Rooted in ancient Indian tradition, Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old health system concerned with balancing the mind, body and spirit, the Mayo Clinic states. Ayurvedic teachings include the concept of three distinct body types, known as "doshas," which describe mental and physical characteristics and help practitioners customize medical treatments. Individuals may exhibit a dominance of one Ayurvedic type, a combination of two or a balance of traits from all three.
Vata
As the Chopra Center explains, individuals with a "vata" Ayurvedic type tend to be physically slender, featuring dry skin and hair, sensitive digestion, a high degree of agility, fluctuating energy levels and cool hands and feet. Although this Ayurvedic type may be prone to bouts of anger, vata individuals are also highly forgiving, and display other positive qualities such as creativity, flexibility, conversational prowess and a love for new experiences.
When the elements of a vata person's life are out of balance, such as during periods of stress or overwork, this Ayurvedic type may experience undesirable symptoms including insomnia, arthritis, unwanted weight loss, hypertension, restlessness, anxiety and digestion-related problems, the Chopra Center states. In addition, those with a vata body type should get adequate rest, maintain a regular daily routine and consume warm, heavy foods and spices rather than cold or raw fare, according to Blue Lotus Ayurveda.
Pitta
Individuals with the "pitta" Ayurvedic type have medium-framed bodies, fine hair that may gray prematurely, fair or ruddy complexions and warm, sensitive skin, AyurBalance explains. Mental qualities of this Ayurvedic type include intelligence, ambition, self-confidence and determination, but an imbalanced lifestyle may lead to an overly critical attitude, impatience, argumentativeness, irritability and obsession--along with physical issues such as restless slumber, inflamed or acne-ridden skin, hair loss, heartburn and frequent thirst, AyurBalance describes.
To maintain good health and avoid unsavory symptoms, Blue Lotus Ayurveda advises pitta types to stay in cool environments, avoid hot foods and spices, limit exposure to steam or heat and reduce salt consumption.
Kapha
Blue Lotus Ayurveda describes the kapha body type as featuring a sturdy, muscular build with a tendency to carry extra weight or retain water. Other physical traits include thick hair and nails, strong teeth and cool, oily skin. Along with exhibiting a good memory and a pleasing tone of voice, kapha types tend to have a faithful and loving personality.
Individuals with this Ayurvedic type may be prone to weight-related ailments such as diabetes and obesity, along with suffering from headaches, congestion and lethargy, Blue Lotus Ayurveda explains. Thrifty by nature, the kapha type's interest in money can sometimes turn to greed and material possessiveness. People displaying kapha traits should regularly engage in physical activity, avoid monotonous lifestyles and routines, eat light meals, limit high-fat foods and iced beverages and refrain from napping during the daytime.
