What’s my dosha? is a rather complex question, because every living creature is composed of all five elements and all three doshas– vata, pitta and kapha. Each of the ayurvedic constitutions (doshas) have distinct attributes and responsibilities in the body. You cannot survive without them. This said, we are not one-third vata, one-third pitta and one-third kapha. There is an infinite number of doshic combinations and no two individuals are exactly the same. We all have a unique balance that makes me, me and you, you. One’s essential nature is inherited from our parents and does not change. This is Prakruti.
When we are healthy and balanced, we experience the favorable qualities of the doshas and our Prakruti is revealed. When we are imbalanced or sick, we experience Vikruti, the shadow or unfavourable qualities of the doshas. Vikruti (imbalance state) can also be inherited from our parents and grandparents. Since we only treat vikurti in Ayurveda, what’s important to determine are what doshas are out of balance. Why? Because we don’t fix what ain’t broke!
Here’s how to tell when a dosha is out of balance:
VATA (air & space)
Vata character when balanced
• Vibrant, lively, enthusiastic
• Clear and alert mind – fast learner
• Flexible
• Adaptability
• Imaginative, creative, artistic
• Sensitive/ clairvoyant
• Talkative, energetic, quick to respond
• Social butterfly
What aggravates Vata
• Irregular routine – irregular meals & sleep
• Staying up late
• Multi-tasking & excessive mental work
• Cold, dry weather
• Bitter, astringent, pungent or cold food
• Traveling, injury, trauma
* Bitter emotions like grief or astringent emotions like fear, aggravate Vata.
When out of balance – Symptom –> Pain
• Restless, unsettled, forgetfulness
• Light interrupted sleep, insomnia
• Tendency to overexert then crash
• Fatigued, stiff, dryness
• Anxious, worried, lonely, depressed, unstable
• Underweight, malnutrition
• Poor digestion, gas, bloating, constipation
Conditions: arthritis, dehydration, mental illness, anorexia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease
To balance Vata – Calm & soothe
• Favour warmth & rest
• Reduce stress, travel, disturbing sounds & loud music
• Favour warm lubricating, nourishing food
• Favour soft colors, calming music
• Gentle flowing yoga & restorative poses
• Guided meditation & rest
PITTA (Fire & water)
Pitta character when balanced
• Warm, loving, passionate, contented
• Enjoys challenges, motivated
• Strong digestion & immunity
• Lustrous complexion
• Good concentration
• Articulate and precise speech
• Courageous, bold
• Sharp wit, intelligent, focused
What aggravates Pitta
• Excessive heat or exposure to the sun
• Alcohol, smoking, drugs
• Time pressure, deadlines, competition
• Excessive activity – physical or mental
• Too much spicy, sour or salty food
• Skipping meals
* Sour emotions like envy or pungent emotions like anger, aggravate Pitta
When out of balance – Symptom à Inflammation
• Demanding, aggressive, perfectionist
• Tendency towards frustration, anger
• Tendency towards skin irritation & infection
• Extreme hunger, allergies
• Prematurely gray hair /early hair loss
• Favour coolness, leisure, natural beauty, rest & moderation
• Favour sweet, bitter & astringent taste
• Work on letting go of anger & cleanse blood
• Gentle yoga in nature with some challenge
• Mantra meditation & rest
KAPHA (earth & water)
Kapha character when balanced
• Affectionate, compassionate
• Nurturing, calm, relaxed
• Forgiving, loyal, Emotionally steady
• Good listener & good memory
• Slow, methodical, reliable
• Strong stamina
• Natural resistance to sickness
• Soft skin, melodious voice
What aggravates Kapha
• Oversleeping
• Overeating
• Insufficient exercise
• Too little variety in life
• Heavy, unctuous foods
• Too much sweet, sour or salty food
• Cold, wet weather
* Sweet emotions like desire, or salty emotions like greed, aggravate Kapha.
When out of balance – Symptom –> Swelling
• Complacent, dull, boring
• Sluggish, lethargic, lazy, no ambition
• Oily hair & skin
• Coughing, phlegm, congestion
• Slow digestion & metabolism
• Heavy, overweight, emotional eater
• Possessive, over attached, needy
• Tendency to oversleep
Conditions: obesity, chronic fatigue, kidney issues, blocked arteries, diabetes, growths (tumors)
To balance Kapha – Motivate & encourage
• Reduce sweets & heavy food
• Regular exercise – daily
• Favour stimulation, new experiences, variety
• Sleep less, eat small meals & let go
• Favour pungent, bitter & astringent taste.
• Active, invigorating & stimulating yoga
• Mantra meditation or walking meditation
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[…] we talked about the main parts and purposes of this ancient healing modality. Once you find out what are your doshas and have an idea of both your prakurti and vikruti, it may be time to start using this new […]
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