By Dr. Joey Shulman D.C., RNCP

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian healing medicine that has been around for over 5,000 years. According to Ayurvedic medicine, every individual has a primary psychophysical type called a dosha. The three doshas are:

• Vata
• Pitta
• Kapha

Many people can share the characteristics of two or more dosha types.

Eating according to your dosha can help prevent disease and optimize health and energy. According to Dr. Deepak Chopra, Ayurvedic doctor and author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, imbalances in the doshas is the first sign that the mind and body are not perfectly coordinated. Dr. Chopra believes that once people identify and understand their dosha, they can take the necessary steps, through diet, lifestyle and environment, to restore dosha balance and prevent disease.

To find your primary dosha and the right food for your body, take the following quiz.

Please choose the statement that best describes you:

a) My skin is always dry.
b) My skin is normal/sensitive.
c) My skin is oily.

a) I am always cold.
b) I often feel too hot.
c) My body temperature is normal.

a) My body weight is on the low side.
b) I have a medium to muscular build.
c) I gain weight easily.

a) I am a very light sleeper.
b) I am a moderate sleeper.
c) I am a very deep sleeper.

a) My mind is active, restless and curious.
b) My mind is intelligent and aggressive.
c) My mind is calm, slow and receptive.

a) My beliefs tend to be radical and ever changing.
b) My beliefs are as a leader and are very goal oriented.
c) My beliefs make me very loyal and constant in my thought process.

a) My nature is very sensitive.
b) I can be intense and demanding.
c) I am usually loyal, forgiving and lovable.

a) I love hot summer days.
b) My favorite season is the winter.
c) I am happy in all weather conditions.

If your answers were:

Mostly A: Your dosha is Vata

Mostly B: Your dosha is Pitta

Mostly C: Your dosha is Kapha

If you answers were a mixture of two, please read both corresponding doshas.