Ayurvedic Body Types and Nutrition

Each of us has a unique body-type, named as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata, pitta and Kapha are known as doshas in Ayurveda; they are the underlying principles that govern the nature, transformation and structure of the physical universe. Each dosha is composed of two of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) and it is the specific combination of these elements that determines each doshas characteristic qualities and ultimately their overall effect in nature. Every object in the natural world is composed of the elements of vata, pitta and kapha and it is the relative proportion of each dosha or element that determines its uniqueness and differentiates it from another objects.

Vata is composed of the elements of ether and air and governs the principle of movement and communication in our physiology. Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and water and governs the principle of energy and transformation in our physiology. It allows us to digest, absorb and assimilate food, liquid and ideas. Kapha is composed of the elements of water and earth and governs the principle of cohesion or structure. It is the ‘glue’ that holds or binds our physiology together.

A person with a predominance of Vata dosha walks more quickly, has a lighter build and has colder and dryer skin than someone with a predominance of Pitta or Kapha dosha in their constitution. Vata-type people also tend to have very quick, agile minds and can be very creative. However, if their constitution goes out of balance through excessive movement or irregularity they can suffer from feelings of restlessness, boredom, fear, stress and anxiety. This may manifest in the body as poor circulation, cold hands and feet, constipation and dry skin.

A person with more Pitta in their constitution has a hotter, fierier, more dynamic personality. They have lots of energy, high ambitions, sharp intellects and good leadership qualities. However, if they go out of balance and their innate ‘fire’ becomes too high they can quickly become angry, stressed and frustrated. They generally have a strong digestive fire and immune system but when they slip out of balance, they can develop rashes, ulcers, acid stomachs and heart problems.

A person with a predominance of Kapha dosha in their constitution is generally slower, heavier, calmer and more grounded than either Pitta or Vata. They are caring, loving, forgiving individuals with a placid, easy-going nature. They have strong, solid bodies but can suffer from weight gain, lethargy and heaviness when they are out of balance.