Ayurveda “The Knowledge of Life” is the sister science of yoga and holistic medical system of India, which was the first document in the Vedas around 5000 years ago. This ancient science is based on the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) found in the universe and make up the three basic energies of the body known as the doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda believes that we all have a unique and inherent combination of these doshas, which determine our constitutions (Prakruti).
There are many factors that can cause the body, mind, and spirit to become out of balance, including the change of seasons and weather; our specific locations, what we ingest, and our mental, emotional, and spiritual disharmonies.
By understanding your own unique nature or constitution, you can begin to understand how you interact with your environment. This knowledge will help you make choices leading to increased body, mind, and spiritual health.
Defining your “Prakruti” and current state of health (called Vikruti) is best done with an Ayurvedic practitioner who is trained to incorporate the analytical tools and techniques from this ancient medical science. However, as a start, the following test will give you an idea of your dominant dosha or doshas.
It is important that you take time to consider each of the categories. Answer from your earliest memories and focus on your overall experience – the real you – not your recent state of health or what you wish you could be. Read through the test first, and then score it. Or ask a friend to help – he or she may offer you valuable insight and an added measure of impartiality. Give yourself one point per question. If two answers apply equally and it is difficult to choose then add both to your score. Once you total the columns, the results indicate basically your dominant dosha(s): Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or a combination which is your constitution or given nature.
The Dosha Test
