Vata, Pitta and Kapha: Ayurveda Body Types

Vata, Pitta and Kapha: Ayurveda Body Types
Page content

Ayurveda Body Types

Ayurveda body types fall into three dosha categories: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each body type is expressive of its corresponding dosha’s general characteristics.

Vata body types generally symbolize Vata’s balance of air and ether. Vata body types are about expressiveness, quick movements and overall lightness.

Pitta has physical qualities that express Pitta’s dynamic interplay of fire and water. These body types are balanced with medium, symmetrical physiques.

Kapha conceptualizes the qualities of water and earth. Kapha body types are solid like the earth is solid.

Vata

Vata body type is expressive in its very bones and muscles. Thin and lanky, Vata types have prominent bones and tend to lose weight easier than they gain it. Visible muscles and general under-development characterize the Vata dosha. Vata tends to be cool and have dry skin. These qualities have repercussions throughout the Vata dosha system.

This is the crux of Ayurveda science. Physical stature cannot be separated from the individual’s mental life and one’s place in the grand scheme of the universe. Vata’s (and each) body type, as in a hall of mirrors, will relflect throughout the person’s experience and how others experience the predominantly Vata dosha person. For example, Vata dosha is not usually a creature of routine. Like the Vata whippet-like pysique, Vata mental powers are rapid and may be prone to be emotionally anxious. Others may experience a predominantly Vata dosha as the life of the party.

Pitta

The Pitta body type is characteristic of the Pitta dosha. Pitta bodies are neither too thin nor too heavy. This body type is representative of Pitta dosha. When fire and water are balanced throughout the mind-body, a stabilty results. The Pitta body type easily gains or loses weight because the hormonious Pitta decides to do so. Pitta tends toward warmth and ruddy complexion. Already warm, Pitta does not thrive in hot weather. Under pressure, Pitta’s strong physique is symptomatic of an equally strong and possibly opinionated will. Others can experience Pitta as opinionated and intractable.

Kapha

The Kapha body type is at the other end of the dosha stectrum from Vata. Stocky builds and a tendency to be over-weight, Kapha physical attributes reflect Kapha dosha. The Kapha body type resonates in how Kapha moves through the world. Their slow-moving, relaxed demeanor logically follows from the dosha’s solid body mass. People often experience Kapha dosha types as even-tempered and easy to be with.

However, with the innate slow-moving tendency, an unbalanced Kapha leads to sluggishness and sluggish mentality. Kapha’s balanced experience of the world is lost in apathy and undue sentimentality.

Comments

Ayurveda is a complex system for mind-body health. It is impossible to adequately synthesize even one aspect of Ayurveda without long-term and in-depth analysis and experience of Ayurveda doshas. If one recognizes one’s self in the general descriptions of Ayurveda body types, find an Ayurveda specialist. Begin to investigate the ancient Ayurveda mysteries.

Resources

https://doshaquiz.chopra.com/

https://www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda/ayv-basis-tri-dosha.htm

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.

This post is part of the series: Ayurveda

This five-part series is a survey of the basic philosophy, science and elements of Ayurveda healing. The series defines Ayurveda, explains the Ayurveda body types (doshas) and gives details about Ayurveda eating.

  1. Ayurveda Body Types