What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda means “the science of life”. Ayurveda is one of the most ancient holistic schools of medicine. It has its roots in Indian tradition. It emphasizes total wellness in mind and spirit. Ayurveda’s main focus is on well being and preventative practices. These practices include
Everyone encounters bodily and spiritual disharmony in unique ways that Ayurveda has the power to identify and treat.
What are Doshas?
“Doshas” in Ayurveda refer to the three main forces that govern our mind and body. Unique dosha profiles influence and dictate personal well-being. Each person has their own dominant dosha or combination of two or three. Knowing your dosha profile can help instruct a specific Ayurvedic program for maintaining a personalized healthy and balanced lifestyle. When the Doshas are balanced they bring mental and physical health.
Vata: Air + Ether
Vata is associated with the elements air and space. However, Vata does not mean emptiness. In fact, people in this category are characterized as full of energy. Vata dominant people are extremely creative and defined by movement. They are known to change their minds a lot and to enjoy physical movement/activity. They tend to have a lot of ideas, to dream, to love socializing, and to enjoy new things. However, the positive characteristics of a Vata dominant person may create certain imbalances in the body. Generally, a Vata’s physical characteristics are thin and flexible. However, they may have an erratic eating schedule which can complicate this. Vata dominant people often struggle with indigestion, memory issues, muscle spasms, achy joints, dry skin, and cold extremities. All of these issues can be addressed with a conscious approach to nutrition, lifestyle, and therapy rooted in Ayurveda.
Pitta: Fire + Water
Pitta’s related elements are fire and water. Pitta dominant people are passionate and disciplined. They dive into whatever they are interested in. They tend to be dedicated and loyal, have a good memory, and are inclined to love physical exercise. Pitta’s role in the body is associated with nutrition, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Pitta dominant people experience imbalances due to overworking and stress, worry, and obsessiveness. While pitta dominant types tend to have symmetrical features, muscular bodies, and strong appetites, they also suffer from inflammation, skin problems/acne, bad breath, body odor, and bad tempers. Special attention to the temperature in both food and the environment can help alleviate these negative corollaries of a pitta-type person. Ayurveda’s emphasis on moderation is especially helpful.
Kapha: Water + Earth
Kapha has to do with the elements earth and water. Kapha people are very strong, structured, slow, and steady. They are hard workers in their own way and in their own time. Because of this, they tend to have high endurance, stamina, and patience. They are slow learners, but they have a great memory. Kapha’s role in the body is to supply water and to maintain the immune system. Kapha types tend to overeat when they are overwhelmed by the fast pace of the modern world. Imbalances for this type may result from a lack of routine or exercise, from overeating, and excess sleeping. Signs of imbalance are slow digestion, allergies, weak immune system, excess mucus, low energy, weight gain, and depression. Following an Ayurvedic program emphasizing diet and exercise will bring Kapha dominant people back to balance.