How to Recognize Dosha Imbalances in Your Life
Updated: 1 day ago
Confused by online Ayurveda quizzes? Check out these comprehensive lists of dosha imbalances! Turn to Saumya Ayurveda as your experienced guide.
Explore more on the Saumya Blog, selected top Ayurveda blog and website to watch.
Ayurveda Dosha Quiz
Did you take a quiz or several, and find yourself more confused? How do you know which dosha or doshas you are? The question can leave us flummoxed. And yet, you need a clear dosha assessment because its the foundation to diagnosis, treatment and maintaining good health. If the doshic picture isn't clear, how can Ayurvedic treatment be effective?
There are three main dosha types, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, BUT...there are many combinations. Now add to that, the qualities of each dosha and dosha combination, and now layer that with any imbalances in one or more of the doshas and yes--it can make your head spin.
Explore this article and if anything on the dosha imbalances lists looks too familiar, turn to Saumya Ayurveda as your experienced guide in learning about and balancing your distinct constitution. Eliminate the stress and confusion and move forward with confidence, and experience the benefits of seasoned Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner care with decades of experience.
First, an exploration of the doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Second, how to determine which dosha is imbalanced? If you found the quizzes confusing, these comprehensive lists of dosha imbalances will be clarifying.
Third, how do you balance the doshas? Survey several resources on how to balance the doshas.
What is Ayurveda? Key Ayurvedic Concepts
Ayurveda seeks to achieve an optimal energetic balance in the body, mind, and spirit so we are healthy and free to pursue our fullest spiritual lives. But what does that really mean?
Everything and everyone in the world around us is composed of five elements: air, fire, water, earth, and space. Ayurveda groups these elements into three basic energetic properties, known as doshas. These foundational energies (called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are the building blocks of our entire universe.
1. Vata: That Which Moves
Vata dosha is characterized by space and air. The essential engine of the universe, Vata governs all functions of movement within the mind, body, and outer world. Like the elements it embodies, Vata’s physical properties are cold, dry, mobile, subtle, and light.
Vata’s powerful mobile nature is the source of creativity, expansion, openness, eagerness, and ingenuity. However, when Vata falls out of balance, we may feel scattered, ungrounded, tense, and anxious.
2. Pitta: That Which Transforms
Fire and water combine to form Pitta dosha. A universal force of action/reaction, Pitta governs all transformations within the body and mind (think digesting thoughts, emotions, sunlight, and of course food). Pitta characteristics are hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid, and spreading.
In balance, Pitta energy is ambitious, discerning, charismatic, strong-willed, and insightful. Out of balance, it sparks heat in the body and mind (such as inflammation, indigestion, heartburn, and fiery emotional responses like jealousy, criticism, and anger).
3. Kapha: That Which Protects
Kapha dosha is governed by water and earth. Nourishing and reliable, Kapha provides structure and stability in our inner and outer worlds. Like the elements it represents, Kapha physical properties are moist, heavy, slow (or dullish), cool, stable, oily, and smooth.
Balanced Kapha supports groundedness, endurance, strength, and dependability. It protects critical systems from our immune system and personal boundaries down to our stomach lining and the fluid in our joints. Out of balance, Kapha manifests as physical and mental “dullness.” We may put on a few extra pounds, or feel weighed down, lethargic, foggy, or depressed.
Understanding the Three Doshas: A Comprehensive Guide to Dosha Imbalance
Wild List of Vata Imbalances
Have you wondered if you might have a Vata imbalance? 30 signs and symptoms of Vata imbalances in the body and mind.
30 Signs of Vata Imbalances
Try our free guided practices for any Vata imbalances.
Body
General sense of feeling cold, hands and feet especially
Poor circulation
Tight muscles, twitches, muscle spasms and feeling clenched
Tics and tremors
Aches and pains here, there, and everywhere at times
Palpitations
Weight loss, difficulty gaining weight
Fidgeting or other extra movement
Dislike of cold and wind
Difficulty with loud noises
Light, interrupted sleep
Difficulty sleeping, with waking, or difficulty and staying asleep
Feeling weak, fatigued, loss of vitality
Sense of wanting to run or runaway
Lack of focus or forgetful
Difficulty concentrating, remembering
Mind
Anxiety, nervousness
Restless, agitated
Dizziness
Feeling ungrounded, spacey, scattered, overwhelmed
Excess worrying and thinking in general (“Cannot shut my mind off, it just keeps talking.")
