Qualities of Each Dosha
Each person has a basic constitution. It is determined at the moment of conception and relates to your genetically inherited physical and emotional qualities that are stable throughout your lifetime. Most human beings are predominant in one dosha, but some people have a dual dosha constitution which means that two of the three doshas are equally dominant in one’s constitution.
Vata (air and space)
The main qualities of Vata are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle and mobile. A Vata predominant individual reflects these qualities.
Dryness: in excess, the dry and rough qualities may manifest themselves as dry or brittle skin, lips, hair, nails or bones, as constipation, or as feeling “dry” emotionally.
Lightness: this manifests itself as giving you a lanky physique but excess lightness may manifest as being underweight, having muscle wasting, light bones, insomnia or feeling “spacey” or insecure.
Coldness: may lead you to feel cold more easily than others around you, have cold hands and feet and crave warmth.
Subtle: may express itself as being introverted, creative and having an active fantasy life.
Mobile: may have a strong ability to “multi-task” or, in excess, to scattered attention, a fidgety tendency, tremors, and nervousness. It may manifest as extremes; as in being very tall or very short or being drastically different weights at different times in your life.
Pitta (fire and water)
The main qualities of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, pungent, spreading and liquid. You may find them reflected in your strengths and weaknesses.
Oily: allows for softness of skin but, in excess, can manifest as oily skin or acne.
Sharp: may manifest as a sharp, bright intellect or, in excess, as a sharp tongue.
Heat: can manifest as a warm, rosy complexion, warm body temperature, strong metabolism and appetite or, in excess, as ulcers, heartburn or a hot temper.
Pungent: quality may manifest as a strong body odor.
Spreading: may manifest as a tendency to spread your influence. This quality can also manifest as a spreading rash.
Liquid: may manifest as excess sweating; when it’s combined with the hot quality it can present as excess stomach acid.
Kapha (earth and water)
The main qualities of Kapha are unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft and stable. It is also dense, cloudy and viscous.Unctuous can allow for smooth joint function but, if pronounced, can lead to excess mucus. Cool may manifest as cool skin and a laid-back, cool temperament.Heavy may manifest as a large, sturdy, grounded physical and emotional constitution and, in excess, as being overweight. Slowness may manifest as a slow gait or a slow, steady pace that you can maintain. In excess, you may get stuck in a pattern that may not be the best for you. Softness can manifest as a soft heart that is easily empathic. Another manifestation of this quality is having soft skin. Stability can manifest as dependability, but in excess could become stubbornness or sluggishness. You could become so stable that you are disinclined toward any physical activity.Density: can manifest as good stamina and strong, well-formed muscles and bones and dense, luxurious hair.