A BRIEF HISTORY OF AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is the oldest known medical system. It dates back at least 5,000 years, where it originated in India’s Vedic culture. It is based on the belief that a balanced body, mind, and spirit is the core to health and wellness. There are three main doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Each person has a different doshic makeup, determining physical and emotional characteristics and, therefore, treatment methods. Although most people are predominantly one or two doshas, there is a wide range of possibilities.
The Three Main Doshas Explained
VATA
ELEMENT: Air
BODY TYPE
Thin, delicate bone structure, low body fat and hard to gain weight.
CHARACTERISTICS
Sensitive, spiritual, running late, can’t sit still, forgets to eat, routine of the day feels difficult and overwhelming. Flightiness, memory problems, easily confused, not too present and baldness.
SIGNS OF BALANCE
Sharp, quick thinking, creative, fast talking, abstract, creative types. Might have propensity toward arts, writing, poetry and music.
SIGNS OF IMBALANCE
Gas, bloating, unfocused, spacey, dry skin, hair and nails. Coldness and chills, nervousness, sleeplessness, worry and cavities.
ORGANS TO NOURISH
Nervous system, colon and bones.
FOODS TO REDUCE
Stay away from low-fat diets, raw and cold foods. Need very careful planning if vegetarian or vegan to stay grounded and focused.
FOODS TO INCREASE
Warming, lubricating, grounding, heavier foods to calm down. Good quality oils, warming foods to counteract coldness.
BENEFICIAL
Creamy tasting soups, lighter proteins like fish and eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, root vegetables, and heavier grains. Regular and balanced meals, weightlifting, pilates and yoga.
PITTA
ELEMENTS: Fire & Water
BODY TYPE
Medium body frame, well-proportioned, prone toward muscularity and easily overheated.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type A personalities, compelled to accomplish things, focused, organized, never misses meals and can be cranky if a meal is skipped (has a strong metabolism). Workaholic, doesn’t do well in hot, humid climates, sassy, creates problems that don’t really exist when feeling too balanced. Needs to eat often.
SIGNS OF BALANCE
Productive, get-it-done person, organized, has a capacity to work until they drop. Energized, enthusiastic, quick but sharper than Vata.
SIGNS OF IMBALANCE
Easily agitated under stress, irritable, overly competitive and other heat-associated conditions. Diarrhea, skin rashes, burning eyes, increased appetite, perspiration and over-working.
ORGANS TO NOURISH
Liver, gall bladder, spleen, small intestine, blood, and eyes.
FOODS TO REDUCE
Excessive spices that are too heating and red meat.
FOODS TO INCREASE
Sweet and bitter foods, cooling and astringent. Sweet-tasting spices (cardamom, fennel) and protein.
BENEFICIAL
Peppermint tea, fresh lime, lighter proteins (chicken and fish), dark leafy greens (bitter and cooling) and sweet vegetables. Calming and relaxing physical exercise, pilates and gentle relationships.
KAPHA
ELEMENTS: Earth & Water
BODY TYPE
Larger body type, not necessarily overweight. Gains weight easily, holds fat and water. Strong, great powerful athlete when in shape.
CHARACTERISTICS
Grounded, stable, solid, clear about the ways of the world. Sensual, strong sexuality, sense of physicality, steady appetite, but not overly strong like Pitta. Can miss a meal. Slower metabolism, resists exercise and is slower moving. Often trying to lighten up (physically and emotionally).
SIGNS OF BALANCE
Reliable, dependable, calm, peacekeeper, even-tempered, loving and affectionate.
SIGNS OF IMBALANCE
Holds on to emotions, lethargic, sleeping too much, depressed, lack of enthusiasm, feeling dull and sluggish, overweight and congestion.
ORGANS TO NOURISH
Lungs, stomach, body fat and lymphatic system.
FOODS TO REDUCE
High-fat foods, heavy and fatty proteins, dairy, gluten-based grains, red meats and starchy vegetables.
FOODS TO INCREASE
Drying and heating foods, heating and pungent spices for their thermogenic properties, lighter grains, light proteins and vegetables.
BENEFICIAL
Beans, quinoa, spinach, dandelion, salads, cayenne, pepper and ginger. Self-acceptance and body-image affirmations and cardiovascular exercises. Love the body you have (Kapha woman trying to be Vata).