Vata Imbalance

Imbalances in Vata often lead to dryness of the skin, hair, fingernails, and large intestine. Symptoms of Vata imbalance include irregular appetite, delicate digestion, constipation, gas, and bloating. Since the Vata principle governs movement in the body, a Vata imbalance can lead to feelings of restlessness and insomnia. People with a Vata imbalance may feel anxious, isolated, or fearful. Symptoms caused by an imbalance of Vata often come and go (a reflection of its irregularity) and may be precipitated by times of change or instability

Pitta Dosha

Pitta is responsible for all types of digestion. Within the body, the fire principle metabolizes our experiences so we can absorb that which is nourishing and eliminate that which is not. The attributes of Pitta are what you might predict—hot, light, intense, penetrating, spicy, sharp, and acidic. Individuals with a lot of Pitta in their mind-body constitution display these attributes mentally as well as physically. They tend to be intellectually sharp, with discriminating minds that enjoy delving into the underlying causes of things. They are often good leaders, visionaries, and speakers. Physically, they have a hearty appetite and good digestion. They tend to be warm, even in cooler environments. They often have a strong appetite for knowledge, luxury, and worldly recognition.

Pitta Imbalance

Imbalances in Pitta create an excess of heat and acidity in the body. This may lead to symptoms such as skin rashes and irritations, burning pain in the digestive tract, indigestion, and heartburn. Emotions may become inflamed when Pitta is out of balance, and people with a Pitta imbalance may become angry, intolerant, and hypercritical. Pitta imbalances are more likely to develop when we feel pressured or have too much on our plate.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha is responsible for structure, protection, and lubrication within the body and mind. People with a preponderance of Kapha are generally sturdy and consistent. The attributes of earth are heavy, cold, solid, stable, wet, smooth, and slow. These attributes manifest themselves in individuals who have a lot of Kapha in their mind-body constitution. Physically, they tend to be heavyset and stocky with great strength and endurance. They are generally process-oriented and are slow to anger or respond to provocation. Their skin is usually moist, youthful, and beautiful. The heaviness of Kapha means that these types have a tendency to retain excess weight.

Kapha Imbalance

Imbalances in Kapha can lead to weight gain, retention of fluids, diabetes, allergies, and sinus congestion, which all reflect an excess of the earth principle. Someone with a Kapha imbalance is likely to feel sluggish, congested, and lazy. Kapha imbalances may also manifest as depression, stubbornness, and an inability to let go. Imbalances of the Kapha principle are often chronic. People with a Kapha imbalance may be slow to react and unmotivated to change.