An Introduction To Ayurveda And The Three Doshas

Ayurveda in sanskrit means the science of life. With a unique emphasis on total wellness, the art and science of Ayurveda work to harmonize our internal and external worlds. Ayurveda groups five elements of fire, earth, water, air, and ether into three doshas  in the body called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda customizes preventative wellness to the unique constitution of every individual.

An introduction to the 3 doshas: vata, pitta & kapha dosha:

Vata Dosha 

Association: wind (flexibility, creativity, and free-flowing spirit.)

Body movements: breathing, muscle contraction, and heart function.

Vata dominant: thin, feel cold often, have dry skin, or experience racing thoughts. Imbalance causes  anxiety, fear, and digestive issues like constipation.

Exercises to balance the vata dosha: Anything that brings stability and grounding will be helpful when vata energy takes over. Maybe it's being more rigid about your morning and nighttime routines, practicing a grounding meditation with your feet in the earth, limiting the  use of technology.

Food and drinks to balance the vata dosha: More protein and fat, Root vegetables, warm, creamy drinks, warm food, staying hydrated, and a variety of meats can also be nourishing and grounding.

Pitta Dosha 

Link: fire. Controls endocrine, metabolic, and digestive systems. 

Predominantly pitta: medium build, feel cold often, and have acne-prone skin, busy, high-achieving, and always on the move. 

Imbalance may lead to  anger, overexertion and burnout, and skin irritation and rashes. 

Exercises to balance the pitta dosha: Unsurprisingly, those with a pitta imbalance will benefit from cooling activities. Think taking colder showers and walking next to a body of water. The opposite of vata in many ways, pitta-prone people should consider loosening their tight schedules and saving room for spontaneity. 

Food and drinks to balance the pitta dosha: Avoid anything hot, spicy, or fermented. A few pitta-pacifying foods and beverages include sweet fruits, coconut water, and plenty of grains. 

Kapha Dosha

Association: earth and water, a stabilizing energy that maintains the immune system. Kapha dominant: calm, grounded, and forgiving. 

Imbalance may lead to jealousy, sluggishness, and weight gain. 

Exercises to balance the kapha dosha: Mental stimulation, plenty of exercise, and mindful activities (breathwork and meditation) 

Food and drinks to balance the kapha dosha: Avoid oily foods, dense carbs like pasta and rice. Go for bitter, astringent ingredients, fresh fruits, and veggies.

Source , Source , Image source