The 5 elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) combine to into the 3 energies (doshas) of Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). They are present, in varying degrees, in all of creation. When these energies are in balance with our prakriti (Ayurvedic constitution determined at conception), we experience health and vitality. When they are out of balance, they determine our vikriti (disease or imbalance). V, P, K govern all biological and psychological processes. Stress, improper diet and daily routine, unhealthy environmental conditions, trauma and deeply held negative beliefs can all affect V, P, K in the body, mind, and soul.

Vata is the subtle energy that governs biological movement, and is our vital life force, or prana. The qualities (gunas) of vata are dry, light, cold, subtle, clear and mobile. Vata is responsible for proper functioning of the nervous system and all mental and physiological activity. In balance, Vata is creative and flexible and creates happiness and joy. Out of balance, it produces fear, anxiety, and spasm.

People with a Vata constitution tend to be lean and long, have light, flexible bodies with little fat. They are quite active, and their appetite and digestion are variable and changing. They tend toward constipation, are cold and dry and dislike winter. Vata people reflect the qualities of air and space elements. When out of balance, their moods change like the wind, they are unstable, experience lack of energy,  joint pain or headaches.

PItta is the transformational principle of fire, the energy of heating, metabolism and all biochemical changes. The qualities (gunas) of Pitta are hot, sharp, light, oily, and liquid. Everything that enters the body and mind must be digested~food, intellectual information, emotions, & experiences. In balance, Pitta promotes good appetite, vitality and intelligence. Out of balance, it can express as inflammation, irritation, anger and criticism.

Pitta predominant people are of medium height and musculature and are generally stronger than vata types. They have a fire quality about them in their eyes (light), skin (coppery) and hair (reddish or hair loss) and have very sharp minds and intellect. Pitta people dislike hot weather, which makes them irritable and angry. They have sharp digestion and can barely stand to miss a meal! They are prone to "itis's" or inflammatory diseases and will burn the candle at both ends.

Kapha represents the earth and water elements of the body, our structure or form. It also supplies lubrication to the joints and mucous membranes. The qualities (gunas) of Kapha are heavy, slow, cold, oily, damp, and stable. Kapha resembles strength and stability, love and forgiveness, but out of balance presents as congestion, stagnation, lethargy, greed and envy.

Kapha predominent people are built strong and solid. They reflect the qualities of earth and water. Kaphas tend to retain water and have difficulty losing weight, have a steady appetite but slow metabolism. Kaphas like to be rooted, love sleep and dislike having to do too much. They have a calm, sweet disposition that others gravitate toward. They are calm, grounded and stable.

Through Ayurveda, you will come to understand your unique combination of V, P, K and how to achieve balance, maintain optimum health & prevent disease when you live in harmony with yourself and the elements of nature.