The principles of Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda individuals are classified by body types, or prakruti, which are determined by proportions of the three doshas. (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) The doshas regulate mind-body harmony. In order to remain healthy these "doshas" must be kept in balance as body disorders only seem to appear when this harmony is disrupted. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony or balance.

The 3 Doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Vata composed of air and space, governs all movement in the mind and body. Too much Vata leads to "worries, insomnia, cramps and constipation. Pitta is composed of fire and water; it governs all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair. Kapha consists of earth and water. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well as congestion and allergies.

Below is an overview table of the characteristics of the three doshas, which can be used to help identify your body type:

VATA PITTA KAPHA
Skin Type:
Skin is generally thin, darkish and cool. Tendency toward dry skin especially in winter. 		Skin Type:
Skin is fair, soft, lustrous, warm, and tends to burn easily in the sun – has freckles, many moles, and a tendency to rashes. 		Skin Type:
The skin is usually thick, oily, pale or white and cold.
Hair Type:
Thin, dark, coarse and either kinky or curly. 		Hair Type:
Fine and soft, either fair or reddish hair that tends to gray soon. 		Hair Type:
Plentiful, thick, wavy, lustrous and generally brown hair tendency to be oily and greasy.
Body Type:
Lighter, thinner build. 		Body Type:
Moderate build. 		Body Type:
Solid, heavier build, gains weight easily.
Diet & Digestion:
Irregular hunger and digestion, tendency toward constipation. 		Diet & Digestion:
Prefers cold food and drinks, sharp hunger and digestion, can't skip meals. 		Diet & Digestion:
Slow digestion, mild hunger, can skip lunch without significant discomfort.
Massage:
Benefits from a daily early morning self - massage.

Oils – sesame or almond with essential oil of rose to calm the mind. 		Massage:
Regular massage from professional.

Oil – Coconut/ sunflower with essential oil of sandalwood or honeysuckle to cool the body. 		Massage:
Needs vigorous massage to improve circulation.

Oil – Jojoba with essential oil of sage/ patchouli or cinnamon.
Exercise:
Slow & Rhythmic exercise.

Low impact aerobics, walking, yoga postures. 		Exercise:
Team & adventure sports.

Skiing, swimming and water sports, Hatha yoga. 		Exercise:
Playful & enjoyable sports.

Horse riding, exercising a pet, yoga postures.

Each individual possess a certain amount of active Vata Pitta and Kapha characteristics but usually only one or two dominate. The Ayurvedic science goes into much greater detail but the basic philosophy is that health and beauty is a matter of achieving a natural harmony or balance between the various elements of ones body as well as with nature itself.