What’s the buzz around Ayurveda
Ayurveda is becoming a popular modality in the U.S. as more people begin to seek holistic alternatives to health and wellness. Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine rooted in India that focuses on root causes and lifestyle factors that create imbalances in the body. Its goal is to promote a mind-body connection that enhances the body’s innate ability to self-heal. As it becomes popular in the U.S. it is prone to becoming watered down by removing the authenticity of the practice to make it relatable to those seeking a quick fix. It is important to uphold the integrity of this ancient practice by honoring the body in its wholeness. Practicing Ayurveda in its rooted form is known to remove mental and physical toxins and impurities while empowering one to create a lifestyle that promotes their prakriti or body-constitution. It is a beautiful preventative wellness practice from the mind to the body and everything in between. Doshas make up one's Prakriti and by understanding doshas we can begin to create harmony within the body and mind and relationships with self and others.
What exactly are doshas?
Doshas are energies in nature that govern one's tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, and needs. There are three main doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each one responsible for different aspects of our organs, functions of the body, and tissues. Although we all have all three doshas in our body constitution, most of us have two main doshas with the third one softly in the background.
Vata
Vata is made of the elements air and space/ether. Vata qualities are light, moveable, cold, dry, subtle, rough, clear, and hard. It governs our nervous system, movement and flow in the body. Individuals with high Vata generally are lean, thinner lips, smaller eyes, smaller frame, coarse dry hair. They tend to feel cold, prone to anxiety, speak fast, move quickly, and on the go energy. Vata is enthusiastic, creative and spontaneous in nature. They are prone to anxiety, fear, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and cracking joints when in an imbalance state. Their on-the-go spontaneous personalities can make it challenging to focus at times or create a plan so it’s important to reassure them and have a plan ready.
Pitta
Pitta is made of the elements fire and water. Pitta qualities are hot, sharp, flowing, liquid, and oily. Pitta transforms through governing digestion, hormones, blood, skin, and eyes. High Pitta individuals tend to have sharp features, medium sized facial features, and piercing eyes. They lean towards directness in speech, tend to have a sharp intellect, driven, excellent problem solvers and enjoy taking the lead. Some imbalances seen in Pitta individuals are poor vision, hot tempers because they tend to be easily frustrated or agitated, highly-competitive personalities which make for great leaders however too much can create ineffective leadership, and skin rashes. Pitta loves a challenge so tell them something is difficult and they will prove you wrong.
Kapha
Kapha is made up of the elements earth and water. Kapha qualities are cool, heavy, stable, cohesive, sweet, soft, smooth, and dense. Kapha is cohesiveness, stability, and strength and governs the structure of the body; formation of tissues, lubrication, weight, and growth. High Kapha individuals tend to be stocky, smooth skin, thick facial features and hair, and strong muscles. Kaphas are described as easy going, compassionate, calm, and patient. With glowing smiles and a loving nature, Kaphas are great nurturers. When imbalanced Kaphas are prone to depression, excessive weight gain, upper respiratory conditions, and joint issues. They are great cheerleaders while providing a sense of security to those around them. Give Kaphas a plan and they just may shut down, remind them they are not alone and give them grace and they will exceed expectations.
Most of you are thinking, I have all three, and you do, however you have two that are more prominent than the third, a small percentage of individuals have all three equally. Once you know your Prakriti or body constitution, you can begin to create a lifestyle that enhances balance and bonus…you will have a better understanding of how others show up in turn creating a more effective way to communicate with others.
Ayurveda is a beautiful modality that starts at the roots and works its way to the surface, removing causative factors, igniting the body’s inner intelligence, and creating a mind-body connection that enables you to live in alignment with happiness, balance, and bliss.
To dive deeper into your mind-body makeup and create a sustainable lifestyle unique to you, schedule your comprehensive consultation with a complimentary follow up today.
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