Ayurveda:  5,000 Years Of Balance

Melissa Webster

by Brandi Herrera Pfrehm
October 8, 2008

The world in which we live can get intense: Over-consumption of processed and packaged foods infect our systems; technology bombards our every move; and an excessive amount of activities pull us in multiple directions. Sometimes, it’s all we can do to keep ourselves from spinning completely out of control.

What if I told you it’s possible to pin down your mind’s unique tendencies and your body’s specific characteristics, and that you could use those tendencies and characteristics to create balance in your physical, cerebral and spiritual life? This is no gimmick. I’m not selling it on QVC, and it doesn’t come with a free set of Ginsu knives if you respond in the next 30 minutes.

Ayurveda’s the real deal—a medical system that Indians and South Asians have relied on for more than 5,000 years. As a life science, Ayurveda aims to balance an individual’s mind and body by maintaining proportional universal elements (air, fire, water, earth, space), and by incorporating your unique physical, mental and spiritual faculties. Its healing powers often leave people feeling more in tune with themselves than when they were under the care of western medical philosophies.


Know Your Dosha
Before you can experience the healing properties of Ayurveda, you must first identify your predominant Dosha. Most people have one Dosha that leads their mind/body, but many have a combination of several, and sometimes all three to varying degrees. Each Dosha, or “dysfunction,” is composed of several elements (similar to those in Chinese medicine) and is seen as a diversion from the balance that Ayurveda strives for. By knowing the Vatta, Pitta or Kapha Dosha tendencies you lean toward, you will better know how to keep them in balance.

There are hundreds of online quizzes that can help identify your Dosha(s). However, it’s just as easy to read about each Dosha’s hallmark characteristics to find which one best describes you—after all, you know your mind and body better than anyone else.

Vatta leads all three Doshas and is composed of air and space elements. It governs movement and is quick, light, dry, rough and clear. Predominant Vattas tend to have a small/thin frame, lack of musculature, thin and/or dry hair, small mouth, small chest and gray, brown or blue eyes. They often have dry skin and low blood pressure, and have cold hands and feet. They find it difficult to keep warm. Their temperament is clever, creative and quick, but also shy, insecure and impatient. Vattas generally lack stamina and can easily become anxious.

When Vatta is out of balance, it results in fear and forgetfulness, insomnia, poor appetite and cramps or indigestion.

Pitta is composed primarily of fire, but also contains water. It governs metabolism and digestion, is responsible for heat and perception, and is hot, light, sour, oily, liquid and sharp. Predominant Pittas tend to have medium frames with good musculature, sustained energy/stamina, shiny hair and normal-to-oily (often fair/freckled) skin, with hazel, green or blue eyes. Pittas tend to overheat and sweat a lot. They are often ambitious, focused and organized, but can become easily irritated or angry. Pittas love the pursuit of knowledge, leadership and physical activity, but can also become controlling and judgmental.

When Pitta is out of balance, it results in impatience, hostility and emotional outbursts that affect the small intestine, stomach, skin and eyes.

Kapha is composed of water and earth, and governs strength and proper body structure. It is cool, heavy/dense, slow, and liquid. Predominant Kaphas tend to be heavier than the other doshas due to a slower metabolism. They are “softer” with less defined musculature, have fully developed breasts and hips, oily skin, large clear eyes, thick and/or wavy hair, and good stamina. Kaphas tend to be calm, diplomatic, peaceful and compassionate, but they can also be withdrawn, nostalgic and dislike change.

When Kapha is out of balance, it results in emotional attachments and clinginess, envy and greed. It can also produce weight gain, lethargy, allergies and congestion.


Eating For Your Dosha
Every predominant Dosha requires careful attention to food intake, activity and mental awareness to function properly and fall back into balance. Here’s a short list of foods just right for your Dosha:

• Vattas should eat warm/cooked, soft/moist and easy to digest foods. They also do well with moderately spicy foods, dairy, sweet/juicy fruits, most vegetables (when cooked), almonds, beans, poultry and fish. Vattas should stay away from cold/uncooked foods.

• Pittas are known to have strong digestion but should not abuse it. They do well with raw, cool (or only slightly warmed) foods and liquids that are bitter, sweet and astringent. Raw vegetables, sweet/ripe fruits, non-acidic foods and fire/inflammation reducing spices (turmeric, garlic, mint, saffron) are best for Pittas, as are pumpkin and sunflower seeds, chicken, shrimp and egg whites.

• Kaphas do well with warm, bitter and hot/spicy foods. They tend to prefer heavy, oily and sweet/sticky foods but should avoid them. Cruciferous vegetables, raw honey, low fat dairy, light/dry fruits, barley, millet, chicken and white fish are good for Kaphas.


Exercising For Your Dosha
According to Ayurveda, all three Doshas should exercise daily, sleep in a routine that adapts to the seasons (waking at sunrise and going to bed by 10 p.m.), self-massage and observe an hour of quiet time to practice yoga and meditation every evening. However, some activities are particularly suited to each Dosha and will help maintain optimum balance:

• Vattas should avoid over-exertion, as they tend to be thin and have less energy. Non-strenuous and creative forms of exercise like yoga, dance and walking are perfect for Vattas.

• Pittas should engage in activities that celebrate their natural fire and passion. Team sports or any activity with a competitive edge will leave Pittas most satisfied.

• Kaphas meet their biggest challenge just getting up to begin with, as they tend to be sluggish and lack energy. Once motivated, they should push themselves to maximum, but safe, excursion; running, biking, hiking and exhilarating exercises are great for Kaphas.