KNOW YOUR BODY
According to Ayurveda, each of us inherits a unique mix of three types of body-mind energies (doshas) which creates our specific physical and mental characteristics. Most of us have one or two doshas which are most dominant in our nature. The remaining one is less significant. These three doshas are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Using these Doshas of Ayurveda, we can identify our body-mind nature (Prakriti) and use this understanding to make the most suitable choices in our life in regard to Mind, Body, and General well-being. It is common for people to have a blend of characteristics and usually one dosha will be dominated.
Find your Body Type (Prakriti)
Take a pen and paper, and give one mark each for either Vata or Pitta or Kapha. In the end, total the score to find out which dosha is more dominant in your body and that’s your body type.
| Type | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| Body Frame | Thin – usually short or tall | medium | large, tall |
| Weight | low weight doesn’t gain weight | medium weight stay same | heavyweight |
| Eyes | small, dark eyes | Medium-sized, light eyes easily inflamed | large eyes with thick eyelashes soft, gentle gaze |
| Skin | dry, rough, cold cracks easily | moist, warm, pink prone to acne | soft, smooth, moist, cool |
| Complexion | Dark | flushed sunburn easily | pale |
| Hair | rough, dry, weary | thin, oily, light-colored, grey, bald premature | thick, wavy, oily |
| Eyebrow | thin, small | medium | thick, bushy |
| Nose | small, thin | medium, symmetrical | wide |
| Teeth | vary in size, crooked | medium | large white |
| Joints | stiff, tend to crack | loose, average size | large ,sturdy |
| Nails | thin, brittle | soft, pink | strong,thick,white, smooth |
| Muscles | thin, undeveloped | average size | large well developed |
| Urine | scant, colorless | profuse, yellow | moderate, milky |
| Menstrual | irregular, scanty | regular, bright colour | regular, pale colour |
| Stool | scanty, dry, hard, prone to gas & constipation | abundant, loose & soft | moderate dense with mucus |
| Appetite | Variable | strong | low |
| Dietary | likes to snack on dry, crunchy foods | like cold drinks & snack | like sweet and creamy |
| Thirst | Low | high | moderate |
| Digestion | prone to gas | good, strong, fast | slow, steady |
| Sweat | hardly sweat | profuse strong smelling | moderate |
| Circulation | poor cold hand &feet | good hot hand & feet | moderate temperature cool |
| Weather | like sun&warmth | cold weather | warm & windy |
| Sensitivity | cold, wind, dryness noise | heat, sunlight, light & colour | touch, old & dampness |
| Immunity | Low | moderate | strong |
| Physical Endurance | Low | moderate | strong |
| Sleep | Light | moderate | deep |
| Dreams | prone to nightmare | colorful, vivid passionate | rarely or uneventful |
| Movements | Quick | move with purpose & motivation | moves slowly & steadily, gracefully |
| Decision | changes mind quickly, indecisive & nervous | decisive & determine | changes mind & opinions slowly |
| Thoughts | creative, visionary ideas | logical, critical, idealistically | think slowly & methodical |
| Learning Ability | easily learn & forget easily, poor memory | easily with clear memory | learn slowly good long term memory |
| Professionally | Art | medicine, engineering | business |
| Mind | prone to anxiety, fear nervousness&worry | prone to irritability anger, aggression, jealousy | prone to depression lethargy, attachment |
| Attitude | lively, positive attitude | warm outgoing & confident | peaceful, happy & loving when in balance |
| Money | spends on trifles | earn but spends on luxury | can earn & save after motivation |
| Speech | quick speech talkative | Argumentative, confrontational,enjoy debate | talks slowly & deliberately |
| Travel | love travel | need beautiful environment | Domestic, spend more time in the home |
| Sensitivity | sensitive to sound | sensitive to visual stimuli |