Know Your Body Type

Everyone has essentially the same kind of cells and organs, despite huge variations from one personality to another. Ayurveda believes that what makes us different from each other is the mind-body type of ours. Each human being has a unique combination of the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Our body type never changes — we are born with it. But the doshas remain in constant flux, changing according to environmental and emotional conditions. Imbalance occurs when the body’s natural dosha equilibrium is disturbed — by stress, diet, climate, or daily routine.

Determining Your Body Type

Although there are only three doshas, Ayurveda combines them in ten different ways to describe different Prakriti (body types). Below are the general characteristics of the three main types:

Vata Type	Pitta Type	Kapha Type
Thin build Tall by nature Dry skin Brisk walk Light sleeper Highly enthusiastic, creative, excitable Mood swings Irregular appetite and digestion Easily exhausted Tendency to worry and be anxious Aversion to cold	Medium build and strength Early graying or balding Thin, fine blond or reddish hair Sharp intellect, precise speech Strong hunger, thirst, and digestion Perspire more Easily irritated or angered Very organized, decisive Aversion to heat and sunlight Regular bowel habits, soft or loose stools	Large, solid body build Calm, slow, relaxed by nature Gain weight easily Steady, enduring energy Smooth, oily skin Heavy sleeper Slow appetite and digestion Affectionate, loyal, forgiving Slow gait Tendency toward mucus, phlegm, sinus issues Aversion to cold and damp weather

If one dosha is higher than others, you are a single-dosha type. If no dosha is extremely dominant, you are a true dosha type. Most people are dual-dosha types. If all three doshas are nearly equal, you are a tri-dosha type — a rare and balanced combination.

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