The Doshas
Pitta, Kapha, and Vata may be terms you’ve heard about here and there, but what exactly are they? How do you know what you are? Do you pick your own? Does someone else choose for you?
The Doshas are are different combinations of the five elements which create three different mind-body types. Dosha is loosely translated as “energetic force”. These elemental combinations express unique characteristics or blends of physical, emotional and mental patterns for each being. This is a principle concept of Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science. In understanding the Doshas better, we can gain insight into ourselves and our natural states. We can also learn to develop yoga classes that are dosha specific and even begin to recognize certain characteristics in our students in order to provide the most effective sequencing possible. The main elements of each dosha are as follows…
Pitta: fire and water
Kapha: water and earth
Vata: space and air
Every being has a combination of all three types. Our intention in working with the doshas is to bring all three as close to balance as we can, or to become tri-doshic. When we balance all three doshas, we become Satvik. Achieving a satvik state is the most ideal, pure, and balanced state of being.
So how do you know what you are?!
Here are some general characteristics of each dosha…
Vata
thin and light frame, long fingers and toes, thin lips, thin hair, small dark eyes
dry skin, hair, and joints
sensitive to the cold; extremities easily get cold and irritated
irregular digestion, menstration, and appetite
light sleeper, active mind and imagination; creative and constant new ideas
energetic and sporadic
Kapha
stocky, thick build, larger frame with the tendency to easily gain weight
large/light colored eyes, round face, full lips, soft, thick, and often curly hair
clammy palms and feet, dislike damp environments
steady and slow appetite with regular digestion
easily congested and sensitive to allergies
heavy sleepers
easy going, patient, slow moving, resistant to change
Pitta
medium frame and build, moderate muscle tone, medium sized eyes; often red hair that easily grays or thins
skin is fair, warm, redish and moist but easily irritated
sensitive to the sun and heat, good circulation
healthy appetites, sometimes skip meals
prone to muscle inflammation in the shoulders and back
light yet moderate sleepers
powerful, smart, focused mind; quick tempered, competitive, and ambitious
Once you can identify your primary, and maybe secondary dosha, you can more easily identify what will throw your body in and out of balance. The doshas can be altered and balanced with changes in diet and routine.
What to incorporate…
Vata
sweet, sour, and salty foods
warm, freshly cooked foods
ginger, black pepper, turmeric
routine meal times in peaceful setting
good quality fats and oils
Kapha
pungent, bitter, and astringent foods
warm, heating foods such as ginger, cinnamon, cumin
light, dry, warm foods
lots of veggies
honey
minimal oils
routine time for meals
Pitta
sweet, bitter, and astringent foods
cooling foods and herbs
steady eating routine
a balance of fresh/raw and cooked foods
eat in a peaceful environment
What to avoid…
Vata
bitter, astringent, pungent foods
dry, cooling, light foods
processed foods
cold, carbonated drinks
sugary drinks and hard alcohol
too much raw food in the mornings and evenings
Kapha
sweet, sour, and salty foods
cooling foods
very oily and processed foods
food and drinks with refined sugars
cold, carbonated drinks
most alcohol except occasional wine
Pitta
sour, salty, pungent foods
hot foods, including spice and temperature
processed foods
alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants
deep fried foods and red meat
We are constantly attempting to find more balance in our routines and in our bodies. Becoming more conscious of our body’s natural tendencies can help us more easily achieve balance and move towards a satvik state.
Namaste!
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