MODULE 2 — SECTION 5: Matrices & Decision Trees
These tools are designed to give learners a systems-level, pattern-recognition framework for understanding elements, qualities, and doshas..
Matrix 1 — The 20-Guna (Qualities) Matrix
A complete reference for identifying qualities in foods, emotions, environments, and sensations
This matrix helps learners build fluency with the paired qualities that form the backbone of Ayurvedic reasoning.
20-Guna Matrix
| Quality | Opposite | Examples in the Body | Examples in Food | Examples in Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy | Light | Lethargy, fullness | Oatmeal, dairy | Fog, humidity |
| Slow/Dull | Sharp | Sluggish digestion | Ginger, chili | Bright sun |
| Cold | Hot | Cold hands/feet | Mint, cucumber | Winter air |
| Oily | Dry | Oily skin | Ghee, nuts | Humid climate |
| Smooth | Rough | Supple skin | Bananas | Polished surfaces |
| Dense | Liquid | Muscle mass | Cheese | Mud |
| Soft | Hard | Soft tissues | Ripe fruit | Stones |
| Stable | Mobile | Groundedness | Root vegetables | Still weather |
| Cloudy | Clear | Brain fog | Mushrooms | Overcast sky |
| Subtle | Gross | Subtle emotions | Herbal tea | Quiet room |
Reflection Prompts
- Which qualities dominate your daily life?
- Which qualities feel supportive vs. destabilizing?
- Which qualities show up in your digestion, mood, or energy?
Matrix 2 — Dosha-by-Quality Matrix
Shows how each dosha expresses the 20 qualities
This matrix helps learners quickly identify doshic patterns.
Dosha-by-Quality Matrix
| Quality | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | ✔️ | ||
| Dry | ✔️ | ||
| Cold | ✔️ | ✔️ (cool) | |
| Mobile | ✔️ | ||
| Subtle | ✔️ | ||
| Sharp | ✔️ | ||
| Hot | ✔️ | ||
| Oily | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Liquid | ✔️ | ||
| Heavy | ✔️ | ||
| Slow | ✔️ | ||
| Stable | ✔️ |
Reflection Prompts
- Which qualities do you experience most often?
- Which dosha does that suggest?
Matrix 3 — Dosha-by-Season Matrix
Shows how seasons influence doshas
Dosha-by-Season Matrix
| Season | Dominant Qualities | Dominant Dosha | Common Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Dry, cool, mobile | Vata | Anxiety, dryness, irregularity |
| Early Winter | Cold, dry | Vata | Stiffness, coldness |
| Late Winter | Cold, heavy, damp | Kapha | Congestion, sluggishness |
| Spring | Wet, heavy, soft | Kapha | Allergies, lethargy |
| Summer | Hot, bright, sharp | Pitta | Irritability, inflammation |
Reflection Prompts
- Which season challenges you most?
- Which season feels easiest?
Matrix 4 — Dosha-by-Time-of-Day Matrix
Shows how doshas cycle every 24 hours
Dosha-by-Time-of-Day Matrix
| Time | Dominant Qualities | Dominant Dosha | Common Experiences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–6 AM | Light, subtle, mobile | Vata | Dreaming, creativity, sensitivity |
| 6–10 AM | Heavy, cool, stable | Kapha | Slow waking, groundedness |
| 10 AM–2 PM | Hot, sharp, bright | Pitta | Strong digestion, focus |
| 2–6 PM | Light, mobile, dry | Vata | Restlessness, creativity |
| 6–10 PM | Heavy, soft, cool | Kapha | Wind-down, sleepiness |
| 10 PM–2 AM | Sharp, bright, subtle | Pitta | Mental activity, second wind |
Reflection Prompts
- Which time of day feels most supportive?
- Which time feels most challenging?
Matrix 5 — Prakriti vs. Vikriti Matrix
Helps learners distinguish nature from imbalance
Prakriti vs. Vikriti Matrix
| Category | Prakriti (Nature) | Vikriti (Imbalance) |
|---|---|---|
| Digestion | Lifelong pattern | Recent change |
| Sleep | Typical style | New disruption |
| Energy | Baseline | Fluctuation |
| Mood | Default tone | Reactive shift |
| Skin | Natural texture | Temporary irritation |
| Stress Response | Usual tendency | Heightened reaction |
Reflection Prompts
- Which column feels more familiar?
- What environmental factors influence your vikriti?
Decision Tree 1 — “Which Dosha Is Dominant Right Now?”
A simple, intuitive diagnostic tool
Step 1 — Temperature
- Feeling warm → go to Pitta
- Feeling cool → go to Vata or Kapha
Step 2 — Weight / Density
- Feeling heavy → Kapha
- Feeling light → Vata
Step 3 — Movement
- Feeling restless or scattered → Vata
- Feeling focused or intense → Pitta
- Feeling slow or steady → Kapha
Step 4 — Moisture
- Dry → Vata
- Oily → Pitta or Kapha
Step 5 — Emotional Tone
- Anxious → Vata
- Irritated → Pitta
- Content or sluggish → Kapha
Decision Tree 2 — “Is This Prakriti or Vikriti?”
Helps learners identify whether a pattern is inherent or temporary
Step 1 — Duration
- Lifelong → Prakriti
- Recent → Vikriti
Step 2 — Trigger
- No clear trigger → Prakriti
- Triggered by stress, season, diet → Vikriti
Step 3 — Variability
- Stable over time → Prakriti
- Fluctuates → Vikriti
Step 4 — Intensity
- Mild and familiar → Prakriti
- Strong or disruptive → Vikriti
Step 5 — Environment
- Stable across environments → Prakriti
- Changes with environment → Vikriti