Vata Pitta And Kapha

Ayurveda is the science of life and also the world’s oldest healing science. It is a science that centred around healing and combining body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda looks at both physical and mental health as part of the same entity. It focuses on the entire well-being of a person. Physical, Mental, and Emotional well being.

Ayurveda was invented in India more than 5000 years from now. It was actively practised even before modern science originated and with the help of Ayurveda, one can create a balance of body and mind. The study of Ayurveda is based on doshas which are the energy forces within our bodies.

The three primary and important doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 

It is highly uncommon to see tridosha formed in a human being. Tridosha is Kapha, Pitta, and Vatta equally present in the body. However, when they are in balance, the support of health, mental peace, and wellbeing is amazing.

Vata Pitta Kapha Characteristics

There is very little information present about a tri-dosha person related to their physical attributes. However, everything is in balance with these individuals. They are of medium build and radiate peace, calmness, and positivity.

Individually you can identify each dosha type with its attributes.

Vata Personality

• Creative
• Weak Memory
• Caring
• Patient
• Fast Learners
• Dry skin
• Fine Hair
• Delicate Features
• Light-Colored Eyes

Kapha Personality 

• Overweight
• Caring
• Patient
• Unenthusiastic
• Good Memory
• Moderate Sweating
• Less Thirst
• Good Stamina

Pitta Personality

• Intelligent
• Good Digestion
• Understanding nature
• Softness and health of the skin
• Freckles
• Reddish Skin
• Red Tongue

You may also like to read about the physical attributes of all the doshas Here

Difference Between Vata Pitta Kapha

Let us understand the elements of Ayurveda which are the base for Vata Pitta Kapha energy types and determine the difference between the doshas.

Air

Air is one of the essentials for our existence as it is something that we need to survive. It is present in our nervous, and respiratory systems.  Ayurveda defines air for motion, breath, and lightness.

When the element air (which is present in vatta) goes out of balance it causes fatigue or hyperactivity. Imbalance of this element can develop various issues such as joint pain, heartache, joint pain. To regain the vatta, which out of balance, consume bitter foods to balance it.

Water

Water is the other element that is associated with Ayurveda. It is predominant in Kapha and Pitta. As humans, we are made up of 70% of water, and water in Ayurveda is closely related to blood, saliva, nerves, tongue, and respiratory system.

When water is out of balance within the body, it causes obesity, stomach aches, and digestive issues. Consequently, when deficient it results in weight loss, dry eyes, and dry skin. To get water in balance consume sweet fruits, nuts, and good fats.

Ether

Ether is an element that can be closely linked with the element Air. This is an element of space or even emptiness.  It is considered as an empty element and other elements fill it up. The mouth and ears are associated with it.

Since it is related to space, the issues that arise are related to the spaces within the body, especially ears. Importantly, bitter-tasting food can help balance ether.

Fire

Fire is a very powerful element. It is related to our digestion, body heat, and metabolism. Fire is also associated with ether and air as they provide space and air respectively.

This element is associated with the mind as well, manifesting itself with obsessions, emotions, etc. Agni is found in pitta along with water.

Deficiency of fire can result in feeling cold, inflammation, having digestive and skin problems. To regain balance of fire, consume spicy, hot, sour foods.

Earth

Earth is the element that is the sum of all 4 elements. It is expressed through the senses of bones, nails, teeth, and smell. When there is a deficiency of the earth element it leads to weakness, insecurity, cold hands and feet.

All the foods have a connection with the earth. However, the particular ones are nuts, grains, and legumes.

Vata Pitta Kapha Diseases

The tridosha is very unique and rarely found! When tridosha is formed, the individual is always at ease and in harmony. However, even when naturally gifted, diet and lifestyle have to be maintained. As in the long run, it could harm the body.

Travelling a lot, eating junkies, lack of sleep can imbalance the tridosha and the issues such as anxiety, heat flashes, issues in bowel, gas, acidity, sleep disorder could occur depending upon the dosha imbalance.

How to Balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Balancing Kapha: 

The primary reason behind Kapha imbalance is over-eating. Hence, a low-fat diet is recommended, it should contain tastes such as bitter, sharp, and pungent flavours.

To balance the Kapha, try to include steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, and grains such as oats, barley, and millets. Honey is good to balance Kapha. Spices such as cardamom, cloves, mustard, and turmeric are effective.

