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Writer's pictureAshwini Anilkumar

Prakriti-The Ayurvedic Body Type.


Ayurveda mentions that there are three doshas known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these doshas is associated with specific physical and psychological characteristics.

There are seven possible combinations of body type, which are determined by the three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, vata pitta, pitta kapha, vata kapha, tridosha. These body types or Prakritis, are unique to each individual and are determined at birth based on a combination of genetics and other factors. The seven possible combinations are:

  • Vata: Vata is associated with qualities of air and ether, and people with a predominant Vata dosha tend to be thin, with a light frame and prominent joints. They are often quick-thinking, creative, fickle minded and prone to anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. They may also experience dry skin and constipation,degenerative issues and much more.

  • Pitta: Pitta is associated with qualities of fire and water, and people with a predominant Pitta dosha tend to have a medium build and well-defined muscles. They are often ambitious, organized, and analytical, but may also be prone to anger, frustration, short tempered and skin irritations ,acidity issues etc.

  • Kapha: Kapha is associated with qualities of earth and water, and people with a predominant Kapha dosha tend to have a heavier build, with broad shoulders and a tendency to gain weight easily. They are often calm, stable, friendly and nurturing, but may also be prone to sluggishness, lethargy, and respiratory problems etc.

It's worth noting that most people have a combination of all three doshas, with one or two being dominant. Understanding your Ayurvedic body type can help you make lifestyle and dietary choices that support your physical and mental health.

  • Vata-Pitta: This body type is a combination of the Vata and Pitta doshas. People with this body type tend to be thin with a light frame, but may also have well-defined muscles and a reddish complexion. This means that individuals with this body type tend to have both Vata and Pitta qualities, which can manifest in a unique set of physical and psychological characteristics.

  • Some common characteristics of a Vata-Pitta body type include:

  • Physical appearance: People with a Vata-Pitta body type tend to have a lean and lanky body frame, with prominent joints and thin skin. They may also have a reddish or coppery complexion.

  • Energy levels: Individuals with this body type tend to be energetic and enthusiastic, but may also experience sudden bursts of fatigue or lethargy.

  • Digestion: They tend to have a fast and irregular digestive system, which can lead to bloating, gas, and constipation.

  • Emotional tendencies: People with a Vata-Pitta body type tend to be creative, imaginative, and sensitive, but may also be prone to anxiety, stress, and irritability.

  • Appetite: They usually have a variable appetite, sometimes experiencing intense hunger and other times having little interest in food.

  • Sleep patterns: Individuals with a Vata-Pitta body type may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and may experience vivid dreams or nightmares.


In Ayurveda, it is believed that individuals with a Vata-Pitta body type should balance their diet and lifestyle choices to support both the Vata and Pitta doshas. This can include incorporating grounding and calming practices, such as meditation and yoga, as well as eating warm and nourishing foods that are easy to digest. They should also avoid excessive stimulants, such as caffeine, and make sure to get enough rest and relaxation to support their overall well-being.


  • Pitta-Kapha: This body type is a combination of the Pitta and Kapha doshas. People with this body type tend to have a medium build with moderate strength with a tendency to gain weight easily, and may also have a reddish complexion Pitta-Kapha body type is one in which both Pitta and Kapha doshas are prominent. This can result in a combination of characteristics and tendencies associated with both doshas. Pitta-Kapha types are typically warm and friendly, ready to lead, quick in initiating an action, with good communication skills and a natural ability and excellence to lead. They tend to have a strong appetite and digestive system, but may be prone to digestive issues such as acid reflux or ulcers, excess perspiration if they become stressed or overindulge in spicy or acidic foods.

  • These individuals are often creative, with a good sense of humor and a love of beauty and aesthetics. They may be drawn to careers in the arts, design, or counseling.

  • Balancing the Pitta-Kapha constitution requires a focus on cooling, calming practices such as meditation, gentle exercise, and a diet that emphasizes fresh, whole foods and avoids spicy or oily foods. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or aromatherapy can also be helpful in maintaining balance.


  • Vata-Kapha: This body type is a combination of the Vata and Kapha doshas. People with this body type tend to be thin with a light frame, but may also have a heavier build and broad shoulders.People with may have a tendency towards weight gain in the hips and thighs if they do not maintain a balanced lifestyle and diet.

  • Vata-Kapha types are often creative, adaptable, and have a love of new experiences. They may have a tendency towards anxiety or worry, but also possess a calm and steady demeanor. They may also have a tendency towards digestive issues such as gas or bloating if they eat too quickly or do not eat regular meals.

  • These individuals may be drawn to careers that allow them to use their creativity and adaptability, such as entrepreneurship or the arts.

  • Balancing the Vata-Kapha constitution requires a focus on grounding and stabilizing practices such as regular routine, meditation, and gentle exercise like yoga. A diet that emphasizes warm, cooked foods and avoids cold or raw foods can also be helpful in maintaining balance. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation or aromatherapy can also be helpful in maintaining balance.



  • Tri-doshic: This body type is characterized by an equal balance of all three doshas. People with this body type tend to have a moderate build and good overall health.This is considered to be a rare and balanced constitution, but it is also considered challenging to maintain this balance throughout life due to various internal and external factors. People with a tri-dosha constitution are typically adaptable, flexible, and able to handle change well. They may have a moderate build and good overall health, but can experience imbalances in any of the doshas depending on various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environment. These individuals may be drawn to careers that require adaptability and flexibility, such as consulting or project management. Balancing a tri-dosha constitution requires paying attention to the specific needs of each dosha, as well as maintaining a balanced lifestyle and diet. This can include practices such as daily routine, meditation, and exercise that are appropriate for all three doshas, as well as following a diet that is appropriate for all three doshas. In addition, it may be helpful to work with an Ayurvedic practitioner to address any imbalances and maintain overall health and well-being.

Understanding your body type can help you make lifestyle and dietary choices that support your physical and mental health in Ayurveda. The concept of Prakriti and Vikriti are important for understanding a person's physical and mental constitution and any imbalances that may occur in the body. Prakriti refers to an individual's inherent nature, or their unique combinations. This is determined at birth and remains constant throughout their life. By understanding their Prakriti, an individual can make choices that help to maintain their balance and promote optimal health.


Vikriti on the other hand, refers to the current state of an individual's doshic balance. It reflects any imbalances or disturbances that may have occurred due to lifestyle choices, diet, stress, illness, or other factors. Understanding an individual's Vikriti can help in identifying the underlying cause of any health issues or imbalances, and making necessary changes to restore balance and promote healing.

the goal is to maintain balance and harmony between the doshas, and to identify and address any imbalances before they manifest as physical or mental health issues. This is done through personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations, as well as the use of herbs, massage, yoga, and other natural remedies to support the body's natural healing processes.









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