What is a dosha and do I need one?

Perhaps you have heard your Yoga teacher mention a season by its dosha. Perhaps you have a friend who identifies strongly by their dosha after completing an online quiz. Either way, you’ve heard the words and you’re wondering what is a pitta and do I need one in my life?

The fault is in our stars

Firstly dosha does not mean constitution or type, the origin of the word is more like a ‘fault line’. Similarly to where the tectonic plates meet, during times of disturbance or movement, these fault lines are where things are going to move most or even come apart. During spring when Kapha is very obvious in nature with the increase of the water and earth elements, like increases like, and these elements increase in us too. For most of us early spring can mean a moist cough or runny nose but for those with a Kapha dosha they can be impacted noticeable in this season or always be prone to the symptoms of a Kapha imbalance every time they get run down. Our dosas may be obvious from our structure or body shape, but not always. It is not impossible for the data person, usually with a thin frame, to be carrying extra weight. Similarly it it plausible that a typically Kapha person may be thin framed after a bout of illness. In Ayurveda we consider doshas from two perspectives when assessing someones health. Firstly we can assess the vikruti or current state/balance-imbalance to begin to discover their prakruti which is your natural constitution. Liquorice powder candy canes liquorice topping. Bonbon macaroon chupa chups marshmallow icing cheesecake shortbread shortbread.

Dosha examples

Vata

Vata consists mostly of the two elements air and space (also known as ether) and is generally described as cold, light, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious. Autumn represents vata for its cool, crisp days.

Those with the vata dosha are usually described as slim, energetic, and creative. They’re known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. What’s more, their mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat

Balanced: learn quickly, highly creative, multitasker, kind-hearted, flexible, “on the go,” naturally slim

Unbalanced: forgetful, anxious, unstable mood, can get overwhelmed easily, highly sensitive to the cold, has trouble sleeping, irregular appetite and eating patterns, prone to digestive issues and gas, poor circulation (cold hands and feet)

According to Ayurveda, for optimal health, a vata-dominant person should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other calming activities, and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather and consuming warm foods and drinks

Kapha

Kapha (pronounced “kuffa”) is based on earth and water. It can be described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold, and soft. Spring is known as kapha season, as many parts of the world slowly exit hibernation.

People with this dosha are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring. They’re known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner

Balanced: empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints, healthy immune system

Unbalanced: prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, over-sleeping, breathing issues (i.e., asthma, allergies), higher risk of heart disease, mucus buildup, susceptible to depression, needs regular motivation and encouragement

For good health, a kapha-dominant person should focus on regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintain a warm body temperature (e.g., by sitting in a sauna or eating warm food), and establish a regular sleep routine

Pitta

Known for being associated with a tenacious personality, the pitta dosha is based on fire and water. It’s commonly described as hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid, and mobile. Summer is known as pitta season for its sunny, hot days.

People with pitta are said to usually have a muscular build, be very athletic, and serve as strong leaders. They’re highly motivated, goal-oriented, and competitive. Still, their aggressive and tenacious nature can be off-putting to some people, which can lead to conflict

Balanced: intelligent, purposeful, learns quickly, self-determined, masters skills easily, strong desire for success, strong, natural leaders, quick metabolism, good circulation, healthy skin and hair

Imbalanced: impatient, prone to conflict, always hungry, mood swings when hungry, prone to acne and inflammation, sensitive to hot temperatures

Those with a pitta-dominant dosha should focus on work-life balance and avoid extreme heat (e.g., weather, spicy food)

It's all about me!

If every one of these sounds a little bit like you, at different times and in different situations it’s an apt observation. Every person, every cell and every season has a combination of all three dosas, at all times! Different processes in the body are attributed to different doshas. The metabolism of your last meal, thanks Pitta. The food moving its way through your digestive system, Vata’s work. New tissue being formed from the nutrients of your food, Kapha.

If you’re beginning to feel like it sounds far more complex than a dosha quiz made it sound, it’s very true. Ayurveda is a beautifully complex and deep science, even after a few years of study one can feel like a beginner. While these quizzes can be interesting and fun, discovering your constitution and imbalances with the support and guidance of an Ayurvedic Wellness Coach or Practitioner can be invaluable for your health.