Ayurveda and The Doshasby By Lissa Coffey, the Dosha Diva

www.DoshaYoga.com

Ayurveda is India’s 5,000 year old “Science of Life” and it is the art of living in harmony with nature. According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe is made up of the five elements: air, space, fire, water and earth.

Your dosha is your mind/body type, and there are three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions. Typically, one or two of those doshas is dominant. The idea is to find out which dosha is dominant for you, and then follow the ayurvedic recommendations for that dosha to stay in balance and at your best! To determine your dosha, take the free online quiz at: www.DoshaYoga.com.

What’s Your Dosha, Baby?

Vata: Air and Space
Vata types are typically long and lean, and they tend to have dry skin and hair. They are flexible, yet they have a small reserve of energy so they get worn out quickly. Vatas are quick, and creative. They like to try new things. Vatas get cold easily. When Vatas are out of balance, they can be nervous and anxious.

Recommendations:
Diet: Eat warm, cooked foods.
Exercise: Gentle exercise, yoga, walking, dancing, pilates.
Lifestyle: Stick to a regular routine. Get lots of sleep.

Vata season is November through February, when the air is cold and dry.
We can all benefit from incorporating some Vata balancing recommendations during this time.

Pitta: Fire and Water
Pitta types are usually of medium build, and can be muscular and athletic. They are competitive, and ambitious, they like to challenge themselves. Pittas are intelligent and discerning. They like to be in charge. Pittas get hot easily. When Pittas are out of balance, they can be angry and impatient.

Recommendations:
Diet: Eat cool (not cold) foods.
Exercise: Challenging yoga poses, competitive sports.
Lifestyle: Make sure you get enough downtime, and laughter!

Pitta season is July through October, when the weather is hot. It is beneficial for everyone to implement some Pitta recommendations during that time.

Kapha: Water and Earth
Kapha type are usually large boned and prone to weight gain. They tend to have thick, wavy hair and soft, moist skin. Kaphas are strong, and reliable. They are also loving and supportive, they make good friends.
Kaphas do not like extreme temperatures. When they are out of balance, Kaphas can be unmotivated, and depressed.

Recommendations:
Diet: Eat warm, cooked foods, and add lots of spices.
Exercise: Vigorous, daily exercise. Yoga combined with running and/or weight lifting.
Lifestyle: Get up and go! Try new things, go new places.

Kapha season is March through June, when the air is moist and cool. Try adding some Kapha recommendations to your routine during this time to help keep your Kapha in balance.

Dosha Yoga
Yoga is good for balancing all of the doshas. And there are certain poses which are more beneficial for each. Now there is a DVD called “Dosha Yoga” which shows you three different yoga routines, one for each dosha. The Vata Dosha Yoga vinyasa is warming and calming. It incorporates moves from traditional Indian dance. The Pitta routine is soothing and cooling. It is a challenging flow which helps to relieve stress. The Kapha sequence is energizing and invigorating, with lots of movement to build both strength and endurance. More information at: http://www.DoshaYoga.com

Want to Learn More?

Ayurveda explains the nature of everything in the universe. To learn more about Ayurveda, and ways that you can use it in your life, visit our website: www.whatsyourdosha.com . Besides the free quiz, we also have a free e-course, a weekly e-mail newsletter and articles which include everything from aromatherapy to gemstone recommendations for your dosha!


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