Balancing Vata: 

Vata imbalance is caused by consuming spicy and sharp food and to balance it, try to consume foods that are salty, sweet, and sour.

The diet should include greens, broccoli, cauliflower, rice, wheat, cumin, and ginger. Vata has dry qualities, which can be encountered with moist and warm foods like berries, melons, soups, stews, yoghurt. Vata Prakriti individuals should consume slightly more fatty foods such as Avocados, coconut seeds, nuts, etc.

Balancing Pitta:

Pitta is triggered with excessive alcohol consumption or with spicy, oily, fried, salted, and fermented foods.

The foods that can make peace with the imbalance are sweet, bitter, and sharp tastes. Sweet fruits, curry leaves, mint, oats, and dairy products are good for Pitta. Contrarily, avoid eggplants, red meat, and sour fruits.

Tridosha Sites In The Body

Kapha dominates the chest, Pitta around the navel, and Vata below the navel.

Kapha Dosha:– Chest, stomach, heart.

Pitta Dosha:– Pancreas, digestive glands

Vata Dosha:– Uterus, bladder

Combination of Kapha Pitta And Vata

There are 7 combinations that are predominantly found when either one of the doshas are dominant. The combinations are a well balanced Vata-Pitta-Kapha (Tri-Dosha), Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Vata, Vata-Kapha, Kapha-Vata, Pitta-Kapha, Kapha-Pitta.

If you need any support with your mood swings, our wellness counselors can help you.

Changes For Vata Pitta Kapha Body Types

If you’re a Vata-Pitta-Kapha body type, then here are few tips that help to keep you healthy and active.

• Try to eat early and eat healthily
• Eat after sunrise, and before sunset if possible
• Try to maintain a sleep pattern, give your body the required rest. However, do not oversleep as that can cause lethargy
• Try to have fresh fruits and vegetables
• Consume the flavours as per your dosha
• As our body is made of 70% of water, therefore, keep yourself hydrated
• Perform the exercises as per your ayurvedic body types
• Meditate regularly, keep away from stress

Ayurveda Kapha Vata Pitta

Ayurveda does not show instant results, it takes time, and focuses on cleansing the entire body first, and starts working on the root cause of the problem. The purification of the dosha is also known as Panchakarma.

This is a combination of 5 processes that aim at removing the deep imbalances within the body. The five processes of purification are

• Niroohavasti (Decoction enema)

• Anuvasanavasti (Oil enema)

• Nasya ( Nostrils)

• Virechana (Purgation)
• Vamana (Emesis)

Expert Ayurveda professionals help to perform these processes and can help to ease the aggravated health conditions.

Exercise for Vata Body Types 

Vata body type individuals are inherently energetic and love to workout. They enjoy workouts such as running, jogging, cardio, skipping. However, Vata body type people have a small body and slow digestion.

They should focus on balancing energy and keeping calm. Vata people do not gain weight easily, they should focus on toning and building muscles. Vata dominant people should focus on keeping up with their mental health as they are weaker on that part.

Exercise for Pitta Body Types 

Pitta Body Type is linked with fire, they are associated with a strong digestive system and stamina.

They are usually athletic by nature and look out for exercises that challenge their stamina, such as boxing, weight lifting, and CrossFit.

Pitta Body Types should try to compensate for the spiking energy, and try to do relaxing exercises. Also, they should not work out in hot places instead chose the lower temperature place to exercise

But to distribute their high energy, people belonging to this category should do non-competitive and relaxing workouts. Apart from this, Pittas are generally hot by nature. So, they should not perform exercises in a hot and humid place.

Exercise for Kapha Body Types 

Kapha is a collection of water and earth elements. Individuals with this body type have bigger frames, physical strength.

They are always in the comfort zone and put on weight very easily.  They work at their own pace. Hence, they should try to do cardio and very fast-paced exercise which challenges endurance.

Conclusion

Ayurveda suggests that the balance of health or being healthy is about maintaining both the diet and lifestyle. To make progress in terms of health it is important to be consistent and gradually changes should be implemented, instead of following a crash diet, and lifestyle.

Irrespective of what Prakriti you are, always eat on time, seasonal, and local! Balance the nutrients required by your body and maintain well-being.

What is Tridosha in Ayurveda psychology? Talk to an online therapist to learn more about it.