What's a dosha – and what’s mine?
This month, our theme is Daily rituals for health and longevity and last week I shared a blog post highlighting some suggested routines to add to your day from Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is related to Vedic Meditation and the traditional Indian system of medicine that’s been around for thousands of years.
Some of it can seem a bit out there, but there’s a decent amount that makes sense and may give you permission to go against received Western wisdom about diet.
For example, as a Vata, I now no longer feel guilty about avoiding leafy greens! Result.
Ayurveda is preventative in nature and focuses on balance and harmony between the mind and body – mostly through diet choices.
Central to Ayurveda are the three doshas or energies, which govern all physical and mental processes.
The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We’re each born with a different blend of these elements which then fluctuate each day based on what we eat and what’s going on in our lives.
By identifying your dominant dosha, you can tailor your diet and lifestyle to help maintain balance.
The best way to get started is to do a free online test, such as this one from Deepak Chopra.
The three doshas
Vata is responsible for movement and stimulation. Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism and Kapha is responsible for stability and structure. All three doshas must be in balance for optimal health.
Vata is made up of the qualities of air and space. People with mainly vata dosha tend to be of slimmer build, creative, intuitive and lively. They may experience physical symptoms such as dry skin, constipation and fatigue.
To maintain balance and health, vata types should prioritise rest, stick to routine and practice stress-reducing activities.
Pitta is made up of fire and water. People with pitta dosha predominant often have strong digestive fire and are analytical. They are also driven, ambitious and competitive. Physical symptoms associated with imbalanced pitta can include rashes, heartburn, and inflammation. To maintain balance, pitta types should watch their temper and focus on foods that cool the body.
Kapha is made up of water and earth. People with mainly kapha dosha tend to be calm, content, and loyal. They are slow to anger, but can gain weight easily. Physical symptoms of an imbalanced kapha include congestion, increased mucus and weight gain. To maintain balance, kapha types should stay hydrated, stay active and focus on eating lighter and warmer meals.
Best foods for Vata
Vata types should focus on warm, grounding foods that help balance their delicate digestive system.
Whole grains, stews, soups and steamed vegetables can provide sweetness, nourishment and grounding when consumed in moderation. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cumin and coriander can also help balance vata. Dairy, such as yogurt, cheese and ghee can help build a strong immune system. Fruits such as avocados, apples, pears and cherries are also vata-balancing.
Best foods for Pitta
Pitta types should focus on cooling, sweet, and bitter foods to help balance their strong digestive fire. Grains such as quinoa, oats and rice can help to reduce excess heat. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard, as well as root vegetables like carrots and beets can help to keep pitta in balance. Sweet foods, such as honey and coconut can also be helpful for pitta types. Dairy products such as ghee and almond milk can be beneficial as well. Apples, pears, and melons can help to cool the body. Herbs and spices like mint, cardamom and fennel can also help reduce excess pitta.
Best foods for Kapha
Kapha types should focus on lighter, warmer and spicier foods to help reduce excess kapha. Grains such as barley, buckwheat and millet are good choices as they are easy to digest and light on the system. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, as well as vegetables such as onions and mushrooms are good choices. Legumes and lentils are also beneficial for kapha types as they contain protein, fiber and essential minerals. Fruits such as apples, pears and strawberries can help to reduce excess kapha. Spices such as ginger, cumin, turmeric and black pepper can also help balance kapha.
Foods to avoid in Ayurveda
To maintain balance, it is important to avoid foods that can aggravate the doshas. Vata types should avoid cold and raw foods, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods as they can increase vata. Pitta types should avoid spicy, sour, acidic and fried foods as they can increase heat. Kapha types should avoid heavy, sweet, salty and rich foods as they can increase congestion and impede digestion. All types should avoid refined sugar, processed foods and anything with preservatives as these can cause digestive issues and lead to imbalances.
This is only a brief intro – you can read Deepak Chopra’s Perfect Health for more info or find an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner near you.
Rory
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