The science of life
What is Ayurveda?
A 5,000-year-old system for understanding health — built not on treating symptoms, but on knowing how you are made and what keeps you in balance. It begins with your constitution, and everything follows from there.
Where it all starts
The five qualities of nature
Ayurveda sees everything — including you — as a blend of five simple qualities found all around us. You already know them by feel.
These five elements combine in pairs to form the three doshas that govern your health.
Three kinds of energy
Which one feels like you?
Everyone is a mix of all three, with one or two that lead the way. See which one rings true — most people recognise themselves right away.
Vata
The free spirit
If you're often the one with the new idea, quick to get excited and quick to move on — that's Vata. People with this nature tend to be light, creative, and full of energy. They think fast, talk fast, and love starting fresh things.
- Light, slim frame and naturally dry skin
- Imaginative, curious, and full of ideas
- Energy comes in bursts rather than a steady stream
- Joyful and playful when life feels settled
- Feels best in warm, calm, grounded surroundings
When it’s out of sorts
- Restless mind and trouble winding down
- Dry skin and a body that feels cold
- Sleep that comes and goes
- Worry, overwhelm, or feeling scattered
- Bloating and an unsettled stomach
What helps you feel good
- Keep a gentle rhythm — regular meals and bedtime
- Warm, comforting food: soups, stews, anything cosy
- Slow down in the evening, away from screens
- A warm oil massage to feel grounded again
- Wrap up warm, especially when it's cold and windy
Pitta
The achiever
If you're focused, driven, and like things done properly — that's Pitta. People with this nature are sharp, warm, and natural leaders. They have strong appetites, strong opinions, and the fire to make things happen.
- Medium, athletic build with warm skin
- Sharp mind, quick to learn and decide
- Steady, strong energy and a healthy appetite
- Confident, organised, and driven
- Feels best when cool, calm, and not rushed
When it’s out of sorts
- Irritability, impatience, or a short fuse
- Heat — flushing, heartburn, or skin flare-ups
- Waking in the small hours with a busy mind
- Being overly critical of yourself and others
- Pushing so hard you burn out
What helps you feel good
- Don't skip meals — steady fuel keeps the fire kind
- Cooling foods: sweet fruit, greens, plenty of water
- Step away from work before you're running on empty
- Time in nature, moonlight, and open air
- Let some things be good enough
Kapha
The nurturer
If you're calm, steady, and the person others lean on — that's Kapha. People with this nature are warm, patient, and loyal, with real staying power. They love comfort, routine, and looking after the people around them.
- Solid, strong build with smooth, soft skin
- Calm, steady temperament, slow to anger
- Deep, lasting energy once you get going
- Loyal, caring, and grounded
- Feels best with warmth, movement, and variety
When it’s out of sorts
- Sluggishness and a hard time getting started
- Heaviness, weight gain, or holding fluid
- Sleeping long but still waking groggy
- Holding on — to things, habits, or feelings
- Low motivation or a flat, foggy mood
What helps you feel good
- Rise early and get moving to shake off heaviness
- Light, warm, spiced food over rich and heavy
- Seek out novelty — new routes, people, ideas
- Stay warm and dry when the weather turns damp
- Regular, energising exercise you enjoy
A few words you’ll hear
Ideas that describe how you feel
Take the quiz
Discover your Prakriti
Your constitution shapes everything — how you digest, how you sleep, which seasons are hardest, how you handle stress. The Kaya5 dosha quiz reads your natural balance in about five minutes.
Educational content only — not medical advice.