How are the Ayurvedic Doshas—Vata, Kapha, and Pitta—defined in Ayurveda?

Introduction

Every human, in one way or another, is endowed with certain physical and psychological features. They are not the same for everyone but are present in some amounts. One individual may have a very active temperament but is void of concern for the feelings of others, while another controls her or his peers with confidence but is irritable or too aggressive. These characteristics of human beings were more fully presented by Ayurveda around the fourth century before the current era for the first time. This was later adopted by the greatest medical practitioners and philosophers, such as Hippocrates and Galen, who would develop the notion of four humors. Ayurveda, however, has a very different outlook than this. It also concerns the understanding of an individual’s mind and body, but these features are analyzed as two different aspects in medicine.

The Theory of the Four Humours

The Theory of the Four Humours, is an ancient idea of categorizing people by their characteristics that explains how human health and personality are controlled by four main bodily fluids, called humours. These humours were thought to determine both physical health and emotional behavior. The idea comes from ancient Greek medicine, especially from Hippocrates and Galen, and influenced medical thinking for centuries.

The Four Humours

1. Blood

• Element: Air
• Personality Trait (Temperament): Sanguine – cheerful, social, and energetic.
• Imbalance Symptoms: Too much energy, fever, or excitement.

• Element: Fire
• Personality Trait: Choleric – ambitious, easily angered, and passionate.
• Imbalance Symptoms: Irritability, anger, and skin inflammation.

• Element: Earth
• Personality Trait: Melancholic – thoughtful, serious, and sometimes sad.
• Imbalance Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, or digestive issues.
  

• Element: Water
• Personality Trait: Phlegmatic – calm, patient, and sometimes sluggish.
• Imbalance Symptoms: Fatigue, congestion, and lack of motivation.

Balance and Health

• Health: People are healthy when all four humours are balanced.
• Disease: Illness happens when one or more humours become too dominant or too weak.

What are Ayurvedic Doshas?

Elements found in the principles of Ayurveda medicine explain that there are five key elements in the universe, namely: Aakash, Jal, Prithvi, Tej, and Vayu. These elements combine to create three ayurvedic doshas, that is, vata, kapha and pitta which are believed to govern a person’s physical and even emotional health.

Like the doctrine of the four humors, every individual has a particular combination of these ayurvedic doshas ratios with one typically being more pronounced than the other. For example, a certain individual might display more pitta qualities whereas another individual might display more vata dosha. This particular amount of vata, kapha and pitta ayurvedic doshas present in individuals is what is referred to as an ayurvedic dosha constitution and it acts as a guide on how to maximize health and general wellness. 

Therefore, in order to stay healthy and keep a good spirit, one should also manage these ayurvedic doshas; if there is too much or too little of them, different disorders and mental problems will appear.

What Ayurvedic Dosha, Probably, Dominates You?

In the Charaka Samhita, one of the two foundational texts in Sanskrit on ayurvedic doshas, the concept of doshas is central to understanding an individual's constitution and health. It elaborates on the qualities and influences of each dosha in various contexts.

Dominance of Ayurvedic Doshas

Characterized by attributes like wetness, heaviness, warmth, and stasis. Those who have a heightened presence of Vata ayurvedic dosha are usually referred to as artistic, excited and quick to respond yet tend to get anxious and restless too. Charaka Samhita stressed: “Vata is a principle of locomotion and controls all sorts of movements in the body.”

2. Pitta:

It possesses such attributes as hot, piercing, and liquid. Persons having predominance of this ayurvedic dosha are noted to be very confident, realistic and goal-oriented individuals but may also get angered or suffer from stomach upsets when out of balance of this ayurvedic dosha. The text states: ‘Pitta ayurvedic dosha is a principle that enables the transformation of anything and the processing of food, whereby it is the change that occurs in the body as the metabolic functioning of the body.’

3. Kapha:

This ayurvedic dosha includes attributes such as lightness, inconstancy or less wetness. Those with Kapha ayurvedic dosha excess usually are passive, dependable and loving but can also be overweight and inactive. Charaka Samhita notes: ‘Kapha ayurvedic dosha is the principle of cohesiveness and contributes volumetric and structural support to the body.’

