Ayurvedic medicine believes that we are a reflection of the universe and that a balance through the energy centres of the body (chakras) are responsible for the different levels of consciousness and health.
Knowing your constitutional type indicates to you how nature has intended you to live and allows you to practice certain techniques to promote balance and ensure an optimum state of health.
There are 3 doshas or constitutional types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Optimum health is when all three doshas are in balance and the 7 chakras or energy centers of the body are in harmony with the universe.
Unbalanced doshas and low colour chakras symbolise ill health. To find out more about your Chakras read- Understanding Your Chakras.
Look at the following table of traits to determine which Dosha you are- you can be more than one.
(although the doshas are also characterized by positive traits we have only included the negative ones to help you determine which dosha you lean towards when out of balance.)
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha | |
| Emotional Traits | Worried, anxious, overactive mind, impatient, scattered | Angry, hostile, resentful, irritable, self-critical, jealous | Dullness, lassitude, depression, bored, withdrawn, emotional eater |
| Behavioural Traits | Insomnia, fatigue, restless, impulsiveness, low or irregular appetite, blames self, talkative | Critical, fiery, workaholic, demanding, egoic, fast, spends on luxury goods | Procrastinates, not adaptable, slow, possessive, hoarder, withdrawn |
| Physical Indications | Constipation, dry skin and hair, high blood pressure, lower back pain, menstrual pain, dislikes cold, thin build, neuromuscular pain | Skin eruptions/acne, redness, thin hair, hunger, thirst, bad breath, hot flushes, heartburn, ulcer, haemorrhoids, dislikes heat | Dislike cold/damp, oily hair, sinus congestion, joint aches, high cholesterol, overweight, allergies, asthma, phlegmy cough |
| How to Balance | Adopt a regular scheduleQuiet time/ meditationDecrease sensitivity to stressKeep Warm
Steady supply of nutrients |
Learn to do things in moderationKeep coolRest and RelaxDecrease stimulants | Mental and physical stimulationRegular exerciseWeight controlReduce sweet food |
You can also balance your Dosha’s through your diet. Here is a guide:
| DOSHA | GENERAL | LIMIT | MEAL SUGGESTIONS |
| Vata | Warm and moist foodsFoods consumed between rising and 2pm, small amounts after 6pmSmall amounts of food frequently
Routine Eat when relaxed Eat in company |
Overly spicy, bitter astringent or dry foodsCold drinksFast food
Eating when nervous Too many combinations Excessive raw foods |
– Fruits: 1-3 stewed, no dry fruit- Veg: cooked, salads with oily dressings- Grains: cooked, no cold/dry/puffed grains
– Legumes: soaked, small amounts – Nuts: 1-2 serves -Oils: moderate, served with warming spices -Dairy: small to moderate, spiced – Animal: organic -Avoid vegetarian diet – Sweets: avoid refined |
| Pitta | Consume meals between rising and 10am or 2pm-10pmChoose cooling, light foodsRaw and bland foods
Stay hydrated |
Rich, fried, fatty foodsOver cooked foodsOverly spicy, sour, salty foods
Very hot foods Fast food Eating when angry |
– Fruit: 1-3- Veg: avoid fried- Grains: small amounts
– Legumes: with mild, cooling spices – Nuts: avoid, raw – Oils: avoid, unheated – Dairy: small to moderate amounts – Animals: fish, vegetarian – Sweetners: avoid refined |
| Kapha | Consume mainly light, warm, dry foodsEat small quantitiesConsume between 10am and 6pm
Main meal around lunch time Seasonal fasting Choose Pungent, bitter, astringent foods |
Sweet, salty, rich, oily foodsCold foods and drinksDairy: yoghurt ok
Large portions Comfort eating Eating in the evening Damp conditions |
-Fruit:1-3 sour
-Veg: warmed, cooked, warming spices
-Grains:dry, roasted, popped -Legumes: baked, warming spices -Nuts: small amounts -Oils: use sparingly -Dairy: soy, yoghurt -Animal: vegetarian diet, very small -Sweet: avoid |
