Dosha Body Types

Dating back to 1500 BC, ayurveda is an ancient system of health and wellness originating in India. Central to ayurveda is the concept of dosha, or bodily humors, which determine the physiology of each individual. Called vata, pitta and kapha, all three dosha exist to varying degrees within everyone, although one is generally dominant. In order to maintain wellness, ayurveda seeks to balance the dosha through diet, lifestyle changes and healing treatments such as massage, according to Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, author of "The Ayurveda Encyclopedia."

The Dosha of Vata

• Vata is comprised of two elemental influences: air and space. Individuals influenced by vata tend to have a slender body type, quick wit and rich creativity, however problems often arise if vata dosha becomes out of balance. Dry skin, anxiety and fitful sleep plague those with unbalanced vata, as well as brittle hair and constipation. Balancing vata dosha requires a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, such as keeping a regular routine, staying warm, avoiding raw foods and minimizing mental exhaustion. According to Shantha Godagama, author of "The Handbook of Ayurveda," those with vata imbalance benefit from drinking warm water and consuming sweet, salty and sour foods to increase the level of pitta and kapha dosha.

The Dosha of Pitta

• Influenced by the elements of fire and water, pitta-influenced individuals feature a well-proportioned, medium-size build and moderate stamina and energy. Clever and well-spoken, pitta-type people sometimes fall prey to fits of anger, jealousy and irritability when experiencing an imbalance in their dosha, as well as physical symptoms such as heartburn, skin inflammation and excessive thirst. Caused by consumption of spicy foods, emotional upset or exposure to excessive heat, pitta imbalance is easily corrected by indulging in lukewarm baths, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a diet rich in sweet, cooling foods such as coconut, fresh pears, milk and rice pudding, according to Maya Tiwari, author of "Ayurveda: A Life of Balance: The Complete Guide to Ayurvedic Nutrition and Body Types with Recipes."

The Dosha of Kapha

• Characterized by sturdy bone structure, thick hair and slow, purposeful movements, kapha-dominated individuals bear the influence of water and earth. Kapha brings a healthy constitution and caring disposition, but an imbalance causes poor digestion, sluggishness and mental lethargy, according to Shantha Godagama, author of "The Handbook of Ayurveda." Among the most prominent physical characteristics of individuals afflicted with kapha imbalance is excessive weight gain. To restore balance and maintain physical and mental well-being, individuals with a kapha-dominated physiology must adhere to a diet of warm, spicy foods, perform vigorous daily exercise and avoid daytime napping, advises Maya Tiwari, author of "Ayurveda: A Life of Balance: The Complete Guide to Ayurvedic Nutrition and Body Types with Recipes."