More in-depth study: Ayurvedic Science
Understanding the Doshas in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the Doshas are organizing energies that help maintain balance within each of us. Often translated as “biological humors,” the word dosha actually means “that which is at fault.” This implies that our state of being is dynamic, constantly shifting and evolving, rather than fixed. The purpose of understanding the Doshas isn't to reach a state of perfection, but to cultivate awareness of the present moment. In fact, just count on being out of balance or imperfect. This awareness can guide us toward making more aligned choices and coming back to balance.
The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
The Doshas are combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), and everyone possesses all three in varying degrees. Each Dosha governs specific physical and mental functions and manifests uniquely in the body, in nature, and throughout the rhythms of the day, seasons, geography, and stages of life.
Vata (air + ether): Movement, communication, breath, and creativity.
Pitta (fire + water): Transformation, digestion, metabolism, and intelligence.
Kapha (earth + water): Structure, stability, lubrication, and compassion.
Although all three Doshas are present in every person, one or two tend to dominate. These proportions can shift over time, and when a Dosha becomes too dominant, we say it is out of balance.
Why Understanding Your Dosha Matters
Knowing your primary Dosha can offer insight into how to eat, move, rest, and live in a way that supports your health and vitality. It helps explain tendencies in behavior, digestion, energy levels, and emotional patterns. While Dosha knowledge is valuable, it’s also essential not to become overly fixated on it. The deeper wisdom lies in understanding the Gunas—the qualities or energies that drive mental and emotional states.
How to Determine Your Dosha
There are many quizzes available online to help you determine your constitution, or Prakriti. Results may vary depending on the depth and focus of each quiz. The best approach is to answer honestly and instinctively, without overthinking or trying to guide the result.
One recommended quiz can be found here:
🔗 Kripalu Dosha Quiz
Remember, the goal is not to label yourself but to better understand your current state and what might support greater balance moving forward.
The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Doshas impact us on two levels; first the physical body and second the mind. Ayurveda speaks of people as vata types, pitta types or kapha types relative to their habits or emotional responses.
Understanding your Dosha type allows us to gauge the effects of yoga practice on our bodies, understand your mind and how you connect the two. It also tells us how our systems works in the yogic perspective of prana.
Lastly, it helps the individual adapt their yoga practice, the asana, pranayama, and meditation, to their dosha type, as it may not be the same for another. One energy is not the same as another so it helps you understand your energy and mind-body type.
Vata Dosha: Literraly means wind (Air), is the primary dosha or biological force. It is a motivating power behind the other two doshas.
Personality Trait: Physically active, busy, hustling
Effects on appetite: Person often forgets to eat
Benefits when balanced: Creative, spiritual, abstract thinker
Problems when out of balance: Weight loss, insomnia, brittle nails, dry skin, gas
Foods that can balance: Chicken, seafood, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, cream, unsalted butter, honey, oranges, lemons, sea salt
Foods that can imbalance: Potatoes, beans, cabbage, sprouts, cold or carbonated drinks, crackers, barley, pears, apples
Pitta Dosha: means “the power of digestion or cooking” (Fire).
Personality Trait: Quick thinker with a sharp tongue, ambitious
Effects on appetite: Never misses a meal
Benefits when balanced: Intelligent, focused, works tirelessly
Problems when out of balance: Too hot, ulcers, skin irritations
Foods that can balance: Turkey, chickpeas, rice, wheat, coconut, okra, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, mangoes, pears, green leafy vegetables (spinach)
Foods that can imbalance: Red meat, fried foods, brown rice, tomatoes, vinegar, yogurt, sour cream, garlic, hot peppers, papaya, BBQ sauce
Kapha Dosha: means “what makes things stick together” (Water).
Personality Trait: Calm and reaely irritated
Effects on appetite: Easily gains weight, even without overeating
Benefits when balanced: Strong, trustworthy, loving
Problems when out of balance: Obesity, lethargy, congestion, avoids exercise
Foods that can balance: Leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, buckwheat, lentils, apples, papaya, pomegranates, spices (esp ginger and black pepper)
Foods that can imbalance: Seafood, meat, cheese, wheat, tomatoes, sugar, maple syrup, oranges, coconut, potatoes, bananas ice cream, yogurt