Literally translated from Sanskrit, Doshas means imperfections or limitations. However, in Ayurveda, it is considered a substance which is present in the body at the time of your birth and gives shape to the physical characteristics of the body. Since there are three doshas, their percentages— influenced by the constitution of your parents at the time of conception— determine your unique natural constitution. This unique combination then goes on to shape your various physiological and psychological characteristics.
Every individual has a combination of the three doshas; however, more often than not, one dosha is dominant and considered primary, in which case the next dosha becomes secondary, and so on.
Disease occurs when you perform tasks which are not in conformation with your natural constitution (Prakriti), resulting in (Vikriti) altered condition which may become the cause of diseases within the body.
It is important then to understand each of the doshas and its characteristics to maintain a natural balance of your own Prakriti. They are listed below:
Characteristics of Vata Type Persons
Vata is made up of the elements space and air.
What are the most recognizable features of a Vata body type?
A Vata body is usually slim and lean, with a light frame, bony limbs, and straight body shapes. A Vata person can typically have dry skin, dry and wavy hair, cold hands and feet, and eyes smaller than others, however more dry than wet. They feel cold easily and have difficulty sweating. They have an inconsistent appetite and tend to gain weight around the stomach. Constipation, IBS, bloating, and irregular sleep are common features experienced by a Vata personality.
What are distinct features of a Vata mind?
A Vata mind tends to perform activities quickly; in fact, they like to multi-task. They have a unique ability to learn quickly and also forget quickly; therefore, they are quick to get angry and can easily forgive. Their quick thinking mind gives them an edge in creative problem solving. They do not have a great memory but learn new things rather fast. They are spiritually inclined and love being outdoors, especially amongst nature. They have an intense sense of touch, love beauty, and excel in creativity. They're known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. They are highly sensitive, and their mood depends heavily on three factors: (1) The weather, (2) The food they eat, and (3) The people they spend time with.
Imbalanced Vata are prone to:
Fear, worry, and anxiety. Therefore, they often suffer from insomnia. Sometimes, they can lose body weight due to this imbalance. Almost always, their digestion will get affected. Some of the diseases that are common with Vata imbalance are arthritis, restlessness, weakness, constipation, and hypertension.
Vata related disorders and its medicines:
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Bones & Joints: Joint formula, Shallaki XT
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Brain & Memory: Memory Plus, Brahmi
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Heart health: Arjun, Cardiac Kare
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Immunity: Chyawanprash & Nutrijam (Immunity kit)
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Men's vitality: Musli XT, Mumio
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Women's vitality: Shatavari
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Gut health: Haritaki, Bowel Kare
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Insomnia: Natural sleep aid
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Stress & Nervine problems: Ashwagandha, Tagar XT
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Antioxidants & Rejuvenator: Chyawanprash & Guduchi XT
Diet recommendations:
Aggravated Vata recommends oily and heat-generating foods. One can also include moist and soft foods. Oily foods will be lubricating and hence provide stability. Salty foods have a pacifying effect and as such should be included in a Vata diet. A list of suggested foods is mentioned below:
Foods to eat:
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Dairy: Milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ghee
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Fruits: Fully ripe, sweet, and heavy fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, mangoes
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Vegetables: Cooked vegetables, including beets, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, turnips, carrots, and green beans
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Legumes: Chickpeas, mung beans
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Grains: Cooked oats, cooked rice
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Nuts and seeds: Any, including walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds
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Herbs and spices: Cardamom, ginger, cumin, cloves, oregano, thyme, black pepper
Foods to avoid:
Bitter, dried, and cold foods (e.g. raw vegetables, cold desserts, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds).
Exercise:
Due to their “on-the-go” nature, those with vata-dominant doshas should focus on activities that involve constant movement, such as cycling, running, walking, yoga, etc.
Characteristics of Pitta Type Persons
Pitta is made up of the elements fire and water.
What are the most recognizable features of a Pitta body type?
They have an average but athletic physique, medium weight; however, they can gain weight towards the bottom half of the body. Their skin is soft and lustrous yet maintains a warm body temperature. They tend to have excellent digestion and strong metabolism, which stimulates a strong appetite resulting in abundant energy. They sometimes can have red hair. Early balding or greying of hair is common in Pitta personalities. Their eyes are medium in size but have an intense gaze. They are sound sleepers but for short periods of time.
What are distinct features of a Pitta mind?
