The secret to Ayurvedic wellness and healing is that it is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Taking into account the individual, the season, the geography, and so on, one must understand the specific nature of each person and situation.
There are primarily three kinds of body types in Indian Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Biological energies contained in the human body and mind are defined as doshas. They regulate the physical and mental processes and provide an individual blueprint for health and fulfillment for every living being. These doshas are derived from the five elements of nature and their associated characteristics, wherein Vata is composed of space & air, Kapha of fire & water and Pitta of earth & water.
The body’s dosha balance goes a long way to keeping you safe. If the proportion of doshas in your present state is similar to your birth constitution, according to Ayurveda, then you stay energetic and balanced. Any imbalance between these states or divergence will cause you to feel sick and unhealthy. Vikruti is the term used in Ayurveda to describe this imbalance or deviation away from the prakruti.
Since our doshas are most prone to imbalances, it is important to have a deeper understanding of what really constitutes them and what kind of dosha you belong to.
What is VATA Body Type?
The Vata dosha is derived from the elements of space and air and is considered to regulate all the biological activities of the body as the
energy of movement.
It is also known as the ‘king of doshas’ because it controls the greater life force of the body and gives motion to the other two Pitta and Kapha doshas.
People born with Vata dosha are usually active, imaginative and have the natural ability to do so.
They are also fast learners, have a vibrant and enjoyable personality and, when in harmony, are full of joy and enthusiasm. But when their Vata goes out of equilibrium, they begin to display tendencies to behave with fear, anxiety and worry on impulse, mood fluctuations and react to stress. Body disorders related to skin dryness, dry cough, constipation, low levels of Vata imbalance are also some of the common signs of Vata imbalance.
Physical Attributes
Vata body type individuals are normally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are smooth and there are usually noticeable veins and muscle tendons. Their coloring is typically brown to wheatish, and their skin remains dry, rough and cracked.
They may be too short or too tall, and on the slimmer side. Their prominent joints and bones are commonly evident because of poor muscle growth. Typically, their hair is curly and scanty and they have thin eyelashes. They have sunken eyes much of the time, hands and feet always stay cold, nails are rough and brittle while their nose is twisted and turned up in shape. They may have a disrupted sleep cycle and therefore sleep less than the other two forms of body.
Mental and Emotional Attributes
Vata individuals are distinguished mentally by short-term memory and yet have a fast mental comprehension and are thus able to rapidly and easily comprehend items. While they can quickly understand stuff, they also seem to forget it with equal pace. They have little or no force of will and have no patience, trust and boldness. Because of poor reasoning ability, people belonging to Vata type are usually nervous, fearful and easily anxious.
What is PITTA Body Type?
The control of digestion and metabolism in the body is Pitta dosha. It acts by substances such as organic acids, hormones, enzymes, and bile carriers. The small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood and eyes are the primary location of the Pitta in the body. It is known to provide the body with heat and energy by breaking down complex food molecules and controlling all processes related to conversion and transformation throughout the mind and body.
People of the Pitta type are generally intelligent people and are controlled by feelings of joy, willpower, bravery, indignation, envy and mental perception.
Physical Attributes
Pitta body type individuals are usually average in height and have a delicate and slender body frame. Their muscle growth is mild and they usually have a fair or reddish complexion. They are blessed with smooth skin, hair is normally silky but more on the thinner side and may have a tendency to grey prematurely. Their eyes typically vary in color from green, grey or copper brown and be of medium prominence.
Pitta individuals have a powerful metabolism and good digestion, resulting in a strong appetite for them. They have a natural craving for both sweet and bitter food products and can take in large amounts of food and liquids.
Mental and Emotional Attributes
People with a pitta type of body have a sharp mind with excellent powers of focus. They seem to grasp situations quickly and respond with agility. They are known to be good orators and have good management and leadership skills in general. By default, they are typically competitive and enjoy challenges.
What is KAPHA Body Type?
Kapha dosha is the building and lubrication energy that provides the body with all its parts in physical shape, structure and smooth functioning. The chest, throat, lungs, head, fatty tissues, connective tissues, ligaments and tendons are the main locations of Kapha in the body. This helps to lubricate the joints, to store energy and to give the tissues bulk.
In nature, Kapha individuals are generally caring, easy going, comfortable and slow-paced. They are individuals with kindness and non-judgment and have a graceful look. They don’t get upset easily and are considered by default to be possessive and so hang on for a long period of time to things and people. They are generally good in terms of money and have a good amount of wealth.
Physical Attributes
Kapha individuals usually form well-developed bodies, but they also tend to carry excess weight. Due to thick layers of skin and good muscle development, their chests are expanded and veins and tendons are not visible. They usually have a fair complexion and have skin that is lustrous and oily. Their hair is thick, dark and wavy, and their eyes are also dense, wide and black.
They have a normal appetite, but they tend to consume less food due to slow digestion.
Mental and Emotional Attributes
People with a Kapha mind set are generally cool and are not easily aggravated. They are of a gentle and forgiving sort, and believe in preserving harmony in their world. They do, however, show characteristics of greed, attachment, jealousy and possessiveness. Although they are slow at comprehending information, once processed in their mind, they can retain it well for a longer period of time.
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