Determining Dominance

In the Charaka Samhita, the specific proportion of these ayurvedic doshas found in an individual is called their Prakriti (constitution). It is this constitution of ayurvedic doshas that would predict physical features, emotional habits and health tendencies of a person.

The text also highlights this fact as well: “The state of health or disease is the outcome of the proportions of these three ayurvedic doshas: existence or non-existence.”

Practical Assessment

To determine which ayurvedic dosha may dominate a person, ayurvedic practitioners typically assess several factors that are key:

- Physical Characteristics: Body type, skin texture, and digestive strength.

- Personality Traits: Behavioral tendencies, mental state, and emotional responses.

- Health Conditions: Predisposition to specific ailments related to the dominant ayurvedic dosha.

Personality Type-MBTI and Ayurveda

The basic philosophical premise of Ayurveda is that the body and mind are interconnected and thus there should be harmony in both – physical and psychological aspects of a person. Each ayurvedic dosha has a completely different set of characteristics that pertain to a person’s physique and way of performing. While Ayurveda and MBTI (Myers – Briggs Type Indicator) belong to different paradigms of personality understanding, some relatedness can be noted in the two.

Personality Types Based on Ayurvedic Doshas

• Vata archetype:

Temperament: Creative, energetic, witty, dynamic and easy to change. In fact, Vata individuals are known as restless and quick learners who easily synthesize information. At the same time, they can be forgetful and prone to distractions. Moreover, their emotional state is seldom stable and most of the situation fills them with nervousness.

Weaknesses: Too much thought and focus on an outcome, worry, apprehension, fussiness and unable to finish what has been started.

Related MBTI Types:

ENFP: extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiving: ENFPs are creative and energetic, with spontaneity and excitement to fulfil their goals in new areas, thus fitting to the active nature of Vata.

INFP: introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiving: INFPs are thinkers, often romantic and imaginative, and artistic while also demonstrating the emotional nature of Vata.

Balance: Activities that promote grounding such as warm comforting foods and regimented schedules and meditation can assist in bringing Vata into balance.

• Pitta archetype:

Temperament: Ambitious and focused, determined, self-assured and extremely intelligent. Pitta types are born leaders as a rule and are generally very success driven individuals. They are quick to comprehend as well as to act, but when provoked or under stress they are prone to irritation and frustration.

Weaknesses: syndrome of intolerance, aggressiveness, chasing for a perfect state, nit-picking.

Related MBTI Types:

ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging): In their strategic approach, motivations and goal-driven attitudes, ENTJs are natural leaders and thus resemble Pitta in its ability to be focused and ambitious.

ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging): In their lifestyles, ESTJs are systematic, pragmatic and industrious in ways that are typical of Pitta that is very much oriented towards achieving its goals.

Balance: Good cooling foods, engaging in calming exercises such as swimming or yoga, and practicing patience will assist Pitta types in maintaining balance.

• Kapha Archetype:

Temperament: Calm, nurturing, grounded, patient, and reliable. Kapha types are often found to have consistent vigor, faithfulness and the capability to build and bond with others on an in-depth level. They tend to be empathetic and nurturing but may be overprotective or too comfortable with the status quo.

Weaknesses: Laziness, possessiveness, inflexibility, and drowsiness.

Related MBTI Types:

ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): Kapha is the same in that ISFJs are caring, practical and committed to service.

ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging): ESFJs are sociable and helpful and prefer to work in stable, friendly conditions like the Kaphas.

Balance: Kaphas will tend to get lethargic and so invigorating activities, exercise, and foods that are not too heavy are advisable.

Foods as per One’s Doshas

As previously mentioned, each ayurvedic dosha has certain characteristics and certain foods can either enhance or soothe them. The following are the recommended foods diet wise for doshas, laid down by classical volumes of Ayurveda like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

• Foods Advised for Vata Dosha

Vata, as described in ayurvedic medicine, is one of the three ayurvedic doshas and the governing principle of ether and air in the human body. It is characterized by attributes opposite to that of vata that include warm, heavy, moist and stable. To counterbalance or favor Vata, one is prompted to consume warm, moist, earthbound and nutritious food.

Recommended Foods:

Cereals: Need to be warm and furnished and wholesome cooked such as rice, oats and quinoa.

