This article first appeared The Frontiersaman on October 17, 2006 Ayurveda, which translates to “The Science of Life”, is an ancient system of healing dating back to 4,000 B.C. Like yoga, Ayurveda embodies concepts of body-mind care which includes spiritual philosophies that transcend religious orthodoxy. Ayurvedic healing looks at the three “dosha” body constitution types: Air (Vata), Fire (Pitta) and Water (Kapha). People are rarely just one dosha type, but embody all three, with one dosha usually being dominant. Dosha qualities govern all life forms, such as body types, body systems, the foods we consume, the different times of day, and the seasons, etc. When dosha are in balance, we experience perfect health. When out of balance, we enter a state of dis-ease. This article will examine the specific qualities, and characteristics which govern each of the dosha when in balance and what happens when imbalances occur, and simple dietary considerations for optimal health. Let’s see if you can pick out you dominate Dosha type: VATA: Air, Movement, Circulation and the Nervous System. Its characteristic is dry and cold, Vata’s dosha types are easily aggravated by Autumn and Winter. Vata time of day is 2 – 6:00 am/pm. Age 45 and up is the Vata time of life. When in balance, positive qualities are: enthusiasm, mental alertness, and sensitivity, sound sleep, and strong immunity. When out of balance, negative qualities are: dry rough skin, insomnia, constipation, fatigue, tension headaches, intolerance of cold, underweight, nervousness, and insecurity. Vata’s have thin body types, thin lips and are small boned. They tend to forget about eating and have irregular digestion. To stay grounded Vata’s need consistency, and a diet of foods which are warm, moist and deeply nourishing and should avoid cold and dry foods, especially in winter. Balancing taste are sweet, salty and sour flavors. PITTA: Fire, Metabolic System. Its characteristics are hot, sharp, acidic and slightly oily. Pitta’s can be aggravated by hot temperatures of summer. Pitta time of day is 10-2:00 am/pm. Digestive fire is greatest at noon when all dosha types should eat their main meal. Pitta time of life is age 20’s to mid 40’s. Pitta is responsible for digestion, bodily warmth, visual acuity, hunger, thirst, intelligence, and determination. When in balanced, positive Pitta qualities are: lustrous complexion, sharp intellect, contentment, strong digestion, courage, and they are very organized. When out of balance, negative qualities are: irritability and impatience, rashes, acid indigestion, excessive body heat, and premature graying. Pita’s have medium build, perspire easily, and usually have fair skin and freckles, lighter hair and blue, green or hazel eyes. Tastes that balance Pita’s are: sweet, bitter and astringent; include more cooling foods, such as raw vegetables, fruits, and foods such as lentils and rice. One should avoid hot spices, such as peppers, which can aggravate digestion and create acid upset. KAPHA: Water, structural form of the body, i.e. cells, bones, muscles, organs, body fluids. Kapha characteristics are cold, wet, heavy, slow, dull, static, smooth, and dense. Kapha’s can be aggravated by spring weather, when it is very wet and cold. Kapha time of day is 6:00 -10:00 am/pm. Kapha time of life is birth until our early 20’s. Characteristic body type is heavy boned and stocky build, oily skin, and thick lips with large pleasant eyes. When in balance positive qualities of Kapha are: stability, stamina, affection, generous, courageous, healthy joints, vitality and muscular strength. When out of balance: feeling dull and lethargic, gain weight, have nasal congestion, and sluggish digestion. Kapha’s need plenty of exercise, and stimulation to counter their sluggish tendencies. To enhance and increase digestive fire, Kapha’s should eat spicy foods with ginger, chilies, and turmeric, and eat their main meal at noon. Avoid heavy, rich, cold, deep fried foods, dairy, sugary, and processed foods. To learn more about dosha types, and to take a test to better determine your dosha, web-search Ayurveda , and Dosha types .