Uncover the ancient secrets of Ayurveda and discover your dosha with our easy quiz to help you find the right routine for you.

When it comes to wellbeing, true balance is rarely something that happens by accident. Rather, it needs to be actively cultivated. Which is exactly where the wisdom of Ayurveda can help. This ancient Indian health system is over 5,000 years old, but thanks to its holistic approach to balance, healing and wellbeing, it’s just as relevant today as it’s ever been.  

Focused around balancing your unique pattern of energies, Ayurvedic medicine can help us understand how to care for our bodies and minds in alignment with nature, and build effective wellness routines tailored to what suits our individual needs.  

Ready to discover more? Deepen your understanding of Ayurvedic traditions and find out what works for you with our quiz to find your dosha: Vata, Pitta or Kapha. 

What is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda translates to ‘the science of life’, and is rooted in ancient traditions which work to bring balance to our health and prevent illness. As Ayurvedic expert Geeta Vara explains in her book, Ayurveda: A Practical Guide to Optimal Health, Healing and Vitality: “Ayurveda is the oldest known medical science, and takes a total holistic approach to life and wellbeing, embracing the mind, body, emotions and soul as well as the effects of the environment, seasons, moon and sun cycles.” 

Vara goes on to assert that this ancient wisdom is even more pertinent today, as our modern lives continue to move us further from our natural biorhythms. “Embracing the natural flow of life and getting in touch with our ‘self’ is the best gift we can give to ourselves in a world that has become technologically and synthetically dependent,” she writes.  

What are the Ayurveda doshas? 

Ayurveda is based around the idea that everybody is born with unique physical and mental traits, and only when these are balanced, are we healthy in body, mind and soul. These traits are expressed as mind-body energies, or doshas.  

The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are each made up of different combinations of the five natural elements: space, water, earth, fire and air. While each of us may have a unique ratio of two or even three of the doshas, it’s common to have one that’s most dominant. 

Your dominant dosha is the one that best describes your personality, and determines the Ayurvedic principles that are best-suited to your overall wellbeing. From what to eat to the best kind of exercise to do, your dosha is the key to unlocking inner harmony. 

QUIZ: FIND YOUR AYURVEDA DOSHA 

Ready to find your dosha? Answer these five questions and tally up your results to discover the best wellbeing routine for you.  

Question 1: How would you describe your typical energy level? 

• A. I often feel energetic and enthusiastic but can easily become fatigued 

• B. I have a moderate energy level that sustains throughout the day 

• C. I have a steady energy level, but it takes a bit to get going 

Question 2: When faced with a stressful situation, how do you usually react? 

• A. I’m prone to becoming anxious and tend to worry a lot 

• B. I might get frustrated and can be more aggressive in my response 

• C. I tend to remain calm and don’t get easily upset 

Question 3: What is your typical body temperature? 

• A. I usually feel cold and prefer warmer environments 

• B. I tend to feel warm and can easily overheat 

• C. I rarely feel too hot or cold; I’m comfortable in most climates 

Question 4: How would you describe your appetite and digestive system? 

• A. My appetite and digestion can often be irregular and sensitive 

• B. I have a strong appetite and can eat almost anything without discomfort 

• C. My digestion is slow, and I tend to feel full for a long time after eating 

Question 5: What best describes your sleep pattern? 

• A. I often have trouble falling asleep or experience restless nights 

• B. My sleep is moderately sound, but I can work on little sleep if necessary 

• C. I enjoy sleeping and tend to sleep deeply and for long periods 

Mostly As: Vata 

Are you creative and perhaps a bit impulsive? Do people wonder where you magic your seemingly endless amount of energy from? According to Ayurveda, this means you are a Vata person. A balanced Vata is light-hearted, creative and lively. However, when imbalanced, you can experience fear and anxiety. “If you're Vata-dominant, calm routines, restorative yoga, whole grains and warming meals can help ground your energy,” explains Michelle Justice, a yoga instructor and founder of Nature Sound Retreat.  

Try this grounding Vata yoga sequence 

Mostly Bs: Pitta 

Are you the friend who everybody comes to for advice or support? Then your dominant dosha is probably Pitta. Ayurveda says that people who have a predominantly Pitta nature are intelligent and reliable, and often the person called on to solve problems. When your mind, body and spirit are in balance, you are smart and a good leader. Whilst imbalance may cause you to be controlling, aggressive and demanding. “As a Pitta, you may find relief through cooling activities like swimming or meditation along with hydrating fruits and veggies,” says Justice. 

Refresh yourself with this Pitta yoga sequence 

Mostly Cs: Kapha 

If you’re a nurturer and known for your chilled-out attitude, chances are your primary energy is Kapha. This means you are laid-back and loving—making you fairly easy to get along with.When balanced, you are loyal, loving and forgiving. But when you’re imbalanced, these traits turn to insecurity, envy and stubbornness. “Kapha types may thrive with invigorating workouts, plenty of morning sunshine, and mentally stimulating pastimes,” says Justice.  

This Kapha yoga class will get your inner fire burning 

Read more: Here’s how you eat according to Ayurveda and then discover our The Ritual of Ayurveda collection