The Doshas
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

As you read through these qualities, you may identify with a single dosha, finding a predominance as you examine the descriptions. More likely, you will recognize qualities from each constitution within yourself. Although we are made up of all three doshas, the goal is not to balance all three. You see, each of us has a distinct percentage of all three qualities, leading us to a dosha predominance in the body or mind. The goal is to maintain that balance with respect to your inherent constitution. If it is helpful for you to skip ahead and take the dosha quiz before learning about each constitution, go for it!

Keep in mind that we are offering general descriptions as the whole person does not fit into one simple box. Treatment of each individual is based on factors greater than the dosha, like environmental conditions, genetic predisposition, and health history.

To further complicate things, one may have different dosha predominance in the body than in the mind. While one’s physiological tendencies typically remain the same — your build and frame, for example — one’s emotional being will change throughout life.

To be totally honest, offering a more straightforward approach to vata, pitta, and kapha would likely sell much better than this. It is often more tempting to have someone tell you what you are and then hand you a blueprint for how to fix yourself. Instead, I am asking you to do the work. Learn about each of the qualities and how they apply to you. Start the journey of getting to know yourself. This approach may not work for everyone, but if you can follow it through, I believe you will be so much better off for it