What is My Dosha? Take the Dosha Quiz to Find Out
Answer based on your natural, long-term tendencies rather than how you feel today. Consider what has generally been true of you throughout adult life, particularly before recent health, lifestyle or environmental changes.
Discover Your Dosha
Take this 20-question Ayurveda Quiz to uncover your unique mind-body constitution - Vata, Pitta, or Kapha and receive a personalised wellness guide.
The Three Doshas
These doshas determine our basic nature, physical characteristics, and even our emotional and psychological responses. Understanding your dosha balance is the key to unlocking a personalised approach to diet, lifestyle and wellness.
Vata Dosha
Ether + Air
Key principle
Movement
Characteristics
Light, dry, cool, rough, mobile
Physical traits
Thin build, dry skin and hair, cold hands and feet, irregular sleep patterns.
Mental traits
Quick thinker, creative, and prone to anxiety or restlessness.
Imbalances
If imbalanced, Vata may lead to anxiety, insomnia, and digestive irregularities.
Pitta Dosha
Fire + Water
Key principle
Transformation
Characteristics
Hot, sharp, oily, intense, and passionate
Physical traits
Medium build, warm body temperature, oily skin, prone to acne or rashes, strong appetite.
Mental traits
Focused, intelligent, and prone to irritability or impatience.
Imbalances
When out of balance, Pitta may result in digestive problems, skin irritations, or anger.
Kapha Dosha
Water + Earth
Key principle
Cohesion
Characteristics
Heavy, moist, cool, stable, and calm
Physical traits
Larger build, smooth skin, thick hair, and a tendency to gain weight easily.
Mental traits
Calm, steady, and nurturing, but can also become lethargic or possessive.
Imbalances
Imbalanced Kapha can lead to weight gain, low mood, and respiratory problems.
The Seven Basic Body Types in Ayurveda
Most people are a blend of doshas. These seven constitutions describe the common combinations and what they tend to look and feel like.
V
Vata Dominant
People with Vata as the dominant dosha are often slim, energetic, and quick-thinking. However, they may also experience dry skin, digestive issues, and anxiety.
P
Pitta Dominant
Pitta-dominant individuals tend to be strong, with a medium build and a good metabolism. They are often intelligent, determined and focused, but can be prone to stress or irritability.
K
Kapha Dominant
These individuals are typically calm, grounded and stable. They have a strong physical constitution but can be prone to lethargy and weight gain.
V
P
Vata / Pitta (Bidoshic)
A mix of Vata and Pitta doshas, these people are often energetic, strong-willed and quick-thinking. They may experience a combination of Vata-related stress and Pitta-related irritability.
P
K
Pitta / Kapha (Bidoshic)
These individuals tend to be practical and grounded with a fiery drive. They may experience both Pitta's intensity and Kapha's resistance to change.
K
V
Kapha / Vata (Bidoshic)
A combination of Kapha's steadiness and Vata's creative energy, these people are often balanced but may experience digestive issues and restlessness.
V
P
K
The rarest body type
Vata / Pitta / Kapha (Tridoshic)
These individuals have a balanced blend of all three doshas, and may experience a variety of physical, mental and emotional traits depending on their current state of balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dosha?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health, teaches that every individual is born with a unique combination of energies that shape our physical, mental and emotional well-being. These energies are known as the doshas. According to Ayurveda, the entire universe is composed of five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth). These elements influence the doshas, which are the fundamental bioenergies in our bodies.
In this system, the three primary doshas are:
Vata – The energy of movement (Ether + Air)
Pitta – The energy of transformation (Fire + Water)
Kapha – The energy of cohesion (Water + Earth)
Can I have a combination of doshas?
Yes, many people have a combination of doshas. This is known as a bidoshic or tridoshic body type, where two or more doshas are dominant in your constitution.
What is Prakruti and Vikruti?
Prakruti is your natural state and reflects the balance of the three doshas in your body and mind. Vikruti refers to the imbalances that develop over time due to various external factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress and environmental influences. These imbalances manifest as physical or emotional health issues.
Can the environment, lifestyle, and emotions affect my dosha?
In Ayurveda, we are not just passive recipients of our doshas. External factors like environment, diet, work conditions, relationships and emotional states also play a critical role in maintaining or disrupting the dosha balance. The doshas are dynamic, and they can be influenced by:
Diet: Certain foods can aggravate or pacify specific doshas. For example, spicy foods can increase Pitta, while cold and dry foods can increase Vata.
Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, stress, or excessive activity can disrupt dosha
Environment: Hot, humid climates may increase Pitta, while cold, dry conditions may increase Vata.
Emotions: Negative emotions like anger or fear can exacerbate Pitta or Vata
Why is it important to balance my dosha?
When your doshas are in balance, you experience greater physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability and spiritual well-being. However, when the doshas are out of balance, you may experience stress, anxiety, fatigue, digestive issues or other health problems. Ayurveda’s holistic approach aims to bring the doshas back into harmony, improving overall well-being.
How do I maintain a balanced dosha?
Diet: Follow a diet tailored to your For example, Vata types benefit from warm, moist foods, while Pitta types thrive on cooling, hydrating foods.
Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity suited to your For example, Vata types may benefit from grounding activities like yoga, while Pitta types may enjoy more vigorous exercise.
Lifestyle: Establish a regular daily routine to help balance your doshas. This includes eating at regular times, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and getting adequate sleep.
Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda uses herbs and natural remedies to restore balance. These can be tailored to your dosha and health concerns.
Self-care: Practices like self-massage (Abhyanga), aromatherapy, and meditation can be beneficial for maintaining dosha balance.
How can Ayurveda help me maintain dosha balance?
Ayurveda offers personalised advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to maintain balance and prevent health issues. Herbal remedies, self-care practices and regular Ayurvedic treatments like massage can also help restore and maintain your dosha balance.
Balance Your Dosha with Traditional Ayurvedic Treatments
Select a traditional Ayurveda treatment to maintain your body and mind’s equilibrium.
