Are you familiar with the dosha’s in Ayurvedic practice (Vata, pitta, kapha)? If so, let’s move forward to get some basics surrounding each one of the dosha’s, and how you can help to find and maintain balance in your life.
If you do not know what your dosha is and want to find out, take this quiz here, then come back and read on.
Vata:
Vata types tend to be chilly, have dry skin, and are light. What I mean by light is somewhat flighty, and ungrounded.
Vata’s are governed by movement, the nervous system, and overall elimination.
Vata’s in balance have an abundance of energy, a highly creative mind, and are very lively and enthusiastic.
On the other end, vata’s out of balance tend to suffer from constipation, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and challenges in their digestive system.
Helping Vata to Find Balance
A primary consideration for Vata types is working to stick to a routine in all things: diet, work, exercise, sleep, and play. Vata’s should try to stay warm, as they tend to be thin and cold. A nice hot cup of herbal tea is a good idea as a calming routine to find balance. Examples would be a tea containing ginger as a warming herb, or a nice glass of warmed turmeric milk (recipe below from Wellness Mama).
- 2 cups of milk of choice (almond, pecan, coconut, and dairy all work in this recipe)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric or Turmeric Spice Mix
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
- A tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- First, blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Then, Pour into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Drink immediately
Original recipe here
A morning practice of Abhyanga is also very helpful, using slightly warmed oil. Follow this link to learn more about this practice. You can use an essential oil blend if you so choose.
Here is an idea:
Frankincense Boswellia serrata (grounding) 3 parts
Vanilla bourbon CO2 Vanilla planifolia (calming) 2 parts
Black pepper Piper nigrum (warming) 1 part
Dilute properly in your carrier oil
**Always check contraindications before use.
Pitta
Pitta types tend to run hot, are intense personalities, have strong digestive systems (hot pepper? no problem) and have a strong sex drive.
Pitta’s are governed by their strong digestive fire, metabolism, and overall fiery nature that can manifest in not only the body but the mind as well.
Pitta in balance has beautiful skin complexion, strong digestion, and abundant energy.
Pitta out of balance can have skin issues (rashes), heartburn and indigestion, and the fire of the body and mind goes into overdrive, causing sweating, irritability, and short-temperedness.
Helping Pitta to Find Balance
When the outdoors are hot, seek the cooling indoors, shade, or a nice dip in the water. Balance and rest are key when hot. Cooling foods will go a long way such as fruits or cucumber and drinking plenty of liquids (skip the alcohol).
Pitta needs to remember to not take life so seriously, and let go of the need to be so tidy and organized. Live a little!
When using carrier oils, choose the cooler ones such as coconut, almond, or olive.
Cooling hydrosol facial mists containing cucumber or peppermint hydrosol are a winner for every pitta.
A cooling massage oil can help to soothe the fiery soul of a pitta:
Spearmint (cooling) Mentha spicata 3 parts
Lavender (soothing) Lavandula angustifolia 2 parts
Eucalyptus (cooling) Eucalyptus radiata 1 part
Dilute properly in your carrier oil
**Always check contraindications before use.
Kapha
Kapha types are typically heavy, slow, solid, and tend to have oily skin.
Kapha types are governed by the overall structure of the body. The primary function is protection.
In balance, Kapha is strong with excellent stamina. They have large, soft loving eyes, and radiant skin. They tend to have thick and shiny hair. In balance, they have brilliant sleep habits and regular digestion.
However, when Kapha is out of balance, they tend to be overweight, sleep becomes either excessive or scant, they can easily become depressed and allergies tend to manifest in the form of sinus issues, skin rashes and the like.
Helping Kapha to Find Balance
Kapha needs consistent activity. Variety in exercise is great as they tend to get bored quickly…otherwise “change” is not a good word for Kapha types, so keeping a routine is good. This does not mean a vacation from the daily routine is a bad thing; hard working Kapha NEED breaks just as much as they NEED routine.
Kapha’s should maintain a regular sleep schedule, wake early, and avoid the afternoon nap. Kapha tends to dislike extreme heat or cold, and like somewhere in the middle.
A neti pot routine is great for all dosha’s, but Kapha needs assistance when allergies are at their high to keep cleansing the sinuses.
Kaphas should avoid clutter and keep things organized to stay calm. And remember, exercise is key for all Kapha’s.
Kapha’s should choose a stimulating aroma’s. Here is an idea:
Sweet marjoram Origanum majorana (bright and stimulating) 3 parts
Sweet orange Citrus sinesis (bright and cheery) 2 parts
Chamomile Roman Anthemis nobilis (balancing) 1 part
Dilute properly in your carrier oil
**Always check contraindications before use.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
