Your Primary Elements = Constitution

Ether, Air, Water & Earth = Vata-Kapha

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 mind, body, 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 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.

Your secondary constitution is ruled by the water and earth elements, known as “Kapha” in Ayurvedic terms. Together, these elements represent the structure of the body, with the primary function being protection. People with predominate qualities of water and earth have strong frames and are naturally athletic, as long as they are exercising regularly and keeping their weight down.

Their features are large, with 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, they 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.

Things that create balance for this constitution are living an active lifestyle, exposure to new environments and people, and having a regular exercise routine as they tend to gain weight easily. They can occasionally fast as much as once a week which can really help their sluggish digestion catch up.

It is ideal for those with a predominate water and earth constitution to wake up early (before 6 am), and to avoid taking naps in the day. They run cold and damp, so warm and dry helps with excess water in their bodies. Dry heat helps if they are congested. Using a heating pad under the back or on the chest can also be helpful. Avoid clutter as they tend to hold on to and collect things.

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. Incorporate lighter 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.

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 ether and air elements of “Vata” during the fall and early winter seasons, during the change of seasons and especially when the weather is cold and windy. Follow a routine that will pacify the water and earth elements of “Kapha” during the cooler times of year like winter and early spring, especially when the weather is cool and damp.

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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