Dosha Quiz

Determining Which Dosha is Out of Balance

Introduction

The most important factor that determines your healthiest choices (diet, lifestyle) is an understanding of which of the three are out of balance in your body and mind. This is called your vikruti in Ayurveda. When your vikruti has been restored to a state of balance, you will return to your natural constitution. This is called your prakruti.

Your constitution (prakruti) establishes your tendencies. While it is important to understand your constitution, it is even more important that you understanding your vikruti (current state). In Ayurveda, the choices a person makes is always based on vikruti first and prakruti second.

Instructions

The worksheet /quiz below will help you to determine the state of your doshas. Note each symptom that you experience. Give the symptom 1 point if it is mild, 2 points if it is moderate and 3 points if it is severe. Then add up the numbers in each column. The dosha with the highest number indicates your primary doshic imbalance. If the number in two columns are close, you have a dual dosha imbalance. If all three numbers are close, you have a tridosha imbalance.

Please note that any online dosha quiz has limitations. Nothing can replace an evaluation by a competent practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine. This online quiz however will give you are an excellent head start as you begin your journey to take optimum care of yourself.

This quiz was adapted from the book: Healing Your Life; Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda by Dr. Marc Halpern.

Click Here to Download the Quiz

Your Next Step:

Now that you know your vikruti, it’s time to take the actions that will restore your balance. Here we provide you with two resources and some general tips to gain more guidance.

Resources

1. Receive an Ayurvedic Consultation and work with a practitioner who can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes to heal your life. (Click here for more information)

 

2. Read Healing Your Life: Lesson on the Path of Ayurveda. In this book, Dr. Marc Halpern will help you learn the diet and lifestyle steps to take to restore proper balance and support your healing journey. (Click here)

Tips For Each Dosha

Vata Dosha Imbalance: Vata dosha imbalances requires greater rest, warmth, deeper nourishment, and regular routines. A vata pacifying diet should be followed that build ojas (stamina, endurance).

Pitta Dosha Imbalance: Pitta dosha imbalance requires time away from work and/or planning. Pitta dosha also benefits from staying cool. Follow a pitta pacifying diet that avoids hot spices. Regular routines are important too. These routines should include time to truly relax.

Kapha Dosha Imbalance: Kapha dosha imbalances  requires more motion and less rest. Kapha dosha imbalance benefits  from hot spices, exercise, less sleep and a kapha reducing diet (less food, lighter foods,  more purifying).

Dual and Tridoshic Imbalances: Dual and Tri-dosha imbalances with moderate or severe symptoms are more difficult to manage and require greater supervision or support. If you have a dual or tridoshic imbalance with moderate or severe symptoms please consider a consultation with an Ayurvedic healthcare professional..