Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Ayurvedic Tridosha 

Vata Dosha 

About Vata

Vata-type people are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Because of this, Vatas have very little energy reserve and can tire easily and get themselves out of balance. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, stay warm, and keep a regular lifestyle routine.

The Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion, and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation, cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata imbalance.

The most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas. Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well.

Vata & Stress

Ojas is an Ayurvedic word that refers to our life energy. Translated, it means "vigor." Stress greatly reduces ojas, which then weakens the immune system. When ojas is low, disease can follow.

To replenish ojas, follow the routine for your mind/body type. Some foods, such as milk and ghee, are especially good for increasing ojas. Meditation is the best thing you can to alleviate stress and thereby increase ojas.

Vata & Sleep

Vata mind/body types often have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Their minds are active, imaginative, and restless and may be hard to quiet down at night. Vata mind/body types need a lot of sleep or they become groggy and ineffective.

Ayurveda recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine. Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M. The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and proceed with your daily rituals.

Vata & Digestion

Ayurveda teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning your meals.

Vata digestion varies and can be delicate. Vatas should favor warm foods with moderately heavy textures. Foods should include salty, sour, and sweet tastes.

Vata & Colds

The cold winter months, November through February are the Vata season in Ayurveda. This is the time when Vata is more likely to become out of balance and result in a cold or flu. Ayurveda traditionally recommends a routine for each season to maintain balance during that season. Of course, you should follow your own daily Ayurvedic plan, but make adjustments to fit with the season. To balance Vata, it is important to keep warm. Eat warm foods, especially foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. 

Vata colds generally include a dry cough, hoarseness, or laryngitis. A few drops of warmed sesame oil can be rubbed in the nasal passage to help soothe it. A Vata diet should be followed.

 Vata Dosha Foods

Pitta Dosha 

About Pitta

Pitta-type people are generally of medium size and well proportioned. They have a medium amount of physical energy and stamina. They also tend to be intelligent and have a sharp wit and a good ability to concentrate. Fire is a characteristic of Pitta, whether it shows up as fiery red hair or a short temper. Since Pittas' body temperature is generally warm, Pitta types can go out of balance with overexposure to the sun. Their eyes are sensitive to light. They are ambitious by nature but also can be demanding and abrasive.

Pitta types are known for their strong digestion but should be careful not to abuse it. Their heat makes them particularly thirsty, and they should take caution not to douse their agni, or digestive fire, with too much liquid during meals. Pitta dosha leads us to crave moderation and purity. We rely on Pitta to regulate our intake of food, water, and air. Any toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco, show up as a Pitta imbalance. Toxic emotions such as jealousy, intolerance, and hatred also should be avoided to keep Pitta in balance for optimum health.

Pitta & Stress

Balance Pitta when you are intense, critical, frustrated or angry, and prone to overwork, a ravenous appetite, and sensitive skin.

Pitta & Sleep

Pittas work hard all day and sometimes have trouble turning off their active minds to go to sleep. They need to take some time between work and sleep to really wind down and relax. A cool shower or bath also helps to soothe Pitta toward a restful night's sleep.

Ayurveda recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine. Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M. The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and proceed with your daily rituals.

Pitta & Digestion

Ayurveda teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning your meals.

Pitta digestion is usually strong and intense. Pittas should favor cool or warm, rather than hot, foods, with moderately heavy textures. Foods should include bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes.

Pitta & Colds

Pitta colds include a high fever and sore throat. A cooling Pitta routine should be followed.  The Pitta blend combines Grapefruit, Sweet Orange and Lavender in Coconut Oil for a cooling and refreshing massage.

Pitta Dosha Foods 

Kapha Dosha 

About Kapha

Kapha-type people tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, providing a good reserve of physical strength and stamina. This strength gives Kaphas a natural resistance to disease and a generally positive outlook about life. The Kapha dosha is slow, and Kapha types tend to be slow eaters with slow digestion. They also speak slowly. They are calm and affectionate but, when out of balance, can become stubborn and lazy. They learn slowly, with a methodical approach, but also retain information well with a good understanding of it.

Kapha dosha controls the moist tissues of the body, so a Kapha imbalance may show up as a cold, allergies, or asthma. This is worse in Kapha season, March through June. Cold and wet weather aggravates Kapha. They should not dwell in the past or resist change. They need lots of exercise and need to be careful not to overeat. Kaphas need stimulation to bring out their vitality. Kapha dosha teaches us steadiness and a sense of well-being.

Kapha & Stress

Ojas is an Ayurvedic word that refers to our life energy. Translated, it means "vigor." Stress greatly reduces ojas, which then weakens the immune system. When ojas is low, disease can follow.

To replenish ojas, follow the routine for your mind/body type. Some foods, such as milk and ghee, are especially good for increasing ojas. Meditation is the best thing you can to alleviate stress and thereby increase ojas.

Kapha & Sleep

Kaphas need deep sleep, or they'll be groggy and ineffective, but they don't necessarily need a lot of sleep. Kaphas love to sleep, and often have a hard time waking up in the morning!

Ayurveda recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine. Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M. The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and proceed with your daily rituals.

Kapha & Digestion

Ayurveda teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning your meals.

Kapha digestion is slower and heavier. Kaphas should favor warm, light food. Food should be as dry as possible, cooked without much water. Tastes should be pungent, bitter, and astringent. Kaphas prefer spicy food, which promotes better digestion for them.

Kapha & Colds

Kapha Dosha Foods