They are perfectionists with a strong ability to concentrate and a high intellect. That makes them precise, determined, competitive, and sometimes outspoken. They have good insight and keen discretion, which makes them good decision-makers. Their pronunciation is sharp and concise. They like to be in control and at the center of activities. They are sharp innovators, with matching energy levels. They are nocturnal yet manage a deep sleep with graphic dreams including nightmares. They manage happiness through inner peace.
Imbalanced Pitta are prone to:
Imbalanced Pitta’s are short-tempered, easily irritated, and argumentative, which makes them irrational and judgmental. Pittas are workaholics and prone to suffer from skin rashes, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion.
Pitta related disorders and its medicines:
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Healthy liver function: Kumari, Neruri, Kalmegh
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Antacid: Acid relief
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Kidney support: Punarnava
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Uterine aid, balances hormones: Menopause aid
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Blood purifier: Manjistha
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Skin rashes: Neem, Manjistha
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Antioxidant: Guduchi, Chyawanprash, Nutrijam
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Hair nourishment: Grow & Glow
Diet recommendations:
In case of pitta aggravation, diet must include foods that are cool and light. Generally, pitta can be reduced with sweet, bitter, and astringent tasting foods.
Foods to eat:
They should eat light, cold, sweet, and energizing foods.
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Protein: Egg whites
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Dairy: Milk, ghee, butter
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Fruits: Sweet, fully ripe fruits like oranges, pears, pineapples, bananas, melons, and mangoes
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Grains: Barley, basmati rice, wheat
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Vegetables: Sweet and bitter veggies, including cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, zucchini, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots
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Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, black beans, kidney beans
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Nuts and seeds: Small amounts of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut
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Herbs and spices: Small amounts of black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric
Foods to avoid:
Heavy, spicy, and sour foods (e.g., red meats, potatoes, hot spices).
Exercise:
Pitta doshas tend to push themselves too hard and should avoid exercising in the heat. Yoga is a better choice.
Characteristics of Kapha Type Persons
Kapha is made up of the elements water and earth.
What are the most recognizable features of a Kapha body type?
They have well-developed bodies, broad shoulders, soft and radiant skin yet oily at times, and lustrous hair. Eyes are large and have composed speech. They tend to have good digestion and consequently sleep well. They sleep excessively and can get overweight at times. They have an innate sense of smell and taste and nurture a good appetite. They can be very attached to material possessions and have difficulty in recognizing the difference between essentials and luxuries. They have a stable temperament and a long-term memory. They possess stamina and strength along with a healthy and robust physiology. They are team players, who are reliable, compassionate, and affectionate. Despite being hard-working, they have a tendency of being lazy. Lastly, they are supportive of family and loved ones, sometimes holding on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer necessary.
What are distinct features of a Kapha mind?
They are naturally calm, thoughtful, and caring. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with a routine. They can be quietly stubborn and resist change. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is “I don’t want to deal with it.” Their grasping power is slow but powerful and they have a long-lasting memory.
Imbalanced Kapha are prone to:
Kapha imbalance can cause poor digestion, fluid retention, and weight gain. They may be prone to sinus and respiratory problems, feel lethargic, find it difficult to wake up, and experience food cravings and depression.
Kapha related disorders and its medicines:
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Respiratory ailments/cough: Vasaka
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Sore throat: Yastimadhu
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Regulate sugar level: Meshasringi, Sugar Formula
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Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory: Haridra
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Heart health: Cardiac care
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Stool softener/bulk-forming laxative: Kolon cleanse
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Heaviness of head: Nasja oil, Memory plus
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Sinus: Nasja oil, Haridra
Diet recommendations:
In case of kapha aggravation, meals can include foods that are heating, light, and drying. Pungent tasting foods have a pacifying effect on Kapha alone.
Foods to eat:
Spicy, acidic, and filling foods
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Protein: Poultry in small amounts, egg whites
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Dairy: Goat milk
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Fruits: Apples, blueberries, pears, pomegranates, cherries, and dried fruit like raisins, figs
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Vegetables: Leafy greens, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, radishes, okra
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Legumes: Any, including black beans, lentils
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Grains: Oats, rye, buckwheat, barley, corn, millet
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Nuts and seeds: Small amounts of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds
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Herbs and spices: Any, including cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ginger
Foods to avoid:
Heavy “fatty” foods (e.g., fats, oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds).
Exercise:
Kapha doshas should focus on a combination of cardio and weight-resistance exercise to stay interested and motivated. Plain movement is helpful for them.