 |
 |
|
 |
|

|
 |
 |
 |
Have
you ever wondered what actually accounts for differences
in people? Why are some people hyperactive and fast
moving, while others exude grace and stillness? Why
can some people eat a five-course meal with ease,
while others can barely finish a salad? Why are some
people inherently joyous, while others carry the weight
of the world on their shoulders? Modern genetics offers
some insight, but what about the characteristics and
idiosyncrasies that make every person unique? Ayurveda
answers all of these questions with the Three
Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
The doshas are biological energies found
throughout the human body and mind. They govern all
physical and mental processes and provide every living
being with an individual blueprint for health and
fulfillment.
The doshas derive from the Five Elements and their
related properties. Vata is composed of Space
and Air, Pitta of Fire and Water, and Kapha
of Earth and Water.
|
 |
 |
 |
A person with a
predominantly Vata constitution will have physical and
mental qualities that reflect the elemental qualities
of Space and Air. That is why Vata types are commonly
quick thinking, thin, and fast moving. A Pitta type,
on the other hand, will have qualities reflective of
Fire and Water, such as a fiery personality and oily
skin. A Kapha type will typically have a solid bodily
frame and calm temperament, reflecting the underlying
elements of Earth and Water. While one dosha predominates
in most individuals, a second dosha typically has a
strong influence. This is referred to as a dual-doshic
constitution. To begin figuring out your own unique
constitution, click here
for a dosha self-test.
The
doshas are dynamic energies that constantly change
in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the
foods we eat, the seasons, and any other sensory inputs
that feed our mind and body. When we live into the
fulfillment of our individual natures, we naturally
make lifestyle and dietary decisions that foster balance
within our doshas. When we live against our intrinsic
natures, we support unhealthy patterns that lead to
physical and mental imbalances.
If the proportion of doshas in your current state
is close to your birth constitution, then your health
will be vibrant. A divergence between these states,
however, indicates a state of imbalance. Vikruti
is the term used to describe this imbalanced deviation
away from prakruti.
In total, there are three primary doshic states:
Balanced: All three doshas
are present in their natural proportions; also referred
to as “equilibrium.”
Increased: A particular
dosha is present in a greater-than-normal proportion;
also referred to as an “aggravated”
or “excess state.”
Decreased: A particular
dosha is present in a less-than-normal proportion;
also referred to as a “reduced” or “depleted
state.”
Of the three states, the increased or aggravated
state leads to the greatest number of imbalances.
Such imbalances can arise from any number of influences,
including following a dosha-aggravating diet or, more
generally, carrying too much stress in life. You can
initiate a restoration of balance, however, when you
begin to understand both your unique constitutional
make-up and how to harmonize your internal environment
and its needs with the external world.
We are most susceptible to imbalances related to
our predominant dosha. If you’re a Pitta type,
for example, you may experience heartburn (a common
Pitta disorder) after eating spicy foods. The key
to remember is that like increases like,
while opposites create balance. By simply
choosing cooling or more alkalizing foods, you can
avoid heartburn, while also supporting your underlying
make-up.
Ayurveda offers specifically tailored recommendations
for every individual, ranging from general lifestyle
changes to the treatment of dis-ease (literally, an
imbalance within our natural state of “ease”).
For this reason, Ayurveda can truly be called a system
of individualized health care, something remarkably
different from the Western model’s “one-pill
for all” approach. Since the doshas are used
to detect imbalances before the manifestation of dis-ease,
Ayurveda is also a complete system of preventative
medicine. |
 |
 |
 |
Vata derives from
the elements of Space and Air and translates as “wind”
or “that which moves things.” It is the
energy of movement and the force governing all biological
activity. Vata is often called the “King of the
Doshas,” since it governs the body’s greater
life force and gives motion to Pitta and Kapha.
Just as the wind in balance provides movement and
expression to the natural world, the balanced Vata
individual is active, creative, and gifted with a
natural ability to express and communicate. When the
wind in a Vata type rages like a hurricane, negative
qualities quickly overshadow these positive attributes.
Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and
bodily disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin
and constipation.
The qualities of Vata are dry, rough, light, cold,
subtle, and mobile. A Vata individual will display
physical and mental characteristics that reflect these
qualities in both a balanced and an imbalanced state.
The main locations of Vata in the body are the colon,
thighs, bones, joints, ears, skin, brain, and nerve
tissues. Physiologically, Vata governs anything related
to movement, such as breathing, talking, nerve impulses,
movements in the muscles and tissues, circulation,
assimilation of food, elimination, urination, and
menstruation. Psychologically, Vata governs communication,
creativity, flexibility, and quickness of thought.
Key Words to remember: Grounding, Warming, Routine
(Note: Many of the following suggestions will
be explained in greater detail throughout the book.)
-Eat a Vata-balancing diet.
-Eat in a peaceful environment.
