Vata is composed of air and ether. It governs movement, creativity, and the nervous system. When balanced, vata types are energetic and adaptable. When imbalanced, anxious, irregular, and prone to dryness. Pitta is fire and water, governing digestion, intelligence, and transformation. Kapha is earth and water, governing structure, endurance, and stability.
Most people have a primary dosha with a secondary influence. Ayurvedic practices aim to maintain one’s natural constitution and address imbalances using diet, lifestyle, and herbs suited to the specific dosha pattern.