Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Constitution and the Three Doshas


Each person possesses a unique constitution that is made up of a combination of the three Doshas called Prakriti. Every person has all three Doshas within them. Vata is our energy and our breath, Pitta is our warmth and transforms substances in our bodies, and Kapha makes up the flesh and secretions. The play of the Doshas and the five elements within us is the same as the play within the universe. The macrocosm is recreated in the microcosm of our body. What makes every person unique is that we all have a different proportion of the Doshas. Typically, one Doshas will dominate in a person and will show clearly in their physical appearance and mental constitution.
When individuals predominate in one Dosha, we could call this pure Vata, pure Pitta, or pure Kapha. Some people may have a dual constitution where two Doshas are more or less in equal proportions. Three different types of dual constitutions exist; Vatta-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, and Pitta-Kapha. There is also the rare type of Vatta-Pitta-Kapha. In total there are seven major types.
By looking at the constitution of an individual Ayurveda can go beyond the pure medical lines of treatment in the form of health education, lifestyle changes, and counseling to help establish full health and wellbeing. While each person will have a unique approach to their own health, Ayurveda’s aim can be summed up in this quote from the Sushruta Samhita, 15.38
sama dasah samagnis ca sama dhatu mala kriyah
prasannatmendriya manah svastha ityabhidhiyate
One who is established in Self, who has balanced the Doshas, balanced agni, properly formed dhatus, proper elimination of wastes, well functioning bodily processes, and whose mind, soul, and senses are full of bliss, is called a healthy person.

The following is a brief constitution test, that will examine aspects of the physical body; weight, frame, and complexion. There is also a mental constitution that another article will be written on. The list will help you to identify your predominate Dosha. Generally speaking, I believe most people can understand the basics of their Ayurvedic constitution. Consulting an Ayurvedic practioner is always helpful and will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of your own constitution. The Doshas tend to stay constant through our life, but factors like long-term illness or trauma can change it. When going through the list choose the one that has been constant through your life. For example, if you have had a thin frame your whole life except for the last year when you have gained weight, you should choose the thin frame (Vata) as that has been predominant.
Review the following list and circle the characteristics that describe you. Then, total the number circled in each column.

Vata Pitta Kapha
Frame
Tall or short, thin, slender, poorly developed, irregular
Medium,
moderate physique, balanced
Stocky, short, big,
well developed, balanced
Weight
Low, hard to gain weight, lean, prominent bones, fat stored in midriff “spare tire”
Moderate, average weight, even fat on body
Heavy, tends towards Obesity, easy to gain weight
Complexion
Dull, darkish, grayish
Red, ruddy, flushed, glowing
White, pale
Skin Texture
Dry, cold, cracked, rough,
veins are easy to see
Warm, moist, pink, irritable,
moles, freckles, acne
Thick, white, moist, smooth,cool, soft
Hair
Dry, scanty, rough, kinky
brown, wavy, frizzy
Moderate, fine,
early gray, bald, red
Thick, oily, wavy,
abundant, lustrous, brown or chocolate
Head
Long, thin, small
Moderate
Large
Face
Thin, long, small,
wrinkled
Moderate, ruddy,
Sharp features
Large, round, pale,
Fat
Forehead
Small, wrinkled
Moderate, folds
Large, broad
Eyebrows
Small, thin
Moderate, fine
Thick, bushy
Eyelashes
Small, dry
Small, fine
Large, thick, firm
Eyes
Small, dry, thin, dull, sunken, grey, violet, slate blue
Medium, easily inflamed, bothered, green, hazel, light blue
Wide, white, almond shaped, large, liquid
Nose
Thin, long, crooked, dry, deviated septum
Medium, moderate
Thick, big
Lips
Thin, small, dry, narrow
Medium, red
Thick, large, smooth
Teeth and Gums
Thin, dry, small, crooked, receding gums
Medium, sharp, soft, pink, gums bleed
Large, thick, white, healthy gums
Neck
Thin, long
Medium
Large, thick
Shoulders
Thin, small, flat,
hunched, bad posture
Medium
Broad, thick
Arms
Thin, small or long,
Little muscle
Medium
Large, developed
Chest
Thin, small, underdeveloped
Medium
Broad, large
Hands
Small, dry, cold, rough,
unsteady
Medium, warm or hot, pink
Large, cool, firm
Thighs
Thin, narrow, underdeveloped
Medium
Large, sturdy
Legs
Thin, short or long, prominent knees
Medium
Large
Calves
Small, hard
Loose
Large
Feet
Small, thin, rough, dry, long
Medium, soft
Large, hard, firm
Joints
Small, thin, cracking, dry, prone to injury
Medium, loose
Large, strong
Nails
Small, thin, dry, hard, brittle, dark, nail bitters
Medium, pink, soft, strong
Large, thick, symmetrical


Malas(wastes) and Agni(digestion)
Vata Pitta Kapha

Urine
Difficult, very little,
colorless
Profuse, yellow or red,
burning
Moderate, whitish
Feces
Dry, hard, difficult, painful, gas, constipation
Loose, yellowish, prone to diarrhea, burning sensation,abundant
Moderate, solid,
pale, mucus in
stool
Sweat/
body odor
No smell, little sweat
Abundant, hot,
strong smell
Moderate, pleasant smell, consistent
Appetite
Erratic, weak, variable
Strong, sharp
Constant, low
Circulation
Poor, erratic, cold hands and feet
Good, warm or hot
Good, steady, warm
Total
Vata-
Pitta-
Kapha-


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