What Ayurveda says
Āyurveda — literally āyus (life) and veda (knowledge) — is the traditional system of healing native to the Indian subcontinent. It views health as a dynamic equilibrium between body, mind, senses and spirit. The Tridoṣha framework describes three biological forces formed from the five great elements (pañca‑mahābhūta): Vāta from Ākāśa + Vāyu (Air & Space), Pitta from Tejas + Jala (Fire & Water), and Kapha from Pṛthvī + Jala (Earth & Water). Knowing your blend (prakṛti) is the starting point for understanding diet, lifestyle and herbal support.
Possible dosha pattern
Most people are a blend of two dominant doṣhas (dvandvaja prakṛti). Vāta governs movement, breath, nerve impulse and elimination — dry, light, cold, mobile. Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, vision and intellect — hot, sharp, light, slightly oily. Kapha governs structure, lubrication, immunity and endurance — heavy, cool, moist, stable.
Foods to favour
- ·Vāta: warm cooked food with ghee, soups, stews, root vegetables, soaked nuts
- ·Pitta: cool sweet foods, leafy greens, cucumber, coconut, basmati rice, mung dal
- ·Kapha: light warm dry foods, barley, millet, beans, leafy greens, warming spices
Foods to reduce
- ·Vāta: cold raw salads, iced drinks, dry crackers, popcorn, excess caffeine
- ·Pitta: spicy, sour, salty, fried foods — chilli, vinegar, tomatoes, alcohol, coffee
- ·Kapha: heavy oily cold sweet foods — dairy, wheat, sugar, fried foods, bananas
Daily routine
- ·Wake and sleep at the same time daily
- ·Warm oil self-massage (abhyanga) 3–4× a week
- ·Eat your main meal at midday when agni is strongest
- ·Gentle exercise matched to your constitution — yoga, walking, swimming
Herbs (with cautions)
- AshwagandhaFull guide →
Vāta rasayana — grounds, strengthens, supports sleep
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, active Pitta heat
- AmalakiFull guide →
Tridoshic rasayana — cooling, supports digestion and immunity
Caution: Avoid in active diarrhoea; pause before surgery
- TriphalaFull guide →
Gentle bowel and tissue rasayana for all three doshas
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy and active diarrhoea
When to see a doctor
This information is for self-study only and is not a diagnostic tool. For a true constitution assessment, see a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who uses pulse, tongue and clinical history. Always consult your GP for medical concerns.
A note on the chart
The reference chart below is a simplified, modern educational summary inspired by classical descriptions in the Caraka Saṃhitā and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam. Most people are a blend of two dominant doṣhas (dvandvaja prakṛti). A trait you "fit" in one column does not assign you to that doṣha — only a qualified practitioner using pulse, tongue and history can determine constitution.
Vāta
Ākāśa + Vāyu · Air & Space
Dry, light, cold, mobile, subtle. Governs movement, breath, nerve impulse and elimination.
Pitta
Tejas + Jala · Fire & Water
Hot, sharp, light, slightly oily. Governs digestion, metabolism, vision and intellect.
Kapha
Pṛthvī + Jala · Earth & Water
Heavy, cool, moist, stable. Governs structure, lubrication, immunity and endurance.
| Aspect | Trait | Vāta · वात | Pitta · पित्त | Kapha · कफ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| शारीरिक लक्षणGeneral appearance | ||||
| General appearance | Face | Thin, long or bony | Medium, well-defined | Large, round, soft |
| Chest | Flat, narrow | Medium | Rounded, broad | |
| Eyes | Small, dry, restless | Sharp, penetrating | Large, calm, moist | |
| Nose | Long, uneven | Even, slightly pointed | Wide, rounded | |
| Tongue | Thin, dry, pointed | Medium, reddish, shiny | Thick, pale, coated | |
| Ears | Small or large, dry | Medium, soft | Thick, fleshy | |
| Eyebrows | Thin, irregular | Medium, neat arch | Thick, full | |
| Eye colour | Grey, brown, muddy | Hazel, green, sharp | Clear blue or brown | |
| Chin | Pointed, sharp | Symmetrical | Rounded, double | |
| Teeth | Crooked, brittle | Small, yellowish | Large, white, even | |
| Facial hair | Sparse, dry | Fine, scant | Thick, dark | |
| Facial skin | Dry, thin, cool | Warm, oily, reddish | Cool, moist, smooth | |
| Lips | Thin, dry, cracked | Medium, reddish | Full, smooth | |
| Shape of face | Long, angular | Heart-shaped | Rounded, soft | |
| शरीर क्रियाPhysiological makeup | ||||
| Physiological makeup | Appetite | Irregular, variable | Strong, sharp | Steady but slow |
| Digestion | Quick, gassy | Quick, sometimes acidic | Slow, can form āma | |
| Metabolism | Variable, poor absorption | Fast, absorbs well | Slow, absorbs well | |
| Elimination | Dry, irregular | Loose, frequent | Regular, bulky | |
| Menses | Irregular, scanty | Regular, intense | Regular, long cycle | |
| Blood flow | Light, short period | Heavy, 5 days | Heavy, 5–7 days | |
| PMT | Anxious, weepy | Irritable, hot | Heavy, lethargic | |
| Fertility | Lower | Average | High | |
| Libido | Variable, quick | Focused, intense | Steady, enduring | |
| मानसिक प्रकृतिMental aspect | ||||
| Mental aspect | Mind | Quick, imaginative | Focused, productive | Slow, steady |
| Memory | Quick to learn, quick to forget | Sharp, accurate | Slow to learn, long retention | |
| Stress response | Anxious, scattered | Irritable, intense | Calm, withdrawn | |
| Tolerance | Impatient | Intolerant of delay | Patient, tolerant | |
| Intelligence | Creative, moderate recall | Analytical, sharp | Deep, steady | |
| भावनात्मक स्थितिEmotional state | ||||
| Emotional state | Tendency | Anxiety | Anger | Inertia |
| Creativity | Highly creative | Focused execution | Long-term planning | |
| Memory of feelings | Forgetful | Alert | Long, strong | |
| Organisation | Scattered | Organised | Methodical | |
| Self-image | Insecure | Competitive | Relaxed | |
| Under pressure | Panicky | Agitated | Calm | |
| Pain | Low tolerance | Moderate tolerance | High threshold | |
| Social | Open, talkative | Selective, private | Reserved, loyal | |
| Will power | Variable | Strong, driven | Very strong, steady | |