the Doshas

Vata dosha
comes from space and air

Pitta Dosha
comes from fire and water

Kapha dosha
comes from water and earth

Vata

Vata Types. Physically, Vata-type individuals are usually thin and angular physiques, love to be on the move, and have curly or frizzy hair. They can be either taller or shorter than average. Their skin has a gray or bluish tone and can have lines around the eyes and mouth. Air people tend to forget things easily, though they are by nature bright and creative. Their flow of energy tends to be unsteady, and they often are attracted to stimulants such as sugar and caffeine, to maintain their energy.

Other qualities of Vata types

• Moves and performs activites quickly
• Aversion to cold temperature
• Quick to grasp new information, also quick to forget
• Tendency toward worry and nervousness
• Can experience constipation
• Light or interrupted sleep
• Irregular eating times and habits
• Talkative
• Enjoys being active but can tire easily

Kapha

Kapha Types. Physically, Kapha types tend to have larger and more solid physiques, sometimes with a tendency to be overweight. They often have big eyes and beautiful dark hair. Their skin is generally healthy, with rosy complexions and their teeth are white and straight. Thickly built, water types tend to have a steady supply of energy and an easy-going disposition. Because of a love of food and a tendency towards heaviness, water types benefit from eating lightly and getting plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, water types especially have an affinity for heavy and sweet foods like ice cream, breads and pasta. Kapha types also have a relative aversion to physical exertion, preferring to relax and enjoy life.

Other qualities of Kapha types

• Very muscular and broad
• Tendency towards obesity
• Slow and methodical in activities
• Slightly oily skin
• Needs more time to learn, but retains well
• Difficult to irritate, excite, or agitate
• Sleeps deeply and for long periods, if undisturbed
• Eats relatively small amounts of food

Pitta

Pitta Types. These individuals are attractive and have medium-sized physiques. Although a redhead definitely has Pitta characteristics, Pitta types may also have blond, light brown, or prematurely gray hair. Pitta types have oily skin and hair. Their skin may have a yellowish or reddish tint to it. Pitta people tend to be ambitious, driven people, comparable to stereotypical Type A personalities of Western psychologists. They tend to be intense and aggressive individuals who are naturally drawn to positions of leadership and responsibility. Indeed, fire types have an affinity for adversity and challenge and often seek it out. They may be prone to abuse alcohol, drugs, and hot spices in an unconscious effort to infuse their loves (and meals) with intensity and flavor

Other qualities of Pitta types

• Moderate physique
• Dislikes hot weather
• Experiences strong onset of hunger
• Cannot miss meals
• Tendency toward anger, irritability , and impatience
• Calm and reliable personality
• Hair is thick, dark and abundant