One's constitution is the inborn or inherent balance of energies in his or her body and mind. In Ayurveda these are quantified in the understanding of the Doshas. There are three Doshas known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In harmony the body is healthy but as the doshas move out of harmony the body expresses itself in the form of disease. Each individual has his/her own unique balance of these energies. As a result each individual expresses himself differently in the world. Each person has a different type of body frame, degree of oiliness in the skin, sensitivity to pain and many more characteristics that can be understood by knowing a person's unique constitution. This is why Ayurveda sees all people as individuals recognizing that one person's elixirs is another person's poison.

As an example, people of Kapha nature have skin which is naturally oily, soft, and supple. They also tend toward being heavy, feeling cool and moving slowly. If these individuals use cooling oils like coconut, the cool and heavy quality of the oil will sedate them even more and may cause oozing skin conditions. On the other hand warm, light, stimulating oils can be used to make a much more balancing massage for Kapha individuals. While other people of Kapha nature can do well with warm, stimulating oils, they also thrive with dry massage using powders.

While it is always most accurate to be fully evaluated by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner filling out the following questionnaire can give you insight into the balances of energies unique to your body.

As you fill out the following questionnaire, give yourself two points if a statement is clearly true for you. Give yourself one point is it is somewhat true. Give yourself no points if it is clearly not true.

Add up the total number of points for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This will give you the relative dominance of each of the forces in your constitution. You may not necessarily be dominant in one type but may be a unique blend of the three.

Vata Questions

1. I am thin and my body build is "slight."
2. I have a difficult time gaining weight or I am like a yo-yo going up and down.
3. My skin tends to be dry.
4. I feel cold often compared to others and I do not sweat very easily.
5. My complexion is dull gray or dusty.
6. When my digestion is not normal I tend toward constipation.
7. The shape of my face and jaw line is long and narrow.
8. When I am healthy I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm but focusing can be difficult.
9. I am prone to feeling nervous or anxious.
10. I tend to be a light sleeper and often suffer from insomnia.

Pitta Questions

1. I am of moderate weight and my build is moderate with good muscle tone.
2. My weight is steady and fluctuations are small.
3. My skin tends to be oily.
4. I often feel warm and sweat easily.
5. My complexion is rosy.
6. My digestion is not normal I tend toward diarrhea or burning digestion.
7. The shape of my face and jaw like is angular.
8. When I am healthy I have a lot of energy and I am very focused.
9. I am prone to feeling irritated, angry and resentful.
10. I sleep well and wake up easily. I may be awoken by dreams.

Kapha Questions
1. I am of "stocky" body build and I often carry some extra weight.
2. It is difficult to lose weight.
3. My skin tends to be oily.
4. I often feel cold and sweat easily.
5. My complexion is pale.
6. My digestion is generally good though I may occasionally have some constipation.
7. The shape of my face is round.
8. When healthy I move slowly and have a lot of endurance.
9. I am prone to feeling lethargic and depressed.
10. I sleep deeply and sometimes have a difficult time waking up.

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