Body/Mind Constitution

According to Ayurveda, three vital body energies (doshas) govern the functions of the body, which again reflect the Five Elements: Kapha (Water + Earth), Pitta (Fire + Water), and Vata (Air + Ether). We are each made up of a unique combination of these Doshas, which define our body-mind constitution, or prakriti. Our prakriti is the unique proportion of doshas at the time of conception which stays with us throughout our life. Under this perspective, it is important to understand and appreciate our own prakriti, as in order to achieve health we must strive to maintain this personalized balanced state. Similarly, in order to heal any disease or ailment we must address any imbalanced state. When we experience anything other than our own prakriti, we are in a state of dis-ease.

In general, there are seven different body-mind types. Three types where one dosha is predominate: (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha); three types where two doshas are predominate (Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, or Kapha-Vata); and one type where all three doshas are almost the same proportion (Vata-Pitta-Kapha).

To find out your own dosha, try taking this self-exam available here.