Ayurveda
An Ancient Practice, Yet Practical for Today

Ayurveda means the “science of life” in Sanskrit, the ancient language of the Hindus. While many people in the western half of the globe may be skeptical that this mysterious practice is actually a science, a closer look at this 5000-year history of delivering health and wellness to millions of individuals lends credibility to the truthfulness of its name. Ayurveda helps to reestablish the body’s natural balance and strengthen the mind/body connection. To achieve this goal, however, we first must understand a fundamental principle on which both science and Ayurveda agree.

Everything is energy at the sub-atomic level

The science of physics informs us that the basic fabric of nature lies at the quantum level, far beyond molecules and atoms. A quantum, defined as the basic unit of matter or energy, is from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000 times smaller than the smallest atom. All quanta are made of invisible vibrations waiting to take physical form. Ayurveda says the same thing. The human body first takes form as powerful but invisible vibrations, and these unite into impulses of energy and finally into particles of matter (like a heart, for example). It’s at this sub-atomic level that Ayurveda seeks to establish well-being.

Defining your dosha

Central to the Ayurveda way of balancing the mind and body is an understanding of the three doshas, or operating principles, that allow the mind’s dialogue with the body. If your mind is capable of love and creativity while your body wears out year after year, the doshas need attention. The three doshas are:

Vata, controls movement
Pitta, controls metabolism
Kapha, controls structure

Every cell in your body must contain all three of these principles to remain alive and functional. However, most individuals are governed by a predominant dosha, and finding ways to balance it with the other two principles are key to maintaining health. To determine your dominating dosha, read the following statements and choose the group that best describes you.

VATA

I have a thin physique and I do not gain weight quickly.
I don’t tolerate cold weather as well as most people.
I learn quickly, but I also forget quickly.
My mind is very active, sometimes restless, but also very imaginative.
I become anxious or worried frequently.
My skin and hair tend to be dry.

PITTA

I have a strong appetite; if I want to I can eat a lot. If I skip a meal or a meal is delayed, I become uncomfortable.
I feel uncomfortable or fatigued in hot weather, more so than other people.
I am a perfectionist about details.
I have a sharp intellect and articulate speech.
I enjoy challenges and when I want something I am very determined in my efforts to get it.
One or more of the following characteristics describes my hair: early graying, thin or balding, fine, straight, blond, red, or sandy-colored.

KAPHA

ayurveda

I gain weight more easily than most people and lose it more slowly.
Weather that is cool and damp bothers me.
I don’t learn as quickly as some people, but I have excellent retention and a long memory.
I have a calm and placid disposition—I’m not easily ruffled.
I have a tendency to toward oversleeping, grogginess upon awakening, and am generally slow to get going in the morning.
I have a large, solid body build; thick, dark wavy hair; and/or smooth, soft skin with a somewhat pale complexion.

Your dosha, or body type, becomes the basis for a specific Ayurvedic program of diet, stress reduction, neuromuscular integration, exercise, and daily routines. The result is a total plan to reestablish the body's essential balance with nature; to strengthen the mind body connection; and to use the science of quantum physics to transcend the ordinary limitations of aging.

Balancing your predominant dosha

Below is reference material to assist you with selecting specific aromas, foods, exercises, and colors to help you balance each of the doshas and open the channels to good health. Introducing even a few of these modalities into daily living can encourage a positive result in both physical and mental health.

Aromas

It’s easy and pleasurable to include aromatherapy in your life by simply using essential oils of herbs and spices. Add the oils to your bathwater or massage lotion, diffuse them into the air by mixing them with water and spritzing them with a spray bottle, or burn candles that release the scents that balance your dosha.

Vata—is balanced with a mixture of warm, sweet and sour aromas like basil, orange, geranium, clove and other spices.

Pitta—is balanced by a mixture of sweet, cool aromas like sandalwood, rose, mint, cinnamon and jasmine.

Kapha—is similar to Vata and balanced by a mixture of warm aromas but with spicier overtones like juniper, eucalyptus, camphor, clove and marjoram.

Foods

Vata—Favor warm food with a moderately heavy texture like wild rice soup or cream of wheat cereal; all oils; salt, sour and sweet tastes (even cookies help to balance Vata!); soothing and satisfying foods. Foods to avoid are red meat, corn, rye and fresh fruits with an astringent quality like pomegranates, pears, cranberries and apples (cooking them is fine, however).

Pitta—Choose cool or warm, but not steaming-hot foods, moderately heavy textures, bitter, sweet and astringent tastes. Go easy on fats and oils, and stay far away from all salty foods and also sour foods like pickles and sour cream. Salads with their astringent greens and cool temperature are excellent for balancing overactive Pitta. Cold cereal, cinnamon toast and apple juice make a perfect breakfast.

Kapha—Select warm and light food cooked without much water. Add bitter (romaine lettuce and other leafy greens), pungent (herbs and spices), and astringent (apples, pomegranate, cranberries, pears, and legumes) tastes to most if not all meals. Consume a minimum amount of butter, oil and sugar. Eating spicy food will promote better digestion and warm the body. Stay away from all sugar except raw honey.

Exercises

Vata—Needs light activity. Yoga, walking and short hikes, light bicycling.

Pitta—Needs moderate activity. Skiing, brisk walking, jogging, hiking, swimming.

Kapha—Needs moderately heavy activity. Weight training, running, aerobics, rowing, dance.

Color

Vata—The light, airy nature of a person with a disproportionate amount of Vata needs grounding with warm colors like gold, orange and mustard yellow.

Pitta—This intense dosha is always on fire and should be cooled down with colors like ocean blue, silver, and aqua green.

Kapha—Kapha types need stimulation so choose primary colors like red and true blue or a bold color like shocking pink.

Herbs

The herb ashwagandha is used extensively in the practice of Ayurveda as an overall energy booster for all three doshas, and it may be particularly good at diffusing nervous tension. Ashwagandha also helps to improve stamina and immune function, combat stress, boost moods, help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, plus it provides antioxidant support to all cells of the body.

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