Vitamin G

The 3 Major Body Types—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—Explained. Which Are You?

Ayurveda, a thousands-of-year-old Indian scientific and medicinal practice, is based on the belief that health hinges on striking the perfect balance between mind, body, and spirit. Within this are three doshas, or constitutions—specific mind-body types that are based upon five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). So what does that mean for you? According to the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, here are some of the characteristics that may help define you: Vata: Usually light in frame, these types have lots of energy, pulsed with sudden periods of fatigue. Often with dry skin and hair, paired with cold hands and feet, vatas tend to sleep lightly and wake easily. When imbalanced, this body type can manifest in weight loss, weakness, hypertension, and restlessness. Pitta: Usually of average size and weight, pittas also often have great digestion, lots of energy, and a great appetite. But, when out of balance, pittas may also deal with rashes, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion. Kapha: These types often have a strong build and bright skin; they sleep and eat well. But, when imbalanced, kaphas can lean toward bloating, weight gain, fluid retention, allergies, and depression. And all of this is just the

Ayurveda, a thousands-of-year-old Indian scientific and medicinal practice, is based on the belief that health hinges on striking the perfect balance between mind, body, and spirit. Within this are three doshas, or constitutions—specific mind-body types that are based upon five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). So what does that mean for you? According to the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, here are some of the characteristics that may help define you:

Vata: Usually light in frame, these types have lots of energy, pulsed with sudden periods of fatigue. Often with dry skin and hair, paired with cold hands and feet, vatas tend to sleep lightly and wake easily. When imbalanced, this body type can manifest in weight loss, weakness, hypertension, and restlessness.

__Pitta:__Usually of average size and weight, pittas also often have great digestion, lots of energy, and a great appetite. But, when out of balance, pittas may also deal with rashes, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion.

Kapha: These types often have a strong build and bright skin; they sleep and eat well. But, when imbalanced, kaphas can lean toward bloating, weight gain, fluid retention, allergies, and depression.

And all of this is just the tip of the Ayurvedic iceberg (in the most positive way, of course!). Try Deepak Chopra's step-by-step quiz to help you nail down your own dosha—it's really interesting!

What dosha are you?