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Ayurveda

Yoga and Ayurveda: Rooted in the Same Philosophy

Yoga and Ayurveda come from the same root (Samkhya) and travel along the same spiritual and healing path.

  • Yoga is the science of self-discovery and realization of the True Self

  • Ayurveda is the science of life, focused on achieving a healthy, balanced life through diet, routines, and holistic practices

The Five Elements in Ayurveda

According to the Ayurvedic system, the entire universe is made up of five fundamental elements:

  • Ether (Space)

  • Air

  • Fire

  • Water

  • Earth

These five elements exist in all matter and within each individual. In the human body, they manifest as three basic principles or humours known as the Tridosha.

The 3 Tridoshas

Dosha Elements Function
Vata Ether & Air Movement
Pitta Fire & Water Transformation
Kapha Water & Earth Stability

Vata – Movement

  • Governs all biological movements like breathing, blinking, heartbeat, muscle movement

  • Responsible for feelings such as creativity and flexibility (positive) and anxiety, fear, nervousness (negative)

Pitta – Transformation

  • Controls digestion, assimilation, metabolism, and body temperature

  • Influences psychological traits like intelligence and courage (positive) and anger, jealousy, hate (negative)

Kapha – Stability

  • Provides structure, moisture, and lubrication to the body

  • Encourages emotions like caring and forgiveness (positive) and attachment and greed (negative)

Prakruti – Your Unique Constitution

Each person’s Prakruti (natural constitution) is defined by the dominance of one or more doshas. Understanding this helps you prevent imbalance—the root of disease—and live in harmony with your body.

Possible Constitution Types

  • Vata

  • Pitta

  • Kapha

  • Vata–Pitta

  • Vata–Kapha

  • Pitta–Kapha

  • Vata–Pitta–Kapha (Tri-doshic)

Characteristics of the 3 Main Constitutions

Vata Types

Physical Traits

  • Very tall or very short

  • Curly hair, thin lashes, dry skin, brittle nails

  • Variable digestion, light sleepers (insomnia), prone to gas, constipation, chronic pain

  • Energetic and physically active

Psychological Traits

  • Agile, intellectual, talkative

  • Indecisive, anxious, fearful, and lack self-confidence

Pitta Types

Physical Traits

  • Average height and build

  • Oily, inflamed skin, prone to acne and rashes

  • Strong appetite, prone to acidity, ulcers, hypertension, fevers, infections

Psychological Traits

  • Sharp mind, quick learner, intelligent

  • Can be judgemental, critical, self-righteous, and prone to anger

Kapha Types

Physical Traits

  • Shorter with a well-developed body

  • Tendency to gain weight

  • Soft skin, large eyes, slow metabolism, low but steady appetite

Psychological Traits

  • Loving, loyal, emotionally grounded

  • Prone to attachment, possessiveness, prefer stability over change

  • Learn slowly but retain well

Food & Ayurveda

Ayurveda recommends a diet based on your individual constitution, with a focus on six tastes derived from the five elements:

Tastes That Aggravate Doshas

  • Vata: Bitter, Pungent, Astringent

  • Pitta: Sour, Salty, Pungent

  • Kapha: Sweet, Sour, Salty

Tastes That Balance Doshas

  • Good for Vata: Sweet, Sour, Salty

  • Good for Pitta: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent

  • Good for Kapha: Pungent, Bitter, Astringent

Understanding your dosha and the effects of food on your constitution is key to preventing imbalance and living a healthy, harmonized life.