Based on science and deep rooted knowledge, Ayurveda has developed a category system for each individual based on three main principles known as doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha .
These three doshas are based on the five great elements which are regarded as one of the most significant principles in Ayurveda. They are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (space).
These three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, can be related to or translated as Air (Ether as the secondary element), Fire (water as the secondary element) and Water (Earth as the secondary element) respectively.
According to Ayurveda, there are seven main constitution types composed of one or more dosha.
1. Vata (mono types)
2. Pitta (mono types)
3. Kapha (mono types)
4. Vata-Pitta (dual types)
5. Pitta-Kapha (dual types)
6. Kapha-Vata (dual types)
7. Vata-Pitta-Kapha (triple types)
All three doshas are present in each person at all times, but their proportion varies for each individual. Once you have completed the simplified dosha test you will know your primary dosha type.
It is then important to read about the specific diet related to your dosha type and follow the guidelines and recommended foods – all of which is described in my book Ayurvedic Diet Secrets.
Just important as diet is practicing lifestyle activities that is best for your constitution such as yoga for your dosha and Ayurvedic yoga therapy.
Balancing your dosha type does not mean you should try to have equal amounts of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Rather it means maintaining the proper balance of doshas that you were conceived and born with, which is called your vikruti.
As a result, balancing your doshas often requires pacifying or decreasing a dosha that you have acquired in excess.
Although a person can be deficient of a dosha, this is only really happens on rare occasions when one has a severe disease, often in the later stages, such as cancer. In such cases one may have to increase a particular dosha to come back into balance.
No matter what your constitution is, any of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) can get out of balance and cause disease if left untreated.
The most common way for an imbalance to occur is to have one or more dosha increase due to poor eating habits, bad diet, undesirable activities and environmental, emotional, mental or physical stress.
Thus , it is important to understand this ancient Indian science of Ayurveda and apply it to your daily routine. There are many more in depth Ayurveda courses and trainings you can take to get a deeper understanding of this.