Dear Friends,
I cannot possibly recreate all of Ayurveda here, but I'll share what little I can, in hopes that this may help you discover your ‘type’, and inspire you to new understandings and a more fulfilling life.
Mary.
Introduction
Pre-dating 5,000 years, Ayurveda is a very ancient, holistic knowledge that brings mind, body, senses and emotions into balance, thus preventing sickness and suffering. Ayurveda is usually translated as 'Science of Life' because the word comes from two Sanskrit root words: 'Ayur', or 'life', and 'Veda', meaning 'knowledge' or 'science'. There are many exponents of this ancient knowledge today, including Deepak Chopra, Dr. Vasant Lad, and where Deepak received much of his training Maharishi Ayurved.
Ayurved informs us that our bodies do not exist separately from our minds and emotions. All parts function together to influence our health, and thus all must be taken into consideration.
This section will briefly discuss Ayurveda's approach to holistic health, and give simple guidelines to help you discover your basic constitutional 'type'. Once you have discovered your predominant 'type', suggestions are outlined for creating perfect balance of body, mind and emotions. Following these guidelines, you will feel more restful and alert, sleep more peacefully, feel greater energy throughout the day, and suffer fewer dis-eases.
NOTE: Many people dismiss Ayurvedic information too quickly, saying that they don't fit exactly into any one category. You are not supposed to! It's important to remember that no individual constitution is made up soley of any one element. Rather, each person is a combination of all three elements, with a predominant tendency toward one or more. We are looking for predominance here…if you find that several items of one category ring true, more so than the others, chances are that is your predominant 'type'.
Understanding Your Body-type
According to Ayurveda, the first requirement for healing ourselves is a clear understanding of the three doshas. What are these doshas? They are three in number, called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata controls movement, Pitta metabolism, and Kapha structure. Or more specifically, on the physical level:
All three are present and necessary in keeping a body functioning and influence the state of mind and emotions.
Okay, that was pretty technical. I'll get practical. Each person is a combination of all three (vata, pitta, and kapha), with a predominant tendency toward one or more.
In general, there are seven possible types of constitutions: (1) vata (2) pitta, (3) kapha, (4) vata-pitta, (5) pitta-kapha, (6) vata-kapha, (7) vata-pitta-kapha. Understanding our 'type' aids us in adjusting our diet and routine so as to achieve greater balance, health, inner peace, etc.
I won't include a lengthy questionnaire, but will briefly sketch (in the following information) basic characteristics of each type. It is important to remember than no individual constitution is made up soley of any one element. Remember, we are looking for predominance here…if you find that several items of one category ring true, more so than the others, chances are, it's predominant.
NOTE: The following information is general and serves only to draw awareness to various areas of life, for improvement. To receive an accurate diagnosis, visit an Ayurvedic Doctor or Clinic.
Defining Basic Types
Characteristics of Vata Type Basic theme of the Vata type is 'changeable'. They usually have thin bodies, quick changeable minds, and a vivacious manner. Under pressure they grow excited and anxious.
People of Vata constitution tend to spend money quickly, and often experience financial difficulties.
Keep in mind too, that travel, stress, lack of sleep, etc. will aggravate Vata dosha, hence these above tendencies might manifest. Then, anything that balances Vata will be beneficial regardless of one's type. Also, Vata dosha is usually the one that gets imbalanced more quickly than any of the others, especially during Autumn and winter months. (more on this below)
Characteristics of Pitta Type
Basic theme of the Pitta type is 'intense'. They usually have medium bodies, orderly and decisive minds, and forceful manner. Under pressure they become angry and abrupt.
People of Pitta constitution appreciate material prosperity and tend to be moderately well-off financially.
Characteristics of Kapha Type
Basic theme of the Kapha type is 'relaxed'. These people are usually heavyset of body, calm, steady mind and easygoing manner. Under pressure they balk and grow silent.
People of Kapha constitution tend to be wealthy. They are good at holding onto money.
Summary
Now that you have read over these three basic types, and have discovered your predominant characteristics, you can choose which might best describe you. In general, there are seven possible types of constitutions: (1) vata (2) pitta, (3) kapha, (4) vata-pitta, (5) pitta-kapha, (6) vata-kapha, (7) vata-pitta-kapha.
I don't know. I'm still uncertain, and don't want to make a decision.
That's okay. Here's a great pop-up chart that might help you:
Remember: This information is general and serves only to draw awareness to various areas of life, for improvement. To receive an accurate diagnosis, visit an Ayurvedic Doctor or Clinic.
