This system categorizes individuals into three doshas. These are the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Everyone is a mixture of these three doshas, and usually has characteristics that make one predominant. Each of the three doshas determines which treatments and substances will be most helpful to the individual.

1. The Vata person is creative, quick thinking and resourceful. The basic element associated with this type is air. Vatas are energetic and enjoy being active, and on the move. They tend to be soft-hearted, and make poor decisions in monetary matters. These individuals have a physical body that is light, dry skinned, and generally have curly hair. Vata energy is based in the colon and is prone to flatulence, twitches, joint problems, nervous disorders, and constipation. These people best maintain their life when they follow a strict schedule. People with the predominate Vata dosha should avoid sugar, alcohol, drugs, most raw foods, and ice cream. These people need warming spices, and thrive in warm coastal areas.

2. The Pitta person is strong-willed, impassioned, and determined. They emulate their essential element which is fire. Pittas excel from stress, and are confident in crisis situations. These people can have short tempers that are explosive. They can also seek to hide their angst and develop ulcers. People who have red hair, freckles, premature gray hair, and blond hair are said to have some Pitta qualities. These people can be impetuous and flighty, getting over-involved in projects and quickly burning out. The best diet for a Pitta individual would emphasize foods such as cottage cheese, ice cream, sweet fruits, oatmeal, and grains. They should avoid spicy and hot foods. The Pitta individual would do best in cooler climates that have distinct seasonal changes.

3. The Kapha individual is sensitive, sedate, strong, and forgiving. These people tend to have large-boned and well-developed bodies. Kaphas have the greatest struggle with weight. These sedate and content individuals tend to be coach potatoes. They make wonderful friends and gracious hosts. These people are connected to the earth element, and at their best are wise, tolerant, and loyal. They are more susceptible to colds, flus, headaches, and seasonal allergies. Kaphas can benefit from spicy food. Their diet should consist of low-fat, bitter, pungent, and astringent foods. There should be few sweets included in their regular intake. Often Kaphas make wise monetary decisions, and are likely to amass wealth.

The Ayurveda philosophy believes that a person’s dosha make-up is determined at conception. The constitution of a person is modified by day-to-day factors such as work, the people associated with, and the foods eaten. It is important to keep these doshas in balance through the day. This daily balance is called vikruti. The best way to have healthy vikruti is to keep the doshas in balance through diet. If a person ignores their doshas the systems are thrown off and physical ailments occur.

This alternative approach is really effective and can offer many enlightening approaches to chronic illness, and preventative care. Many medicines in ayurveda are also available to cure the diseases in advanced stages.