Which Dosha Am I?

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Prakruti vs. Dosha

There are three dosha types in Ayurveda: vata, pitta and kapha. The word “dosha” doesn’t have a perfect translation; however, when most people think of what their dosha is, they are thinking of their Prakruti. In Ayurveda, Prakruti refers to your individual inherent nature or constitution that determines your physical, physiological and mental character as well as disease vulnerability. Prakruti is often referred to as your “dosha” or as your “mind/body type.”

Your Prakruti is genetically determined and remains unaltered during our lifetime. Your Prakruti is the unique combination of the 3 doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha that were present in your body at the time of your birth. The doshas are the primary life forces in the body and each of us possesses all 3 dosha in our physical and psychological makeup.

Vata Dosha Qualities

  • Dry

    • dry skin, hair, lips, tongue

    • tendency toward constipation which is dryness in the colon

    • hoarse voice which is dryness in the throat

    • scanty urination and hard, dry stools

  • Light

    • thin frame, light weight and light muscles

    • tendency toward insomnia and sleep disturbances which is sleep lightness

    • proneness to anorexia and forgetting to eat

  • Cold

    • cold hands, feet and poor circulation

    • prefers a warm climate and has a sensitivity to cold climates

    • cold and stiffness in the muscles and joints

  • Rough

    • rough, dry, cracked skin, nails, hair, teeth, as well as hands and feet

    • tendency toward cracking and popping joints

  • Subtle

    • subtle emotions like fear, worry, anxiety, and nervousness

    • tendency toward muscle twitching, tremors and goosebumps

    • body frame and immunity is delicate

  • Mobile

    • vata is the dosha of movement so vata individuals are fast/mobile talkers, walkers, and are often doing many things at once

    • tendency toward mood swings and can be moody

    • restless legs, eyes, hands and feet; and often jittery

    • frequent vivid dreams

    • loves to travel and doesn’t like to stay still

    • difficulty with commitment and stability and tend to feel ungrounded

  • Clear

    • clear, open mind

    • tendency toward loneliness and hopelessness

    • understands quickly but also forgets quickly; very alert

    • able to see through the veil, clairvoyant

  • Astringent

    • tendency toward a dry, choking sensation in the throat

    • tendency toward getting hiccoughs and burping

Pitta Dosha Qualities

  • Slightly Oily

    • soft slightly oily skin, hair and feces

    • tendency toward sensitivity to fried foods

  • Sharp

    • sharp teeth and eyes

    • sharp words and biting tongue

    • sharp, pointed nose

    • sharp, tapering chin and a heart-shaped face

    • good digestion, absorption and assimilation

    • sharp memory and ability to grasp new ideas

    • tendency toward irritability

  • Hot

    • strong agni or digestive fire as well as a strong appetite

    • runs at a higher body temperature

    • dislikes hot weather and hot climates

    • tendency toward graying hair and hair loss or baldness

  • Light

    • light/medium body frame

    • fair skin complexion

    • bright and shining eyes

    • tendency toward sensitivity to bright light

  • Liquid

    • loose stools

    • profuse urination

    • tendency toward diarrhea

    • excessive thirst

    • profuse sweating

  • Spreading

    • tendency toward acne, rashes and inflammation especially skin inflammation

    • desire to leave a legacy and spread their name and ideas

  • Sour

    • sour stomach acid

    • tendency toward acidic pH

    • teeth sensitivity

    • profuse salivation

  • Bitter

    • bitter taste in the mouth

    • sensitivity to bitter taste

    • tendency toward nausea and vomiting

    • tendency toward being cynical and bitter

  • Pungent

    • tendency to have heartburn and hyperacidity

    • when stressed will often feel anger and hatred

  • Fleshy Smell

    • fetid smell in the armpits, mouth and feet

    • tendency toward smelly shoes and socks

  • Red

    • reddish tint to the skin

    • flushing skin

    • red eyes, cheeks and nose

    • sensitivity to red color

  • Yellow

    • yellow eyes, skin, urine and feces

    • tendency toward jaundice

    • overproduction of bile

    • sensitivity to yellow color

Kapha Dosha Qualities

  • Heavy

    • heavy bones and muscles

    • large body frame

    • tendency toward obesity and being overweight

    • grounded

    • deep and heavy voice

  • Slow/Dull

    • walks and talks slowly

    • slow digestion (manda agni)

    • slow metabolism

    • sluggish

  • Cool (Cold)

    • cold clammy skin

    • steady appetite and thirst

    • tendency toward mucus formation and colds, congestion and coughs

    • cravings for sweets

  • Oily

    • oily skin, hair, and feces

    • well-lubricated joints and organs

  • Smooth/Slimy

    • smooth skin

    • calm and gentle demeanor

    • smooth organs

  • Dense

    • dense body fat

    • thick skin, hair, nails, and feces

    • firm muscles

    • compact tissues

    • tendency toward constipation when out of balance

  • Liquid (Damp)

    • excess salivation

    • congestion in the head, chest and sinuses

  • Soft

    • soft face

    • loving, caring, compassionate and kind

  • Static

    • tendency toward being sedentary

    • loves to sit around and do nothing

    • loves to relax

    • homebody

  • Gross

    • obesity

    • causes obstruction in the body systems

  • Cloudy

    • mind is foggy and cloudy early in the morning during kapha time of day 6am-10am

    • tendency to need coffee to begin the day

  • Sticky (Viscous)

    • sticky/viscous quality creates compactness and firmness of joints and organs

    • loves to give affection and hugs

    • becomes attached when in love and in relationships

  • Hard

    • firm muscles

    • strength

    • rigidity

    • stubbornness

  • Sweet

    • anabolic action of sweet taste stimulates sperm formation and increases the quantity of semen

    • strong sexual desire

    • when out of balance, there will be cravings for sweets

  • Salty

    • helps with digestion and growth

    • gives the body energy

    • maintains osmotic condition

    • when out of balance, there will be cravings for salty foods and water retention

The best way to determine your dosha is to schedule an Ayurvedic Consultation with us. However, you have probably heard of dosha quizzes that are often found online. These can be a jumping off point in determining your dosha, but should not be used as a replacement for an Ayurvedic Consultation. These quizzes do not utilize the assessment tools of Darshanam or visual, Sparshanam or palpation, Prashnam or questioning, and Ashtavidha Pariksha or the 8-fold method of clinical examination are time-honored methods that have been used for centuries by Ayurvedic healers, and they produce the most accurate results when determining dosha or prakruti.

Take the Five Prana Dosha Quiz.