Ayurvedic medicine is the traditional system of medicine in parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian sub-continent. It is both complex and straightforward at the same time.  The word Ayurveda translates to “ life-knowledge” in Sanskrit.  This definition resonates deeply as it has given me beautiful insights into understanding how people experience life differently.  Ayurveda Medicine sees people as unique combinations of basic patterns that are influenced by environment, seasons, diet and lifestyle.  These patterns can help determine a person’s dosha or inherent constitution.  There are three doshas and most people have one primary dosha with one or both of the other doshas adding to the whole picture.

Vata: Empath

People who are predominantly Vata feel everything, as if they have antennas that read the mood of a room, or the feelings of the person to whom they are talking .  There is a lot of empathy and a tendency to express feelings in creative ways.  Vatas are often artists and musicians.  Focus can be difficult as there is a tendency to get distracted by all that is going on in the environment.  There can be a propensity towards worry and anxiety in times of stress.  Vatas don’t naturally like rhythms when it comes to food and sleep, but benefit from them when they are consistent.The bodies of Vata folks tend to be slight and sometimes asymmetrical. Skin can be dry and beg for oil both internally and externally.  If you ask a Vata how they feel about cold weather you’ll hear that it’s not their favorite.  Warming foods and spices are very appealing for these folks, especially ginger, cinnamon and coconut curry.  Fasting and light diets are not recommended, these light-bodied creative types will fly away without food to hold them down.

Pitta: Goal Setter

The Pitta people of the world are known for their focus and drive.  These are folks who don’t quit until the job is done.  Born leaders Pittas often enjoy heading projects, teams and expeditions.  Pittas are medium bodied and usually have even and symmetrical features. Pittas can tend towards anger and irritability, during times of stress, and do well to have a mind body practice to channel their high energy.  Fair skinned and often with red or reddish blonde hair, Pittas usually prefer cold weather to hot.  I’ll often notice that there is a desire for hot sauce and spicy condiments but it’s actually better for these folks to stick to cooling and sweet foods like grapes, melons and avocados.  Out of all the doshas Pittas thrive on a vegetarian diet more than any other type.  Alcohol and coffee can increase irritability and are best not used at all or in moderation.

Kapha: Nurturer

Kaphas are often easy-going and relaxed with a tendency to be very loyal friends and romantic partners.  Kaphas are hard working, strong, large bodied folks.  These are “salt of the earth” people who strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings.  Your Kapha friend is the one who immediately envelops you in a huge hug when they learn you are feeling down.  Kaphas have a strong and enduring energy.  While they are least likely to tire from the work at hand, they also require the most sleep and can be slow to get going in the morning.  During times of stress Kaphas can get depressed and lethargic.  Exercise can really help maintain energy levels and mood.  These Earth Gods and Goddesses tend to have large eyes, thick hair, smooth skin and full lips.  As far as food goes, light is best with a minimal amount of oily and cold qualities.  Sweet rich foods can lead to feelings of heaviness and stagnation.  Kapha balancing foods include apples, pears, dried fruits and lots of green leafy vegetables.

This is a little window into the world of Ayurveda.  It can be completely captivating for some!  If you’d like to learn about and discuss this more please get in touch with me.  It is one of my favorite topics.  I’ve also included a list of resources below.  I’d like to include a disclaimer about the one word label next to each dosha, no one can be pinned down to one way of being in the world so these represent common threads.  Everyone is unique and beautiful in the way their doshas combine and how their energy manifests in the world. Similarly, I was having fun with the pictures.  Symbols are a way that I shape and color my world.  Can you guess my dosha? 

Resources

Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity & Total Health by Peter Anselmo with James S. Brooks, M.D.

The Yoga of Herbs:  An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

The Ayurvedic Bible by Anne McIntyre

Ayurveda Secrets of Healing by Maya Tiwari