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What is Dosha ?
Literally translated from Sanskrit, Doshas means imperfections or limitations, however in Ayurved it is considered like a substance which are present in the body at the time of your birth and gives shape to the physical characteristics to the body. Since there are three doshas its percentages influenced by the constitution of your parents at the time of conception, determines your unique natural constitution. This unique combination goes on to then shape your various physiological and psychological chararacteristics.
Every individual has a combination of the three doshas, however more often than not, one dosha is dominant and considered primary, in which case the next dosha becomes secondary and so on.
Disease occur when you perform tasks which are not in conformation of your natural constitution (prakriti), resulting in (Vikriti) altered condition which may become the cause of diseases within the body.
It is important then to understand each of the doshas and its characteristics to maintain a natural balance of your own prakriti. They are listed below:
Vata
VATA - is made up of the elements space and air
What are the most recognizable features of a Vata body type? A vata body is usually slim and lean, light frame, bony limbs with straight body shapes. Vataj person can typically have dry skin, dry and wavy hair, cold hands and feet, and eyes smaller than others however more dry than wet, they feel cold easily and have difficulty sweating. They have inconsistent appetite and tend to gain weight around the stomach. Constipation, IBS or bloating and irregular sleep are common features experienced by a Vata personality.
What are distinct features of a Vata mind? A Vata mind tends to perform activities quickly, in fact they like to multi-task. They have a unique ability to learn quickly and also forget quickly, therefore they are quick to get angry and can easily forgive. Their quick thinking mind gives them an edge in creative problem solving. They do not have a great memory however learn new things rather fast. They are spiritually inclined and love being outdoors especially amongst nature. They have an intense sense of touch, love beauty and excel in creativity. They're known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. They are highly sensitive and their mood depends heavily on three factors (1) The weather (2) The food they eat and lastly (3) The people they spend time with.
Imbalanced Vata are prone to: Fear, tend to worry and be anxious. Therefore they often suffer from insomnia. Some time, they can loose body weight due to this imbalance. Almost always their digestion will get affected. Some of the diseases that are common with Vata imbalance are: arthritis, restlessness, weakness, constipation, hypertion e.t.c.
Vata related disorders and its medicines:
•Bones & Joints- Joint formula, Shallaki xt •Brain & Memory- Memory plus, Brahmi •Heart health- Arjun,Cardiac kare •Immunity- Chyawanprash & Nutrijam (Immunity kit) •Mens vitality – Musli XT, Mumio •Women vitality- Shatavari •Gut health- Haritaki , Bowel kare •Insomnia – Natural sleep aid •Stress & Nervine problems- Ashwagandha, Tagar XT •Antioxidants & Rejuvenator- Chyawanprash & Guduchi xt
Diet recommandations Aggravated Vata recommends, oily and heat generating foods. One can also include moist and soft foods. Oily foods will be lubricating and hence provide stability. Salty foods have a pacifying effect and as such should be included in a Vata diet. A list of suggested foods is mentioned below:
Foods to eat Dairy: milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ghee Fruits: fully ripe, sweet, and heavy fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, mangoes, and Vegetables: cooked vegetables, including beets, sweet potatoes, onions, radishes, turnips, carrots, and green beans Legumes: chickpeas, mung beans Grains: cooked oats, cooked rice Nuts and seeds: any, including, walnuts, pistachios, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds Herbs and spices: cardamom, ginger, cumin, cloves, oregano, thyme, black pepper
Foods to avoid Bitter, dried and cold foods (e.g. raw vegetables, cold desserts, dried fruits, nuts and seeds)
Exercise Due to their “on-the- go” nature, those with vata-dominant doshas should focus on activities that involve constant movement, such as cycling, running, walking, yoga etc.
Pita
PITTA - is made up of the elements of fire and water
What are the most recognizable features of a Pitta body type? They have an average but athletic physique, medium weight however can gain weight towards the bottom half of the body. Their skin is soft and lustrous yet maintain a warm body temperature. They tend to have excellent digestion and strong metabolism, which stimulates a strong appetite resulting in abundant energy. They sometimes can have red hair. Early balding or greying of hair is common in Pitta personalities. Eyes are medium in size but have an intense gaze. They are sound sleepers but for short periods of time
What are distinct features of a Pitta mind? They are perfectionist with a strong ability to concentrate and a high intellect. That makes them precise, determined and competetive and sometimes outspoken. They have a good insight and keen discretion which makes them good decision makers, there pronounciation is sharp and concise. They like to be in control and at the centre of activities, they are sharp innovators, with matching energy levels. They are nocturnal yet manage a deep sleep with graphic dreams including nightmares. They manage happiness through inner peace.
