In Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing system originating in India, achieving optimal health and wellbeing involves understanding your unique constitution (prakriti) and addressing imbalances through lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and therapeutic practices tailored to your individual needs.
Ayurvedic practitioners can provide profound wellbeing insights through their understanding of the three doshas (body-mind-constitutions) Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas, derived from the five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth), shape our physical, mental, and emotional states, guiding us towards balance and vitality. By harmonising the three doshas, you can cultivate a state of equilibrium, vitality, and harmony in body, mind, and spirit.
Do you recognise your dosha here?
1. Vata Dosha: The force of movement
Vata, composed of space and air, regulates bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and elimination. When in balance, Vata promotes creativity, enthusiasm, and vitality. However, when aggravated, it can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and digestive issues.
Individuals with a predominant Vata constitution tend to have a light frame, dry skin, and irregular digestion.
To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends practices that are grounding, stabilising, and nourishing. This includes eating warm, moist, and easily digestible foods, maintaining a regular daily routine, staying warm, and practicing calming activities such as yoga, meditation, and self-massage with warm herbal oils.
2. Pitta Dosha: The fire of transformation
Pitta, embodying fire and water, controls digestion, metabolism, and intellectual activities. Balanced Pitta encourages intelligence, ambition, and a strong digestive fire, while excess can result in irritability, anger, and inflammation.
People with a dominant Pitta constitution typically have a medium build, fair skin, and strong digestion. They are often ambitious, organised, and articulate but may struggle with perfectionism and overheating.
To pacify Pitta, Ayurveda suggests adopting cooling and calming practices, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, staying hydrated, practicing moderation in work and exercise, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and emotional balance.
3. Kapha Dosha: The foundation of stability
Kapha, formed by water and earth, maintains structure and lubrication in the body. Emotions associated with Kapha are love, forgiveness and compassion.
When balanced, Kapha provides strength, endurance, and emotional stability. However, excess Kapha can lead to lethargy, attachment, and weight gain.
Individuals with a predominant Kapha constitution typically have a sturdy build, soft skin, and strong endurance. They are often calm, compassionate, and nurturing but may struggle with sluggishness and resistance to change.
To balance Kapha, Ayurveda recommends adopting stimulating, invigorating, and energising practices. This includes consuming light, spicy, and warming foods, engaging in regular exercise that promotes sweating, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and cultivating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for life.
If you like to find out more about your own unique doshic constitution, book an Ayurvedic consultation with Sarita at Ayurveda New Zealand. Sarita is a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (BAMS) and uses diagnostic tools such a tongue analysis and pulse reading to assess your doshas and develop a customised ayurvedic treatment plan for your needs.
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