Your Primary Elements = Constitution

Ether, Air, Water, Fire & Earth =Vata-Pitta-Kapha

Considered rare, some people have all the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) or the three “doshas,” of “Vata,” “Pitta” and “Kapha” (which are comprised of the five elements), almost all equally represented within their constitution. This is known as “tri-doshic” in Ayurvedic terms, where “Vata” is ruled by the elements of ether and air, “Pitta” is ruled by fire and water, and “Kapha” is ruled by water and earth. All of these elements will have an impact on your mind, body, personality, and health.

People who are tri-doshic are inherently very balanced by nature. It is a sturdy constitution and they can really sync up well with the seasons. The goal is to figure out what characteristics express themselves in the different areas of body, mind, emotion and sprit, and then make the best life choices for your overall well being.

The qualities of ether and air, also known as “Vata” represent movement and change. This is expressed physically in people who are 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, 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.

Balancing Kapha

Things that help bring the ether and air elements of “Vata” into balance 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 if you are experiencing an excess of “Vata.”

The qualities of fire and water, also known as “Pitta” can be innately strong & intense. This is expressed physically in people who 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.

Balancing Pitta

Things that help bring the fire and water elements of “Pitta” into balance are any foods, activities and environments that help cool down the 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 and no play. It is also best 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.

The elements of water and earth, also known as “Kapha” represent the structure of the body, with the primary function being protection. This is expressed physically in people who have strong frames and are naturally athletic, as long as they are exercising regularly and keeping their weight down. Their features are large, they have soft eyes, smooth radiant skin and thick hair. They prefer regular routine in their personal and professional lives. They see the big picture in life and care deeply about people and the world.  Their metabolism tends to be slow and their appetite for both food and stimulation are less intense than those of other constitutions.

When the water and earth elements of “Kapha” are balanced, people are detail oriented, steady, consistent, stable, methodical, thoughtful, forgiving, sweet, patient, compassionate, loyal, loving, content, simple yet profound, and naturally athletic. It is easy for them to enjoy life.

In a state of imbalance, they tend to gain weight, hold on to fluids in their body, have allergies, sleep excessively, are resistant to change, withdrawn, depressed and unmotivated. They also tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they have served them. When stressed they usually withdraw. Physical symptoms may show up as asthma, diabetes, obesity and depression.

Balancing Kapha

Things that help bring the water and earth elements of “Kapha” into balance are living an active lifestyle, exposure to new environments and people, and having a regular exercise routine, since excess “Kapha” can lead to weight gain. Occasionally fasting as much as once a week can really help sluggish digestion catch up. It is ideal to wake up early (before 6 am), and to avoid taking naps in the day. Because the qualities of “Kapha” are cold and damp, the opposite qualities of warm and dry will help with any excess water in the body. Dry heat helps if there is congestion and using a heating pad under the back or on the chest can also be helpful. Avoiding clutter is good too, as people tend to hold on to and collect things when “Kapha” is out of balance.

To pacify the qualities of “Kapha” through food, choose light, dry and warm foods. All beans are good except for soybeans and soybean-based foods such as tofu, which should be eaten in moderation. Incorporatelighter fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries and apricots. All vegetables should be welcomed, however, be mindful of consuming too much of any sweet and juicy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. To balance, choose foods with bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes.

When a person with a “tri-doshic” constitution is balanced, they will exude strong, stable and adaptable qualities. They tend to be well rounded, have robust bodies and rarely get sick. They can tolerate a wide variety of seasons and environmental conditions. They are resilient and calmer by nature. They tend to be optimistic and at peace with themselves.

When imbalanced, they can experience very poor health and it can be difficult to get back on track because they do not have a dominant “dosha” to reduce. For example, the ether and air elements of “Vata” and the water and earth elements of “Kapha” are the exact opposite elements and antidotes. Therefore, someone with a “Vata” condition would have to be extra selective in choosing remedies. 

To create balance for this constitution, start to notice the characteristics of each “dosha,” and where they express themselves. If you notice you have a quick temper and are quick witted, perhaps you have a fiery mind, which is “pitta.” If you carry weight and have big round features, maybe your body is more “Kapha” like. Perhaps you enjoy artistic expressions and are good at it, which would be your “Vata” qualities chiming in. You can begin to distinguish these characteristics and notice which may be out of balance. Listen to your body and pay attention to what it is it asking for?

As for diet and lifestyle, it’s best to follow the seasons. For example, in autumn and early winter when it gets cold and windy, a person with a “tri-doshic” constitution would follow a routine that aims to pacify the ether and air elements of “Vata.” In the winter and early spring when the weather is cold and damp, you would follow a routine that pacifies the water and earth elements of“Kapha.” In late spring through summer, when it is warm and hot, you would implement a routine that pacifies the fire element as this is the time of year when “pitta” is high.

It sounds like a lot at first, however, this becomes very natural and you will end up synchronizing with the seasons and with those foods that are naturally provided by Mother Nature during each time of the year. In addition, enjoy meals with all six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

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.

Like us on Facebook or follow on Instagram for blogs and tips for your holistic health.