Feeling sped-up, racing mind
Confused
Shaky
Excessive talking
Do you recognize any Vata imbalances or symptoms?
How To Balance Vata Dosha
Vata Guide Vata Soothing Kitchari: Cleansing and Grounding Ayurvedic Recipe: Vata Grounding Carrot Ginger Soup
Vata Testimonials
“Oh, golly way, way improved. Stress fell off like an old hairy coat, I’m just not anxious. Depression is way decreased. There just nothing there. I was haunted by anxiety whole life, and it’s just gone.”
--Mark Hughes, Minnesota
Hot List of Pitta Imbalances
Have you wondered if you might have a Pitta imbalance? 35 signs of Pitta, heat imbalances in the body and mind.
35 Signs of Pitta Imbalances:
Try our free guided practices for any Pitta imbalances.
Body
1. Red, burning, or irritated skin including eczema and dermatitis
2. Headaches with burning sensation and migraines
3. Rashes, response to insect bites
6. Inflammation or any of the "itis” conditions
7. Acne
8. Stomach heat increases, causing heartburn, acid reflux, GERD and ulcers
9. Hyperthyroidism
10. Loose stools (soft serve ice cream consistency) or diarrhea
11. Overactive metabolism
12. Nausea or discomfort upon missing meal
13. Heat avoidant or intolerant
14. Heavy, clotty cycles
15. Interrupted sleep
17. Inflammation in the body can lead to joint pain
18. Increased sweating and sour or foul body odor.
19. Increased hunger and thirst
20. Heated digestive system issues: inflammatory bowel conditions and flare ups
21. Excessive thirst, unquenchable thirst
22. Autoimmune disorders
23. Fevers
24. Acute inflammation of the joints
26. Sun avoidant
Explore our personalized services and book your FREE discovery call today.
Mind
27. More argumentative, judgmental, competitive, angry, irritated, frustrated, and nit-picky (short fused)
29. Workaholic tendencies
30. Burned out
31. Jealousy
32. Impatience, criticism, and intolerant
33. Overly attached to goals
34. Ego inflamed
35. Controlling, fiery personality Do you recognize any Pitta imbalances or symptoms?
How To Balance Pitta Dosha
14 Pitta Resources for Balancing Pitta Pitta Guide Cooling Foods In Ayurveda Ayurveda Treatment for Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD
Pitta Testimonials
“I was dreading and anticipating hating a weeklong outside summer event. I’ve always hated summer. Hate being in the heat. Hate being in the sun. I am SO surprised! I enjoyed being there, being outside. I tolerated the high heat well and enjoyed the whole week. I was and am in a good mood. I was not affected by the heat and sun. And, for the first time in 46 years, I didn’t get sunburnt—I tanned!” -- A.D. USA
Sturdy List of Kapha Imbalances
Have you wondered if you might have a Kapha imbalance? Weight gain? Cholesterol? Allergies? A1C labs increasing? Mucousy? Emotional eating? Feeling dull? Did you know we can be any dosha, and still have a Kapha imbalance?
23 Signs of Kapha Imbalances
Try our free guided practices for any Kapha imbalances.
Body
Slow, sticky, sluggish bowel movements
Feeling foggy, dull, lethargic, or heavy
Thick, white coating on the tongue
Excess bodily fluids and mucus
Seasonal allergies, hay fever
Pre-diabetes, diabetes
Sinus congestion
Excess sleeping
Excess ear wax
Oily skin and hair
High cholesterol
Varicose veins
Glaucoma
Edema and puffiness
What's your tongue telling you? Ayurveda Tongue Diagnosis: What Your Tongue Is Saying About Your Health
Mind
Tendency for “emotional overeating”
Sentimental
Stubborn
Greedy
Hoarding
Overly attached
Possessive
Do you recognize any Kapha imbalances or symptoms?
