About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient art and science, originating in India, that is based on achieving mind,spirit and body balance by treating each individual’s unique combination of characteristics, experiences and symptoms. It is meant to be practiced along with the spiritual path of yoga in order to become healthier and more balanced. The meaning of the words “Ayur” and “Veda” in Sanskrit is “life knowledge”. Ayurveda is all about returning to your true nature of spirit by learning about what lifestyle practices are soothing and which are harmful to your constitution.
Ayurveda is not meant to replace Western medicine. It’s focus is preventative and these two approaches to healing work well together.
3 Doshes of Ayurveda
The first question I get from many of my clients is, “What’s my dosha?” The simplest way to think of a Dosha is as YOUR UNIQUE MIND-BODY TYPE. These mind-body types are made up of the five elements: air, ether (space between things), fire, water and earth. Each person has a different combination of these elements within them. One important thing we look at when assessing the Dosha of a person is how this combination of characteristics have evolved throughout life. In Ayurveda we distinguish the traits of a person that are generally unchanging (length of bones for instance) from traits which are influenced more on life experiences, circumstances and habits (such as a tendency of worrying in the middle of the night) when we determine how to increase balance and wellness.
The three Doshas in Ayurveda are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every person has all three doshas in both their PRAKRUTI (or natural constitution at birth) and their VIKRUTI (or state of Doshas today). The Doshas exist in the seasons, the aging process, and really, everything in the world. In Ayurveda, we look at how our Prakruti along with all input to our 5 senses affects the state of our Vikruti.
Vata
Vata Dosha is air and ether. It correlates with movement. Vata people may have dryness in their bodies and hair. They can get cold easily and are prone to overwhelm and nervousness. They tend to be creative and can be indecisive.
Pitta
Pitta Dosha is fire and water. It correlates with transformation and getting things done. Pitta people tend to have medium features and strong musculature. They sweat and overheat easily and often have sensitive skin. Pittas are often driven leaders, but can end up burned out if they drive themselves too hard.
Kapha
Kapha Dosha is water and earth. Kapha correlates with structure and attachment. Kaphas tend to gain water and density easily and have moist skin and hair. They are compassionate and loving, but are prone to resistance to change and melancholy.