They're several different tools that can be used when obtaining greater insight into ourselves, our behavior and how we relate to those around us.Aside from our basic personality traits, there are qualities that are specific to certain types of individuals. For example, in astrology, Libra is considered the sign of relationships. In numerology, if you're an "8", success is extremely important to you. There's also your constitution in the Hindu culture- Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth), as well as 8 possible combinations of each constitution or dosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha, Vata-Pitta-Kapha and Balanced. (The element of water is assumed as part of the doshas: air, fire and earth.) Below is a Reader's Digest synopsis of the 3 elements which comprise the 8 possible doshas. If you're interested you'll receive much more detailed information in an actual Ayurvedic reading to discover your dosha type:

Air - Easily distracted, they flow with whatever is going on, enjoy the sun, tend to get cold easily, hair can be dry.
Fire - Easily excitable personalities, good appetites, tend to perspire even in cold weather, skin is delicate.
Earth- Grounded individuals, tend to save their energy well, skin is cool& slightly oily, strong nails, moderate desire for food but prone to emotional eating.

The advantage of knowing our dosha is to have a deeper awareness of ourselves and our actions, have more patience for ourselves and therefore not judge a quality within us or someone else that may be simply - their natural constitution.