Vegetables: Cooked (mostly boiled) tuber vegetables likes of carrot, sweet potato, beet root; also, steamed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and squash.

Fruits: Juicy and/or sweet fruits like banana, avocado, exotic berries, grape, and mango.

Dairy: Warm milk, ghee and fresh yoghurt but only on rare occasions or in very small quantities. 

Nuts and Seeds: Unpeeled almonds (soaked in water), walnuts and flax seeds.

Spices: warming spices such as ginger, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, etc.

Oils: Must generously use sesame oil, olive oil, ghee and others.

Proteins: Cooked legumes (mung beans, lentils), tofu and meat products which consists of chicken and turkey.

Foods that you would want to avoid: 

They include any type of food that is served cold, dry, or in its raw state, including salads, crackers, and iced beverages.

Dishes that have bitter, astringent, or excessive spices added (for example, raw broccoli and popcorn). This may induce dryness and irritability.

Consumption of a lot of caffeinated beverages since caffeine increases vata imbalance.

• Foods That Balance Pitta Dosha

Pitta is relatable to two elements i.e., fire and water. The characteristics of Pitta are hot, sharp, and oily in nature. Thus to pacify Pitta, one should go for cooling, soothing and non spicy food.

Recommended Foods:

Cereals: Soothing and cooling grains such as wheat, barley, basmati rice and oats

Vegetables: Leafy, juicy vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, broccoli and asparagus.

Fruits: Sweet, juicy fruits such as melon, apple, pear, pomegranate and cherry.

Dairy Products: Refrigerated milk, unsalted butter and Ghee.

Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and coconut.

Spices: Cooking-cilantro fennel turmeric mint. Cooling Spices.

Oils: Coconut oil sunflower oil and ghee.

Proteins, lentils, moong beans, tofu, and light meat such as turkey or chicken.

Nah I’m good:

Chillies, garlic, onions, vinegar and other hot/sour/spicy food should be avoided.

Pitta energy may be heated due to salty or fried food.

Pitta is aggravated due to coffee drinks, alcoholic drinks, and sour foods.

• Foods for Kapha Dosha Archetype:

The characteristics of Kapha are determined by the two elements of water and earth, which are cold, sluggish and oily. In order to prevent excessive Kapha, one must entertain themselves with foods that are light, dry and warm.

Recommended Foods:

Grains: Light grains are barley, millet and buckwheat.

Vegetables: Light and bitter and astringent vegetables like leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus.

Fruits: Light and astringent fruits such as apples, pears and pomegranates. Dried fruits like raisins or figs can be exempted but should be eaten in small quantities.

Dairy: Dairy is absolutely discouraged, however a small quantity of ghee can be permitted.

Nuts and Seeds: Most nuts should be avoided but moderate consumption of pumpkin and sunflower seeds is acceptable.

Spices: Digestion enhancing and warming herbs/substances such as ginger, black pepper, cumin and mustard seeds.

Oils: Use within limits; preferable oils are lighter oils like mustard oil or little ghee. 

Proteins: Lentils, beans (especially mung bean and kidney beans), and lean meat like turkey or chicken.

Let’s not get carried away with:

Processed, fried snacks, dairy products, and chilled beverages because then, they become constituents of heavy, oily, and cold foods.

Sweet or salty foods. An automatic no-no for Kapha as they make it even heavier.

Eating too many grains and refined flour products unless you actually want to feel slothful and dull. 

Skin-care as per One’s Doshas

Ayurvedic approach to skin care is personalized to one’s individual ayurvedic dosha constitution in order to maintain balance and promote healthy skin. Each ayurvedic dosha corresponds to particular skin types and issues, and Ayurveda advises distinct methods for skin care based on the dosage dominantly present in an individual. Below-given are some tips for taking care of your skin based on ayurvedic dosha:

• Vata Dosha (In the case of Dry and Sensitive Skin)

Vata consists of the air and ether (space) elements. Its qualities are also dry, cold, light and rough. People with a vata-dominant system are generally predisposed to dry, scrawny and delicate skin which is prone to premature wrinkles, roughness and loss of moisture. Their skin loses moisture very fast and especially, during extreme cold which makes the skin sensitive and has a lot of fine wrinkles.

