By Setareh Kiumarsi
Vata–Pitta
In Ayurveda, the five elements in body and mind are explained through specific categories called “doshas”: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
If your constitution is Vata–Pitta or Pitta–Vata, it means the doshas of Vata and Pitta are dominant in your unique combination of doshas. Therefore, compared to the Kapha dosha, Vata and Pitta in your constitution have a higher potential for imbalance.
In this type, hot and fiery Pitta is combined with light and mobile Vata. If the amount of Vata exceeds Pitta, you fall into the Vata–Pitta category and should pay more attention to Vata and the strategies for balancing it. But if Pitta exceeds Vata, the qualities and traits of Pitta are more dominant in you, and naturally, more attention should be paid to this dosha.
The best strategy for maintaining balance in dual-dosha constitutions is to manage diet and lifestyle based on seasons and climate. Vata is cold and dry, full of the elements ether and air. In cold seasons (autumn and winter) and during seasonal transitions—especially when it’s very cold and windy—use a Vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle. Pitta is hot and becomes active in hot seasons. So during spring and summer, especially in intense heat, follow a Pitta-pacifying regimen.
When you experience physical and mental imbalances, your body and mind are trying to draw your attention to the doshas that are out of balance. Try to learn the characteristics and signs of imbalanced Vata and Pitta so that you can adjust your diet and lifestyle based on the imbalanced dosha.
Pitta–Kapha
If your constitution is Pitta–Kapha or Kapha–Pitta, it means that in the unique combination of doshas in your body and mind, the Pitta and Kapha doshas are dominant. Therefore, compared to the Vata dosha, Pitta and Kapha have a higher potential to become imbalanced in you.
In this type, hot and fiery Pitta is combined with cold, moist, and heavy Kapha. If the amount of Pitta exceeds Kapha, you fall into the Pitta–Kapha category and should pay more attention to Pitta and its balancing methods. But if Kapha is greater than Pitta, then Kapha’s qualities and characteristics are more dominant, and more care should be given to this dosha.
Again, the best strategy to maintain balance in dual-dosha types is to manage diet and lifestyle based on seasons and weather. Pitta is hot and full of the fire element. During hot seasons (summer and late spring), especially under intense sunlight, follow a Pitta-pacifying routine. Kapha is cold and moist and becomes active in colder seasons. So during winter and spring (especially early spring, which is full of moisture and rain), follow a Kapha-pacifying regimen.
When physical or mental imbalance occurs, your body and mind are trying to signal that certain doshas are out of balance. Learn the signs and symptoms of Pitta and Kapha imbalance so you can adjust your lifestyle and diet accordingly.
Vata–Kapha
If your constitution is Vata–Kapha or Kapha–Vata, it means that in the unique dosha combination of your body and mind, Vata and Kapha doshas are dominant. Therefore, compared to the Pitta dosha, Vata and Kapha in your constitution are more likely to become imbalanced.
In this type, cold, moist, and heavy Kapha is combined with light and mobile Vata. If the amount of Vata exceeds Kapha, you are in the Vata–Kapha category and should focus more on Vata and the methods to balance it. But if Kapha exceeds Vata, the qualities and features of Kapha dominate and need more attention.
As always, the best strategy for maintaining balance in dual-dosha constitutions is to adjust diet and lifestyle according to the season and climate. Vata is cold and dry, full of the ether and air elements. During dry seasons (autumn and summer) and transitional times with intense wind, follow a Vata-pacifying lifestyle. Kapha is cold and moist and becomes active in cold seasons. So during winter and spring (especially early spring, which is moist and rainy), adopt a Kapha-pacifying approach.
When your body and mind fall out of balance, it’s a sign to look at which doshas are being disturbed. Learn the traits and symptoms of Vata and Kapha imbalance so you can realign your lifestyle and diet accordingly.
Please be sure to credit the author “Setareh Kiumarsi” when republishing this content, which was written with kindness and the hope of well-being for all.
