All of the doshas can be found in everybody – these determine a person’s constitution.
The doshas are energies that pervade the body and mind, each with different functions. Different people have more of some doshas than others, which is what determines a person’s constitution.
Vata, pitta and kapha are the three doshas – three energies that are crucial to the healthy functioning of different body systems and the mind. Each dosha is made up of two of the five elements (air, earth, ether, fire and water), the building blocks of all matter. The elements all have different characteristics (“gunas” in Sanskrit), and each has a principle – for example, water has the principle of fluidity. The doshas take on the characteristics of the elements from which they are made up. These characteristics define a dosha’s nature and its role within the body.
Learn more about each dosha:
Most people have a constitution with two dominant doshas. Some people have roughly equal amounts of each dosha in their constitution. A constitution where one dosha is completely dominant over the two others (which are both equally low) is very rare.
Which doshas dominate your constitution? Find out in Practical Ayurveda.
Learn about some of the most anticipated books coming in 2026, as chosen by Penguin Random House employees.
Discover books that make great stocking fillers and become the perfect gift-giver this Christmas!
Check out the books that penguin employees loved in 2025 and read their reviews.
Print three free Christmas colouring pages from some of Penguin’s cutest cosy colouring books.
SenLinYu shares the books that influenced the writing of Alchemised. From gothic horror to Jane Austen, learn about the classics that inspired the author.
Discover some of the best Christmas colouring books for kids and adults alike!
From book recommendations to wrapping tips, here’s everything you need to know about Christmas gifts for book lovers.
Whether you're stocking your school library shelves or looking for books to read with the class in 2026, these are the books the Penguin team recommend.
Discover six perfect food and book pairings to gift this Christmas. From thrillers and fancy cheese to heart-warming reads and sweet treats.
Sneak a peek inside the new journal to record your literary adventures.
Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.
