Ayurveda is a traditional system of healing
that has been practiced in India for over 5000 years.

It is widely acknowledged as being the world’s oldest system of healthcare. Ayurveda however, is more than a health care system, it is a complete way of living. It takes into consideration the many physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements of life that are necessary for health and well being.

According to Ayurveda, health is a perfect state of balance amongst the body’s three fundamental energies, or doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and the equally vital balance amongst the mind, body and the soul, or consciousness. As a science of self-healing Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest and relaxation, meditation and medicinal herbs.

Ayurveda teaches that we all have a constitution which is our individual psycho biological make-up. It is our own unique pattern of energy, our combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics and predispositions. It is the awareness of this individuality which helps us to gain the knowledge as to how to live our lives.

Five Element Theory

Body Types (Dosha)

Ayurveda recognizes that humans are a microcosm of nature and so the 5 basic elements present in all matter also exist within each individual.

These 5 elements are: space (ether), air, fire, water and earth.

This five basic elements manifest in the human body as three basic principles know as the doshas. By identifying your Dosha-Prakruti it will give you a rich knowledge of your psychological & physiological strengths & weaknesses. By knowing your constitution you can discover the most suitable diet & lifestyle habits to maintain vibrant health.

Ayurveda views life lived in harmony with the laws of nature – the daily & seasonal cycles – as essential to health & wellbeing.

Vata Types

Vata is formed from the combination of the space and air elements, and is the driving force of movement, communication and transport in the body. Its primary qualities are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and irregular.

Physically, Vata types are taller or shorter than average, with thin frames and a tendency toward low body weight. They tend towards poor circulation, dry skin with prominent joints and veins.

Their digestion and appetite is variable. They crave sweet, sour, salty tastes and like hot drinks. Also prone to rapid fluctuations in their energy levels, and exhaustion inevitably follows periods of frenzied activity. Vata types are easily aggravated from exposure to wind, dryness and cold.

Mentally and emotionally, Vata types are creative, expressive, active people. They tend to live erratic lives and can be restless, anxious and emotionally sensitive.

Yogaveda Ayurveda

Pitta Types

Pitta is formed from the combination of fire and water elements and governs digestion, hormonal and conversion processes in the body. Its predominant qualities are hot, light, penetrating, slightly oily, intense, fluid and sour.

Physically, Pitta people are usually medium in height, weight and endurance. Their skin is soft, lustrous and oily and tends to redden quickly in the sun and after exercise. They sunburn and perspire easily and usually have freckles and moles.

Pitta types have an intense appetite, strong metabolism and regular elimination. They have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and cold drinks.

Mentally and emotionally, Pitta types are dynamic, intelligent, focussed and determined. They are competitive, ambitious people who like to be leaders. They are articulate and emotionally assertive with strong opinions and a tendency towards anger and irritability.

Kapha Types

Kapha is formed from the combination of the earth and water elements and governs structure, stability and lubrication of membranes and joints in the body. Its qualities include heavy, cold, slow, soft, oily, sweet, sticky, stable, dense and smooth.

Physically, Kapha people are blessed with strong, well-developed bodies. They have strong muscles, broad chests and large heavy bones. With their constitution dominated by water and earth elements, Kaphas have a tendency to gain weight and retain fluid. They tend towards poor circulation and have soft, oily skin.

Kapha people have a slower metabolism and do not feel the intense physical hunger that Vatas and Pittas do, but they can become attached to food as a means of emotional fulfilment.

Kapha types are easily aggravated by dampness and cold.

Mentally and emotionally, Kapha types are calm, tolerant, forgiving and loving, they are loyal and consistent and somewhat cautious. Kapha people can be averse to change and have a tendency towards attachment and possessiveness and need motivation and stimulation.

Our Prakruti or Doshic fingerprint is the innate proportion of the Doshas which is determined at birth.

Vata Diagram