, water retention and excess weight gain. Please note: it is natural and healthy for a Kapha person to have a curvy, round and soft body.
