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Tori the Yogi

3 Ayurveda Body Types Explained + Free Quiz

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Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic wellness sciences known to man and to this day remains the favored health practice for much of Eastern society. It’s founded in five elements – ether (space), air, water, earth, and fire – that combine in different ways to make up everything we know, including the Ayurveda Body Types otherwise known as Doshas.

While this is a different perspective than the western view of medicine, I was quite amazed at how applicable and accurate the results of my dosha quiz were. I think the special ingredient to Ayurvedic Doshas is the inclusion of mental, emotional, and personality traits in the classification of a body type. In modern medicine, cold and hard numbers such as BMI and weight are often used to describe a body type, but when you look further than simply aesthetics and physical qualities, I find the result is a better understanding of the individual and a more well-rounded body blueprint. There is no one size fits all solution in the science of Ayurveda and every individual is treated as a case by case basis. 

Take our Ayurveda Body Types Quiz and then continue reading for an in-depth explanation of your unique blueprint. Identifying your make-up is the first step in the holistic journey of Ayurveda that will encourage you to live a healthy & balanced life.

3 Ayurveda Body Types Explained: What’s your Dosha? (with free quiz)

What are the 3 Ayurveda Body Types?

The 3 Ayurveda Body Types are vata, pitta, and kapha. Body types are also known as Doshas and they each represent a union of 2 of the 5 elements and will manifest in people through different physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. A quick and simple guide is below:

  • Vata: the union of ether (space) and air
  • Pitta: the union of fire and water
  • Kapha: the union of water and earth
Ayurveda Elements: Ether, air, fire, water, earth

These 3 doshas exist in each and every one of us in different ratios and this unique combination creates our body blueprint. Understanding this blueprint is essential because it will serve as the basis for our health decisions such as daily routine, meal choices, eating habits, exercise habits, and more.

Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga and both philosophies are founded in balance and the union of the mind, body, and spirit.

When you understand the body and can make the correct decision for your health accordingly, you create an internal and external balance that will optimize not only physical well-being, but emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It can also help you identify the imbalances that currently exist in your life and offer solutions to ailments that manifest through this imbalance. A common example I like to give is acne which is characteristic of a pitta imbalance. Too much pitta can manifest as inflammation, and recognizing this can enable you to choose foods, exercises, etc. that reduce pitta and remedy acne. 

To find your unique dosha blueprint, take our Ayurveda Body Type Quiz and continue reading to learn about the various doshas that make you you!

 

What is the Vata body type?

Vata is the first of the Ayurveda Body Types and is the union of elements ether (space) and air. These elements in combination make for the characteristic of lightness that manifests as a thin, narrow frame. People whose primary dosha is vata often lose weight with ease and have bubbly, enthusiastic personalities.

Vata Dosha and Characteristics

Other physical appearances include the following:

  • Dry, rough, and thin skin
  • Dry or frizzy hair
  • Petite facial features

The Vata Dosha, where Ether meets Air

When in balance, vata body types will thrive and experience the following effects:

  • Enhanced creativity
  • Energy
  • Spontaneity 
  • Peace
  • Regular digestion

However when imbalanced, the following ailments may manifest:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Arthritis
  • Fatigue
  • Weight Loss
  • Irregular digestion and menstrual cycles

To best support the vata dosha, the following practices are recommended:

  • Waking up before 6am
  • Eating regularly
  • Consumption of grounding, warm, salty, sweet, sour and moist foods such as avocado, dairy products, oils, and cooked grains
  • Avoid drying, light, bitter, astringent and stimulating foods such as coffee, nicotine, alcohol, raw salads, popcorn, etc.
  • Low impact exercise like yoga, pilates, and walking

 

What is the Pitta body type?

Pitta is the union of elements fire and water. In combination, they typical manifestation includes a medium, muscular build. People whose primary dosha is pitta often maintain weight and live life with passion, but may struggle with quick tempers and irritation.

Pitta dosha and characteristics

Other physical appearances include the following:

  • Thin hair
  • Premature greying
  • Warm toned skin

The Pitta Dosha, where Fire meets Water

When in balance, Pitta body types will thrive and experience the following effects:

  • Gorgeous complexion
  • Efficient digestion
  • Strong appetite
  • Confidence

However when imbalanced, the following ailments may manifest:

  • Acne
  • Irritable bowels
  • Short temper
  • Hot flashes
  • Skin rashes and other irritation
  • Irregular digestion and menstrual cycles

To best support the Pitta dosha, the following practices are recommended:

  • Waking up before 6am
  • Consumption of light, cooling, bitter, sweet, and astringent foods such as cilantro, arugula, veggies, and fruits
  • Avoid salty, sour, warming and stimulating foods such as coffee, nicotine, alcohol, honey, hot soup, etc.
  • Eating frequently and avoiding hunger
  • Slow yoga, pilates, swimming, etc. 

 

What is the Kapha body type?

Kapha is the last of the Ayurveda Body Types and represents the union of elements water and earth. These two elements often manifest as stocky, sturdier builds . People whose primary dosha is Kapha often put on weight easy and are very laid back, calm individuals.

Kapha dosha and characteristics

Other physical appearances include the following:

  • Thick and smoothe skin
  • Thick and oily hair
  • Pale skin tones

The Kapha Dosha, where Water meets Earth

When in balance, Kapha body types will thrive and experience the following effects:

  • Gorgeous complexion
  • Efficient digestion
  • Healthy weights
  • Acceptance of others
  • Inner peace and patience
  • Excellent stamina

However when imbalanced, the following ailments may manifest:

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Stubbornness
  • Resistance to change
  • Irregular digestion and menstrual cycles

To best support the Kapha dosha, the following practices are recommended:

  • Waking up before 6am
  • Consumption of light, warming, bitter, pungent, and astringent foods such as cilantro, arugula, veggies, fruits, honey, spices, and herbs
  • Avoid heavy, sweet, salt and stimulating foods such as coffee, nicotine, alcohol, dairy, salty foods, oils, excessive fat, etc. 
  • Eating 3 small meals per day
  • High endurance exercise like running, HIIT, swimming, cycling, and yoga

 

What is My Ayurveda Body Type?

Understanding your unique dosha blueprint will help you lead a life of balance for the mind, body and soul. Depending on your unique ratio, you can incorporate the tips above in different proportions to support your dosha. If you haven’t already taken the Ayurveda Body Types quiz to find your Dosha, you can do so here! Comment below your quiz results and let me know what Ayurveda post you’d be interested in seeing next!

As always, thank you for supporting Tori the Yogi!

 

Namaste,

Tori

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xoxo Tori from Simpli Savory

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