-Engage in wholesome and contemplative activities
(like spending time in nature).
-Follow a regular daily routine.
-Go to bed early.
-Meditate daily.
-Do gentle physical exercise like yoga, swimming,
tai chi, or walking.
Ways Vata Becomes Imbalanced
-Eating Vata-aggravating foods
-Eating while anxious or depressed
-Eating on the run
-Drinking alcohol, coffee, or black tea
-Smoking cigarettes
-Following an irregular daily routine
-Going to bed late at night
(Note: For more extensive information on all
three doshas, please see Eat-Taste-Heal) |
 |
 |
 |
Pitta derives
from the elements of Fire and Water and translates
as “that which cooks.”
It is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the
body that functions through carrier substances such
as organic acids, hormones, enzymes, and bile. While
Pitta is most closely related to the element of Fire,
it is the liquid nature of these substances that accounts
for the element of Water in Pitta’s make-up.
The qualities of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light,
moving, liquid, and acidic. A Pitta individual will
display physical and mental characteristics that reflect
these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced
state.
The main locations of Pitta in the body are the small
intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood,
eyes, and sweat. Physiologically, Pitta provides the
body with heat and energy through the breakdown of
complex food molecules. It governs all processes related
to conversion and transformation throughout the mind
and body. Psychologically, Pitta governs joy, courage,
willpower, anger, jealousy, and mental perception.
It also provides the radiant light of the intellect.
When a person has a tendency to “overheat,”
excess Pitta is usually the culprit. Just as a campfire
may turn into a forest fire without proper care, the
internal fire of the mind and body must be kept in
check.
The balanced Pitta individual is blessed with a joyful
disposition, a sharp intellect, and tremendous courage
and drive. As the fire of the mind and body becomes
unruly, however, the laughing Pitta quickly becomes
the yelling Pitta. Anger, rage, and ego replace Pitta’s
positive attributes, leaving an individual who is
bitter with life and overbearing towards others. There
is a saying that imbalanced Pitta individuals don’t
go to hell; they simply create it wherever they go!
Pitta imbalances commonly manifest in the body as
infection, inflammation, rashes, ulcers, heartburn,
and fever.
Ways to Balance Pitta
Key Words to Remember: Cooling, Calming, Moderation
-Eat a Pitta-balancing diet.
-Eat in a peaceful environment.
-Avoid artificial stimulants.
-Engage in calming activities, like spending time
in nature.
-Meditate daily.
-Do calming physical exercise, such as yoga, swimming,
tai chi, or walking.
Ways Pitta Becomes Imbalanced
-Eating Pitta-aggravating food
-Eating while angry
-Drinking coffee, black tea, or alcohol
-Smoking cigarettes
-Over-working
-Being overly competitive
|
 |
 |
 |
Kapha derives
from the elements of Earth and Water and translates
as “that which sticks.” It is the energy
of building and lubrication that provides the body
with physical form, structure, and the smooth functioning
of all its parts. Kapha can be thought of as the essential
cement, glue, and lubrication of the body in one.
The qualities of Kapha are moist, cold, heavy, dull,
soft, sticky, and static. A Kapha individual will
display physical and mental characteristics that reflect
these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced
state.
The main locations of Kapha in the body are the chest,
throat, lungs, head, lymph, fatty tissue, connective
tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Physiologically, Kapha
moistens food, gives bulk to our tissues, lubricates
joints, stores energy, and relates to cool bodily
fluids such as water, mucous, and lymph. Psychologically,
Kapha governs love, patience, forgiveness, greed,
attachment, and mental inertia. With its earthly makeup,
Kapha grounds Vata and Pitta and helps offset imbalances
related to these doshas.
Just as a nourishing rainstorm may turn into a rampant
flood, the fluids of the body may flood the bodily
tissues, contributing to a heavy dampness that weighs
down the body and clouds the mind. This dense, cold,
and swampy environment becomes the breeding ground
for a number of bodily disorders such as obesity,
sinus congestion, and anything related to mucous.
Mentally, the loving and calm disposition of the Kapha
individual may transform into lethargy, attachment,
and depression.
Ways to Balance Kapha
Key words to remember: Drying, Stimulating, and
Expression
-Eat a Kapha-balancing diet.
-Eat in a loving environment.
-Avoid a luxurious, leisurely lifestyle
-Focus on non-attachment in daily life.
-Do emotional housekeeping regularly.
-Make time for introspective activities, like meditation
and writing.
-Make a distinction between being nice and being
taken advantage of.
-Go to bed early and rise early, with no daytime
naps.
Ways Kapha Becomes Imbalanced
-Eating Kapha-aggravating food
-Overeating
-Eating to offset emotions (like indulging in sweets
when depressed)
-Spending too much time in cool, damp climates
-Not engaging in physical activity
-Spending most of one’s time indoors (especially
on the couch watching TV!)
-Avoiding intellectual challenges
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|