Anger can have negative and even tragic consequences for the perpetrator as well as the victim. The immediate physical symptoms of anger may be obvious and easily detected, although underlying biochemical changes associated with anger can become the greater problem in the long term. Ayurveda is a duel mind-body medical system, revealing through cause and effect, the interlinked physical and psychological connection between illness and mental or physical imbalance. “When we are angry, not only do we spew out negativity to someone else, but our own body chemistry changes, and these changes can be harmful to our health” (Anselmo & Brooks, 1996, p.225).
Anger, although a natural emotion, is not our permanent constitution. According to Ayurveda, anger arises out of physical and mental imbalance. The solution is to create a harmonious mind-body system where the impulse toward inappropriate anger does not arise. The function of Ayurveda is to establish, according to ones individual constitution, the optimum level of balance and health.
Ayurvedic History
The origins of Ayurveda are found within enlightened Vedic culture. “According to ancient texts Ayurveda was in practice before 4000 BC, when the vernal equinox was in the constellations of Orion and Gemini” (Frawley, 1995, Introduction). Ayurveda is part of Vedic science, which includes yoga, meditation, and astrology, with Ayurvedic science teaching herbal medicine, diatetics, surgery, psychology, and spirituality. Ayurveda literally translated, means “The Science of Life,” and was understood as part of Vedic culture from India to Indonesia, and to the west, Ayurveda influenced the ancient Greeks, who established similar medical systems.
The last thirty years has seen the rapid spread of Ayurveda to the rest of the world, where it is recognized at the forefront of alternative medicine. The ancient Charaka Samhita 1:41 states, “Ayurveda is the knowledge that includes the appropriate and inappropriate, happy or sorrowful conditions of living, what is auspicious or inauspicious for longevity, as well as the measure of life itself” (Frawley, 1996, Introduction).
Establishing Your Ayurvedic Constitition
Ayurvedic medicine is holistic in nature, viewing a person as an integrated whole rather than as parts functioning independently. We all have our own unique constitution, strengths, and weaknesses, and proclivity toward behavioral traits which have bearing on our physical and mental state. Ayurveda does not promote a magical cure-all method for everybody, but instead offers individual analysis and treatment for the unique qualities of a person. There are certain physical and mental stereotypes that we all share to one degree or another, but just as the three primary colors provide unlimited permutations by mixing, so do we also remain variegated individuals.
The first step in Ayurvedic healing is to understand our inherent constitution. Once established, simple healthy and non-invasive remedial measures can be applied. Ones constitution (dosha) can be ascertained by observation of physical and mental characteristics. As with the three primary colors, there are three primary constitutions: Vata (Airy), Pitta (Fiery), and Kapha (Watery). By performing simple self-analysis, ones primary constitution can be ascertained. See Table: The Human Constitution.
The Human Constitution
To find your prominent constitution (dosha), circle the qualities that most closely resemble your own, then total the qualities for each constitution: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Most people will have a prominent dosha, with the other two influencing to a lesser degree.
| Aspect of Constitution | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| Frame | Thin | Moderate | Large |
| Body Weight | Low | Moderate | Heavy |
| Skin | Dry, Rough, Cool, Brown, Black | Soft, Oily, Warm, Fair, Red, Yellowish | Thick, Oily, Cool, Pale, White |
| Hair | Black, Dry, Kinky | Soft, Oily, Early Gray, Red | Thick, Oily, Wavy, Dark or Light |
| Teeth | Protruded, Spaces, Crooked | Moderate in size, Soft or Bleeding Gums | Strong, White, Full, Well-Formed |
| Eyes | Small, Dry, Active, Brown, Black | Sharp, Penetrating, Green, Gray, Yellow | Big, Attractive, Blue, Thick Eyelashes |
| Appetite | Variable, Low | Good, Sharp, Excessive | Slow but Steady |
| Disease Tendency | Nervous Disorders, Pain | Heat, Infection, Inflammation | Excess Water, Mucus |
| Thirst | Variable | Excessive | Slight |
| Elimination | Dry, Hard, Constipated | Soft, Oily, Loose | Thick, Oily, Heavy, Slow |
| Physical Activity | Very Active | Moderate | Lethargic |
| Mind | Restless, Active, Curious | Aggressive, Intelligent | Calm, Slow, Receptive |
| Emotional Excesses | Faithful, Insecure, Anxious | Aggressive, Irritable, Jealous | Greedy, Attached |
| Faith | Wavering | Determined | Steady |
| Memory | Recent Memory Good, Remote Memory Poor | Sharp | Slow but Prolonged |
| Dreams | Flying, Jumping, Running, Fearful | Fiery, Angry, Passionate, Colorful | Watery, Ocean, Swimming, Romantic |
| Sleep | Scanty, Interrupted | Little but Sound | Heavy, Prolonged |
| Speech | Fast, Chaotic, Ininterrupted | Sharp, Clear, Cutting | Slow, Monotonous, Melodious |
| Spending Habits | Spends Quickly, Impulsive | Spends Moderately and Methodically | Spends Slowly, Saves |
| Pulse | Thready, Feeble, Moves Like a Snake | Moderate, Jumping Like a Frog | Broad, Slow, Moves Like a Swan |
Characteristics of the Three Constitutions (Doshas)
We all have a combination or the three doshas, although one of the three is usually quite dominant. By doing the self-analysis test, you will have an understanding of your prominent dosha.
