Physical Features

Physical Features
These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Kapha

Kapha
Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

Pitta

Pitta
Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation.

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.

Ayurvedic Body Type

Ayurveda is a science that takes care of your every realm - mental, physical and spiritual. What is good for one person isn't good always good for everyone.
Ayurvedic
philosophy says that we are each born with some of the characteristics of all three types, but in different proportions.

Healing in Ayurveda is carried out by first identifying your unique dosha (skin/body type). Each dosha combines in a special way the five elements of the universe (air, fire, water, earth, space).

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Vata
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Pitta
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Kapha

We are "in balance" when we are healthy, happy, and radiantly beautiful, expressing the ration of Kapha, Pitta and Vata elements set in us at birth.

Vata
Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It's very important to keep Vata in good balance. The related elements are Air and Ether
Creativity ~ Enthusiasm ~ Freedom ~ Generosity ~ Joy ~ Vitality
Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

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Creativity, mental quickness
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Highly imaginative
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Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
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Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
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Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
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Talk and walk quickly
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Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
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Excitable, lively, fun personality
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Changeable moods
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Irregular daily routine
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Variable appetite and digestive efficiency
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High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert
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Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance
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Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance
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Tendency to act on impulse
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Often have racing, disjointed thoughts
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Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much
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Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.