Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old Indian "Science of Life" and the art of living in harmony with nature. It gives us tools for living that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. In Ayurveda, balance not only takes place at the physical level, but at the levels of mind, body and soul. We start by knowing our dosha, or Ayurveda mind & body type of which there are three.

While we cannot see these doshas, we see the effect that they have on our mind and body. They operate as "metabolic principles". Each person is born with a unique combination of each of these three doshas, which make up his or her mind/body type. The goal is to find your particular mind/body type and keep it in balance for optimum health and happiness. This balance is achieved through diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

The Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion, and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation, cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata imbalance.

The most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas. Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well.

Pitta
Pitta-type people are generally of medium size and well proportioned. They have a medium amount of physical energy and stamina. They also tend to be intelligent and have a sharp wit and a good ability to concentrate. Fire is a characteristic of Pitta, whether it shows up as fiery red hair or a short temper. Since Pittas' body temperature is generally warm, Pitta types can go out of balance with overexposure to the sun. Their eyes are sensitive to light. They are ambitious by nature but also can be demanding and abrasive.

Pitta types are known for their strong digestion but should be careful not to abuse it. Their heat makes them particularly thirsty, and they should take caution not to douse their agni, or digestive fire, with too much liquid during meals. Pitta dosha leads us to crave moderation and purity. We rely on Pitta to regulate our intake of food, water, and air. Any toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco, show up as a Pitta imbalance. Toxic emotions such as jealousy, intolerance, and hatred also should be avoided to keep Pitta in balance for optimum health.

Kapha
Kapha-type people tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, providing a good reserve of physical strength and stamina. This strength gives Kaphas a natural resistance to disease and a generally positive outlook about life. The Kapha dosha is slow, and Kapha types tend to be slow eaters with slow digestion. They also speak slowly. They are calm and affectionate but, when out of balance, can become stubborn and lazy. They learn slowly, with a methodical approach, but also retain information well with a good understanding of it.

Kapha dosha controls the moist tissues of the body, so a Kapha imbalance may show up as a cold, allergies, or asthma. Cold and wet weather aggravates Kapha. They should not dwell in the past or resist change. They need lots of exercise and need to be careful not to overeat. Kaphas need stimulation to bring out their vitality. Kapha dosha teaches us steadiness and a sense of well-being.

Take the Quiz
Take the dosha quiz to determine your dosha, and then come back to read some of these articles. The dosha quiz is easy, and fun! Once you know your dosha, or Ayurveda mind & body type, you'll know so much more about yourself! And isn't that what life is all about? Self knowledge, self discovery. You can use your newfound knowledge to improve your relationships, your parenting skills, and to help find your best career path. Click here to take the quiz.

Lissa Coffey is the author of "What's Your Dosha, Baby? Discover the Vedic Way for Compatibility in Life and Love". For more information visit her website: www.whatsyourdosha.com.

• The Handbook of Ayurveda
• Chakra Meditation