Ayurveda For Kids Vata Pitta Kapha

Ayurveda— was created by the Ancient vedics of India and translates to the Science of Life. Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that views the body and mind as made up of the elements: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. When one element (or dosha) dominates too strongly, Ayurveda describes this as an imbalance.

The goal isn’t to “label” your child forever—it’s to notice patterns and support balance across all three doshas.

The elements defined

• Vata = Air
• Pitta = Fire
• Kapha = Earth + Water

If you’re reading this and thinking, “My child is a mix,” you’re right—most of us are. But we often lean one way, especially during certain seasons, stress, growth spurts, or big routine changes.

Well- let’s say it- this is often the “enviable” body type. Slim, petite, these guys don’t gain weight. There are more than a few adults out there wishing they were more “vata” build.

When your child, or you, are predominantly vata and possess less of the other traits, then the “imbalance” leads to “ungrounded” tendencies: anxiety; restlessness; inability to focus; and – when we say “air” we really mean it- you can also experience “gassy” bloated belly.

IDEAL YOGA PRACTICE

Your child is probably already up and flying about all day, cartwheeling and flipping; and probably very active. The ideal yoga for them is more grounding and slow. Folded butterfly & forward folds. They’re not going to like it that much- but start by challenging them to be in the stretch for a minute, put your hand on their back to not only help press down, but to provide grounding and warmth. They may also be very stiff. So forward bend with knees bent and general modifications to ensure the stretch isn’t painful. If it’s painful- they wont do it. Remind them to slow their breathing- especially the exhale. These kids gulp air in and breathe fast by nature.

FOOD/ DIET RECOMMENDATION TO BALANCE THE DOSHA

And whilst they eat lightly, and we all know vegetables and fruits are the healthiest components of most daily diets, our Vata friends need grounding and warm foods- pastas; full meals; roasts and vegetables. Vegetables should be cooked to avoid gas.

You know your child is more “Pitta” if they are medium boned, more muscular and stronger build. Whilst younger Pitta types may lose their temper, have tantrums, and possess big fiery emotions, they can also be competitive; great at team and individual sports; confident and driven. If they are desparate to do a cartwheel, they are the ones in the park practicing a thousand of them a day until they nail it. These guys don’t give up. To bring the positive traits out, dosha balancing is required.

IDEAL YOGA PRACTICE

Pitta is often roped in with Vatta (you can’t really have fire without air)- so some grounded long deep stretches are in order. They can often be more flexible as they can engage their muscles to deepen stretches quite intuitively.

These guys love active yoga and it is very good for them. If it’s too much “power” or too much focused on strength building than muscle stretching and toning, then they can feel angry or too full of fiery energy after, so balance the handstands and active movements with deep long restful stretches. Forward bends; shoulderstands; side stretches and twists do wonders for them.

FOOD/ DIET RECOMMENDATION TO BALANCE THE DOSHA

Diet wise- cooling foods such as watermelon; frozen yoghurts; milk and cool dairy drinks; these guys have the stomach for crunchy raw vegetables. Soothing carbs will also ground them- just like their vata counterparts.

As opposed to our other two element dominant friends, the Kapha child is grounded, calm and has a gentler more relaxed nature. Sweet tempered; agreeable. You just want to pinch their adorable chubby cheeks.

The kapha imbalance, however, does lead to laziness, sluggishness, less demonatrated care or passion. At extreme cases, can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity.

IDEAL YOGA PRACTICE

Kapha kids are flexible as the earth mixes with the water element for fluidity. They would love to rest in deep yin stretches but they should be challenged and adopt an active yoga practice. Handstands/ cartwheels/ bridge poses/ salutes to the sun. Poses that build power and strength.

FOOD/ DIET RECOMMENDATION TO BALANCE THE DOSHA

Light warm meals like veggie soups; stir fries and legumes Kapha can eat fresh fruits and vegetables as they have strong digestive systems.

A gentle reminder for parents

Ayurveda is a lens—not a rulebook. If you’re unsure, use this as a starting point: notice what your child is naturally drawn to, and then offer the balancing opposite.

Our Flying Yogis teachers instinctively apply Ayurvedic principles to our class teaching. Grounding and calming techniques when the mood is Vata; uplifting energising classes to remove sluggishness; and challenging work to keep our more motivated group active and engaged.