Ayurveda - Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Understanding what you need to do to achieve total health is as simple as understanding Vata, Pitta and Kapha - the three fundamental principles of nature which govern all the activities of your mind and body; Vata is quick, cold and dry by nature. It governs motion, breathing, circulation, elimination and the flow of nerve impulses to and from the brain. Pitta is hot and precise by nature. It governs digestion and metabolism and the processing of food, air and water throughout the body. Kapha is solid and steady by nature. It governs structure and fluid balance and forms muscle, fat, bone and sinew. We all have a certain amount of Vata, Pita and Kapha in our constitution and while all three of them are active, one or two usually dominate. Take this quick questionnaire to determine which principle you need to balance most - Vata, Pitta or Kapha.
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha | ||
| Type of Hair | dry | fine, thinning, reddish, prematurely grey |
thick, oily | |
| Skin | dry, rough | soft, ruddy | oily, moist | |
| Mental activity | quick mind, restless, imaginative |
sharp intellect, efficient, perfectionist |
calm, steady, stable | |
| Memory | quick to learn, quick to forget |
good general memory |
good long-term memory | |
| Weather | aversion to cold weather | aversion to hot weather | aversion to damp, cool weather | |
| Sleep | interrupted, light sleep | sound, medium length | sound, long, heavy sleep | |
| Reaction to stress | excites easily, anxious | angers easily, irritated, critical | not easily ruffled,stubborn | |
| Body size | small frame | medium frame | gain weight easily | |
| Hunger | irregular | sharp | can easily skip meals | |
| Walk | quick | determined | slow and steady | |
| Moods | change quickly | intense, slow changing | steady, non-changing | |
Interpreting Your Scores
The highest of the three totals indicates the fundamental principle that you most need to balance. The Vata, Pitta and Kapha Checklist will help you to identify simple changes in your diet or daily routine which could help you to stay fit and healthy. You may choose the type which meets your needs. If two columns have almost the same totals, then you can balance both principles. And, in the rare cases where all three principles are equally present, pay attention to the season of the year. When it's cold and dry - balance Vata; when it is hot, balance Pitta; and when it is cold and damp, balance Kapha.
Characteristics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
| When in balance Vibrant, lively, enthusiastic, clear and alert mind, flexible,exhilarated, imaginative, sensitive, talkative, quick to respond |
When in balance Warm, loving, contented, enjoys challenges, strong digestion, lustrous complexion, good concentration, articulate and precise speech, courageous, bold, sharp wit, intellectual |
When in balance Affectionate, compassionate, forgiving emotionally steady, relaxed, slow, methodical, good memory, good stamina, stability, natural resistance to sickness |
| When out of balance Restless, unsettled, light interrupted sleep tendency to over- exert, fatigued, constipated, anxious, worried, underweight |
When out of balance Demanding, perfectionist, tendency towards frustration, anger, tendency towards skin rashes, irritable and impatient, prematurely grey hair or early hair loss |
When out of balance Complacent, dull, oily skin, allergies slow digestion, lethargic, possessive, over attached, tendency to oversleep, overweight |
| What aggravates Vata irregular routine, staying up late, irregular meals, cold, dry weather, excessive mental work, too much bitter, astringent or pungent food, traveling, injury |
What aggravates Pitta excessive heat or exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking, time pressure, deadlines, excessive activity, too much spicy, sour or salty food, skipping meals |
What aggravates Kapha excessive rest and oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise, too little variety in life, heavy, unctuous foods, too much sweet, sour or salty food, cold, wet weather |
