Ayurveda …wholistic living

Ayurveda

The fundamental practice of Ayurveda suggests that all people are one, or a combination of three ‘dosha’ types: Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Dosha is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘type’. There are three types of people or body conditions in Ayurveda:

Vata – Vata people are like air, they are changeable, erratic, in body type they are thin & wiry & prone to nervous disorder. The vata condition assesses the amount of prana or life force energy in space. Vata types are most likely to get stressed, they need constant stimulation & action.

Pitta – Pitta people are ‘hot’, like fire. They anger easily, get ‘fired’ up about things, they need to let off steam. Pitta people like competition, challenge, they enjoy sports & exercise. Pitta is a combination of the elements water & fire, like its ruler, the sun, it represents transformation & growth.

Kapha – Kapha people are more solid, like the earth. They move more slowly than the other dosha types & are reliable & trustworthy in character. Often larger or heavy in build the Kapha person is slow to anger & likes routine & security. The downside to this dosha type – Kapha individuals are scared of change & may suffer from fear or depression. The Kapha type is a combination of the elements of water & earth, they are ruled by the moon which represents nurture, unity & co-creation.

We are all prone to conditions, influxs & instability caused by the imbalance of the three dosha types. To correct & stabilize a condition we must balance & harmonize the dosha. For example: at nine months, a pregnant woman becomes very Kapha but the energy of pitta, the sun, is required to bring the baby into the world!!!

The Ayurvedic diet

Correlating to the three Dosha types are various foods:  fruits, grains, vegetables, condiments, oils, spices, everything and anything to do with food. Each ingredient is subject to increase or placate the dosha type.  An Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your dosha type & offer a diet, exercise & lifestyle programe to complement your dosha. An extensive list of Dosha type foods is available. For a full consultation or to read more …

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