• The qualities expressed by Vata are: dry, light, cold, astringent, clear, active and dispersing.

The physical appearance of Vata is:

• Physique: light body frame, low body fat, little muscular development, can be very tall or very short
• Skin: dry, cool to the touch (ex. cold hands and/or feet - poor circulation), medium/dark skin tone
• Hair: dry, coarse, dark, curly
• Eyes: narrow or small, brown, gray or slate bue with a dull luster
• Mouth: small with thin, narrow lips

The Vata temperment is:

• Mental: nervous, anxious, mood swings, insecurity, quick to learn but short retention, creative
• Physical: prone to constipation (due to dry quality), fluctuating appetite, light sleeper
• Energy: very active and mobile but poor stamina, activity comes in bursts

Remedies for excess Vata:

• Exercise: regular, but gentle in movements
• Food: warm, mildly spiced, moist, nutritious but well cooked
• Taste: sweet, sour, salty

Pitta

Pitta is a combination of the water element and the fire element, with fire dominant. As such, it is the fire that fuels the metabolism and comprehension of mental experiences. Pitta is therefore involved in the following: digestion, absorption and assimilation of food, creating the feeling of hunger or thirst, comprehension and reasoning of thoughts and theories, sensory perception, vision (including luster in the eyes), serves as the furnace of the body - regulating temperature.

• The qualities expressed by Pitta are: hot, light, liquid, sour, sharp and oily.

The physical apprearance of Pitta is:

• Physique: medium build and good muscular development
• Skin: fair, warm, oils (may be prone to blemishes), freckles, tendency toward rashes or reddening
• Hair: fine, soft, light in color, straight
• Eyes: average in size, lustrous, bright blue, light brown/hazel
• Mouth: medium size with average lips

The Pitta temperment is:

• Mental: organized, driven, easily irritated, love knowledge and have a good memory, competitive, controlling or dominating traits, enjoy leadership roles
• Physical: strong appetite, regular elimination and rapid digestion, generally sound sleepers
• Energy: enjoys physical activity, has moderate energy levels with average stamina

Remedies for excess Pitta:

• Exercise: moderate, non-competitive
• Food: cool to warm, mildly spiced
• Taste: sweet, bitter, astringent

Kapha

Kapha is a combination of the water and earth elements with water as the primary element. Kapha provides substance and support for the body and acts as the basis for Vata and Pitta. Kapha is involved in the following functions within the body: lubrication (i.e. joints), bodily secretions, cell structure, stability of the mind, distribution of heat.

• The qualities expressed by Kapha are: heavy, dense, cool, slow, liquid, static and oily.

The physical qualities of Kapha are:

• Physique: large build, good muscular development, tendency to put on weight due to slow metabolism and digestion
• Skin: cool, clammy, smooth, pale, oily
• Hair: thick, wavy, shiny
• Eyes: large, attractive, brown
• Mouth: large mouth with full lips

The Kapha temperment is:

• Mental: relaxed, compassionate, slow, takes time to learn but prolonged memory
• Physical: strong appetite, slow digestion, may talk and walk slowly, deep sleeper
• Energy: good stamina and steady energy, generally disinterested in high energy activities like running and aerobics

Remedies for excess Kapha

• Exercise: regular, vigorous
• Food: warm, dry, light, spicy
• Taste: pungent, bitter, astringent

It is important to note that the qualities of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are present in everyone, and are required to co-exist because they govern different organs, processes and bodily functions.