The application of the six tastes is a very important component in Ayurvedic cooking. It is also important to understand how one's individual and unique physiology functions. According to Ayurveda, our individual uniqueness is defined by three doshas or body-type constitutions. They are Vata, the Air quality, Pitta, the fire quality and Kapha, the earth quality. We each have all three qualities in our physiology.
Most people have one or two dosha qualities that are more noticeable than the others.
Generally, a person who is predominately Vata, will be light and airy, unattached and quick to change. They usually have high energy levels and are good leaders. Pitta imbalances show up as irritable stomach problems because of too much fire in the system. Kapha, or the earth quality, tends to be attached to the earth, very grounded and in need of increased fire. Kapha has a tendency to hold on to things, such as weight and emotions.