It’s not the best start. “You are vata predominant, but your pitta is running high – a little out of control, in fact,” says Dr Harilal, a tall, lean practitioner of Ayurvedic science, India’s ancient holistic healing system. He hands me a seven-page document titled The basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine, which begins: “All human beings have all three doshas (life forces or energies) in their constitution, but in unique proportions where one dosha is usually stronger and predominant than the others.”

The three types are vata (space and air), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (water and earth). As a vata, my skin and hair are most likely on the dry side, my digestive system is flexible but also inconsistent. I’m a light sleeper prone to insomnia – and while I am energetic, I tire easily and lack stamina. I’m quick and “agile of mind”, but also an indecisive worrier, and anxious. Vatas are prone to injury, arthritis, aches and pains, and infrequent bowel movements. My overactive pitta suggests I’m even more “biting and sarcastic” than usual, obsessed with work projects, and will feel extreme discomfort in hot weather.