Finding My Dominant Dosha

The ancient health science of Ayuerveda is built around the five elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth. The unique combination of these elements come together to make up the doshas, or constitutions—vata, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha has a number of corresponding qualities that are expressed in the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of one’s being. All of us have some aspects of each dosha, but one or two doshas tend to dominate, informing everything from our digestion to our emotions. Knowing how to adjust your dominant dosha to rebalance can be life changing. After a transfortmative trip to India, and a deep dive in Ayuervedic education, Kara is delighted to offer services & experiences at the Beauty Barn that support the process of balancing your doshas. First, let's find out what your dominant dosha is.

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Body Type:

Thin and unusually tall or short. Light, small bones, prominent joints, long tapering fingers and toes.

Medium body and bone structure, fingers and toes medium in length. Medium build and gains weight evenly.

Large body. Heavy bone structure, fingers are toes and squarish. Large and chunky as a child. Easily gains weight especially on buttocks and thighs.

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Bones & Eyes:

Small forehead with small dark, active eyes & small neck.

Medium sized forehead with folds and lines. Light brown, gray, amber, green eyes. Average neck size.

Large forehead. Large neck. Large eyes - sometimes blue, but often chocolate brown.

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Teeth:

Crooked or uneven. Often recommended for braces.

Even, moderate sized teeth.

Large, even teeth.

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Hair:

Thin, dry hair, easily get split ends. Sometimes brittle with lack of luster.

Normal to slightly waivy with medium thickness.

Thick, abundant hair. Typically, blonde or dark and wavy.

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Skin:

Dark complexion (relative to rest of the family).

Fair skin, sunburns easily, freckles and moles common.

Tans evenly.

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Tongue:

Tongue dry with thin grayish coating.

Tongue coating yellowish, or reddish.

Tongue swollen with thick, slimy, white coating.

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Temperature Sensitivities

Cold hands and feet. Dry skin, cracks easily. Prone to corns and calluses. Often suffers with cracked of chapped lips. Dislikes dryness and cold.

Skin warm to touch. Oily skin, prone to pimples and rashes. Prefers cool, well ventilated places.

Skin cool but not cold. Thick skin, well lubricated. Thick, slightly wavy hair a little oily, dark brown, lustrous. Tolerates most climates -dislikes humidity.

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Bowel Movements:

Irregular, hard dry excretion or constipated.

Bowels loose more than twice a day/diarrhea.

Large bowel movement, once a day/mucous, itching.

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Mind:

Concentration is short, short term memory is good, but forgets quickly. Difficulty deciding and changes mind easily.

Good short and long term memory, logical rational thoughts. Rapid decision making, sees things clearly.

Takes time to learn things, once learned never forgets. Takes time making decisions and sticks with it.

Answer 4

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Thoughts:

Creative thinker.

Organized thinker.

Calm, likes to relax, leisure activities. Prefers to follow a plan or idea.

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Tidying:

Does many projects all at once.

Constantly organizing, likes to proceed in orderly fashion.

Resists change. Likes simplicity.

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Social behaviors:

Knows a lot of people, few close friends.

Very selective, but creates warm friendships. Has people you do not like.

Loyal, with many friends.

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Financial Habits

Spends impulsively. Money is to be used.

Plans out expenses. Decent savings.

Spends reluctantly. Loves to create savings in abundance.

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Experiences in difficult times:

Can be secretive.

Has vindictive thoughts.

Can be uncaring.

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The shadow sides of yourself could be described as:

Anxious. Sneaky. Nervous.

Irritable. Manipulative. Angry.

Attached. Greedy. Desirous.

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You have been described as:

Dynamic.

Perceptive.

Harmonious.

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When in relationship:

Flexible and Communicative.

Tolerant and Caring.

Patient and Devoted.

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Feelings:

Feelings and emotions change easily.

Aggressive about opinions, and feelings, gives opinion even if unasked for it.

Avoids giving opinions in difficult situations.

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Dreams:

Dreams about flying, restless, nightmares.

Dreams in color, fast, passion, with conflicts.

Romantic, short dreams, often involve water.

Your dominant dosha is Vata.

