The Doshas
The Doshas – Essential Dynamic Forces of Nature
This list is not intended to determine your Prakriti (original Dosha or body/mind type) or Vikriti (current Doshic state or influence) rather, it is offered to give you a better understanding of the basic principles of the Doshas according to Ayurveda. Each column lists the tendencies of the Dosha, describing physical structure and features, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, as well as, mental and emotional inclinations. It is common to find that you posses the traits of more than one Dosha, in fact, all three Doshas are present, but there will be one or two that are dominate.
|
VATA – Air & Space |
PITTA – Fire & Water |
KAPHA – Earth & Water |
| Very tall or very short – thin, lanky or underdeveloped – doesn’t gain weight easily | Medium height – symmetrical, balanced or well developed – can gain or lose weight easily | Tall and stocky or short and compact – large bones, solid build – gains weight easily, difficult to lose |
| Small, thin or long facial features | Medium or proportionate facial features | Large or broad facial features |
| Small, unsteady or active eyes | Medium, sparkling or intense eyes | Large, round, pleasant eyes |
| Dry, thin, course, or tight curly hair | Fine, straight, or silky hair – early graying or balding | Thick, wavy, oily, shiny or abundant hair |
| Irregular, prominent, stiff, or cracking joints | Medium, loose, flexible, or toned joints | Round, fleshy, well-knit, padded, lubricated joints |
| Thin, dry, rough, or fine pored, skin that rarely burns | Moderately oily, soft, or fair skin that easily burns – prone to freckles, moles, or rashes | Oily, moist, smooth, pale, soft, thick skin that tans gradually – prone to large or congested pores |
| Cold hands and feet – poor circulation | Warm hands and feet – good circulation | Cool or moist hands and feet – moderate circulation |
| Irregular eating or sleeping habits | Regular eating or sleeping habits | Over eating or sleeping too long |
| Variable appetite or thirst – dizzy or weak between meals | Strong appetite or thirst – irritable when hungry | Stable appetite or thirst – prone to emotional eating |
| Irregular digestion – difficulty with large meals – fast metabolism | Good digestion – can eat large quantities – strong metabolism | Slow but regular digestion – heavy feeling after eating |
| Irregular elimination – may have gas or constipation | Regular or frequent elimination – may have diarrhea | Slow but regular elimination |
| Energy fluctuates or comes in bursts – low endurance | Moderate and focused energy – moderate endurance | Low energy or slow, consistent pace – high endurance |
| Low resistance to illness | Moderate resistance to illness | Strong resistance to illness |
| Prefers change and movement – dislikes routine – restless | Likes to plan – will make logical and rational changes – purposeful | Likes simplicity and routine – resists change – attached |
| Quick to memorize, but absentminded | Sharp memory – focused mind | Slow to memorize, but once retained never forget |
| Difficulty making decisions or staying focused | Makes decisions easily- sees things clearly | Takes time making decisions – gathers details – stays with decision |
| Talkative or talks quickly – high pitch or irregular speech patterns -change subject often | Talks in a concise and orderly manner – fluid speech – may be impatient or cutting | Talks slowly and conservatively – even pitch or melodious speech |
| Enthusiastic, lively, flexible, active or quick | Competitive, alert, precise, or orderly | Stable, calm, patient, relaxed or composed |
| Imaginative, creative or inventive | Efficient, organized or accurate | Detailed, methodical or conservative |
| Sensitive, anxious, nervous, worried, fretful or fearful | Strong willed, irritable, frustrated, resentful, impatient or angry | Attached, cautious, lethargic, in denial, depressed, or greedy |
| Prefers large gatherings, know a lot of people, few close friends | Prefers small gatherings, selective but close friendships | Prefers time alone, loyal friendships |
| Spends impulsively, money is to be used | Plans spending, money is for achieving purpose | Spends reluctantly, money is to saved for unknown |
| Difficulty falling asleep or having a sound night’s sleep – tired upon waking | Fall asleep easily and sleep soundly - awaken well rested | Fall asleep quickly and sleep heavy and long – wake up slowly but rested |
| Prefers a tropical climate – dislikes dry, cold and windy weather | Prefers a cool and dry climate – dislikes hot, humid and sunny weather | Prefers a dry and warm climate -dislikes wet, cold, and cloudy weather |
