According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the universe is composed of five elements, ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These energies are also subtly represented in the human body, comprising our Dosha. Varying ratios of these energies comprise the four dosha types, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and Tridoshic. Although rare, Tridoshic types have an equal ratio of the five energy types. So why are these doshas considered energy types? Vata is considered the energy of motion. It is composed of the air and either elements, governing movements of the body. Pitta is considered the energy of metabolism, composed of the fire and water elements, which are necessary for digestion and elimination. Kapha is considered the energy of structure, composed of water and earth, both of which hold the body together.

There are a number of attributes that are expressed within these doshas and with proper understanding of how these attributes compile a dosha, one can easily recognize doshic significance in a person, feeling, action, or outcome. For instance Vata can be described as dry, light, cold, and mobile. This relates back to its elemental form, air and either, which can be described similarly. Pitta can be described as hot, sharp, liquid, and oily, relating to its elemental form of fire and water. Kapha can be described as heavy, slow, liquid, and dense relating to its elemental form of water and earth.

All of us have a varying ratio of doshas which composes our unique body type, hence denoting our Prakruti, or Doshic Composition. Our prakruti is established at birth and is affected by genetics, diet, lifestyle, and the emotional states of our biological parents. Prakruti also takes into account the mental, physical, and personality constitution of a person. The present state of our doshic composition is called Vikruti. When the doshas we are born with and our Prakruti are mostly consistent throughout our lives, we are considered to be in a balanced state. Of course with time the ratios will change, however if the changes are quite drastic or deviate drastically from birth, we are in an unbalanced state. Balanced means overall healthy, or a return to healthy is accomplished with ease. Unbalanced states will require more time and effort to liberate from. When Prakruti matches Vikriuti, we are in a balanced state.

Knowing your Prakruti is quite liberating because you can then create healthy habits to maintain consistent wellness. For instance, Vata types who travel frequently can do something as simple as a long savasana, sit in a park, or take a warm bath and they will recover quite well from the constant motion. Understanding these Ayurvedic principles gives us the preventative and supportive tools to cultivate and sustain harmony. There are many resources to learn Ayurveda such as webinars, books, and enrolling in educational institutions. Better yet, reach out to us! Take our Dosha quiz or book a consultation with our resident Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, Anjali to learn more.