Ayurvedic Body Types

In this modern world, people from various social and economic backgrounds are found in different geographical locations. This brings the need for a theory of body types that transcends cultural and racial bias to be valid across all ethnic groups. 

The first source of knowledge that comes to mind is the Indian philosophical system Ayurveda. It has endured for millennia without losing its relevance or applicability to people throughout history. 

Ayurveda's exact science of medicine identifies the body constituents of man and the reasons for his biological behavior.

The need for indigenous psychologies was realized throughout the world as western psychological concepts and approaches were found to be lacking in applicability to many cultural systems.

 

Doshas in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, man is viewed as a microcosm of the universe. This belief stems from the theory that humans are comprised of the same elements as everything else in nature but in different combinations and degrees. 

The five Mahabhutas believed to be present in all forms of matter, including humans are;

• Akasa (space)
• Vayu (air)
• Tejas (fire) 
• Ap (water)
• Prithvi (earth) 

These five elements combine with each other to form three humors that are the cornerstone of Ayurvedic philosophy – 

1. Vata/air
2. Pitta/fire
3. Kapha/water. 

When you experience any changes in your environment the balance between these 3 doshas gets affected. Also, every individual is born with a specific combination of the three doshas, which is called their Prakruti. 

The relative balance of each dosha can vary from person to person, but most people have one dosha that tends to predominate while the other two are present in smaller amounts. 

It should be noted that there is no right combination of the doshas or ideal Prakruti; what is important, is understanding your own personal state of balance as it relates to your physical health and emotional well-being.

 

Why is it Essential to Know Ayurvedic Body types?

believes that when the proportion of doshas in your body matches your Prakruti, you remain healthy and energetic. 

Any imbalance or deviation from this state can lead to feeling sick and unhealthy. In Ayurveda, Vikruti is the term used to describe an imbalance or deviation from one's Prakruti.

Until recently, Ayurveda has been criticized for its ambiguity and philosophical tenets that are incomprehensible to the Western mind. This perception has led to disinterest in Ayurveda in the Western world, which has led to the world being deprived of many plausible advantages of traditional healthcare.

To remain in a state of positive health, it is helpful to know one's Prakriti. Recent research has tried to identify the inheritance possibilities of human Prakriti by observing positive correlations between specific alleles and Prakriti sub-types. Let’s discuss them more in detail;

 

1. Vata

People born with air and space constitution belong to the Vata type in Ayurveda. The Vata bodily constitution is characterized by dryness and lightness. 

People with a Vata constitution tend to be thin with low body weight; they have dry skin, brittle nails, thin hair, and small, slightly sunken eyes. They prefer warm or hot weather and have trouble tolerating the cold. 

They have a hard time gaining weight so they tend to be thin with a low weight.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Vata types are extremely creative, communicative, and full of ideas.	Their willpower is less developed.
They multitask well and are kind-hearted and flexible.	They have delicate bones and do not carry much weight.
They are physically very active and love sweet, sour, and salty foods.	Their skin tends to be dry and rough.

Vata Dosha or Vata Imbalance: 

Vata imbalances can be experienced by any; however, it is more frequently seen in Vata-dominant people. 

Vata dosha symptoms include; debility, constipation, insomnia, sensory disorientation, incoherent speech, dizziness, and even depression. It basically disrupts the flow of energy and overall body movement. 

Vata dosha can be reduced by eating Vata pacifying foods like sweet and salt, following an active lifestyle, and getting quality sleep. 

 

 2. Pitta

Pitta body type constitutes fire and water elements. They are generally of medium height and have a slender body frame. With soft skin and silky hair, they have good digestion and metabolism. 

Pitta body type people are considered athletic with muscular built and have a goal-oriented mindset. 

Strengths	Weaknesses
They are self-determined and intelligent.	Are more prone to anger and irritability.
They have healthy skin, good digestion, and metabolism.	They can not tolerate heat weather.
They are quick learners and master the skills quickly.	Generally, experience upset stomach and acidity.

 

Pitta Dosha or Pitta Imbalance

Pitta represents your digestion power and is concerned with stomach-related issues. Excess accumulation of Pitta in your body results in nausea, acidity, indigestion, gas, and irritability. 

Simple and effective ways to reduce Pitta dosha are eating Ayurvedic Pitta pacifying diet like warm carbohydrate-rich food, dry food like nuts and seeds, fresh fruit juices, etc. Also, drink a lot of water and practice meditation to keep your mind cool. 

 

 3. Kapha 

Kapha body type is made of water and earth elements and carries qualities of both elements. The water element contributes to Kapha's soft and fluid nature; you can see this in well-hydrated skin, hair, voice, and compassionate nature. 

The earth element is observed in large body frame/bone structure, dense muscle bulk, and fatty tissues.

Kapha personalities are usually overweight and have a sluggish metabolism. They enjoy an easy-going lifestyle and prefer stability. Kapha's personalities are peaceful and balanced.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Have strong bones and joints.	Generally are obese or overweight.
Are generally calm and happy.	Feel lethargic and have mental fog.
Have large body structures and dense muscles.	Are susceptible to depression.

Kapha Dosha or Kapha Imbalance

Kapha types feel at their best in hot, dry climates and suffer in cold, damp environments. If Kapha becomes dominant, people become rigid and increasingly limit their lives to the familiar. This results in withdrawal from social life and emotional isolation from the environment.

To balance Kapha dosha, try to engage in an active lifestyle and practice strong yoga poses. Stimulating your body with exercise and massage helps. Eat warm and fresh food and avoid processed food. Warm drinks like herbal teas can help you reduce Kapha imbalance. 

 

Balance Your Doshas for Healthy Body

An imbalance among the three bodily humors can have a negative effect on health. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the biological energy systems called doshas control the longevity of each individual at the cellular level. Vata governs all life functions and biological activity, including movement; it is closely related to pranic life energy. 

Health and disease are a direct reflection of the status and interaction of the doshas within the body, which in turn provokes or delays aging. Proper diet, exercise, and a harmonious lifestyle can create balance among these doshas ensuring a healthy healthspan.

 

Conclusion 

It is clear that Ayurveda goes a long way to determine the body types of individuals. All three Doshas in the body have their own role to perform, and any imbalance can result in some serious health concerns. And Ayurvedic remedies focus on whole-body healing and balancing various factors of the body. Ayurveda allows you to understand your body type to achieve optimum mental and physical health. 

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