Doshas: Vata, Pitta & Kapha

Vata: made up of the elements of space and air Vata has the qualities of lightness, irregularity, dryness, rough, thin, cold and movement. This body type’s structure has a tendency towards being thin, light, dry skin with visible muscles, tendons and veins they are either very tall or short. Their personality is energetic, enthusiastic, creative, cheerful and outgoing; they tend towards emotions such as fear, worry, anxiety, and stress.

When Vata is out of balance and are eating foods that are a similar nature to there make up (such as dry foods, cold foods raw foods and irregular eating habits) then they tend towards constipation, dry skin, high blood pressure, cramps, loss of energy, lower back pain, insomnia, aches and pains, nervous system and hormonal disorders. Although fear, worry, anxiety and stress are a natural tendency for Vata people it becomes a problem when these start to dominate one’s life and are in excess causing mental and physical disharmony.

Pitta: made up the elements of fire and water, Pitta has the qualities of heat, sharpness and oiliness. Body type structure is of medium height with a slender delicate body frame, with well-developed muscles, soft warm and oily skin. Eyes are sharp and they have a tendency to premature greying. Their personality traits are ambitious, high achievers, make good team leaders, enjoy control over situations and are successful in business. They tend toward emotions such as anger, hatred, agitation, jealousy, criticism and impatience.

When Pitta is out of balance and are eating foods that are a similar nature to there make up     (such as chili, tomatoes, fermented foods, pickled foods, yeast, coffee sour foods and spicy foods ) then they tend towards, skin disease, liver and spleen problems, acne, feel over heated, stomach ulcers, hot flushes and heartburn. Although emotions of anger, impatience and agitation are a natural tendency for Pitta people it becomes a problem also when these start to create disharmony in one’s life causing mental and physical problems.

Kapha: made up of the elements of water and earth and has the qualities of heaviness, oiliness, coldness, dampness and slow. Kaphatypes body structure tends to be heavy, thicker body frame with large features. Their personality is very caring, comforting and nurturing. They tend towards emotions such as feeling of being victimized, possessive, depression and greediness.

When Kapha is out of balance and are eating foods that are a similar nature to there make up (such as cheese, ice cream, cream, oily and fried foods, butter, too much sweets and heavy types of foods) they tend towards diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, lymphatic congestion, weight gain, fluid retention, excessive phlegm, aches and pains in the joints and sinus congestion. Although emotions of depression and lethargy are natural for a Kapha person it becomes a problem when these emotions start to create disharmony in one’s life causing mental and physical problems.