There are three body types according to Ayurveda. They are: 1) Vata body type, 2) Pitta body type, and 3) Kapha body type. These also determine the three doshas according to Ayurveda.
- Vata: Characterized by the subtle movements and mobility of wind or air energy. Vata governs all kinds of movement and communication.
- Pitta: Characterized by the transformative nature of fire energy. It governs digestion and metabolism.
- Kapha: Characterized by the water energy, it forms the structure of the body. It supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It governs the overall structure and lubrication.
Vata Body Type
Vata is the most important aspect of a human body in Ayurveda. It is responsible for all kinds of movement and thus governs breathing, muscle and tissue movement. It even controls the flow of the breath and heart-beat.
People of Vata body type are often physically underdeveloped as their chests are flat and their veins are usually visible. Their skin remains dry & rough (also cracked) and exhibits brown to wheatish complexion. In terms of height, these people are rather too short or too tall, and have slim body type.
As they show Vata characteristics, their muscle and bone development is poor. Their bone joints are usually visible. Hair of Vata body type people are usually curly and scattered with long-angular faces. They have small sunken eyes with irregular teeth, thin lips and bent nose.
They often experience a disturbed sleep pattern with restless mind and weak mental ability (in terms of remembering things). They speak very fast and they also frequently change their decisions.
Pitta Body Type
Pitta is the second most important aspect of a human body as it is responsible for the body’s overall metabolic system. Pitta governs all the aspects of metabolism, such as digestion, absorption and body temperature. Pitta is often closely related to mental strength and its ability. It is somehow responsible for intelligence, understanding of any matter, thoughts & emotions.
Pitta body type people are usually of medium height and have a delicate & slim body structure. They have a fair complexion (pinkish or reddish skin is also found with Pitta body people) and their muscle development is pretty average with no signs of deformity or aberrations.
Their skin is soft and hair is silky & smooth. But one most important thing with such people is that they exhibit the tendency for premature greying of hairs. These people have strong digestive power or you can say they have a strong appetite as their metabolism is excellent. These people are fond of sweet and bitter taste in large proportions.
They are passionate and dedicated towards their life as they have an intellectual aspect of personality. But they are also jealous and aggressive by nature which makes them judgmental and proud.
Kapha Body Type
Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure and functioning of bones and muscles. As they are formed from Earth and Water, it acts as a binding force of the cells. It supplies the water for all bodily parts and organic systems. It maintains the body immunity and protects the cells.
Kapha body type people are often overweight, but with well-developed body structure. Their body has a thick layer of skin and has an excellent muscle development.
They usually have fair complexion with oily skin, thick hair, dark eyes and large lips. It must be noted that these people have regular appetite but the digestion is weak which results in less food consumption. Their voice is deep and slow, but with a rhythm.
They have a calming personality with less anger and forgiving nature. They are also lethargic, but with strong memory. They sleep for long hours and are very slow in their actions.
It must be noted that all three of the body types can be found in everyone but in different proportions. This unique proportion or combination of these 3 create different individuals. Which means, the particular ratio of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha within each individual determines the individual physical, mental, and emotional character.
Also remember that when these three become aggravated, each of them disrupts the body in its own unique way.