Ayurveda is based on the principles of 5,000-year-old science of holistic wellness. The main principle is that of balance and harmony within the body. The body is made up of elements that exist in nature which are defined and categorized by the three Doshas.
The three Doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata
Symbolizes air and space. Governs the nervous system and body movements. Vata’s tend to be thin, talkative, and restless, with delicate constitutions. Because of that, they are more likely to suffer an imbalance with problems such as low body weight, dry skin, brittle nails.
Pitta
Symbolized by fire and water. Is associated with the functioning of certain internal organs – stomach, sweat glands, small intestine, blood, fat, eyes and skin. Pitta’s are described as being active, good-looking perfectionists, are intelligent, but who may be short-tempered. Because of their tendency toward having intense personalities, an imbalance suffered by Pitta’s are more likely to include hair loss or early greying.
Kapha
Represents the combination of the elements earth and water. People who are categorized by Kapha tend to be laid back, calm, and relaxed. Kapha’s are more likely to have a larger body type and may be prone to becoming overweight. Such people are almost always cheerful, very giving, and live their lives unbothered by rules and deadlines. When Kapha’s are out of balance, they tend to suffer negative emotional states such a greed, jealously, and depression.
Finding Harmony
The Vata, Pitta, and Kapha provide us with a blueprint to optimal health. Knowing your Ayurveda body type is important in order to reach and maintain balanced wellness. When imbalances occur, Ayurvedic body typing helps us to diagnose imbalances and correct them. After your Dosha is determined and your imbalances discovered, it is much easier to make the adjustments necessary to bring you back into harmony. This can include a combination of diet, exercise, holistic and modern medicines, and even counselling, to influence the physical, mental and emotional character traits that are defined by the Dosha. This is different for everyone. No two people are the same, nor are their Dosha strengths and weaknesses, or their imbalances.
Knowing your Dosha, gives you the tools for understanding personal challenges and nuances involved with interacting with the world around you. It allows you to navigate your life to avoid imbalance and use the strengths of your Ayurvedic body type to maintain harmony.
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