How to Invigorate Kapha in Body and Mind with Ayurveda
Kapha Guide Kapha Foods: A Guide to Food as Medicine Lose Weight While You Eat Kapha Reducing Kitchari
Kapha Testimonials
“Veena is experienced and caring. Her knowledge is astounding. She took the time with text support to help me get into habit of taking the herbs on time. She picked me up when I didn’t have energy to keep going. My A1C numbers quickly went from 6.3 to 5.7. As a fitness and wellness professional, I strongly recommend you take the first step with Veena.” –N.L., Corrales, New Mexico
“I feel much, much better. Amazing. I feel ten years younger and at 76, that really matters. Digestive issues are totally 100% gone. Not an issue at all. I feel great! Blood sugar and lifelong sinus issues, much better.” -Kathy B., Minneapolis, Minnesota
There is a saying, "The mind is more in the body, than the body is in the mind." The Saumya 3 step meditation process shifts us from fight-flight-freeze mode, to rest-restore-relax mode. Give it a try for forty days and observe the changes. The more grounded and relaxed we are, the smoother life flows.
"The breath is the connection between the mind and body, so by training the breath, we become calm, focused, and grounded, we slow down the aging process by decreasing stress. These practices are so simple and easy to have as part of our daily life. We actually feel and look younger."
- Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
1. Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing and Change Your Life. When we re-learn to breath diaphragmatically, we move from the flight-fight-freeze mode, to rest, restore, relaxation mode from where we want and need to live.
2. Free Daily Guided Practices: 11 minutes in the morning and in the evening, as anchors of your daily Ayurveda routine.
3. Ayurveda Daily Routines: Ayurvedic Morning Routine | 6 Rituals for a Calm and Centered Day 10 Ayurvedic Evening Rituals for a Calming Night
"Choose a couple of practices from the routines that provide you with the greatest support. Perform them while applying our two minute meditation technique and your mundane tasks, just transformed into a mellifluous meditation. This is meditation applied to daily life." - Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
"Veena was able to help me regain my energy in just a few months and I’m feeling like my “young” self again! I love the food plan she designed for me, and all the supporting practices (am/pm routines, breathing techniques, herbs, and spice mixes) are so enjoyable to incorporate into my day. I highly recommend Saumya Ayurveda if you want to feel better and have more vitality.”
-Molly Rossini, Minnesota
Explore More: Ayurveda Breathwork Pranayama
How to Recognize Dosha Imbalances in Your Life. Anything look familiar on the dosha lists? Ready to restore balance to your Vata, Pitta, and Kapha?
Discover the Saumya Ayurveda Way
We all want to be heard, understood, and cared for as whole beings, not a set of isolated symptoms. True health is more than the absence of disease, which is why Western medicine so often leaves us feeling hopeless and unseen.
Deep down, you already know what you’re searching for: a new framework for living – one that brings your entire being back into balance. With Saumya Ayurveda, you’ll receive individualized guidance to create the physically, mentally, and spiritually vibrant life you crave.
Saumya Ayurveda provides concierge, top-notch, award-winning Ayurveda care. We strive to keep it simple, so you can focus on you! Opt for virtual consultations and we'll come to you.
Our practice model is client focused, we’re not in the retail herb business. We’ll guide you where to order herbs directly online. Our top-shelf Ayurveda oils and herbalized ghees are the best in the land and we’ll ship your care package right to your doorstep.
Our effective multi-appointment consultation packages provide you with experienced Ayurveda care, enthusiastic guidance, and inspiring support.
Explore our personalized services and book your FREE discovery call today. Psst! Our clients say it best – so read and watch our client's stories.
Veena is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and meditation teacher, and monk.
She is President Emeritus and teaching faculty of the Meditation Center.
Veena fell in love with the traditional medicine used in her family’s home, learning herbal remedies at her grandmother's knee.
These childhood experiences were the seeds of a lifelong passion. For over 30 years, Veena has dedicated her life to the world’s oldest healing system: Ayurveda.
She draws on this ancient wisdom to help others find their compass to a healthy life – and support those left wanting by Western medicine.
An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Veena’s deep, intuitive knowledge of Ayurveda empowers her clients to reclaim their fullest, most vibrant lives –mentally, physically, and spiritually. Veena individualizes treatment plans to each person, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, so it fits your life and becomes woven in your lifestyle, naturally.