I have long been an advocate of the healing powers of yoga on the body and mind. So much so, I trained as a yoga teacher.
A part of my yoga teacher-training was devoted to the study of Ayurveda: an ancient healing practice and sister science to yoga, in which we discovered how our body constitutions, known as the doshas, affect our lives.
The meaning of Ayurveda roughly translates to ‘the science of life’. Its aim is to bring balance and health to both body and mind. This is achieved through various Ayurvedic methods. But one essential element is discovering what our dosha type is.
Each individual dosha type determines how and what we should eat, what type of exercise is more beneficial, and it even influences our temperaments and the emotions we are more prone to experience.
By understanding our unique dosha, we can tailor our diets to include foods that enhance our vitality and boost our immune system, while also avoiding those that may provoke imbalances. Moreover, the right types of exercise aligned with our dosha can optimize our physical health and enhance our mental well-being.
For instance, some dosha types may thrive on more vigorous activities, while others might benefit from calming practices like yoga and meditation.
This holistic approach not only fosters better health but also promotes emotional stability, helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience. Ultimately, aligning our lifestyle choices with our dosha empowers us to cultivate a harmonious balance in our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives.
It is said we are all born with one basic constitution (dosha) which are known as either: Kapha, Pitta, or Vata.
80% of us are born with one primary dosha and the other 20% will have a dual-dosha or even tri-doshic type.
Dependant on your type will depend on what you experience in life and even what diet you should consume.
Let’s take a look at what these doshas are:
Kapha
A Kapha type:
- Tends to be on the heavier side
- Dislikes the cold
- Puts weight on easily
- Is sluggish
- Can have oily skin
- Suffers with excess mucus
- Tends to be laid back
Vata
A Vata type:
- Tends to have dry skin,
- Fluctuating energy levels,
- Suffers an ever whirring, restless mind,
- Is of slim build
- Quick to anger
Pitta
Pitta types tend to be:
- Medium size and weight
- Can eat a lot without weight-gain
- Often suffers with thinning or fine hair
- Are good decision makers
- Can be short-tempered
- Witty and often outspoken
- Have high energy levels
What Works for One Dosha Type Doesn’t Work for Another
What works for one dosha type doesn’t work for another, and understanding this is crucial for achieving balance and harmony in our lives. Each dosha—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—represents a unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics, affecting everything from our temperament to our physical health.
For instance, a diet that benefits a Pitta individual, who may thrive on cooling foods and require regular hydration, could exacerbate the imbalances of a Vata person, who often needs grounding and nourishing meals.
It goes against the grain of what the Western world promotes, in that the same healthy diet is beneficial to all.
WAYS TO BALANCE YOUR DOSHA TYPE
Let’s now look at ways for the different types to stay in balance…
BALANCE KAPHA
How to balance in Kapha type dosha involves adopting a lifestyle and dietary practices that enhance energy and lightness while decreasing the inherent qualities of heaviness and lethargy associated with this dosha.
To achieve this balance, incorporating stimulating activities such as brisk walking, dynamic yoga, or dancing can be beneficial, as these forms of exercise not only energize the body but also uplift the spirit.
Additionally, focusing on a diet rich in spices like ginger, turmeric, and black pepper can help stimulate digestion and metabolism, which is essential for Kapha types. A diet consisting of lower-fat, low-sugar, no-wheat products and plenty of spicy food is recommended.
It’s equally important to favor warm, light meals over heavy, oily foods, as this can prevent feelings of sluggishness. Staying socially active and engaging with others can help combat the introspective tendencies of Kapha, while maintaining a regular routine helps optimize energy levels.
By paying attention to both physical and emotional health, Kapha types can thrive and maintain a sense of balance and vitality in their lives.
BALANCE A PITTA TYPE
To maintain harmony in a Pitta dosha type, it’s essential to adopt a lifestyle that regulates its fiery qualities.
This can be achieved by incorporating calming practices into your daily routine, such as engaging in regular meditation and slow yoga, which help to soothe the mind and body.
Additionally, embracing a diet rich in cooling foods, like leafy greens, cucumbers, and melons, can offset the heat associated with Pitta.
Staying hydrated is also crucial; drinking plenty of cool water or herbal teas will support the body’s natural balance.
It’s advisable to avoid overly spicy and acidic foods, as these can aggravate Pitta, leading to imbalances.
Furthermore, creating a daily schedule that allows for adequate rest and relaxation will further assist in keeping Pitta levels in check. Engaging in nurturing activities, such as spending time in nature or practicing mindfulness, will also contribute to fostering a balanced Pitta dosha.
Foods good to balance pitta are coconut oil, olive oil, rice, barley, oats, sweet fruits, asparagus, cucumber, courgette, cooling herbs and spices, and organic chicken
BALANCE A VATA TYPE
To balance a Vata type dosha, it is essential to focus on establishing a sense of grounding and stability in both the body and mind.
This can be achieved through a regular routine that includes nourishing warm foods such as cooked grains, healthy fats, and root vegetables, which help to counteract Vata’s qualities of dryness and coldness.
Incorporating gentle, calming activities like Hatha yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can also provide significant benefits, as they help to soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Additionally, staying warm in cooler environments, using oils for massage, and ensuring adequate hydration are crucial steps in maintaining balance.
Engaging in creative pursuits can further stimulate the mind while grounding the spirit, allowing individuals with a Vata dosha to thrive holistically.
Ultimately, the key lies in harmonizing the body’s rhythms with nurturing practices that foster tranquility and connection.
These days we can not afford to get ourselves any more out of balance than we already are. If we are not physically in shape and are not doing what is best for our type then it leaves us vulnerable.
If you get chance, visit an Ayurvedic practitioner who will give you a reliable diagnosis of your dosha type.
Hope all is keeping amazing in your world!
Until next time.
Diane
©Diane Kathrine
Empaths Empowered 