QUALITIES OR ATTRIBUTES OF VATA DOSHA

Dry
Light
Cold
Rough
Subtle
Mobile (agitated movement)
Clear

When vata is in balance we are coordinated in body and mind and in our response to stimulation. When in balance, vata allows us to seamlessly navigate our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our movement is easy, our sensory integration and mental processes flow, and we feel spacious, creative, and energized. When our vata is in balance, our breath supports our nervous system, and there is homeostasis between tissues and organs. The movement of our life force (prana) is regulated by vata, and this function allows us to “inspire” (inhale) easily and to surrender (exhale) with ease as well.

THE ACTIONS OF VATA DOSHA IN THE BODY AND MIND

Creativity
Joy
Communication
Hearing
Touch
Respiration
Heart function
Circulation
Menstruation; delivery of baby
Orgasm
Elimination of wastes (urine, feces, sweat)
Movement of thoughts and feelings, and the general functioning of our nervous system
All physical movements

CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA DOMINANCE IN APPEARANCE

Light-colored eyes, smaller in shape or irregular in shape and/or spacing
Light frame; either very tall or very short
Hypermobile joints
Veins can be easily seen under skin
Hair is fine in nature
May have large upper body and small lower body or vice versa; lack of symmetry in frame
Skin is often dry
May have irregular hair pattern
Nose may appear too big or too small in relation to other facial features
Lips may be irregular or thin
Delicate features overall

EXAMPLES OF VATA DOSHA IN EXCESS OR IN AN IMBALANCED STATE

Dry skin
Irregular appetite; “grazer”
Cold hands and feet
Dry cough
Constipation
Hoarse throat
Restless legs
Tapping fingers, pulling hair, tics
Hiccups
Belching
Stiff muscles and joints
Anxiety
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo
Difficulty remembering
Trouble staying asleep
Trouble getting to sleep
Fearful dreams
Hyperactivity
Cracking joints
Delusions
Dissociation
Shortness of breath
Bone density issues
Flatulence
Tremors
Trouble swallowing

DIETARY TIPS TO SUPPORT VATA BALANCE

Foods that are great for balancing vata are, in general, sweet, sour, and salty in taste. Ayurveda considers these tastes to be medicine to increase qualities of warmth, moisture, and heaviness/groundedness to promote even digestion—which helps to balance vata. Generally, all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) are recommended for healthy digestion.

FOODS THAT HELP TO BALANCE VATA

Foods to avoid or consume only moderately if your constitution is predominantly vata Foods that can increase vata are, in general, bitter, astringent, and pungent in taste. These tastes, when in excess for the vata in your prakruti (constitution), can create rough, dry, and irregular digestion, and eventual vata imbalances.

Your dominant dosha is Pitta.

Pitta’s elemental makeup consists of fire and water. The common translation of pitta is “that which digests things.” This is the dosha responsible for our ability to mentally digest our life experiences and biologically digest our food. Pitta is responsible for all of our chemical and metabolic transformations.

QUALITIES OR ATTRIBUTES OF PITTA DOSHA

Hot
Sharp or penetrating
Light
Liquid
Spreading
A little oily or moist
Sour

When pitta is in balance within any individual, according to their consttution their blood will be healthy and the acid secretions in their intestines and stomach optimal for digestion. Mental digestion, sound judgment, and discernment are functions of balanced pitta. Our ability to clearly perceive what the body senses (sees, hears, smells, etc.) is governed by pitta. Regarding transformation, pitta governs the ability of the body to combust, or digest, the materials needed to bring warmth and color to the body. The body’s ability to maintain warmth and absorb sunlight as well as our ability to mentally digest our thoughts and emotions are governed by pitta dosha.

