Ayurvedic Energy Quiz

October 31st, 2007 · 8 Comments

So, I’m going to give ayurvedic eating a two-week trial, just for gits and shiggles (start date TBA). Once again, this is the ancient Indian health system that separates people into 3 types or “doshas.” For the best health — “balance” — each type is supposed to focus on particular foods and activity levels.

I’ve cocked a dubious eye at ayurveda in the past, but have been intrigued by its recognition that different body types require different choices. So, hey, why not just give it a spin and get some info straight from the horse’s mouth? Er, my mouth.

Now, my last foray into Indian healthcare was a 3-day mung-bean detox that I finished in 3 hours. Oops. Fortunately, a two-week ayurvedic diet will be a lot less restrictive, and completely healthy from a modern Western perspective. It’ll be two weeks of clean, whole eating - and hopefully no alcohol — so there’s no downside.

I just took the Ayurvedic Energy Quiz — Any one else up for taking it? I’m super curious if others’ll get as good a match as I did. I’m supposed to be a Kapha (although most people are a combo of two types; I don’t know if this online quiz is equipped to handle that). But I gotta tell you, the physical description of kapha is pretty on the mark.

The Kapha Type
* Kapha types have good endurance, strength and stamina. (True!)
* Although it is easy for you to follow routine, it is healthier for you to periodically break from routine. (I both like routine and am ultimately frustrated by it, so this too seems true.)
* You tend toward inertia and tend to attach to people or things. (So true!)
* Food and security are important to you. (So true!)
* The primary organ is the chest. (Sounds kinky, but OK.)
* Kapha is often correlated with the production of mucus. (I used to have a lot of colds when I was at my highest weight, maybe I was “out of balance”?)
* Kapha types have a tendency towards congestion, sinusitis, sluggishness, weight gain, diabetes or water retention. (Heck yeah.)

According to the site: “In order to be balanced, Kaphas should be physically active, consume little fried or fatty foods, avoid icy drinks, sweets or excessive amounts of bread. They should enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables.”(Hmmn…these are all things I’ve concluded already on my own. That’s good.)

“Kapha types should allow excitement, change and challenge to become a regular part of their lives.” (Agreed!)

Of course, when I get to the specific food lists, things get dicey. According to ayurveda, I’m doing some things wrong, very wrong. But more about that later.

For now, take the quiz if you have time and let me know: Does your “type” seem to describe you?

Tags: Alternative Health · Yoga

8 responses so far ↓

1 Melissa H. // Oct 31, 2007 at 8:31 pm

Interesting! I’m… The Vata Type
Vata types tend to be fast, wiry and creative types. (agreed)

The Vata’s primary organ is the colon. (issue of contention, but yes)

You need routine in your life to ground your moving energy. (yes, yes yes!)

Travel, especially air travel, can imbalance a Vata. (I always get sick after I fly)

Vatas are aggravated by cold, frozen or dried foods. (YES, I am always cold and am in fact in my jacket right now at work!)

In order to be balanced, you need to eat foods that warm you, avoiding extreme cold, raw and frozen foods. Moist rather than dry foods are also recommended. (loves me some oatmeal or flavored bulgur!)

Maintaining a regular routine is important. (I am a creature of habit).
2 Sara // Oct 31, 2007 at 9:01 pm

Interesting! Bummer for me is, I’m NOT supposed to eat oatmeal b/c it’s too moist. I can have dry oats (granola), but not oatmeal. Unfair!! Although lately I haven’t been eating oatmeal anyway because i felt like it was too heavy for my system. Hmmn!
3 Melissa H. // Nov 1, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Boo that!!! I love oatmeal, skim, cranberries and apples now. MMMMMMMM.

My hubby took the exam and he was a Pitta. It really was accurate!
4 JavaChick // Nov 1, 2007 at 3:38 pm

Can never resist a quiz, but I found some of the questions hard to pick an answer for. So, I did the quiz 3 times…

First time got Vata:
The Vata Type
• Vata types tend to be fast, wiry and creative types. (Creative to a certain extent, never would have used “fast” or “wiry” to describe myself)
• The Vata’s primary organ is the colon.
• You need routine in your life to ground your moving energy. (Yes, I like routine)
• Travel, especially air travel, can imbalance a Vata. (Wouldn’t say air travel in particular, but being away from home, yes)
• Vatas are aggravated by cold, frozen or dried foods. (Yes, hate being cold and seem to be cold even when others are not)
In order to be balanced, you need to eat foods that warm you, avoiding extreme cold, raw and frozen foods. Moist rather than dry foods are also recommended.

Maintaining a regular routine is important.

Second and Third Time I got:
The Pitta Type
• Pitta types are determined and strong willed with good digestion.
• The Pitta’s primary organs are the small intestine and stomach.
• Pittas tend to be hot, oily, and light.
• Pitta is associated with the fire element, and tend to have a fiery quality.
• When a Pitta becomes imbalanced, he or she may notice skin rashes, burning, inflammation, fever, ulcers, anger, jealousy, copious urine.
In order to be balanced, Pittas should remain cool, avoiding excess heat, steam or humidity.
They should also avoid excessively oily food or fried foods as well as caffeine, alcohol, red meat, hot spices, or salt, choosing instead to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Pitta types should also try to get plenty of fresh air. Expression of emotions is also important.

(The part about being determined and strong willed, I can see but the rest of it…Not so much.)
5 Sara // Nov 1, 2007 at 4:12 pm

JavaChick, maybe you’re a combo type. Or maybe this is all snake oil hocus pocus! :-)

Either way, i’m taking the plunge Sunday! Woowoo! Can I start a pledge drive or something? lol.
6 Lorie // Nov 1, 2007 at 7:30 pm

I’m a Pitta! (I think - maybe I should take it again!). It’s kind of exhausting though contemplating the food list; I don’t know if I could stick with it (I can’t even focus on it enough to read all of it yet LOL). This is nevertheless an intriguing subject for your blog!

• Pitta types are determined and strong willed with good digestion. (determined/strong willed yes; good digestion NO!)
• The Pitta’s primary organs are the small intestine and stomach. (probably!)
• Pittas tend to be hot, oily, and light. (not sure what all this is but “hot” sounds good - yeah baby!)
• Pitta is associated with the fire element, and tend to have a fiery quality. (yes, I’m a Leo too!)
• When a Pitta becomes imbalanced, he or she may notice skin rashes, burning, inflammation, fever, ulcers, anger, jealousy, copious urine. (I do get angry when imbalanced definitely).
In order to be balanced, Pittas should remain cool, avoiding excess heat, steam or humidity. (Yes I hate humidity and saunas, but love hot baths - but not if it gets too steamy in the room - is this too personal? :P).
They should also avoid excessively oily food or fried foods as well as caffeine, alcohol, red meat, hot spices, or salt, choosing instead to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
(like you said, Sara, these are conclusions one could make for any healthy diet I think)
Pitta types should also try to get plenty of fresh air. Expression of emotions is also important. (Both of these are total musts for me but maybe for everyone too?)

Good luck on your 2-week detox!!
7 Monday Morning Brain Dump // Nov 5, 2007 at 4:37 pm

[…] Ayurvedic Energy Quiz […]
8 madelyn // Sep 23, 2008 at 2:22 pm

how do i know what type i am..pleaseee reply