Yoga for Your Dosha: Vata, Pitta & Kapha

If Vata (air) dominates, you may feel scattered, anxious or restless when out of balance. A slow, warm, grounding practice — steady standing poses, gentle forward folds, long holds and plenty of rest — settles Vata. Move mindfully and keep warm.

If Pitta (fire) dominates, imbalance shows as heat, intensity and irritability. A cooling, non-competitive practice helps — moderate pace, twists, gentle backbends, and an emphasis on ease rather than achievement. Avoid practising in the heat of the day.

If Kapha (earth-water) dominates, imbalance brings heaviness and sluggishness. An energising, dynamic practice lifts Kapha — Sun Salutations, flowing sequences, backbends and a brisker pace, ideally in the morning. Whatever your type, the aim is the same: practise in the way that brings you back to balance.

Matching the practice to your dosha, with Pooja Vassal

Pooja Vassal frames it simply: Vata types — creative and energetic but prone to anxiety and overthinking — are steadied by grounding, forward-folding poses; Pitta bodies, which run hot, are balanced by cooling asanas; and Kapha, which tends toward stillness, benefits from more movement. The idea is to practise in the direction that brings you back toward balance.