By Setareh Kiumarsi
Vata–Pitta–Kapha
In Ayurveda, the five elements in the body and mind are explained through specific categories called “doshas”: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
If your constitution is tri-doshic, it means that the combination of doshas in your body and mind includes Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in nearly equal measure. Therefore, you possess the positive qualities of all three doshas, but the potential for each to become imbalanced is also nearly equal—making it slightly more challenging to keep them in balance.
In this constitution, light and mobile Vata is combined with hot and fiery Pitta and with cold, moist, and heavy Kapha. If the amount of Vata exceeds Pitta and Kapha, you fall into the Vata-dominant tri-doshic type and should pay a bit more attention to the Vata dosha and the strategies to balance it.
If the amount of Pitta exceeds Vata and Kapha, you fall into the Pitta-dominant tri-doshic type and should pay a bit more attention to Pitta and its balancing approaches.
If the amount of Kapha exceeds Vata and Pitta, you fall into the Kapha-dominant tri-doshic type and should pay a bit more attention to the Kapha dosha and its balancing techniques.
Of course, the best strategy for maintaining balance in tri-doshic constitutions is to manage diet and lifestyle according to the season and climate.
Vata is cold and dry, full of the ether and air elements. In dry seasons (autumn and late summer) and during seasonal transitions—especially when cold and wind are intense, lean more toward a Vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle.
Pitta is warm and becomes active during hot seasons. So during summer and late spring, especially when heat is intense, lean more toward a Pitta-pacifying approach.
Kapha is cold and moist and becomes active in cold seasons. So during winter and spring (especially early spring, which is full of moisture and rain), lean more toward a Kapha-pacifying lifestyle and diet.
When you experience physical and mental imbalances, your body and mind are trying to draw your attention to the doshas that have gone out of balance. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of imbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and adjust your lifestyle and nutrition 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.
