What knowing your DOSHA might help you understand.

An Introduction to Your Mind-Body Type

Could learning a little Ayurvedic tradition guide you to a better life? Is it possible that a pearl of ancient wisdom has enough merit to make a difference in our modern world lifestyle? Perhaps learning HOW we interact with the elements might hold the key.

The 3 Doshas Elements and Attributes

The Ayurvedic Institute explains this way: “We know that fire is hot and that water and earth are cold. It is these ELEMENTS that act upon us. The way we each experience these elements is unique to each of us.” These earth elements are labeled attributes. They are air, water, fire, earth, and ether. They are described as “states of matter.”

Simply put, the quality of the aforementioned states of matter.” is experienced differently by each your Dosha or type. These three main types are called Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. These mind-body types or Doshas possess unique emotional as well as physical characteristics.

Ancient Wisdom

This 5-6,000- year-old practice of Doshas is still practiced in India but is becoming a tool for people today who want to gain knowledge and insight into HOW they should be living their lives. There is much to learn from age-old practices. From the foods that should be eaten for your best energy to how to obtain your highest level of personal enlightenment. All of these might be clues that lie in your mind-body type.

The wisdom lies in knowing what elements a substance is made of. It is in this way that we can understand the effect it produces. The effects ARE the attributes. The message is that we can optimize our health by knowing how we respond to these elements.



The Vata dosha governs your heartbeat, breathing and all movement which would include bodily functions. The elements represented are air and ether. In Hindu philosophy, Prana or life force comes into the body with each breath, the food we eat, and from the earth and ethers. Deep breathing is important for everyone but especially important for the Vata type. This air and ether are related to as ‘wind.”

When a Vata type is in balance they are creative, adaptive and full of vitality. Energy bursts are not uncommon. Movement helps them to stay in balance and tend to be slim and slender. There is also an appreciation and affinity for warmer climates. This type really does not like the cold. Vatas frequently have cold hands and feet as well as dryer hair or skin. You might also notice the Vata dosha when agitated, is much like a hurricane. A good example of the air/wind that it represents.

When not in balance the Vata type can easily be anxious and fearful. To stay in balance the Vata type must breathe, minimize stress and find something that fuels their creativity. Movement and change are part of the nature of your type. An imbalanced Vata dosha may find themselves with digestive challenges or weight loss. You will find an ULTIMATE GUIDE for Vata here.


Pitta represents the elements of fire and water. They have a fiery nature. in both body and mind. If you add fire to water is easy to understand that the Pitta type means “that which cooks.”

Pitta controls metabolism, body temperature, nutrition, and digestion. A Pitta type also typically has an athletic nature with a sturdy frame and medium build. The governing organs of the Pitta body are the small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood, eyes, and sweat.  The Pitta dosha nature is quite intense. Most Pitta types are sound sleepers and have a strong sex drive.

Speaking of digestion, you might find a Pitta gravitating toward hot spicy foods akin to their nature. This can lead to an imbalance and too much heat. Cooling foods are a fast fix. You see many Pitta types as entrepreneurs. And don’t expect a Pitta to give it to you gently. They will eagerly speak their mind. These traits when imbalanced can cause them to be a little overbearing or demanding.

Mostly, you will find the Pitta dosha to have great intellect and a buoyant personality. If they are not balanced, they will make your life miserable. You will be showered by bitterness and rage.

Learn more here about Pitta.


The elements of earth and water describe the Kapha dosha. Kapha is the representation of everything that is dense in the body such as bones, teeth, and muscles. Kapha means “that which sticks” and makes sense considering that our bones and other connective tissue are what hold us together.

Kapha is typically a very grounding and nurturing soul if you find them in balance. Love and compassion are the strong suits of Kapha. They like the lighter side of life and enjoy frequent relaxation breaks. You will find this much more opposite than the other two doshas which like to go, go, go.

Kapha is the dosha that is most affected by digestion issues if they are not careful with what they eat. Especially too much salt. They don’t really DO stress. But when not balanced it can become a bit stagnant or even lazy. When this happens it is similar to a swollen, boggy swamp. Sluggishness and depression occur. Kapha types like to have a routine to follow and that routine does not need to include excitement. Kaphas are ok with that.

To learn more about which dosha you might be (or a mix of ), you can take the quiz below.

Dosha Quiz link HERE.

Chart courtesy of FABIO De GIOVANNI