Vata and Kapha are two of the three main constitutional types in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India.
Vata is the principle of movement and is associated with the elements of air and space. People with a dominant Vata constitution tend to be slender, lively, and energetic. They may also be prone to anxiety, dry skin, and irregular digestion.
Kapha is the principle of stability and is associated with the elements of water and earth. People with a dominant Kapha constitution tend to be heavier and more solid, with a calm and steady temperament. They may be prone to weight gain, congestion, and sluggishness.
In Ayurveda, the goal is to maintain a balance between the three constitutional types, and the recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and self-care can vary depending on an individual's dominant type.