by Shailaja Tadikonda

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

Which ayurvedic body type are you?





Ayurveda is a science that takes care of your every realm - mental, physical and spiritual. What is good for one person isn't good always good for everyone. Ayurvedic philosophy says that we are each born with some of the characteristics of all three types, but in different proportions.

Healing in Ayurveda is carried out by first identifying your unique body type. Each body type combines in a special way the five elements of the universe (air, fire, water, earth, space). The 3 ayurvedic body types are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We are "in balance" when we are healthy, happy, and radiantly beautiful, expressing the ration of Kapha, Pitta and Vata elements set in us at birth.

Vata Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It's very important to keep Vata in good balance. The related elements are Air and Ether.

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata body type:

Creativity, mental quickness

Highly imaginative

Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget

Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated

Slenderness; lightest of the three body types

Talk and walk quickly

Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates

Excitable, lively, fun personality

Changeable moods Irregular daily routine

Variable appetite and digestive efficiency

High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert

Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance

Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance

Tendency to act on impulse

Often have racing, disjointed thoughts

Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much

Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, low back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dysfunctions and arthritis.

Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.



Pitta Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation.

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the

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