The Seven Mixed Types

THE SEVEN MIXED TYPES

In India, where people largely marry into their own tribe or group, single-dosha types predominate. In the West, we are a mixing pot; for the most part everyone is able to marry as they wish, and so mixed types predominate. Usually, in a mixed type, one dosha will be dominant, with a second dosha being a close second. For example, a Vata-Pitta person will have more and stronger Vara tendencies than Pitta. A Pitta-Vata person will have more Pitta qualities. Finally, there's the type called balanced tri-dosha (V-P-K), where no one type is predominant
 
VATA-PITTA (V-P) are thin, like a pure Vata-rype, quick moving, friendly, talkative, but more enterprising and sharper of intellect. They don't have the extremes of Vara, and are not as high-strung or irregular. They have stronger digestion and greater tolerance to cold. They are more tolerant of noise and physical discomforts. They have the strong drive of Pitta with the imagination of a Vata-type. They can easily fall into patterns of addiction and need stability.

PITTA-VATA (P-V) are of more medium build with musculature than V-Ps. They're also quick in have good stamina, are often assertive, with obvious intensity, but with a Vara-type's lightness. They have strong digestion and more regular elimination than V-P or V. If they are under stress, they can react with fear or anger which can make them insecure, tense and hard driven. They love to eat, have a good memory and are fluid speakers. Too much heat can bother them.

VATA-KAPHA (V-K) is often hard to identify with a questionnaire due to the presence of opposites in many characteristics, and Vata's indecisiveness. They often have a thin Vata frame with a Kapha-like relaxed, easy-going manner. They will be even-tempered unless stressed. Often quick and efficient, they are aware of their Kapha tendency to procrastinate. They desire to store up and save, and strongly dislike the cold. They can have slow or irregular digestion.

KAPHA-VATA (K-V) are similar to a V-K bur are more solidly built and slower moving. They are even-tempered and even more relaxed that V-Ks, but with less enthusiasm. They tend to be athletic, with greater stam¬ina. They may also have digestive irregularities, complain of cold, and suffer mucous buildup.

PITTA-KAPHA (P-K) have Pitta intensity in a strong Kapha body. They are more muscular than a K-type, and may be quite bulky. Their personality exhibits a K-type stability, with Pitta force and a tendency toward anger and criticism. They are a good type for athletes, having energy and endurance. They never miss a meal. They have Pitta-type digestion and' Kapha-type resistance to disease.

KAPHA-PITTA (K-F) are people who have a Kapha structure, but more fat than a P-K type. They are rounder in the face and body, move more slowly, and are more relaxed than P-Ks. They have a steady energy and even more endurance than a P or P-K type. They like exercise but are less motivated to do it than a P-K. They can be arrogant and unresponsive to criticism.

VATA-PITTA-KAPHA (V-P-K) are the hardest to de¬scribe, because they have equal amounts of each dosha. They are the most balanced with a tendency to long life, good health and immunity. Ayurvedic physicians say that these types are the most difficult to treat when they do get out of balance. There are very few true V-P-K types. People who think they are V-P-K are usually a two-dosha mixed type.