Ayurvedic medicine is not some new age fad or trend but a highly sophisticated healing system that was developed more than 5,000 years ago in ancient India. In Sanskrit Ayur means life and Veda means science. Life science! It’s based on the principle that health and wellness depends on the equanimity between the mind, body and spirit. Ayurvedic treatments include meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal remedies to promote health and well-being. However, Ayurveda is much more complex once you delve into it. This is just a concise introduction.
This healing system was banned in India during Britain’s colonial rule, but has now become very widespread globally especially with the rise of people taking up yoga and meditation. It is underpinned by the principle that what matters in the mind effects your physical and spiritual health.
During the advent of modern medicine there was no real connection drawn on how the mind effected physical health. Medicine focused on the treated symptoms and not causes. We now clearly know that the mind has a direct impact on the body and has its own healing system. When your mind and body are not balanced this results in poor health. The rise of psychosomatic and physiological illnesses can be directly linked to stress triggers and supressed trauma. Stress weakens the immune system and further ill health follows. Prevention is a fundamental aspect in Ayurveda. Applying the Ayurvedic method can create an equilibrium between the mind-body and soul resulting in optimum well-being.
So how does it all work? Ayurveda is a personalised approach to health and knowing your mind-body type. There are a trilogy of body types or constitutions known as Doshas derived from the five elements. These are Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. We can be either one, a combination of two, or all three. These Doshas are energies that make up the individual and perform different physiological functions in the body- Ayurveda explains itself well once you know your body type! This then allows you to make optimal choices about your lifestyle, diet and supplements needed for harmonious health. If your Dosha is imbalanced or in excess, it can lead to specific health issues relating to your constitution. This can be stabilised with the correct application according to what Ayurveda recommends. Here is a simple guide to discovering you’re what Dosha.
The 3 Dosha Types
Vata (Ether & Air)
Vata predominant type’s tend to have a thin body frame and are either very tall or very short. Their body weight is low. Their skin tends to be rough dry, cold and dark. Their hair is dry and kinky. They have big, protruding teeth with emaciated gums. They have small and dark eyes. Vatas are light sleepers with an erratic lifestyle. They get excited quickly and are full of ideas.
Doshic quality: Creative, extrovert with excellent problem solving skills. Full of vitality, quick learners and empaths.
Symptoms of excess Vata: back pain, arthritis, circulatory problems dry skin, constipation, nerve disorders and anxiety.
Avoid: Cold food, astringents foods, butter and caffeine.
Eat: Cooked foods, healthy fats, mild spices and warm hot beverages.
Physical activity: Mediation, light exercise such as yoga and walking.
Famous Vata people: Audrey Hepburn, Dev Patel and Kate Moss.
Pitta (Fire & Water)
Pitta predominant types have moderate body frames and body weight. Their skin is soft, warm oily and fair complexions. Their hair is oily with early greying. Their teeth are moderate size with soft gums. They have sharp, light and penetrating eyes. Pittas tend to be proactive, busy and achieve a lot but are quick to lose their temper and get jealous.
Symptoms of excess Pitta: Skin disorders such as acne. Acidity, premature hair loss, early greying and diarrhoea
Doshic quality: Great promotors with good people’s skills. Intelligent, goal oriented, confident and entrepreneurial.
Avoid: Alcohol, spicy food, too much oils and fermented foods.
Eat: Cool foods, sweet vegetables and fruit.
Physical activity: Light weight training, jogging and dance.
Famous Pitta people– Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Denzel Washington.
Kapha (Water & Earth)
Predominant Kapha types tend to have thick body frames and can be overweight. Their skin is dense, oily and cool. Their hair tends to be thick and wavy. They have strong teeth and big attractive eyes. Kaphas are calm, steady but can be stubborn and self-indulgent.
Symptoms of excess Kapha: congestion, bronchial problems, desire to sleep, excess weight and nausea.
Doshic quality: Reliable, caring and good managers. Strong bodied, introverted and have outstanding memory.
Eat: Raw and bitter vegetables. Spicy foods.
Avoid: sugary food, sour fruit and excess fats.
Physical activity: long distance running and weight training.
Famous Kapha people: Marlon Brando, Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey.
If one or more of these resonates with you then be sure to find out your Dosha and plan your lifestyle according the Ayurvedic way of life. Click on the link below and take the test today and follow the advice on the site.
Author: Reena Jaisiah
Author Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: My name is Reena Kumari and I am a UK born woman of the Indus Valley. I am holistic therapist and a Health and Lifestyle advisor. I am a ‘Desi’ (native/ folk) medicine woman because I am an advocate for home-grown treatments and blend my own herbs, medicines and make organic cosmetics.
Link to social media or website: www.naturesformulary.com/test/dosha-test/