Skin Type: Dry, rough, thin and sensitive.

Common Issues: Dryness, flakiness, fine lines and hypersensitivity.

Ayurvedic Skincare Recommendations:

Use oil-rich nourishing body cream/oils regularly. Warm oils like sesame, almond or avocado are very beneficial.

Use water based face sprays like rose water, or lavender water or any other hydrosols to hydrate the skin often.

Dead skin exfoliation once or twice a week using soft scrubbing agents such as oatmeal and milled almonds to prevent aggravating hyperdryness after keratinization.

Before having a bath, perform warm oil massages (Abhyanga) with either sesame or coconut oil to enhance blood circulation and moisturize the skin.

Aggressive or astringent products tend to dry out the skin with their cleansing action and thus should be avoided. The cleansers must be mild and non drying as well as moisturizing.

• Pitta Skin Care (Sensitive and Combination Skin)

As Pitta is influenced by the fire and water elements, some of its qualities include hot, sharp, oily. Most Pitta dominants are sensitive Combination skin types, often accompanied with redness, irritability and acne with intolerance to sun. The skin may also be hot and red in color, especially with increasing ambient temperature or stress level.

Skin Type: Sensitive, light, warm with tendency towards reddening or irritation of the skin.

Common Issues: Inflamed lesions, acne, rashes, excess heat tolerance, oiliness in T zone.

Ayurvedic Skincare Recommendations: 

Cooling and soothing formulations are a must. Use aloe vera, sandalwood and cucumber based products to alleviate swollenness and heat in the skin.

Do not exfoliate with strong physical exfoliators as it will aggravate Pitta skin. Instead, strong exfoliation can be done using rice powder or chickpea flour about once every week.

Pitta type skin is best suited for light non greasy moisturizing creams. Moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil and rose water help balance oil levels in the skin and prevent from breakouts.

Pitta skin can also benefit from cooling herbal face masks with sandalwood, turmeric and mint.

Sunscreen is important especially since Pitta skin burns easily and can develop excess pigmentation. 

• Skin Care for Kapha Dominated Skin

Most kapha faults simply mean water and earth elements and their qualities are cold, heavy, and oily respectively. Kapha-dominant people tend to have thick, greased and smooth skins that are less wrinkly and more elastic but get blocked quite easily and are more acne or congestion prone.

Skin type: oily, thick, smooth, cool.

Common problems: greasy skin, blackheads, acne, and blocked pores.

Ayurvedic Skincare recommendation:

Kapha skin requires regular exfoliation of the dead skin layers to help unclog the pores and oily congestion. Ground oatmeal, rice flour or herbal exfoliating powders like neem or turmeric can be used two to three times a week as scrubs.

Do not use heavy moisturizers that may block the pores. Use oil free hydrating products and preferably with active ingredients like tea tree oil, honey or lemon to combat skin oiliness.

Clay masks (for example bentonite or fuller’s earth) are useful in drawing out excessive oils from the skin while cleansing it and maintaining its balance.

Once every week, basing on the body’s cleansing system, hot herbs steam will detoxify the skin and open active pores for Kapha skin types.

Cleansers should contain ingredients that are purifying and have a little astringent action to avoid excessive oil deposits on the skin. Natural cleansers with neem, turmeric and tea tree extracts can be incorporated.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Kumkumadi Brightening Face Wash with Saffron for Non-Drying & Gentle Cleansing

Shubhr Turmeric Star Anise Powder Face Cleanser for Glowing Skin

Shubhr Plum & Neem Face Serum with Vitamin C for Acne Prone Skin and Acne Marks (30 ml)

Shubhr Eladi Day Cream with SPF 30 For Women | Skin Brightening & Sun Protection

Shubhr Rose Face Tonic Mist | Skin Toning & pH Balance

Coconut Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion for Sun Protection (18 herbs, 1.69 OZ)

References

1. Caraka, Charaka-Samhita: Translated into English, Calcutta: Avinash Chandra Kaviratna, 1890-1914

2. Humour Ancient Physciology 

3. Datta HS, Paramesh R. Trends in aging and skin care: Ayurvedic concepts. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Apr;1(2):110-3.