Your Ayurvedic Constitution

Ayurvedic scriptures

The exceptional system of Ayurvedic body typing is based on a holistic understanding of the three doshas. When we consider the proportions of the three doshas in body, as it develops in the womb, the predominant dosha, the one most likely to overpower the other two, defines that person's "constitution," or body type.

This system of understanding your body and mind is incredibly valuable because it is an excellent predictor of how your body will grow and change over the course of your lifetime. It lets you develop preventive living. Your constitution establishes the long-term likelihood for your body to slip into ill health in very particular ways. By understanding those ways, you can live in ways that support your overall health and well-being and draw the most on your inherent gifts.

Ayurveda teaches that the constitution is already determined by the time birth occurs. Characteristics of a particular constitution are already evident in infancy.

There are endless possible body types, because not all bodies manifest the tendencies of one primary dosha. There are dual-dosha types and even a tri-dosha type in which all three-vata, pitta and kapha-are about equally strong. For convenience, Ayurveda commonly divides body types into seven categories, like this:
vata
pitta
kapha
pitta-kapha
vata-kapha
vata-pitta
tri-dosha

Fortunately, there is no "best" body type to be. Each has its advantages and disadvantages- its own strengths and weaknesses. Single-dosha constitutions tend to have fewer, but more deep, serious health problems. Dual-dosha types and the tri-dosha type will tend to have a wider variety of less severe problems.

Here's a quiz to find out the constitution of the body you are living in.