Doshas & Constitutional Assessment Flashcards

Which quality (guna) is shared by BOTH Vata and Pitta doshas, distinguishing them from Kapha?

Answer: Light (laghu)

Both Vata and Pitta share the quality of lightness (laghu), whereas Kapha is heavy (guru).

A client reports that their symptoms worsen at dawn (around 2–6 AM) and again in the late afternoon. Which dosha's cycle does this correspond to?

Answer: Vata cycle

Vata is dominant during the 2–6 AM and 2–6 PM time periods in the Ayurvedic daily doshic clock.

The Ayurvedic concept of 'Desha' in constitutional assessment refers to:

Answer: The geographic and climatic environment the client lives in

Desha refers to the habitat or geographic region, which influences both prakriti expression and treatment recommendations.

Sadhaka Pitta is most closely associated with which physiological and psychological function?

Answer: Processing emotions and fulfilling desires in the heart

Sadhaka Pitta resides in the heart and is responsible for processing emotions, intelligence, and the fulfillment of desires.

Which of the following physical features is MOST characteristic of a Kapha-dominant prakriti?

Answer: Large eyes, thick hair, and well-developed musculature

Kapha individuals typically have large eyes, thick lustrous hair, and a well-built, sturdy physique due to earth and water's dense, nourishing qualities.

When a Vata individual undergoes excessive fasting, which doshic consequence is most likely?

Answer: Further Vata aggravation leading to anxiety and constipation

Fasting increases the light, dry, and depleting qualities that aggravate Vata, worsening anxiety, insomnia, and constipation in Vata types.

In Ayurvedic constitutional theory, which factor determines prakriti at the time of conception?

Answer: The balance of doshas in the parents' shukra and artava at conception

Prakriti is determined by the doshic balance present in the father's shukra (sperm) and the mother's artava (ovum) at the moment of fertilization.