Know your Dosha!
Ayurvedic balance in a modern world
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
We are usually governed predominantly by one Dosha, depending on our physical, mental and emotional characteristics. We have particular traits that can indicate to us which Dosha this might be.
Vata
Vata type people tend to be taller or shorter than average, of slim build, are creative and often have a restless nature.
Pitta
Pitta type people tend to be average height and build, are intelligent, determined and can be hot headed.
Kapha
Kapha type people tend to be a heavier build than average, are caring and compassionate, they are very attached to loved ones, places and possessions and find it hard to let go. They can also be lazy.
Now you may have found that you fall into one of these categories or that you can relate to two or even all three!
Everyone is, in fact, made up of all three of the Doshas in varying amounts.
We are all born with a set constitution, a perfectly balanced state of being, called our Prakruti, but over the years as we grow older our constitution often changes due to our lifestyle, dietary habits and mental attitude to life. We can become imbalanced resulting in a number of ailments and disorders and possibly even illness.
A good analogy of this can be found in nature. Everything in nature grows and thrives under its certain individual conditions, for instance when you take a plant away from its ideal environment and try to grow it under different conditions, what happens to the plant? It starts to wither and wilt, it loses its radiance and colour and it may even die!
Fortunately for us humans we have the ability to change and adapt our environment and lifestyle if we are aware that it doesn’t suit us.
But just as a plant in its less than ideal environment can go on living but not thriving or radiating health and well being, so can we.
So it is important for us all to be aware of what is the right life style, environment and diet for us as individuals, so that we may radiate health and well being and live a long and happy life.
Sounds great doesn’t it? But how do we achieve it?
Modern day life with all its artificial practices violates our instinctive state of ‘being’. It upsets the natural balance within our body and our desire to live in harmony with our environment. This creates a state of anxiety and depression; we can’t sleep, concentrate or relax.
Imbalance
The imbalance in our lives manifests as addiction, disease and death. We find our lives have lost their joy and it is because we have forgotten who we are!
We have lost contact with nature and Mother Earth, we feel isolated and alone because we are believing we are separate entities from her.
But the truth is we are all one and to regain our state of balance, we have only to remember this and give ourselves time to re-connect with our earth mother and once again become in tune with the rhythm of nature, the rhythm of life.
When we are aware of our constitution and balance within us of the Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, it is easier for us to understand what diet and lifestyle works for us and it starts to make sense why we feel better or worse in certain circumstances or after having eaten certain foods.
This enables us to maintain a natural balance in our lives.
10 Tips:
Here are ten easy ways to start incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your life so you can begin to feel the health benefits of Ayurveda today!
1. Eat fresh, organic food whenever possible (preferably home grown or local produce)
2. Maintain good digestion.(i.e. eat when hungry, every 5 hrs, don’t over eat)
3. Don’t suppress natural urges.
4. Keep a regular routine for eating and sleeping.
5. Go to bed early and rise early.
6. Avoid sleeping during the day.
7. Get regular gentle exercise daily ie. yoga, walking.
8. Meditate daily for at least 5-10 mins.
9. Self massage frequently. (at least twice a week)
10.Cultivate a positive and optimistic attitude.
Author: Prudence Webster of Aditi Health & Beauty 07788 822681
