Central to the practices of Ayurveda is the knowledge of the five elements and the three doshas. The five elements are our most basic building blocks. The three doshas are the fundamental biological energies governing the functions of the body and mind and are called vata, pitta and kapha.

Each of us has a unique balance of the five elements and the three doshas and this balance is called our constitution. Our constitution is determined at the moment of conception and is with us for the rest of our lives. It determines what we are naturally attracted to and what will cause us to become out of balance, sick and diseased. Knowledge of our constitution is fundamental to staying healthy.

Your Physical Features

Your physical features can tell you a lot about your constitution. They are a reflection of the elements that make up your physical nature and the qualities inherent within the elements. An Ayurvedic practitioner is very observant of your qualities and has the experience to notice subtle influences. Still, you can observe many of your own qualities and in doing so, learn about your constitution.

Dr. Marc Halpern

Which of the following best describes you? Just know that this is but one piece to the “puzzle” in determining your Ayurvedic constitution! If you wish to learn more, make an appointment with one of our graduate practtioners or interns. Or better yet – study Ayurveda yourself, either live in the classroom or through our two distance learning options! To learn more: https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/

The above excerpt is from Healing Your Life, Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda, by Dr. Marc Halpern, Founder of the California College of Ayurveda. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble