Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the Doshas. They each represent an element found in nature, within our bodies and minds. Much like archetypes, they express certain qualities and characteristics. What Ayurveda has taught us for centuries is that you can't look at any part of your body in isolation, and you can't even look at your body being in isolation from the environment. Your body is actually nothing but an element in nature. Is it possible to feel like a combination or all three? Yes, in fact because we are all made from the five elements, what differs from person to person is the dominant element(s) that are more prominent in your life right now in this present moment. Just like the seasons, our bodies, state of mind, and environments are always changing, our products are designed to mix & match to help you adapt to the natural occurences of life. Let's dive deeper into understanding the Dosha Archetypes.
Vata Archetype (Air/Space)
Body
- Frame- Thin, petite or tall, boney, oval face shape, smaller facial features
- Hair- Dry, fine, thin, textured, coarse, curly, coily, wispy, brittle, frizzy, damaged, over-processed, lacks shine, breaks easily, is prone to hair-loss, dandruff, psoriasis, split-ends and a dry scalp
- Skin- naturally on the dry side, rough, small pores, flakey, prone to premature wrinkles, lacks suppleness, cold to the touch
Balanced Characteristics
- Social butterfly
- Well grounded
- Nervous system balanced
- Comfortable in body
- Feels stable
- Sense of trust in the world
- Highly creative
- Able to relax and be still
- Energetic, enthusiastic
- Innovative ideas
Deficiency
- Poor focus, scattered, forgetful and discipline
- Restless mind
- Notably underweight
- Living in the mind, disconnection from the body
- Poor boundaries
- Disorganized
- Weakness
- Nervousness
- Irregularity, flighty, inconsistent
- Poor stamina, weak
Excess
- Eating issues
- Digestion issues, constipation
- Laziness, low energy
- Fearful, anxious, worrying
- Insomnia
- Nervous system related issues
- All over the place
- Cold, rigid emotions
- Easily over-stimulated
- Hyperactive
- Irregular metabolism
Healing Practices
- Vata balancing diet & lifestyle
- Favor sweet, sour, salty tastes
- Grounding in nature, nature based activities
- Warm, moist environments
- Connection to water
- Reconnect with body (Yoga, meditation, breath work, calming physical activity)
- Lots of touch, oil self massage
- Safe and supportive relationships
- Nourishing organic foods
- Daily/nightly routine
- Avoid any stimulating exposure
- Plant medicine- adaptogens, nourishing herbs and nervines, ashwagandha, shatavari, brahmi, reishi, burdock, skullcap, passionflower, lavender
- Mantra- I AM grounded, centered and safe in the home of body and mind
Pitta Archetype (Fire/Water)
Body
- Frame- Medium build, proportionate features, triangular face shape, strong, penetrating gaze
- Hair- Medium, straight-wavy, prone to premature thinning & greying, lacks volume, shine and body, and has a sensitive scalp
- Skin- Combination skin, sensitive, warm, flushed, glowing, pink-reddish tones, freckles, oily t-zone, prone to inflammation, acne, rosacea, burns in the sun easily
Balanced Characteristics
- Responsible, reliable
- Go-getter
- Good self-esteem, confident
- Warm personality
- Life of the party
- Self motivated, self-disciplined
- Able to meet challenges
- Problem solver
- Decisive
- Clear, sharp, strong vocal tone
- Strong digestion physically and emotionally
Deficiency
- Burnt out feeling
- Low self esteem
- Doubts themselves
- Poor digestion
- Attraction to stimulants
- Passive
- Victim mentality, blaming others
Excess
- Hot-headed, short fuse, intense
- Overly ambitious and aggressive
- Need to dominate, control
- Need to be right, have the last word
- Power hungry, manipulative
- Stubborn
- Type-A personality
- Competitive
- Arrogant
- Reactive
- Irritable, impatient
- Quick metabolism, does not assimilate nutrients
Healing Practices
- Pitta balancing diet & lifestyle
- Favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes
- Cooling environments
- Calming nature walks
- Soothing music
- Cold showers
- Walks under the moonlight
- Yin yoga, meditation, breath work exercises
- Inner work on the Ego
- Avoid stimulating foods and lifestyle habits, over scheduling
- Healthy boundaries for self care
- Must learn how to say "no"
- Plant medicine- heart opening herbs, rose, kava kava, linden, motherwort, tulsi
- Mantra- I AM calm and in control of how I respond to life
Kapha Archetype (Earth/Water)
Body
- Frame- Tall, large, curvy, strong build, round face and facial features, steady & calm demeanor
- Hair- Thick, full lustrous, heavy, straight, shiny, prone to oily roots
- Skin- Oily, supple, plump, soft, moist, slightly cool, large pores, prone to excessive oiliness, cystic acne, wet eczema
Balanced Characteristics
- Compassionte, honest, loyal
- Grounded, stable
- Loving
- Empathetic
- Peaceful-balanced
- Altruistic
- Strong body, immune system, endurance
- Has long lasting friendships, strong supportive friend
- Calm
- Dependable, nurturing
Deficiency
- Anti-social, with drawn, cold
- Introvert
- Judgmental, critical
- Depression, loneliness
- Fear of relationships
- Lack of empathy
- Sedentary
- Slow, Sluggish
- Hoarding
Excess
- Co-dependent
- Attachment issues
- Overly emotional
- Poor boundaries
- Emotional eater
- Clinging
- Jealous
- Stagnation, congestion, swelling
-
Feels stuck, hold onto things, is resistant to change, lethargy or stubbornness.
Healing Practices
- Kapha balancing diet & lifestyle
- Favor pungent, bitter and astringent tastes
- Warm/dry environments
- Stimulating activities
- Physical activity
- Self inquiry- forgiveness, self acceptance, emotional release
- Organic foods that stimulate digestion
- Lymphatic massage, dry brushing
- Uplifting music
- Hobbies that bring joy
- Dancing, singing
- Plant medicine- aromatic pungent herbs, nettles, dandelion, turmeric, ginger, fennel, moringa, tulsi
- Mantra- I AM inspired, focused, full of energy and vitality