Your Primary Elements = Constitution

Fire, Water, Ether & Air =Pitta-Vata

Most people have constitutions that strongly share qualities with a few of the elements. When two different types of constitutions score fairly closely, there will be one primary and one secondary that is slightly less pronounced. Both of these will have an impact on your body, mind, personality and health. This is called “bi-doshic” in Ayurvedic terms. “Bi-doshic” individuals will notice where one constitution will be dominant, and then under another circumstance, the other will be more prevalent. Therefore, both need to be considered when you choose your foods, self-care and lifestyle habits.

Your primary constitution is ruled by the fire and water elements, known as “Pitta” in Ayurvedic terms. Together, these elements can be innately strong and intense. People with the predominant qualities of fire and water usually have a medium build and are full of endurance with defined musculature.

They often have freckled skin and tend to turn reddish tones with exercise, when blushing or being out in the sun. They are strong-willed and good at doing what they think is right. They approach work and play with the same intensity and competitiveness. They are natural leaders and quick learners with almost immediate comprehension skills. They have a powerful intellect and solid concentration. Their digestion and appetites are strong. If they miss a meal, it won’t go unnoticed as they tend to become grumpy and snappy.

When the fire and water elements of “Pitta” are balanced, people have a luminous complexion, perfect digestion and lots of energy. They are sharp, intellectual, good teachers, leaders and speakers. They are direct, quick-witted, precise, discerning and organized.

In a state of imbalance, they can place blame on others and be judgmental. They tend to be impatient towards people, have a temper and be irritated easily. Physical symptoms may show up as inflammation, rashes, peptic ulcers, acne, heartburn, indigestion and loose stools.

Things that create balance for this constitution are any foods, activities and environments that help cool down their fiery nature. Balancing rest and activity to make space for free time on a daily basis is important, as is spending lots of time in nature and finding time for laughter, as the tendency can be all work no play. It is best for people of this constitution to not skip meals and to not wait until ravenous to eat.

To pacify the fire and water elements of “Pitta” through foods, be sure to choose those that are cooling, sweet and stabilizing. Wheat, rice, barley, and oats are the best grains to eat. Sweeter fruits such as grapes, melons, cherries, coconuts, avocados, pineapples, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables are also cooling. To balance, choose foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent.

Your secondary constitution is ruled by ether (space) and air, known as “Vata” in Ayurvedic terms. Together, these elements represent movement and change. People with the predominant qualities of ether and air tend to be thin, lanky, light, and have great agility.

They are mentally and physically active, quick in their thoughts and actions, enjoy creativity, meeting new people and travel. They can be quick to anger and also quick to forgive. They tend to get bored without a lot of change in their lives. Their moods, energy levels and appetites fluctuate greatly.

When the ether and air elements of “Vata” are in balance, these people can be imaginative, extremely creative in many different expressions, spontaneous and enthusiastic. They welcome new experiences, are excitable, friendly, energetic, flexible and original thinkers.

In a state of imbalance, they can be nervous, anxious, ungrounded, flaky and lack in confidence. They tend to blame themselves, be spacey, scattered and find it challenging to complete projects or stick to a routine. Physical symptoms may show up as cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin, cracking joints, weight loss or trouble gaining weight.

Things that create balance for this constitution are anything that is personally grounding such as spending time in nature, meditation, yoga, heavier foods and having a regular schedule and/or routine. Bringing warmth into the body is also helpful. For example, drinking warm beverages, eating foods that are oily, warming or heavy, including some natural grains, fruits, vegetables and some meat if eaten in your diet. To pacify the ether and air qualities of “Vata” through food, stick to sweet, sour and salty tastes. In addition, cooked foods are better on digestion than raw for this type of constitution.

The best way to manage this dual constitution is by season, and by paying attention to the commonalities of each “dosha.” In general, follow a routine that will pacify the fire and water elements of “Pitta” during the late spring and summer seasons, during the change of seasons, and especially when the weather is warm or hot. Follow a routine that will pacify the ether and air elements of “Vata” during the fall and early winter seasons, especially when the weather is cold and windy.

There are two ways to take this quiz, the first is through the eyes of your young years to get a more accurate read of your innate constitution, the one that that is created at conception, in Ayurvedic terms your “Prakruti”. This quiz result is to help you understand your unique balanced state or constitution and your baseline to find balance.

The second way to take this quiz is to answer the questions on how you feel today. This will show you your imbalance state or “Vikruti”.

Your equation to balance is unique to you. When you empower your body with this harmonious state you can begin to heal from anything.

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