Vata, Pitta or Kapha - Which „dosha type“ are you? Numerous online providers and print media attract interested parties with questions like these, using a questionnaire to identify health strengths and weaknesses, personality traits, inclinations and needs in just a few minutes. Is this even possible from a classical Ayurvedic point of view? How reliable are such constitution tests? And how can a layperson recognise professional tests?
„Prakriti“ is the Sanskrit name for the constitution and literally means „nature“. Every living being has its own unique nature with resources, strengths and abilities on the one hand and vulnerabilities, weaknesses and susceptibilities on the other. Knowledge about our nature is of paramount importance and acts like a compass. It enables us to adapt our lifestyle, realise our potential and recognise dangers in good time. The prerequisite for this is that our constitutional compass has been calibrated correctly and that the needle does not lead us down the wrong path due to quick, inadequate test results.
Basis of our constitution
The constitution is materially composed of the five elements earth, water, fire, air and space in an individual distribution. The properties of the elements are the basis of our bodily functions, which are described in terms of Vata (kinetic principle), Pitta (thermal, transformational principle) and Kapha (structural principle).
Every person has an individual distribution of these three functional principles at the time of birth, which acts as a lifelong genetic basis. The constitution is usually more clearly recognisable at a young age, as masking influences (e.g. illnesses, ageing processes or an unbalanced lifestyle) are less present than at an advanced age.
Your constitution test should therefore definitely take into account the entire lifespan from birth onwards. Otherwise we should rather speak of a state test - our current state very often deviates from the actual constitution (Vikriti). Prakriti, nature, is always of Vikriti, the change!
For example, you tick „constipation“ under the question on digestion, which automatically allocates counters to the Vata account. However, you may have only been suffering from constipation for a year when the menopause arrived - and have always enjoyed loose, frequent bowel movements in the decades before. If the past is not taken into account, a current „vikriti“ is wrongly interpreted as „prakriti“.
Physical and mental constitutions
The Ayurvedic theory of constitution describes not only the physical constitution (Deha Prakriti), which is defined on the basis of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, but also a mental constitution (Manasa Prakriti). This is made up of the three qualities of the mind (Triguna) Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
A well-founded constitutional analysis differentiates between physical and mental characteristics and analyses their interactions in a second step. Most constitution tests only consider the physical constitution and psychologise the importance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in excess.
An example: Vata constitutions are often associated with the emotion of fear. However, anxiety (bhaya) is a state of mind that often manifests physically in symptoms of vata such as restlessness, palpitations or trembling. Vata constitutions that are able to centre their mind through regular training will not develop anxiety disorders.
The four constitutional areas
We can explore our constitution in a differentiated way on the basis of four areas:
- anatomical-morphological: based on the body structure
- Physiological-functional: on the basis of bodily functions
- pathological: based on the medical history
- Psychological: based on temperament, communication and behaviour
Different dominances can occur in each area. Your physique may be dominated by Vata, while your functions may be Pitta-orientated and past illnesses may be Kapha-orientated. What is the overall constitution? Often one area is analysed and the result is simply transferred to other areas.
An example: Throughout your life you have had a rather corpulent physique with strong joints, lots of muscles and fatty tissue - Ayurvedically a clear characteristic of the Kapha constitution. In the interpretation of the test results, you are now said to have a calm, balanced temperament with a tendency to be phlegmatic - which may not correspond to your reality at all.
Therefore, make sure that your constitution test differentiates between all four areas and includes them equally in the assessment. It is best to evaluate each area individually to minimise the risk of carry-over.
No false identification!
Once you have a result from your constitution test, please always remain open to new insights. Some people tend to identify with their newly identified constitution to such an extent that they develop corresponding behavioural patterns and do not take possible growth steps under the pretext of „that's just the way I am“.
A constitution result is not an irrevocable personality judgement, but an aid to help you go through life more easily and to better understand the behaviour of other people. Gain new access to your resources and realise your potential.
Initial analysis versus in-depth analysis
An initial analysis can be carried out using questionnaires that take the above criteria into account. However, this analysis only represents an initial impression and not yet the final result.
If you would like to explore your constitution in depth, which I recommend to everyone, a professional in-depth analysis in an Ayurveda practice is necessary. Your therapist will then carry out relevant examinations in addition to extensive questioning.
A deep analysis is a journey to the core of your being. It is impossible to predict how long this journey will take. I myself only recognised my constitution in depth after 20 years of intensive work. And I can promise you: it's not the result that matters, but the journey to get there...
With best wishes for your health,
Ralph Steuernagel
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