What is Your Ayurvedic Body Type?

 

The human body is formed by the combination of five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements combine to form the doshas or energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Further, Ayurveda body types are determined by the dominance of each dosha. An expert ayurvedic practitioner can identify your dominant doshas, dosha imbalances, and of course, your body constitution or type through an ayurvedic pulse diagnosis. The significance of knowing your body type is so that it even aids in prescribing the most suitable ayurvedic medicine or treatment for your body. Here are the three ayurvedic body types and their characteristics.

Vata Body Type
The air and space elements are predominant in a Vata person. It is because air and space govern the Vata constitution. A person with a Vata body type can be characterized by being thin, restless, and talkative. Besides, they have dry skin, thin hair, and can hardly gain weight, leading to lower body weight. Vata helps in movement, pumping blood, excretion, breathing, and igniting the body’s digestive fire or Agni. Hence an imbalance in Vata can be identified by pain in the bones and joints, abnormal pulse, irregular bowel movement, etc. Further, it can lead to insomnia, constipation, headaches, tremors, and other disorders. However, a Vata imbalance can be remedied by following certain ayurvedic health tips such as incorporating Vata pacifying herbs in your diet, maintaining a regular sleeping and eating pattern, drinking warm beverages, as well as avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

Pitta Body Type
A Pitta person has more of the fire element even though Pitta is a combination of fire and water. Individuals with Pitta body type are generally active, intelligent, short-tempered, and may have a moderate build. Pitta aids in digestion, absorption, vitality, regulating body heat, and nourishment. It also stabilizes the body and mind. Pitta imbalance is indicated by excessive hunger and thirst, hot flashes, bad breath, weakness, increased anger, reduced sleep, etc. And it can cause disorders like peptic ulcers, acid reflux, eczema, herpes, jaundice, and migraine. To balance Pitta, you have to maintain a routine for sleeping and eating, use ghee for cooking, meditate, and practice yoga.

Kapha Body Type
A person belonging to the Kapha body type has more of the water and earth elements. Kapha people are distinguished by being stocky, calm, and cheerful. With a sturdy build, they also have thick hair and skin. Located in the bones, muscles, and tendons, Kapha assists in maintaining immunity, moisturizing skin, and lubricating the joints. If Kapha is out of balance, it can cause disorders such as anorexia, obesity, goiter, joint disorders, respiratory disorders, indigestion, loss of appetite, and bronchitis. A Kapha imbalance can be corrected by consuming dry, warm foods and spicy, bitter foods. Staying active is also vital to balance Kapha as it prevents laziness. Practicing yoga should be enough to be physically active. And to calm the mind and increase lung health, performing Pranayama can help. Finally, sleeping during the day should be avoided since it accumulates Kapha.