The three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Doshas are the three functional energies Ayurveda uses to describe how a body and mind tend to work.
In Ayurveda, doshas are three functional energies, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that describe how a person’s body and mind tend to work. Everyone has all three in a personal balance, called Prakriti. When the balance shifts, it is called Vikriti. Doshas are a traditional framework, not a medical measurement.
Sanskrit: Doṣa
The three doshas at a glance
| Dosha | Elements | Qualities | Traditionally governs | When out of balance, as described traditionally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vata | Air and space | Dry, light, cold, mobile | Movement: breath, circulation, elimination | Irregularity, dryness, restless sleep, anxiety |
| Pitta | Fire and water | Hot, sharp, oily | Transformation: digestion and metabolism | Heat, irritability, acid-type digestion |
| Kapha | Earth and water | Heavy, slow, cool, stable | Structure: lubrication and steadiness | Heaviness, sluggishness, congestion |
Vata
Vata is about movement and change. People with a strong Vata tendency are often quick and creative, with variable appetite and energy. Out of balance, Ayurveda describes irregularity: cycles that run late or vary, dryness, light sleep.
Pitta
Pitta is about transformation and heat. People with a strong Pitta tendency are often focused and driven, with a strong appetite. Out of balance, Ayurveda describes excess heat: heavy or early periods, irritability, acid-type digestion.
Kapha
Kapha is about structure and steadiness. People with a strong Kapha tendency are often calm and sturdy, with slower digestion. Out of balance, Ayurveda describes heaviness and sluggishness: delayed cycles, low energy, weight gain.
Doshas, Prakriti and Vikriti
Your natural mix of doshas is your Prakriti. Your current mix is your Vikriti. A dominant dosha is normal, not a problem. Imbalance is about how far you are from your own baseline.
How AAVIE uses doshas
The assessment looks for dosha-linked signs in your cycle, sleep, digestion and energy. They help shape your supplement selection, which a Vaidya reviews. AAVIE does not treat doshas as a diagnosis.
Common questions
Which dosha am I?
Most people are a blend. The AAVIE assessment gives you a report on your Prakriti and current Vikriti.
Is a dosha imbalance a disease?
No. It is a traditional way to describe patterns. A doctor diagnoses diseases.
Related pages
Prakriti
Prakriti is the pattern of body and mind you tend to have. Here is what it means and how AAVIE uses it.
Vikriti
Vikriti is how your doshas are right now. It can differ from your natural constitution, and it can change.
Agni
Agni is the Ayurvedic idea of your digestive and metabolic fire. It is central to how AAVIE looks at you.
Your body isn’t generic. Why should your supplement be?
Download the app, answer questions about your body, and get your report. You pay only if you want the supplement.
Supplements are not a substitute for medical advice.