Ayurveda 101: What the Heck Is a Dosha Anyway?

If you’ve ever taken an online dosha quiz and ended up wondering if you’re a spicy wind goddess or a sleepy earth muffin… welcome. You’re not alone.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic medicine from India, and it has gone totally mainstream, but for many, the language still feels like a different planet. Let’s change that.

Today we’re breaking down what doshas are, why they matter, and how this quirky ancient concept can actually change your life.

💫 So, What Is a Dosha?

In simple terms, a dosha is a unique blend of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) that makes you you.

There are three doshas in Ayurveda:

🌀 Vata (air + ether): Think movement, creativity, and change

🔥Pitta (fire + water): Think transformation, digestion, and drive

🪨 Kapha (earth + water): Think structure, grounding, and nourishment

Everyone has all three doshas, but in different proportions. Your unique combination is called your prakriti, or Ayurvedic constitution.

Meet the Doshas (With a Little Personality)

🌀Vata: The artist, the dreamer, the wind

Tends to be creative, quick-thinking, light on their feet

Physically may have a lighter frame, dry skin, and variable appetite

When out of balance: anxiety, bloating, constipation, insomnia

🔥Pitta: The leader, the firestarter, the go-getter

Sharp mind, strong digestion, focused and intense

Often medium build, warm body temperature, rosy skin

When out of balance: irritability, acid reflux, inflammation

🪨 Kapha: The nurturer, the steady rock, the calm

Loyal, grounded, steady energy

Physically more sturdy, radiant skin, slow digestion

When out of balance: lethargy, weight gain, congestion

Why Knowing Your Dosha Matters

Because once you know your yourself, you can start making better choices for YOU.

→ Struggling with bloating? That’s a Vata imbalance.

→ Burning out from overworking? Sounds like a Pitta spike.

→ Feeling heavy and sluggish? Hello, Kapha excess.

Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like, and opposites balance, so when a dosha goes out of whack, we bring in the opposite qualities to restore harmony.

Okay Cool… But How Do I Find My Dosha?

I get this question a lot and here’s the truth:

Please don’t rely on online quizzes.

Ayurveda is far too deep, nuanced, and subtle to be captured in a 10-question multiple choice form. Your constitution (prakriti) and current imbalance (vikriti) are best understood through physical assessment, tongue, digestion, emotional patterns, and more… all of which require a trained practitioner.

I personally no longer accept 1:1 clients, but I’m happy to send you my list of trusted Ayurvedic practitioners who I wholeheartedly recommend.

📩 Email me at moksha.ayurveda.bianca@gmail.com and I’ll send it your way.

Your health deserves real support, not a BuzzFeed-style dosha diagnosis.

🥑 Everyday Examples of Dosha Wisdom

Vata? Eat warm, cooked foods. Ground yourself with routine.

Pitta? Skip the hot sauce and get in the shade.

Kapha? Get moving and spice up your food.

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about rhythm. Ayurveda doesn’t just look at what you eat, it looks at how, when, and why. And the doshas are your roadmap.

💛 Final Thoughts: You’re NOT a Label

One last thing… don’t box yourself in. Ayurveda is NOT a personality test. It’s a living, breathing system that evolves with you. You’re not “just” a Pitta or “just” a Kapha.

You’re a WHOLE person, and this is just the start of your journey.

🛍 Products I Love for Dosha Balance

Here are some of my Ayurvedic favorites that help me stay in balance:

For Vata: Shine Organic Ayurveda Vata Body Oil – use code BIANCA10 for 10% off

For Pitta: Coconut Milk Bath | Ayurvedic Herbal Soaking Ritual for Skin and Spirit – use code MOKSHA10 for 10% off

For Kapha: Rooibos Chai Blend | Ayurvedic Tea for Kapha Balance – use code MOKSHA10 for 10% off

With Love Always,

Bianca

FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting my work!

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