by Greta Kent-Stoll, CAS
BALANCE IS RELATIVE
Have you ever wondered why some people run warm and some run cold? Or why one person loves spicy food and another one can’t stand hot spices? Or why some people are always mellow and calm and others are prone to nervousness and stress?
The Ayurvedic answer is easy—it’s because we are each a unique balance of the three doshas, or mind-body types. Ayurveda is the ancient life science of India, and rather than being one-size-fits-all, it is highly individualized. Since no two people are exactly alike, it follows that no two people should eat exactly alike. By teaching us to better understand ourselves and our true nature, Ayurveda offers a framework for cultivating greater harmony and well-being. In this article, we will explore some of the basic underpinnings of this ancient system.
All things in nature are made of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. This teaching is shared by both yoga and Ayurveda and represents a qualitative way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. The five elements combine to form the three doshas, or mind-body constitutional types: vata, pitta, and kapha. Understanding the associations of the five elements helps us understand the doshas and what they represent within the Ayurvedic framework.
THE FIVE ELEMENTS
Ether is perhaps the most elusive element, yet it is considered essential in Ayurveda because it provides space for the other elements to exist and interact. Ether represents connection and possibility. In yogic thought, ether is also associated with the sense of hearing. Individuals with strong ether qualities often demonstrate imagination, expansiveness, subtlety, and a dreamy or contemplative nature.
Earth exists on the opposite end of the spectrum from ether, as it is the heaviest and most tangible element. Individuals with strong earth qualities are often methodical, reliable, stable, and grounded. Earth represents solidity and stability and is associated with the sense of smell.
Water represents receptivity and flow. It corresponds to the sense of taste, which depends on moisture. In Ayurvedic thought, water is also associated with emotional qualities such as compassion and empathy.
Fire represents light and transformation. It is illuminative and purifying within the Ayurvedic framework and is associated with perception and clarity. Fire also relates to vision and discernment on both physical and mental levels.
Air is the principle of motion and is associated with the sense of touch. Individuals with strong air qualities tend to enjoy movement, variety, and enthusiasm, often expressing a lively and adaptable nature.
THE THREE DOSHAS
The five elements form the foundation of our constitution and combine to the three doshas. The word dosha can be translated as “fault”, or “that which can become imbalanced,” though the doshas themselves are not inherently problematic. Each of us possesses all three doshas in unique proportions, with one or two typically predominating.
VATA: LIGHT AS A BUTTERFLY
Vata is composed of air and ether. These elements share the qualities of light, dry, mobile, subtle, cool or cold which are reflected in vata characteristics. These qualities may be observed both psychologically and physically within the Ayurvedic framework. Creativity, inspiration, and clear communication are often associated with balanced vata qualities. When vata is described in classical Ayurvedic texts as being excessive, it is traditionally associated with experiences such as restlessness, sleep disturbance, and nervous energy.
Vata body types are traditionally described as light, mobile, dry, and cool in nature. “V types are usually thin and have trouble gaining weight… Their bodies are usually narrow in the shoulders and hips and their joints often make a cracking noise when they move them” (Svoboda, 1999, p. 45). Vata types are often drawn to movement but may be described as having variable stamina. Classical texts also associate excess vata with dryness and irregularity throughout the body.
PITTA: DETERMINED AS A BULL
Pitta dosha is composed primarily of fire, with a secondary water component. It is often described as intense, focused, and driven. “They apply the same intensity and competitiveness to everything they do, in work or play…” (Svoboda, 1999, p. 46). Pitta qualities are described as sharp, oily, and penetrating.
These qualities may be reflected in physical features such as angular bone structure and a strong presence, as well as in speech and intellect. Within Ayurveda, pitta is traditionally associated with warmth, appetite, and vitality. Balanced pitta is associated with courage, leadership, discipline, and ambition. When pitta is described as excessive in Ayurvedic texts, it is traditionally associated with experiences involving heat, intensity, and redness.
KAPHA: PATIENT AS A TURTLE
Kapha dosha is composed of earth and water, giving it qualities of stability, heaviness, moisture, and smoothness. Individuals with predominant kapha qualities are traditionally described as calm, steady, and resilient.
