Guide
What is a dosha
A dosha (a quality of movement, heat, or steadiness) is how Ayurveda (the traditional Indian science of life) describes the mix you bring to a day. There are three, and most people are a blend rather than a single type.
The picture
Vata (air and space: movement, change, lightness) is the quick quality: ideas, change, and a day that scatters if meals and sleep drift.
Pitta (fire and water: heat, focus, sharpness) is the focused quality: a strong appetite, a clear aim, and a day that overheats if it never cools down.
Kapha (earth and water: steadiness, structure, calm) is the steady quality: stamina and calm, and a morning that stays heavy if the day never gets moving.
Food and timing
The three do not need three different rule books. They do like different pacing. Vata does better with warm meals at steady times. Pitta does better when lunch actually happens. Kapha does better with a lighter evening and some movement earlier in the day.
When this runs high
When Vata runs high, sleep gets light and hunger comes and goes. When Pitta runs high, hunger gets sharp and the evening stays heated. When Kapha runs high, the morning is slow and a large late meal sits heavily.
One thing to try
Take the free quiz before you pick a type from a description. It asks about the life you already have, then you can read the guide that matches the strongest quality.
Read next
Common questions
What is a dosha, in plain language?
A dosha is a quality, not a rank. Vata is movement and lightness, Pitta is heat and focus, and Kapha is steadiness and structure. You can show more than one.
What are the three doshas?
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Air and space, fire and water, earth and water. The guides on this site describe a day in each, including meals and pace.
Can I be more than one dosha?
Yes. A mix is the usual result. The quiz can show two qualities close together, or all three in similar measure.
How do I find my dosha?
Start with the free guest quiz. Prakriti asks about your long-standing mix. Vikriti asks about this month. You do not need an account to begin.