Actions of pitta dosha in the body and mind are:

Intelligence
Valor
Understanding
Color and complexion
Hunger
Thirst
Visual perception
All digestion
All heat in the body and mind
Softness and health of the skin
Regulation of the liver
Proper function of the small intestine

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA DOMINANCE IN APPEARANCE

Sharp, almond-shaped eyes (often green or hazel)
Little body hair or soft, light body hair
High hairline, with medium amount of soft hair; in aging process thinning hair to male pattern baldness
Early to grey
Sharp nose, teeth, and chin
Freckles (red hair is also pitta quality)
Medium to small frame
Flexible yet stable joints
Symmetry of hips to shoulders
Red colored tongue
Rosy cheeks and lips

EXAMPLES OF PITTA DOSHA IN EXCESS OR IN AN IMBALANCED STATE

Easily sunburns
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Nausea
Strong anger
Agitation as a stress response
Teeth sensitivity
Burning sensation in eyes, skin, mouth, or with urination
Yellow, smelly urine, or excess urine
Excess sweat
Flushed nose, cheeks, or ears
Bloodshot eyes or yellow in eyes (and skin)
Acne or skin rashes
Nosebleeds or excess bleeding when cut
Smelly feet, armpits, or a general sour smell to the body
Overanalyzing
Tunnel vision with goal-orientated behavior
Self-critical
Obsessive or compulsive thinking
Jealousy
Desire to seek revenge
Liver issues
Blood issues
Inflammation in general
Fever
Heat and agitation with sleep
Small intestine/digestive acid issues
Burnout

DIETARY TIPS TO SUPPORT PITTA BALANCE

Foods that are great to balance pitta are, in general, sweet, bitter, and astringent in taste. Ayurveda considers these tastes to be medicine for cooling, drying, and calming excess pitta. Generally, all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) are recommended for healthy digestion.

Your dominant dosha is Kapha.

Kapha’s elemental makeup consists of water and earth. The common translation of kapha is “that which binds things.” According to Ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance, and support of our physical body.

Kapha supports our emotional calm, our mental and physical endurance, and it allows us to feel deeply, to empathize, and to be patient and compassionate.

QUALITIES OR ATTRIBUTES OF KAPHA DOSHA

Cold
Wet
Heavy
Dull
Slow
Sticky
Smooth/slimy
Soft or hard (Think of mud—it can be sticky or soft and slimy or hard.)
Steady or static
Cloudy
Liquid
Dense

When kapha within us is in balance we feel a sense of support in bodily function. The dense, stable, conserving qualities of kapha support our body heat and protect our organs. There is a firm quality to our joints, which are well-lubricated and support the bones, and there is internal support from mucous membranes and GI lining, as well as the myelin sheath for proper brain function.

Ayurveda says that contentment is one of the benefits that balanced kapha brings to our lives.

Kapha’s ability to love and forgive supports relationships with compassion and patience.

ACTIONS OF KAPHA DOSHA IN THE BODY AND MIND

Contentment
Forgiveness
Compassion
Growth
Sleep
Fat regulation
Strength and stamina
Stability in body and mind
Support for bodily functions
Nourishment of the the liquid body tissues; plasma
Anabolic changes
Lubrication; mucous
Nourishment in general
Repair and regeneration
Memory
Quality of saliva (ability to perceive taste)
Sense of smell

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA DOMINANCE IN APPEARANCE

Large eyes; especially the white (sclera) of the eye
Eye color is dark and rich in tone; chocolate brown, deep blue
Abundance of body hair and/or low hairline
Lush, thick, sometimes curly quality to hair
Round features
Smooth, dense skin (oily)
Solid frame; may be stocky or large and strong
Deep-set joints
Pale tongue
Large, well-formed teeth

EXAMPLES OF KAPHA DOSHA IN EXCESS OR IN AN IMBALANCED STATE

Slow or dull digestion
Stagnation; inertia
Constipation
Excess saliva
Excess mucous
Greed
Attachment issues
Clammy skin
Wet cough
Skin tags
Edema (water retention)
Excessive napping; difficulty waking
Hypomobility
Foggy mind
Stubborn
Depression
Congestion
Chills
Lack of appetite
Difficulty breathing
Pneumonia
Cysts
Feeling heavy or sleepy after eating
Difficulty initiating (slow starter)

DIETARY TIPS TO SUPPORT KAPHA BALANCE

Foods that are great for balancing of kapha in general are pungent, bitter, and astringent in taste. Ayurveda considers these tastes to be the medicine for warming, drying, and stimulating digestion for kapha. Generally, all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) are recommended for healthy digestion.