In Ayurveda, identifying a person’s body types, also called doshas, are the way a practitioner helps determine how to help someone achieve optimum health and peace of mind. This is done using many traditional techniques to see where a person is currently both in and out balance. Perhaps the most obvious way to get a basic idea of your dominant body type, is to look at these general characteristics below. (and take the quiz at http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/) We each have every dosha in us, only in differing amounts. So don’t be surprised if you find an aspect of yourself under each set of dosha characteristics. There can be one, two, and more rarely, three dominant body types. To get a more comprehensive evaluation, please schedule an appointment.
General Characteristics of the 3 Ayurvedic Body Types
Controls: All motion – breathing, circulation, elimination, and
the flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain
Elements: Air and space (ether)
Qualities: Dry, light, quick, cold, subtle, thin, rough
Personality: Fast speaking and fast moving, creative & energetic
Physical challenges: Often constipation, gas, dry skin
Emotional challenges: Anxiety, fear worry, overwhelm
Body characteristics: Often thin with narrow frame, long neck and bones ______________________________________________________________________
Controls: Digestion and metabolism – the processing of food, air
and water throughout the body
Elements: Fire and water
Qualities: Hot, oily, sharp, acidic, fluid, and intense by nature
Personality: Focused, energetic, intense, visionary
Physical challenges: Heatburn, skin rashes, weak liver, loose stool
Emotional challenges: Anger, critical, jealousy, cynical
Body characteristics: Moderate frame, athletic, good musculature
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Kapha
Controls: Structure and fluid balance – forming muscle, fat, bone and sinew.
Elements: Water and earth
Qualities: Heavy, solid, cold, soft, sweet, steady, moist, and slow by nature.
Personality: Slow speaking, slow moving, consistent & dependable
Physical challenges: Water retention, prone to mucousy lungs and sinuses
Emotional challenges: Over attachment, greediness, lethargy, depression
Body characteristics: Heavy, good musculature, short neck, large bones