Table 1

Patients were asked to decide which group of features (A, B, or C) would, in their own view, best reflect their own personal characteristics (according to reference 8, modified, English translation). The denotations vata, pitta, or kapha were not given to the patient

Vata APitta BKapha C
Body buildSlight, thinNormalLarge
SkinDry, rough, coolSoft, warm, paleFat, soft, greasy
VeinsEasily visibleSlightly visibleNot visible
EyesSmall, dryMedium, often reddenedLarge, moist
SleepLight and interruptedActive, short, harmoniousLong and heavy
AppetiteVariableHeartyModerate
SweatSparse, odourlessProfuse, strong odourPleasant odour
MemoryMediumPreciseGood long term memory
LanguageFastLoud and clearMelodic
CharacterShyJealousCaring
BehaviourUnsureEgoisticSatisfied with self
DislikesCold, wind, drynessHeat and midday sunMoisture, cold