What is dual constitution ?
We saw in the previous articles the dominant constitutions, when we have one of the three doshas present at more than 50% in us (Prakriti Vata, Prakriti Pitta, Prakriti Kapha). However, it often happens that we have a double or mixed constitution with two main doshas. We have a major dosha between 40-50% and a secondary dosha between 30-40%. Therefore there are six possible combinations :
Vata-Pitta
Vata-Kapha
Pitta-Vata
Pitta-Kapha
Kapha-Vata
Kapha-Pitta
The dual constitution differs from the dominant constitution given that the two doshas will be mixed in our physical appearance, our physiology and our psychology. This constitution is called birth constitution because it is fixed and cannot be changed. It follows us throughout our life, from our birth to our death.
This is why, it should not be confused with Vikriti, the state of imbalance. It can happen that one or more doshas are in excess in the body, this imbalance is the cause of diseases. Imbalances evolve during our life according to our habits and our lifestyle.
Vata-Kapha
The Vata-Kapha constitution is composed of four elements : air and space which characterize Vata and water and earth which form Kapha. A Vata-Kapha person has these four elements with a greater proportion of air and space. The Vata dosha is more present than the Kapha dosha, the wind dominates over water. We give the image of the anchored wind to qualify this constitution.
A Vata-Kapha person has to follow a Vata lifestyle while adapting it to her Kapha dosha. The lifestyle has to be adapted to the season. In autumn and winter, seasons of aggravation of Vata, the lifestyle aims to pacify Vata. In spring, the season of aggravation of Kapha, the goal is to pacify the Kapha dosha.
In terms of physical appearance, the Vata dosha is more present.
Vata-Kapha people have a slim corpulence. They are less thin than people with a dominant Vata but thinner than people with a dominant Kapha. Because of the Kapha dosha, some body parts are wider such as the torso, legs or buttocks. Vata-Kapha people have a thin but robust corpulence. They lose weight easily and generally have difficulty gaining weight.
Their hair is often thin and dry or thick and dry. The skin is generally dry with a tendency to be oily.
Their digestion is often irregular as is their appetite. They have difficulty digesting certain foods such as legumes or raw vegetables because they increase Vata. They may also have difficulty going to the toilet or alternate between diarrhea and constipation. This is a constitution that has a digestive weakness.
On the psychology level, these two doshas are both complementary and antagonistic.
The Kapha dosha stabilizes the Vata dosha, which will provide more grounding to people with this mixed constitution.
Just like Vata-dominant people, Vata-Kapha people have a real need for freedom. They are original, creative and cannot stand constraints.
Vata people are very sociable people who talk a lot without necessarily listening to the person opposite them. Above all, they like to be seen and the center of attention. Vata-Kapha people will have this sociable side, but Kapha will give them an additional ability to listen. They are more grounded people who are more composed.
Kapha-dominant people are very empathetic, this empathy will counterbalance the Vata dosha. Vata-Kapha people are endowed with good intuition and great sensitivity.
Unlike Vata-dominant people who are quite independent and detached, Kapha is quite materialistic and easily attaches itself to objects and people. Vata-Kapha people are more attached, which can make them suffer in the event of detachment.
Similarly, Vata-Kapha people have better resistance to illness or stress than Vata dominants.
Finally, because of the opposing qualities of these two doshas, Vata-Kapha people can alternate between different periods, instability being a quality of the Vata dosha. Sometimes, they will be more enduring, stable with easy decision-making. Other times, they will be more hesitant and will tend to dispense.
Vata-Kapha people are made up of the 4 elements : water, earth, air, space. But they lack one of the elements, that of fire. Fire represents our ability to transform whether it is information or food. One of the weaknesses of this constitution is therefore the weakness of its digestive fire.
Ayurveda doesn't establish a hierarchy between the different constitutions. There is no constitution that will be better than another. Each constitution has its strengths and weaknesses. The whole point of knowing your constitution is to be able to better understand yourself, better know your needs and be able to respond to them appropriately with an adapted lifestyle in order to improve your quality of life.
If you want to know your constitution, you can take this online test https://forms.gle/SyMR7pxuiiQqx1Vt5 or make an appointment with me.
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