Maybe you have heard of Ayurveda or know the basics but don’t quite understand how it works and how it relates to you?
Here are some fundamentals to get you started so you can better understand your self – your body, mind and your tendencies … and also better understand others in your life.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient form of natural medicine originating from India thousands of years ago. Translated from Sanskrit it can be called ‘Science of Life’. More specifically it means knowledge of holistic healing or longevity, with the idea that everything is interrelated, yet still unique. Ayurveda is applied on an individual basis and able to be used in people’s everyday lives using diet, massage & oils, exercise & yoga, herbs and lifestyle.
It has been said that Yoga and Ayurveda are like brother and sister systems – Yoga the masculine and active system and Ayurveda the feminine and nurturing system, although both systems contain qualities of both masculine and feminine. Together they work well in balancing the body, mind and spirit and establishing ongoing health by creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle suited to each individual.
Your Ayurvedic Constitution
The way in which Ayurveda determines your individual nature is using natural elements or forces that exist both in us as individuals and in our environment as Mother Nature.
The three main elemental forces (or doshas) are:
- VATA – movement (Ether & Air)
- PITTA – transformation (mostly Fire + some water)
- KAPHA – cohesion (Earth + Water)
See the table below for the qualities, the elements and how imbalances show up for each dosha
|
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
|
| Qualities | Cold, light, dry | Warm, oily, light | Cool, heavy, oily |
| Made of: | Ether + Air | Fire + bit of water | Earth + Water |
| Imbalances show as | Nervous, anxious, dry skin, hair, constipated, can’t keep routine including eating & sleeping | Overheated, red rashes, diarreah, inflammation, angry emotions such as frustration or irritability. | Overweight, diabetes, depressed, respiratory symptoms, overly possessive or stubborn |
Do you relate to any of these qualities or imbalances? Perhaps you resonate strongly with 1 of the doshas and it’s imbalances or perhaps with 2 or even 3. We are all made up all 3 doshas and 5 elements, just in varying amounts.
For instance, you may have 80% Pitta and the remaining 20% in Vata and Kapha.
Or Alternatively, you may have 40% Vata, 30% Pitta and 30% Kapha .. this is less likely but still possible.
How to Balance your Dosha
So you may be wondering ok .. so now what?
They key is to go with the qualities or the imbalances that show up the strongest and address these qualities first.
Here are some basic ways to bring balance into your body and your life using some very simple principles and natural remedies..
|
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
|
| Remedies |
Warm, heavy & oily – Warm, cooked lightly spiced foods such as soupls, stews and casseroles – Warm bath, oil massage, gentle daily routine |
Cool, heavy & dry – Raw, cooling foods, fruits, salad such as coconut, cucumber – Swimming, cool water, moon bathing |
Warm, light & dry – Roasted, baked & dried foods, general spices & chilli – Vigorous & heating, morning exercise, sun bathing ok |
If you want to clearer on your dosha type & how you can use this information in your life…
Take this Free Quiz
AYURVEDIC CAREER QUIZ
And find out the best career or job options based on your
Ayurvedic Personality Type
For more information about Ayurveda or having a private session contact Emma via email or Book a free chat.
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