Classical descriptions of kapha types include thick, smooth skin, abundant hair, strong bones and teeth, and large expressive eyes. “K eyes are large and liquid… their calm, cool, stable strength made the Ayurvedic texts compare them to the eyes of a deer or the petals of a lotus” (Svoboda, 1999, p. 36). Balanced kapha is associated with endurance, compassion, and nurturing qualities. When kapha is described as excessive, Ayurvedic texts often reference heaviness, sluggishness, and accumulation.
Reading these descriptions, you may resonate with one or two doshas more strongly. It is important to remember that all individuals contain all three doshas. Ayurvedic teachings emphasize honoring one’s inherent nature rather than striving for uniformity.
YOUR BODY’S INHERENT TENDENCY TOWARD BALANCE
A foundational Ayurvedic teaching is that the body naturally seeks balance and equilibrium. According to this view, daily choices related to food, lifestyle, and environment can either support or challenge this tendency.
Ayurveda teaches that harmony in daily living is associated with well-being, while repeated patterns of disharmony may gradually contribute to imbalance. Living in alignment with one’s nature is therefore considered a cornerstone of Ayurvedic philosophy.
General principles often cited in Ayurveda include eating mindfully, avoiding excess, and prioritizing rest. At the same time, Ayurveda emphasizes individuality, recognizing that what is supportive for one person may not be supportive for another.
HOW TO EAT FOR VATA DOSHA
In Ayurvedic teachings, vata qualities are balanced by foods and routines that emphasize warmth, moisture, and regularity. Traditional dietary examples for vata include ghee, dates, oatmeal, and root vegetables.
Ayurvedic texts also emphasize regular meals, calm eating environments, and well-cooked foods for individuals with predominant vata qualities. Ghee has long-been valued in Ayurveda as part of meals, and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are commonly used in vata-balancing culinary traditions.
HOW TO EAT FOR PITTA DOSHA
Classical Ayurvedic texts suggest that individuals with predominant pitta qualities favor tastes described as sweet, bitter, and astringent, while minimizing foods considered overly heating (Svoboda, 1999, p. 60). Traditionally cited pitta-friendly foods include cucumber, leafy greens, cilantro, coconut, and avocado.
Coconut-based preparations and cooling spice combinations are commonly used in Ayurvedic cooking for pitta constitutions. Fennel and saffron are also traditionally valued within the Ayurvedic dietary system (Lad, 2009).
HOW TO EAT FOR KAPHA DOSHA
Kapha qualities are traditionally balanced through lighter, warming, and stimulating foods. Ayurvedic teachings often describe kapha constitutions as benefiting from simpler meals and warming spices. Commonly referenced foods include lentils, leafy greens, buckwheat, black pepper, and light soups (Lad, 2009).
Ghee is described in Ayurveda as tridoshic, meaning it is considered suitable for all three doshas, when used appropriately. Warming spice blends are often incorporated into kapha-oriented meals.
REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE
In closing, Ayurveda teaches that each person represents a unique expression of the three doshas. Balance is not static but a dynamic process that unfolds over time. This article offers only a brief introduction to a vast and nuanced system of knowledge.
Consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner can provide deeper insight into one’s individual constitution. Finally, Ayurveda reminds us that how we eat is as important as what we eat. Approaching meals with awareness and gratitude supports a mindful relationship with food and with life itself.
A Note on Use
This information is presented for educational and cultural purposes only and reflects traditional culinary and Ayurvedic perspectives. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
REFERENCES
Halpern, M. (2012). Principles of ayurvedic medicine. Nevada City, CA: CA College of Ayurveda.
Lad, U. & V. (2009). Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing. Albuquerque, NM: The Ayurvedic Press.
Svoboda, R (1999). Prakriti: your ayurvedic constitution. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
Greta Kent-Stoll's mission as an Ayurvedic practitioner is to inspire, educate and heal through the wisdom of Ayurveda. Her practice, Asheville Ayurveda, is located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. As an avid student and practitioner of Iyengar yoga, Greta recognizes the deep and inseparable connection between yoga and Ayurveda. She received her training and title of Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist through the CA College of Ayurveda, and is also registered at the Practitioner level with NAMA, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Greta has published in the Ayurvedic Journal of Health, is on staff with the American Herbalists Guild, writes monthly for the Herbal Academy's Herbarium, and is an intern supervisor with the CA College of Ayurveda.
For more on Greta's Ayurveda practice, please visit https://www.gretakentstoll.com/
