Do You Know Your Body Type?
Ayurveda believes that each and everything on this planet constitutes five elements and so does our body. The five elements are space, air, fire, water, and earth. These five elements combine together to form the three body types/doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
VATA
Vata is a combination of space and air elements.
Physical Characteristics: Physically Vata people are very active. They usually have dry skin, thin hair, and small eyes. They do things very quickly and try to finish their work in one day. They are thin, tall with narrow body structures and it is difficult for them to gain weight. On the other hand, they lose weight easily. Thin, dry hairs, cold extremities (hand & feet) are some of the other characteristics of vata body type. As far as their digestion is concerned, they have average digestion. Sometimes, it is good and sometimes not.
Mental Characteristics: Vata people are usually confused with their decisions and they worry a lot. They are fearful & anxious as well. A Vata mind is always in a rush and cannot stop thinking. They prove to be good leaders and very creative as well. They are quick learners but they forget things quickly as well. They also have an irregular sleeping pattern.
Emotional Characteristics: Emotionally, they are sensitive. They get affected by things very quickly. They tend to worry a lot when not in balance.
Signs of Imbalance: Constipation, Bloating, putting on a lot of weight around the Abdomen, Arthritis, Insomnia, Parkinsonism, Anxiety, Nervousness, talking without consciousness, Hypertension, and many more.
PITTA
Pitta people are made up of fire and water elements.
Physical Characteristics: Physically they are strong and muscular. They have a medium frame and hot flushed skins. They have strong digestion, so they have to eat every time to manage their energy. Hence, they cannot afford to skip meals, if they do so they can suffer from many Pitta imbalance disorders. They sweat a lot as they have hot body temperatures. Pitta body type people prefer cool weather.
Mental Characteristics: Mentally, Pitta people are short-tempered and aggressive in nature as well. They like to live a disciplined life and are very focused on work. They are well known for their fighting spirit. They also have a sharp mind and are quite intelligent.
Emotional Characteristics: Emotionally, Pitta people are quite strong. They concentrate well. They do not believe in keeping things to themselves and are often very outspoken.
Signs of Imbalance: Diarrhoea, Gastritis, Heartburn, Skin conditions, Mouth Ulcers, Inflammation, Anger, Frustration, early greying of hairs, etc.
KAPHA
Kapha is a combination of water and earth element.
Physical Characteristics: They have big, heavy, and broad builds. It is difficult for them to lose weight but they gain weight easily. Their digestion is slow, so they can easily skip meals. Usually, the bowel movement is good. They have cooler body temperatures, so they prefer warm & dry weather. They are also said to be the opposite of vata as they are slow in action and a bit lazy too. They do things slowly and in a stable manner. Their sleep is good.
Mental Characteristics: They are slow learners, but once they learn something they remember it for a long time.
Emotional Characteristics: They are very calm, cheerful, and happy most of the time. They are very patient and are never in a rush. They are helpful and kind. People love the company of a Kapha type person due to their extra caring nature.
Signs of Imbalance: Obesity, High Cholesterol, Oedema, water retention, Sinusitis, Asthma, Cough, feeling sleepy all the time, etc.
If you want to know more about your body type (dosha) or if you are struggling with any of the imbalances, please contact a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.