Not everyone is created equal. You read that right.
If you are familiar with the foundations of Ayurveda (read on if you're not), you will know that there are 3 "doshas" or body types (broadly) that manifest in each and every person. In other words, based on certain physiological traits, you will be classified into having one or more (out of 3) dominant body types. These are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Ayurvedic medicine is based on the idea that the world is made up of five elements — aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air). Different degrees of combinations of these elements in our body is what causes us to be dominant in any of the doshas.
Depending on what dosha is dominant in you, Ayurveda prescribes a very detailed and structured suggestion on what is best for your body - the foods that will suit you, the treatments that will be effective for you etc. I want to make an important point here that it's not that you will belong to only one dosha. All 3 doshas reside in every person. However, some are dormant while others are dominant. This is what will determine the effectiveness of many treatments in Ayurveda.
Here is a quick guide to help you (sorta) locate your dosha dominance:
(To get a more informed and accurate analysis, please contact an Ayurvedic practitioner)
Vata
Vata consists mostly of the two elements air and space (also known as ether) and is generally described as cold, light, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious. Autumn represents Vata for its cool, crisp days.
Those with the vata dosha are usually described as slim, energetic, and creative. They’re known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. Even their mood is said to be highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat.
Strengths: quick learners, highly creative, multitaskers, kind-hearted, flexible, “on the go,” naturally slim
Weaknesses: forgetful, anxious, unstable mood, can get overwhelmed easily, highly sensitive to the cold, has trouble sleeping, irregular appetite and eating patterns, prone to digestive issues and gas, poor circulation (cold hands and feet).
According to Ayurveda, for optimal health, a vata-dominant person should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other calming activities, and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather and consuming warm foods and drinks
Massage:
For a carrier oil choose sesame or almond oil.
Earthy: cinnamon, fennel seed, ginger
Warming: orange or citrus
Calming: lavender, ylang ylang, vanilla.
Pitta
Known for being associated with a tenacious personality, the pitta dosha is based on fire and water. It’s commonly described as hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid, and mobile. Summer is known as pitta season for its sunny, hot days.
People with pitta are said to usually have a muscular build, be very athletic, and serve as strong leaders. They’re highly motivated, goal-oriented, and competitive. Still, their aggressive and tenacious nature can be off-putting to some people, which can lead to conflict.
Strengths: intelligent, purposeful, learns quickly, self-determined, masters skills easily, strong desire for success, strong, natural leaders, quick metabolism, good circulation, healthy skin and hair
Weaknesses: impatient, prone to conflict, always hungry, mood swings when hungry, prone to acne and inflammation, sensitive to hot temperatures
Those with a pitta-dominant dosha should focus on work-life balance and avoid extreme heat (e.g., weather, spicy food).
Massage:
Pittas may have sensitive skin so choose a light carrier oil like coconut or sunflower
Calming + Cooling: lavender, peppermint, vetiver, sandalwood
Flowery + Sweet: rose, jasmine, honeysuckle or any floral
Kapha
Kapha is based on earth and water. It can be described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold, and soft. Spring is known as kapha season, as many parts of the world slowly exit hibernation.
People with this dosha are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring. They’re known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner
Strengths: empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints, healthy immune system
Weaknesses: prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, over-sleeping, breathing issues (i.e., asthma, allergies), higher risk of heart disease, mucus buildup, susceptible to depression, needs regular motivation and encouragement
For good health, a kapha-dominant person should focus on regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintain a warm body temperature (e.g., by sitting in a sauna or eating warm food), and establish a regular sleep routine (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Massage:
Choose a light neutral oil for a carrier such as mustard, flaxseed, or sunflower oil.
Stimulating + Uplifting: grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary, sage
Strong: black pepper, cedar or pine, eucalyptus, camphor, musk, patchouli
So, I hope that has given you some useful information to help you determine your dosha dominance. If not, keep a log about your physiological conditions for a few days. Notice how your body usually reacts to the environment and to the food you put in to it. Be aware of your mood. You will start to notice things you never had and this may help you in determining your dosha.
Alright, so you've determined your dosha. Now what? Well, the "now what" can be a whole series of books. But to keep it simple and to give readers a starting point, I've already mentioned a few things you can do in the paragraphs above.
This is a very very short and summarised introduction to the vast topic of doshas. The intention is to get you familiar with what it means and to help you notice these physiological states within you.
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