Adapted from Tara Spa Therapy's Ayurvedic Constitutional Analysis
According to Ayurvedic teachings, each of the fundamental elements of the universe-ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth-are present in human physiology, and it is the imbalance of these (typically caused by physical, emotional, mental, or environmental stress) that leads to illness. A person's dosha, or constitution, relates to the specific mix of these elements. The three doshas are vata (air and ether), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (earth and water), and most people are a combination of two, with one being dominant. Take the quiz below to find your dominant dosha.
1. How would you describe your body type?
a. Thin, small-boned
b. Medium, well proportioned
c. Thick, stout, large-boned
2. How would you describe your weight?
a. Light, prominent bones, underdeveloped muscles, lean
b. Moderate, good muscles, athletic physique
c. Overweight, heavy, stocky
3. What kind of skin do you have?
a. Dry, rough, thin, fine pores, cool, cracked, prominent veins, thin
b. Soft, oily, warm, fair, sensitive, red, moles, yellowish
c. Thick, oily, prone to acne or congestion, cool, pale
4. What sort of hair do you have?
a. Dry, curly, frizzy, kinky, coarse
b. Fine, oily, early graying, reddish or blonde, no hair
c. Thick, shiny, oily, lustrous, wavy
5. How would you describe your eyes?
a. Small, dry, dark, few eyelashes
b. Medium, sharp, penetrating, green, yellowish, light sensitive
c. Large, round, blue or brown, thick eyelashes
6. What are your lips like?
a. Thin, dry, chapped
b. Soft, medium
c. Large, smooth, full
7. What are your teeth like?
a. Crooked or protruded
b. Yellowish, sensitive gums
c. Strong, white, large, even
8. What are your nails like?
a. Brittle, ridged, cracked
b. Soft, flexible
c. Strong, thick, smooth
9. How would you describe your overall physical strength?
a. Low, poor endurance
b. Medium
c. Strong, good endurance
10. How would you describe your appetite?
a. Variable, erratic
b. Strong, unbearable at times, persistent
c. Slow but steady
11. How would you describe your level of physical activity?
a. Very active
b. Moderately active
c. Less active, can be lethargic
12. How would you describe your mind?
a. Active, restless
b. Intelligent, sharp, focused
c. Calm, slow
13. What sort of emotional temperament do you have?
a. Changeable, fearful, unpredictable, insecure, anxious, nervous
b. Assertive, aggressive, easily irritated, hot tempered, angry
c. Waves of emotion, tearful, attached, calm, passive
14. How would you describe your memory?
a. Recent memory good, remote memory poor
b. Excellent
c. Slow but sustaining
15. What are your speech patterns like?
a. Fast, talkative, breathy
b. Sharp, precise
c. Slow, melodic
16. What sort of sleep do you get?
a. Scanty, interrupted
b. Little but sound
c. Deep and prolonged
17. What sorts of dreams do you have?
a. Fearful, flying, movement
b. Fiery, angry, violent, passionate
c. Watery, ocean, river, peaceful, romantic
18. What are your eliminative processes like?
a. Dry, hard, constipation
b. Soft, oily, loose
c. Thick, heavy, slow
RESULTS
If you answered mostly A, click here.*
If you answered mostly B, click here.*
If you answered mostly C, click here.*
If your responses were split evenly (or almost evenly) between two or three of the possible answers, please read the results for both (or all three) of your dominant choices.
*It is recommended that you take this dosha quiz every season. Some things (like emotions and digestion) can change and affect your results. You may need to pay closer attention to balancing different doshas during different times of the year.
Image: iStockphoto.com
Related Content
New York City's Candle 79 is one of the best vegan restaurants around, and now you can make their healthy cuisine at home with the release of their new cookbook. They've shared with us this vegan pancake and blueberry butter recipe: it's the perfect homestye — and healthy — breakfast.
We dive into the world of milk substitutes to help you figure out which type – from soy to almond and coconut to rice – is best for you.
The average American sneezes and coughs through two to four common colds each year. To help you stay sniffle-free and lower your odds, we asked three top experts how they avoid a cold or the flu.
This year, say no to making extravagant changes you won't keep. Our 10 easy-to-do healthy living resolutions – from moisturizing your neck to drinking more water – are both simple and effective.
Cold weather doesn’t have to freeze up your workout routine. Here’s how to combat it and have a successful winter workout.
