In Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient medical system of India, health is maintained by the balancing of three Doshas—individually they are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This system teaches maintenance and protection of the whole person (mind, body and soul). Ayurvedic medicine is based on an individual’s characteristics and body frame rather than oriented toward treating disease or sickness. Overall well-being and striving for longevity depends on keeping your doshas balanced. An imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease. Factors that can bring about balance of the tridoshas are diet, exercise, good digestion, and elimination of toxins.
ABOUT DOSHA TYPING
3 DOSHAS
Vata/ Air
Vata Governs: The senses, creative thinking, reasoning, enthusiasm, quality of voice, memory, movements of thought, movement of food through digestive tract, elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle, blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration, sense of touch.
Signs of Vata Imbalance: Feeling restless, unsettled, sleep comes slowly or is easily interrupted, tend to have dry skin, easily fatigued, tend to be constipated, feeling anxious and worried. If you have two or more of the above symptoms you may need to balance your Vata.
Pitta/ Fire
Pitta Governs: Functioning of the eyes, healthy glow of the skin, desire, drive, decisiveness, spirituality, digestion, assimilation, metabolism of healthy nutrients and tissues, healthy, toxin-free blood.
Signs of Pitta imbalance: Tend to be demanding or critical, perfectionist, often frustrated, angry, skin rashes, often irritable and impatient, hair is prematurely gray, thinning, don’t tolerate hot weather very well, inflammation in the body, acidic conditions. If you have two or more of the above symptoms you may need to balance your Pitta.
Kapha/Earth
Kapha Governs: It controls weight, growth, lubrication for the joints and lungs, and formation of all the seven tissues—nutritive fluids, blood, fat, muscles, bones, marrow and reproductive tissues.
Signs of Kapha Imbalance: Often feel complacent or dull, oily skin, slow digestion, feel lethargic, can be possessive, over-attached, tend to oversleep, overweight, food cravings, respiratory issues such as sinus congestion, poor taste and smell, excess mucus, lumps, growths. If you have two or more of the above symptoms you may need to balance your Kapha.
