What is my dosha? Read on for the free quiz
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, there’s a concept known as dosha.
Literally meaning “defect,” a dosha is a classification of body and mind. People are said to belong primarily to one of three dosha types — vata, pitta, or kapha. Krishna Sharma, who teaches subjects like Ayurveda and Yogic Philosophy at Rishikul Yogshala in Rishikesh, India, explains.
“While all people reflect aspects of all three doshas, Ayurveda teaches that by knowing your primary dosha, you can gain greater insights into your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the kinds of foods you should eat in order to act and feel your best.”
Someone who’s vata may have a fast-moving mind, while a kapha type may think more calmly and steadily. Where a kapha seeks groundedness, a pitta type could be more likely to seek challenges. The concept can seem foreign to Western readers, but a growing body of scientific studies are finding meaningful data that aligns with the dosha framework.
At this point you’ll probably find yourself asking, what is my dosha? Take the free quiz below to find out.
What is my Dosha?
To determine your dosha type, answer the quiz questions below, and record your answers so you can calculate your results at the end.
1. It’s your day off! What’s your plan?
A) Not sure yet! Going to see what the day holds for me
B) I have some things I want to get done
C) Chill day at home with my favorite activities
2. How’s your learning style?
A) I soak up information like a sponge, even if that information can sometimes leak out and be forgotten quickly
B) I am a determined and persistent learner
C) It takes me a while to learn something new, but once I’ve done it, I have it on lock
3. “At my best, I’m…”
A) A creative, multi-faceted problem-solver
B) A driven, effective leader
C) A stable, reliable friend and partner
4. “At my worst, I can be…”
A) Scatterbrained and spaced out
B) Confrontational and aggressive
C) Lazy and stubborn
5. How would you describe your body type?
A) Taller, slim and lanky
B) Medium build
C) A bit thicker or stockier (or if you work out, well-built)
6. You’re getting hungry. What are you reaching for?
A) Something salty
B) Something spicy
C) Something sweet
7. “If money were no object, I would…”
A) Travel the world
B) Find a new obstacle to conquer
C) Enjoy a peaceful life with friends and family
8. You’re sweating
A) Really? I rarely sweat much, and if I do it’s rather odor-free
B) Fair enough. I tend to sweat a decent amount, but the smell isn’t overwhelming
C) I sweat a lot, but only when I’m working hard. I make sure to wear deodorant since my body odor can become noticeable
9. “The best weather is…”
A) Warm! I get cold easily
B) Cool! Hot weather gets old
C) I’m fine for most of the year. Spring and summer are great, but damp weather is not
10. How’s your appetite?
A) Kind of irregular. Sometimes I’m hungry, sometimes I don’t feel like eating.
B) I have a consistent appetite. I’m ready to eat at every meal, and you wouldn’t want to keep me waiting!
C) I have a decent appetite, especially if it’s something I like to eat.
11. “When taking action, I…”
A) Can sometimes overthink my next step
B) Am quick to take action and implement
C) Might procrastinate or be slow to implement
12. “I sleep…”
A) Somewhat restlessly, but I wake up pretty quickly in the morning
B) Moderately, but I’m good at going back to sleep if I need to
C) Like a log, and waking up in the morning is agony
What is my dosha? Calculate your free quiz result
To determine what dosha you are, add up your total number of A, B, and C responses. A responses are vata, B responses are pitta, and C responses are kapha.
Vata
The vata dosha is comprised of the elements air and space. People who are vata tend to be taller and thinner, like salty foods, and have fast-moving minds and actions. They need constant stimulation, and get bored easily.
When in balance, these traits can imbue vata people with immense creativity, and the ability to connect people and ideas in ways that others might not have seen. When out of balance, the vata type can become disconnected or unfocused, daydreaming or constantly changing from one task to another.
Pitta
The pitta dosha is comprised of fire and air. Pitta types tend to be a little sturdier in build than vatas, and have a more focused sense of concentration. While they won’t be as multi-talented as the airy vatas, they are great at buckling down and accomplishing the things they take on, and they make great natural leaders.
However, when the pitta aspect is out of balance, that fire can flare up and become confrontational or aggressive. An imbalanced pitta may berate others for failing to rise to the challenge (or for keeping the pitta waiting on a meal).
Kapha
Kapha types are comprised primarily of earth and water. They tend to be stockier and slower-moving, but they can have highly impressive physiques if they work out. Kaphas like sweet foods, and they add an element of balance that vatas and pittas could both benefit from.
A kapha type is grounded and steady, which is one reason they make great friends and partners. But if the kapha dosha is out of balance, this groundedness can manifest as laziness, or a stubborn refusal to exit their comfort zone.
Can you have two doshas? Can you be all three doshas?
All people represent aspects from all three doshas, but one dosha type can usually be identified as the primary influence. However, some people will find a strong presence of two doshas within them, and some may even be tridoshic.
“In Ayurveda, most human beings have one primary dosha,” explains Sharma. “However, some individuals could have two or even all three doshas balanced in equal proportion within them.”
“Ayurveda says, change your food habits, change your characteristics. You can choose the personality traits you want to develop, add in the necessary food habits based on your dosha and the desired dosha traits, and change the way you feel and act. Isn’t that beautiful?”
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Ayurveda is a deep-reaching and complex art, and to get the most out of it you’ll need to consult an Ayurvedic doctor. But even starting small and asking what is my dosha, you might be surprised at the insights you gain.
This post is produced in partnership with Rishikul Yogshala in Rishikesh, India, and draws on the expertise of its faculty. Rishikul Yogshala is where I completed my own 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training — check them out if you’d like to learn more about authentic yoga!