In our discussion of the three constitutional types, it is important to keep a number of things in mind. First, just as no one’s life ever expresses a perfect balance of all three doshas, no one perfectly exemplifies one single doshic type. Even though the qualities of the primary dosha are most obvious, the characteristics of the less dominant doshas always filter through to influence who we are. The degree to which this happens depends on the relative strengths of each dosha.
Second, when we look at each dosha’s characteristics, our prakruti may not be immediately obvious to us. In fact, when we examine lists, charts or tests which help to define our doshic makeup, we usually identify with our vikruti or imbalances.
Lastly, our most dominant dosha is not always responsible for vikruti formation. Vata can often be the source of imbalance even when it is not the dominant dosha because of its pivotal role as the mover in the body. When vata gets aggravated, it either pulls the other doshas out of balance or causes their excessive activity to travel from their normal sites of activity to other parts of the body. Therefore, Ayurveda places great emphasis on the alleviation of aggravated vata.
As we gain familiarity with each doshas attributes, we recognize their influence more easily. We can facilitate the learning process by recalling the essence of each dosha. The kapha constitution is characterized by endurance, increased mass, steadiness and a tendency toward gaining weight. The kapha dominant constitution exhibits strong appetite, sharp intellect and glowing complexion, while the vata constitution shows speedy movements, quick mind, thin structure and dry skin. Now let’s examine in greater detail the characteristics of each constitutional type as they manifest in both balance and imbalance.
Kapha-Dominant Prakruti
Since kapha dosha provides the moistening secretions and cohesiveness that nourish the body and provide its bulk, when kapha dominates the constitution, a person gains weight relatively easily and the body tends to be thick and bulky. Even when the individual eats well in small amounts and exercises strenuously, body weight is easily maintained.
People with kaphic constitutions have relatively slow metabolisms; they take longer to digest their food and they can miss a meal without discomfort. They perform activity in a more leisurely manner, but they have ample strength and stamina and can make sustained efforts without becoming exhausted. Their reactions are slow and even and there is an air of steadiness about them that prevents them from getting easily stressed. All of this leads to a natural resistance to disease.
Kapha people may need a little longer to understand something, but once they understand, they seldom forget. They have good comprehension and good memory. They are even-tempered, content and emotionally stable and are usually satisfied with whatever comes to them. Whether they love or hate, they will hold on to feelings for a long time. Kapha’s property of accumulation allows these people to easily gain and maintain both material wealth and loving friends.
Attributes Comparing Kapha Prakruti to Kapha Vikruti
Kapha Prakruti – Becomes – Kapha Vikruti
Provides Nourishment & Bulk to the Body – Excess Bulk in the Body
Slower Metabolism – Sluggish Metabolism
Even Tempered, Less Expressive, Satisfied with Whatever Comes – Variable in Temper – Non-Reactive – Non-Expressive
Kapha-Dominant Vikruti
When kapha vikruti develops, all these favorable qualities get distorted. The individual becomes dull, lethargic, complacent, and becomes apathetic and does not want to move, so much so that he might sleep or rest for abnormally long hours. Digestion is sluggish and he is overweight. The kaphic tendency to accumulate changes into possessiveness and greed. People with this imbalance are prone to sinus and respiratory diseases, allergies, obesity, sugar intolerance, indigestion and edema.
Pitta-Dominant Prakruti
People with strong pitta constitutions show the qualities of heat, sensitivity and intensity associated with both pitta dosha and agni bhuta. Typically, they are uncomfortable in high temperatures. They prefer cool environments. If given hot food or drinks, they wait for them to cool down before consuming them.
They have big appetites and strong digestion and can digest larger amounts of food than either kapha or vata types. Pitta people have fast metabolisms; they digest food and eliminate wastes quickly. Since their appetite and digestive capacity are strong, when they get too hungry, they may become edgy or irritable. Consequently, they do not tolerate fasting well.
They are usually of medium build with medium strength and stamina. Their skin is soft, warm, reddish and sensitive. Pitta types have warm, courageous and loving natures and are quick, witty and intelligent. They are focused, astute and insightful and react quickly to stimuli.
Attributes Comparing Pitta Prakruti to Pitta Vikruti
Pitta Prakruti – Becomes Pitta Vikruti
Strong Appetite – Variable Appetite
Strong Metabolism (Digestion) – Weak Metabolism (Digestion)
Warm, Courageous Intelligent, Sharp Quick-Reactive Soft Skin – Hot, Angry, Agitated Confusion in Thoughts Impatient, Sensitive Skin Rashes
Vata-Dominant Prakruti
Since vata governs movement and serves a drying function in the body, motility and dryness characterize people with iwta-dom-inant constitutions. They exhibit more bodily motion than the other doshic types. They move and act quickly but tire easily. Even with ample intake of nutritious food, they have comparatively less stamina. They experience variability in appetite, digestion and elimination.
Their bodies are thin, and either short or tall. Since vata’s drying power is stronger than kapha’s lubrication, their mouths, nostrils and skin get dry. Dryness is also seen in the relative lack of lubrication of their muscle tissues. This results in less physical strength and stamina than the other types. Their joints may also make a cracking or popping sound because of the low level of lubrication.
Vata people have quick minds and are quick to initiate action. They grasp situations rapidly and make instant decisions. Their responses to life are flexible and they may change their minds and moods frequently.
Attributes Comparing Vata Prakruti to Vata VikrutiVata-Dominant Vikruti
When pitta becomes excessive, these types express anger, impatience, irritability and frustration and are also prone to confusion and emotional sensitivity. They are often overly demanding of others and their normally keen intellect and clear speech may develop a sharp and cutting edge. When heat in the body becomes excessive, skin eruptions (rashes and boils), vision problems and baldness may arise. The pitta vikruti is prone to acid peptic disorders, liver and gall bladder problems, ulcers, colitis and headaches.
Vata-Dominant Vikruti
People with excessive vata experience restlessness and loss of concentration. They are prone to worry, anxiety, confusion and fear, as well as lack of clarity and focus. Sleep can be light or disturbed. Vata imbalance produces variable energy levels and fatigue, as well as constipation or erratic bowels, and a tendency to be underweight. Dry skin, stiff joints and cold extremities are common problems. All neurological, psychological and degenerative problems are associated with vata vikruti.
VIKRUTI SPECIFIC QUESTIONNAIRE
Everyone benefits from knowing their prakruti, but it is even more beneficial to know your vikruti, so that you can address the imbalances which cover your natural constitution. We are therefore providing a list of questions which can help with a preliminary assessment of your vikruti. In addition, we recommend that people consult with a fully-trained Ayurvedic expert for confirmation and for advice regarding the best diet and daily and seasonal routine for pacifying their vikruti.
The questions below are divided into two sections. The first section relates to mental and emotional characteristics and preferences. The second section concerns physical characteristics. The questions are presented in a multiple choice format with an answer corresponding to each dosha: vata, pitta and kapha. For each question, pick the answer that you feel is most applicable to you and put a check mark in that column. It is useful to take this test a number of times, particularly with a person who knows you well. After you complete the questions, total the number of vata, pitta and kapha responses. The totals will give you a good indication of the dosha or doshas that are out of balance in your constitution.
Now, count the number of vata, pitta and kapha responses in both sections. The dosha with the greatest number of points shows your vikruti. Since your vikruti is generally your overused, dominant dosha, this test provides a rough indication of your prakruti as well.
Sometimes two doshas receive the same (or close to the same) number of responses. This means that you have a dwandaj or two-dosha vikruti. This is quite common and demands that both doshas be considered when you tailor your diet and lifestyle. Which of the two receives the most emphasis will vary according to the seasons. However, always keep in mind that vata drives the other doshas. If it received a score as high as another dosha’s, Ayurveda advises you to first pacify vata.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that all three doshas are always present and functioning in everyone. Diet, lifestyle, climate and stage of life all affect how strongly a person displays the characteristics associated with his individual constitution.
Prakruti influences every area of life, including all natural preferences and aversions. Personal constitution also affects susceptibility to illness and the types of illness to which someone is prone. A person who is rarely ill most likely is kapha-dominam. If someone gets sick easily, this usually indicates vata-dominance. For pitta people, the incidence of illness generally falls somewhere in between the two.
Whatever our doshic make-up, we are predisposed to utilize our strongest qualities excessively. With proper awareness of these tendencies, we can use the right diet and lifestyle choices to counteract aggravation of our main dosha. Correct food and behavior provide the keys to compensate for innate tendencies towards illness. No matter what our constitution, these things allow us to maintain and enhance our health.