Body Types in Ayurveda

body types in ayurveda

 

What are the Body Types in Ayurveda or Ayurvedic Body Types?

As a part of the universe, the human body follows the Pancha-Mahabhuta Principle. Comprised of five elements Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth element (the building blocks) our body has a unique constitution of Dosha, Dhatu, and mala. Fundamentally, Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) also known as life force or energy, control our entire mind and bodily activities.

Fibromyalgia Yoga

According to Ayurveda, every other person possesses a different type of Prakriti (Body Nature) depending on their unique Tridosha constitution (body types in Ayurveda). Though no human being has the body constitution comprised of a single or dual dosha but all three, however, there is always one dosha that dominates over the other two. That one dosha decides one’s Prakriti (Ayurvedic body type). Depending on this dominant guy your body has different physiological and psychological functioning.

Let us dive into the sea of doshas and figure out which one is dominating your Ayurvedic body type. Here, I am going to tell you about the nature of Tridosha, and peculiarity and characters of different body types. But first, you must know about, “How your Prakriti was determined in the first place?”

The determination of Deha Prakriti (Physical constitution/Body Type)

According to Ayurveda Acharyas, body constitution is determined at the time of conception. The escalated doshas in Sperm (Shukra) and Ovum (Artava) together with the factors influenced by parents’ unique body type, at the time of conception have the authority to call the shots and nail down the zygote’s dosha-constitution.

Body Types in Ayurveda – Vata Prakriti (Vata Body Type)

Vata Dosha, constituted by the Space and Air element, is perceived as Heena Prakriti (Poor body type). Vata is a wildly dynamic element. Although its vital property being movement and circulation, it is the most important among Tridoshas, yet its slight provocation can wreak havoc with major drawback being the emaciation (Apatarpana) of the body.

Body Types in Ayurveda – Pitta Prakriti (Pitta Body Type)

Pitta dosha, constituted by the Fire and Water element is a unique and mighty combination. Pitta body type is perceived as a moderate one. Complementing different sense organs function like vision, memory, intellect, and refined perception, its vital functions are digestion and assimilation.  Pitta body type has beautiful complexion and the great courage.

Body Types in Ayurveda – Kapha Prakriti (Kapha Body type)

Kapha dosha, a blend of the water and Earth element is well known for a sturdy built. Kapha body type is perceived as the best Prakriti.  Its vital function is anabolism hence a compact and muscular body. Kapha Purusha (Person of Kapha body type) is full of vigor, courage, calmness, and convincing might. Most importantly their immune system is insanely top-notch.

Balanced or Dual Nature Body Constitution

People with only one dominant dosha (Ekdoshaja) outnumbering the other two are very few. Generally, there is one super dominant dosha with the second one slightly lower dominant and the remaining one being recessive to both of them. Dwandaj (Dual Nature Body type) Prakriti are:

    • – Vata Pittaja (Kapha being the lowest)
    • – Pitta-Kaphaja (Vata being the lowest)
    • – Vata-Kaphaja (Pitta being the lowest)

And in the rare case, all three of them (Vata Pitta Kapha) might be at equal levels and people with this type of Deha Prakriti are referred to as “The Perfect Blend”- Vata-Pitta-Kaphaja (Sannipatika Prakriti).

Therefore, there are 7 types of Prakriti (Body constitution) with three Ekdoshaja (One dominating dosha), Three Dwandaj dosha (Dual dosha), and Sannipataja (All three in balance).

Now, let us have a peek at the characteristics of people with these three different body types in Ayurveda so that you can be clear about which Deha Prakriti you possess.

CharacteristicsVata Body TypePitta Body TypeKapha body Type
Body FrameThin, flat chest, prominent veins and bones, taller or shorter than an average person.Moderate body frame, medium muscle development, slender, and delicate frame.Large body frame, broad chest, thick skin, attractive and bones not prominent.
Body WeightLean and slenderModerate or medium weightObese or rapid tendency for weight gain
Skin TypeThin, cool, dry, rough, and cracked.

 

Soft, warm, moist, prone to wrinkles and acne.Thick, cold, oily, and pale
ComplexionBrown or intermediateReddish, yellowish or copperishFair and Bright
HairDry, course, curly, and scantyThin, fine, silky, and oilyThick, soft, dark, and wavy
EyesDry, small, and sunkenSharp, medium size, and penetrating gazeDense, Wide and big, prominent
Disease TendencyMajorly nervous diseaseFever and InflammationCongestion
StrengthsQuick-witted, creative, fast grasping, short term excellent but long term weak memory, imaginative, and understandingSharp, leaders, and ambitious, quick grasp, and powerful memoryCalm, content, forgiving, loyal, and tolerant, slow grasp, short term weak but long term good memory
Weaknesses

 

 

Anxious, nervous, fearful, low will-powerIrritability, jealous, and angerGreed, possessiveness, attachment, and self-centered
Physiological TraitsCrave for salty and sweet food, cold hands and feet, less sleeping hours, speaks fast, and irritatingly loud voice, walk fasterStrong appetite, good digestion and metabolism, slightly higher body temperature than average, sharp voiceCrave pungent and bitter food, Slow digestion, good stamina, moderate body temperature and sound sleep, soft voice, slow and steady walks
Miscellaneous QualitiesLively, enthusiastic, and joyfulPassionate, competitive, focused and assertiveLoving, faithful, relaxed

 

Do an honest self-diagnosis of these traits. Calculate the matched traits and see which doshas are dominating your body.

Benefits of Knowing Your Prakriti

    • – Knowing your Prakriti or body types in Ayurveda will help you know your body’s requirements better.
    • – You can make different food preferences to balance your dosha.
    • – You will know your mental health better and manage your lifestyle accordingly by ignoring the facts you are prone to by nature.
    • – When your body is in imbalanced state you know which dosha is creating trouble and manage your health accordingly.