Imbalanced Pitta are prone to: Imbalanced Pitta’s are short-tempered, easily irritated and argumentative, which makes them irrational and judgemental. Pittas are workaholics and prone to suffer from skin rashes, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion. Pitta related disorders and its medicines. •Healthy liver function- Kumari, Neruri, Kalmegh •Antacid – Acid relief •Kidney support- Punarnava •Uterine aid, balances harmones - Menopause aid •Blood purifier- Manjistha •Skin rashes- Neem, Manjistha •Antioxidant- Guduchi, Chyawanprash, Nutrijam .Hair Nourishment- Grow & Glow
Diet recommandations In case of pitta aggravation diet must include foods that are cool and light. Generally pitta can be reduced with sweet, bitter and astringent tasting foods.
Foods to eat: They should eat light, cold, sweet and energizing foods. Protein: egg whites. Dairy: milk, ghee, butter Fruits: sweet, fully ripe fruits like oranges, pears, pineapples, bananas, melons, and mangoes Grains: barley, basmati rice, wheat. Vegetables: sweet and bitter veggies, including cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, zucchini, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots. Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, black beans, kidney beans Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut. Herbs and spices: small amounts of black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric.
Foods to avoid Heavy, spicy and sour foods (eg: red meats, potatoes, hot spices)
Exercise Pitta. Pitta doshas tend to push themselves too hard and should avoid exercising in the heat. Yoga is a better choice.
Kapha
KAPHA - is made up of the elements of water and earth
What are the most recognizable features of a Kapha body type? They have well-developed bodies, broad shoulders. Soft and radiant skin yet oily at times, and lustrous hair. Eyes are large and have a composed speech. They tend to have a good digestion and consequently sleep well. They sleep excessively and can get over-weight at times. They have an innate sense of smell and taste and nurture a good appetite. They can be very attached to material possessions and have difficulty in recognizing the difference between essentials and luxuries. They have a stable temperament and a long-term memory. They possess stamina and strength along with a healthy and robust physiology, they are team players, who are reliable, compassionate and affectionate. Despite being hard-working, they have a tendency of being lazy. Lastly they are supportive of family and loved ones, indeed sometimes tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer necessary.
What are distinct features of a Kapha mind? They are naturally calm, thoughtful and caring. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with a routine. They can be quiet stubborn and resist change. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is “I don’t want to deal with it”. Their grasping power is slow but powerful and has a long-lasting memory.
Imbalanced are prone to: Kapha imbalance can make you have poor digestion coupled with fluid retention and weight gain. They may be prone to sinus and respiratory problems, feel lethargic, find it difficult to wake-up and can experience food cravings and depression. Kapha related disorders and its medicines. • Respiratory ailments/cough - Vasaka, • Soar throat - Yastimadhu, • Regulate sugar level - Meshasringi, Sugar Formula • Antioxidant/Anti-infammatory - Haridra, • Heart health - Cardiac care • Stool softner/bulk forming laxative - Kolon cleanse •Heaviness of head – Nasja oil, Memory plus •Sinus- Nasja oil, Haridra.
Diet recommdations In case of kapha aggravation meals can include foods that are heating, light, and drying. Pungent tasting foods have a pacifying effect on Kapha alone. Foods to eat Spicy, acidic, and filling foods Protein: poultry in small amounts, egg whites. Dairy: goat milk. Fruits: apples, blueberries, pears, pomegranates, cherries, and dried fruit like raisins, figs. Vegetables: leafy greens, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, radishes, okra. Legumes: any, including black beans, lentils. Grains: oats, rye, buckwheat, barley, corn, millet Nuts and seeds: small amounts of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds Herbs and spices: any, including cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ginger.
Foods to avoid- heavy “fatty” foods (e.g fats, oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds) Exercises Kapha doshas should focus on a combination of cardio and weight –resistance exercise to stay interested and motivated. Plain movement is helpful for them.