Exploring the doshas
Learn more about Vata, Pitta, Kapha; their qualities; how they show when balanced or imbalanced; and how to restore balance to your unique mind-body type.
DISCOVER YOUR DOSHAYour unique mind-body type
According to Ayurveda, we are all made up of nature's five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (or Space).
These elements combine to create “doshas” or dynamic forces known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are similar to body types as we understand in the West but so much more.
- Vata is the combination of Ether (or Space) and Air
- Pitta is the combination of Fire and Water
- Kapha is the combination of Earth and Water
While we each have all of the doshas within us, we tend to have one or two that dominate our constitution creating our unique mind-body type. For example; Vata-Pitta or Vata-Kapha.
Your Results
Once you have completed the mind-body type survey, you will have gained insights as to your dosha according to Ayurveda.
From your results you might have discovered that you have one dosha that clearly dominates your constitution, in which case you are Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Many people discover that they have two doshas that are prevalent in which case you are bi-doshic – Vata/ Pitta, Vata/ Kapha or Pitta/Kapha. Occasionally, the results show equal amounts of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in which case you are tri-doshic. While this is possible, it is very rare.
Just as different types of plants require different types of care to flourish, so too your mind-body type can flourish or flounder depending on many different factors such as lifestyle, diet, environment, stress and so on.
The important thing to keep in mind is that the aim of Ayurveda is not to have equal amounts of each doshas, but rather to be balanced in your own nature. The Sanskrit word Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.” And by this, we really mean knowing how to create balance and harmony within ourselves so that we can live our best possible life.
Below you can find more information about each dosha, including their qualities, how they show up when they are balanced and imbalanced.
You can also find tips to help you maintain or restore balance based on your unique mind-body type.
Vata Dosha
Vata is the principle of movement. Its qualities are cold, light, dry, changeable, irregular, rough and quick.
When in balance, Vata types are energetic, creative, adaptable and sociable people. They welcome new experiences, resist routine but show initiative.
When out of balance Vata types tend towards mental agitation, anxiety, worry, inconsistency, insomnia, delicate digestion and constipation.
Here are some tips to help balance your Vata:
- Favour sweet, salty, slightly spicy and sour tastes
- Eat at least 3 meals a day – favouring warm, cooked, easy to digest foods
- Create a grounding, consistent routine so you don’t get carried away in the ethers
- Avoid cold, windy weather and excess stimulation
- Practice slow yoga and meditation to ease the nervous system
- Try our Vata Balancing Tea
Pitta Dosha
Pitta is the principle of transformation. Its qualities are hot, light, penetrating, intense, pungent, sharp and acidic.
In balance, Pitta types are passionate, bright, warm, precise, courageous, discriminating, good decision-makers and leaders.
Out of Balance, Pitta types tend towards anger, irritability, being excessively critical or harsh, judgmental, aggressive or intimidating.
Here are some tips to help balance your Pitta:
- Favour sweet, bitter and astringent tastes
- Eat cooler foods and liquids – Pittas have a stronger digestive fire and can digest heavier meals and raw foods
- Avoid coffee, alcohol, spicy, acidic and salty foods
- Practice moderate exercise and movement that is more self reflective and soothing
- Meditate to cultivate calm and inner harmony
- Try our Pitta Balancing Tea
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is the principle of nourishment. Its qualities are cold, heavy, solid, stable, smooth, slow and steady.
In balance, Kapha types are easy-going, patient, thoughtful, stable, content, loving, supportive, consistent and loyal.
Out of balance Kapha types tend towards dullness, inertia, being needy, attached, congested, overweight or lazy.
Here are some tips to help balance your Kapha:
- Favour spicy, bitter and astringent tastes
- Eat small portions of light, dry, warm foods
- Limit dairy products, dried fruits, nuts and salt
- Stay warm and avoiding cold, damp conditions
- Practice stimulating exercise or movement such as cardio, yoga flow
- Meditate to refresh your mind and awaken new possibilities
- Try our Kapha Balancing Tea
SHOP
View our collection of organic, handcrafted, herbal tea blends and Ayurveda lifestyle products to help balance your dosha and restore harmony to your body, mind and life.
discover your dosha
Find out your unique mind-body type and how to restore balance and harmony to your body, mind and life
TAKE THE SURVEYAyurveda Consultations
Meet with our Ayurveda Doctor face-to-face or online for a comprehensive assessment using traditional techniques such as pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, eye diagnosis, face, lips and nails examination to confirm your dosha (mind-body type), any current imbalances and develop a personalised wellbeing plan.
Based on the findings you will be given an individualised plan to follow which may include a number of approaches to restore balance and harmony to your body, mind and life such as:
- Nutritional suggestions
- Daily routines and lifestyle practices in accordance with the season
- Yoga, meditation and breathing practices
- Therapeutic treatments
- Herbs and herbal oils
- Cleansing techniques and detoxification
