What Are The Doshas?
Have you ever wondered why sometimes you feel hot when everyone else feels cold? Or have you ever wondered why you can’t seem to sit still and relax like others around you? How some thrive in structure, and others in spontaneity?
In the science of Ayurveda (India’s ancient teachings of holistic health) these differences are explained through something known as The Three Doshas. Everyone is said to be dominant in at least one of the doshas which can explain their natural behaviours. Learning about these can help you find alignment, by nourishing your existing traits and learning to balance the new.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that everything on this earth is made from the five elements (fire, water, air, ether and earth). And these five elements combine to create the three doshas or “mind-body” energy types. The three doshas are:
Vata = Air + Ether
Pitta = Fire + Water
Kapha = Earth + Water
Each of us can tap into all of these energies but we often are stuck in one more than the others. These doshas affect our mindset, body type, health issues, energy, and our emotional patterns. Therefore if we learn about the doshas, we can start to understand how to nourish our body in accordance to our energy type, choose the best type of movement for our bodies, learn how to find balance in our different phases, and prevent burnout. Think of the doshas like a map to help you find your way back to a natural state of harmony.
Lets delve into each dosha…
1) Vata Dosha
Vata is the dosha typically found in the dreamers and creators. It’s light, quick, and always moving.
When balanced: A person with a vata dosha is creative, inviting, bubbly, spiritually aware and embraces change.
When imbalanced: Anxious and forgetful. Can suffer with dry skin, bloating and maybe insomnia.
What it needs: Warm and grounding foods (complex carbs, soups) calming routines (regular baths, meditation) and a regular sleep schedule.
What yoga suits them best: Restorative and slow flow
2) Pitta Dosha
Pitta dosha is found in those fiery and ambitious achievers. The go-getters and born-to-be leaders.
When balanced: A person is determined and focused. Warm hearted, courages and radiant.
When imbalanced: Highly irratable person, overly critical. They may suffer from inflammation diseases (rashes, heart burn etc)
What it needs: Foods that will cool the energy down (hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumber) time outdoors surrounded by nature, gentle movement and ample rest from the intensity of their lives.
What yoga suits them best: Gentle Hatha, cooling pranayamas
3. Kapha Dosha
Often the dosha associated with the easy going, cozy and calm type of people.
When balanced: These people are loyal, calm, compassionate and very emotionally strong
When imbalanced: These people may feel sluggish, struggle to shift weight, may suffer from depression or over-attachment.
What it needs: More stimulation through movement, creative outlets, new social experiences. Opt for lighter foods (fresh leafy greens, fresh fish - less potatoes/other grounding foods).
What yoga suits them best: Vinyasa flows, energising pranayamas, Bikram yoga.
How to find out your Dosha?
Answer the following 10 questions, whichever letter is the most frequent - is probably your dominant dosha.
A = Vata B = Pitta C = Kapha
1. My body type is:
A. Thin, lanky, or small-boned
B. Medium build, athletic
C. Curvy, solid, or sturdy
2. My skin tends to be:
A. Dry, rough, or sensitive
B. Warm, oily, prone to breakouts
C. Smooth, moist, thick
3. My energy is usually:
A. Up and down, bursts of energy
B. Strong and focused
C. Steady but slow to get going
4. Under stress, I tend to feel:
A. Anxious or overwhelmed
B. Irritated or frustrated
C. Withdrawn or low
5. My digestion is:
A. Irregular or sensitive
B. Strong and quick
C. Slow or sluggish
6. When it comes to sleep:
A. I have trouble falling or staying asleep
B. I sleep well and wake up easily
C. I love long, deep sleeps and naps
7. My mind is:
A. Creative, quick, full of ideas
B. Sharp, goal-oriented, analytical
C. Calm, steady, or nostalgic
8. My ideal climate is:
A. Warm and humid
B. Cool and refreshing
C. Warm and dry
9. Emotionally, I am:
A. Sensitive and expressive
B. Passionate and intense
C. Loving and loyal
10. I crave foods that are:
A. Warm, grounding, oily
B. Cool, calming, sweet
C. Light, spicy, or dry
Final Thoughts🩷
Understanding your dosha can be a great tool to help you find balance in your daily life. However, we don’t all fit into a set box - you may feel connected to more than one or maybe none at all. You are a dynamic, changing being. The goal of this Ayurvedic quiz is not to label you, but to help you find a state of equilibrium.
