Ayurvedic Constitutional Body-Types (Prakruti)

Vata body types have a smaller bone structure, are usually thin and either very tall or short.  They have very variable agni (digestive “fire”) and a variable emotional nature.  They are the most inconsistent of the 7 body types and are always in a state of flux.  Vata types are cold, dry, hyperactive and tend to have very sensitive immune and nervous systems.  When imbalanced, they will have gas, constipation, cramping and pain.  Their skin and hair will be dry, they will have a very hard time feeling warm and grounded, they will talk fast and feel anxious and overwhelmed.  When balanced, Vata types have good energy, are charismatic, creative, adaptable, social and curious.  Vata types love music, acting and the arts, traveling and learning about different cultures and are interested in many different pursuits.  With their sensitive natures, vata types can feel shifts in their health and energy very quickly when they incorporate Ayurvedic guidelines for their health and life style.

Pitta body types have medium-strong builds, are usually warm and “hot blooded” and have very strong agni and metabolism.  They have good circulation and good immune systems.  They are very intellectual, focused, determined and courageous.  Healthy pitta types become powerful business people, community leaders, politicians and athletes.  When imbalanced the fire element manifests in them as inflammation, diarrhea, heart burn, red/burning skin, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and early balding/greying.  Emotionally, they can get very angry, jealous, envious, competitive and egotistical.  Pitta people respond well to a well thought out plan for healthcare and often like to see a lot of scientific evidence. 

Kapha body types have the largest body structure, are cold and damp, tend to be slower moving and “laid back” and have the strongest immune systems.  They have very good endurance, stability, loyalty and are full of love when in balance.  They are the most giving types and very family oriented.  Kapha types have a slow agni and can easily gain weight.  When imbalanced Kapha types will suffer from obesity, diabetes, dull mindedness, over sleeping, depression and lack of motivation.  They can easily get stick in a rut and have a hard type making the changes necessary to bring them back into balance.

Vata-Pitta types, as a dual natured body type can suffer the imbalances of either vata or pitta.  In the section on the different seasons, you will learn how to make appropriate adjustments for dual natured types based on the seasons.   Generally, this body type is thin to medium build and will have a stonger and less variable agni then the pure vata type.  The combination of creativity, motivation, drive and focus from the 2 doshas can help these types excel and succeed in business and other pursuits.    However, when imbalanced the situation is one of wind blowing fire.  Like a wildfire on a dry, windy day – this can be a very destructive combination.  Imbalanced V-P types can be irritable, restless, anxious, agitated, angry and can easily “fly off the handle”.  

Vata-Kapha types are very unique.  Usually, the kapha qualities will be more dominant and physically the person will be of a larger bone structure, stronger and more well formed then the pure vata type.  Mentally, this person may still be sensitive but will be more grounded and patient then the pure vata type.  Physically, they they can get both imbalances of either vata or kapha nature, but to a lesser degree.  Since both vata and kapha doshas are lacking fire, this person will often be cold.  Vata-Kapha types will tell you that they hate the cold and have to be where it is warm.  Where a vata type will do best in warm/moist conditions and a kapha type in hot/dry conditions, a VK type will do best in a more warm-neutral climate.  They dont do well with any extremes.  This person will often have a quicker mind and be more creative then a pure kapha type.  Combined with the groundedness and gentle nature of kapha, this makes for a great combination for creative arts – especially long term projects. 

Pitta-Kapha types are stong and have great endurance.  They tend to excel at physical sports (think NFL linebacker) and other jobs and activities that require courage, discipline and loyalty.  They need to be challenged and engaged fully in life or they can become depressed.  They will exhibit qualities of both pitta and kapha and the combination of earth, water and fire can lead a lack of creativity, inability to change and a stubborn mental nature.  Physical complaints such as congestion, constipation and other blockages such as clogged arteries are common in these types. 

Tri-doshic (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) types are rare, but are the most balanced of all the constitutions.  They are the least likely to get sick, have a positive and steady mental disposition and will often be very attractive.  These body types tend to be very in touch with their bodies and minds and know how to take good care of themselves.  They often live long, healthy and happy lives.  Sometimes, they can be imbalanced but usually they recover quickly.  They can suffer from mild forms of disturbance to any of the three doshas at times and usually it is vata imbalances that are hardest for them to overcome.