Here are some basic characteristics of the three dosha types:

Kapha people, like the water and earth, tend towards a more stable and grounded nature than the other Ayurvedic tyoes. They are often said to move through life with the grace and ease of a swan. As solid and centered as a mountain, when balanced, Kapha people are loving, peaceful, compassionate, naturing and supportive. But if out of balance, Kapha people can be controlling, greedy, and materialistic. Kapha people are consistent, calm, patient and through. They are considered the kindest and best listeners of the 3 types with good caregiving skills. Slow to anger, when finally provoked, their explosive rage is uncontainable. When completely out of balance, They are the ultimate'couch potatoes'- lethargic, and downright lazy. Because of their ability to gain weight easily, their bodies are usually well-nourished and healthy. Although intellectually slower than the other two types, once they learn they seldom forget. Kapha people make excellent managers due to their friendly, open disposisition, but their stable nature can lead to mental and emotional dullness. The Kapha type requires pungent and reviving scents to break up their natural lethargy.

Vata types are like the wind and their quickly changing moods reflects this hectic pace. They are generally imaginative, eccentric, exciting and excitable. When balanced, Vata types are often artist and visionaries with a strong sence of human unity. Due to their idealism and spirituality, they are often healers and teachers. When out of balance they can be indecisive, unreliable, restlesss, overly talkative, superficial and anxious. When completely out of balance, they can be fearful, secretive, depressed, mentally disturbed and even suicidal. Their bodies can be thin due to the inefficient way in which they expend energy. Vata types can become especially moody and anxious when they miss a meal. They also lack in endurance and often have to take a break to recooperate. The vata type prefers warm climate, food and drink. Stongly creative, Vata types tend to move on to new pursuits before finishing old projects. They thrive with lots of healing massage, entertainment and total relaxation: A regular schedule can help dispel their anxieties and promote inner harmony.

Pitta (fire):