Basic Guidelines
When you are aware of your type, then you can learn the different suggestions for creating a life of greater harmony and health for yourself. On every level. It's that amazingly profound.
Here are some simple guidelines:
For Vata types:
"The basic caution for Vata types is to get sufficient rest, not to overdo, and to pay close attention to regular lifestyle habits. [eat three regular, balanced meals; be active and rest at almost the same times each day...no irraticism, which vatas tend to do!] These measures…often lead to quick improvements in physical or mental problems." (Deepak Chopra, Perfect Health. New York: Harmony Books, p.36.)
For Pitta types:
"The basic caution for a Pitta type is to lead a moderate, pure lifestyle. Every cell in the body relies on Pitta dosha to regulate its intake of pure food, water, and air. Toxins of all types show up quickly as Pitta imbalance. Being especially sensitive to this, Pitta types respond badly to impure food, polluted air and water, alcohol and cigarettes, and especially to toxic emotions--hostility, hatred, intolerance, jealousy. " (Deepak Chopra, Perfect Health. New York: Harmony Books, p. 39.)
For Kapha types:
"The basic caution for a Kapha type is to progress. Any stagnant situation turns Kapha stability into inertia. Kapha types need to make sure that they do not hold on to the past, cling to people and possessions, or balk at change. Making sure that they have a good deal of stimulation, though not natural to many Kaphas, brings out their vitality; heavy, cold food, lack of exercise, overeating, and repetitive work do not." (Deepak Chopra, Perfect Health. New York: Harmony Books, p.41.)
I'm feeling overwhelmed! I don't want to have to make lots of lifestyle changes! Do I have to?
Of course not. The following are only suggestions to help balance your physiology and life. You can do some of them, all or none of them. Don't feel you have to try everything at once. (If you are thinking this, chances are you are predominantly Vata!) Just pick something simple (like making a slight change in your diet) and try it for a while.
For dietary suggestions on balancing each type, click here: Balancing Diets
Our bodies are linked to the world around us, and we notice that we feel differently during different parts of the day, as well as at different times of the year. Ayurveda expounds that Vata, Pitta, and Kapha principles are not just restricted to our human physiologies, but can be found throughout nature. Hence it is important to consider which doshas are predominant during different parts of the day, and during different seasons of the year.
(The following is derived from Deepak Chopra's book, Perfect Health. Reminder, although I am quoting from his book, this knowledge stems from the ancient science of Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old.)
APPROXIMATE DOSHA CYCLES FOUND IN EACH DAY:
First Cycle:
Second Cycle:
"One of the most basic aspects of living in tune with nature is to respect these master cycles that support our physical existence. We are meant to ride nature's waves, not to fight against them.
"At dawn, the day begins in a Kapha period. It is easy to see why early morning is considered Kapha--waking up, the body feels slow, heavy, relaxed, and calm, all of which are Kapha qualities. [In contrast], the most physically active time of the day and also the peak of appetite occur at noon, in the middle of the first Pitta period. Pitta is responsible for metabolizing food, for distributing energy, and for more efficient physical functioning in general. … Vata period begins in the afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
"The day's second cycle repeats the same sequence…but they take on a different complexion. The evening is relaxed and slow, just like the early morning, but sunset brings the body back to a stable resting place. Now Kapha inclines toward inertia. Similarly, Pitta appetite is not as strong at night as at noon. … since the body is is asleep, the heat [produced by Pitta dosha] is expended to keep you warm and to fuel the rebuilding of tissues, which occurs mostly at night. The Vata period in the early-morning hours expresses itself through the nervous system, but instead of thinking quickly as you do in the afternoon, you go into active dream sleep (called R.E.M., or "rapid eye movement" sleep)….And thus the circle of the day is complete."
ONE DAY IN PERFECT RHYTHM [simplified]:
Rising: 6:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Lunch: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bedtime: 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The whole point of ordering your day to fit this schedule is that all your activity becomes healthier, more enjoyable, and more efficient. You gain more time than you lose, and it is quality time.
Seasonal Doshas
There are also season cycles. Fall and Winter are primarily Vata, Spring is Kapha, and Summer is Pitta. Hence, during these seasons we may tend to display this particular dosha more often. (Ever noticed in the hot summer you are more irritable?)
By now you are probably catching on and can pinpoint when certain doshas are most active, as well as where. (ie. a desert climate is predominantly pitta aggrevating during hot, day times, and vata during cool night or cold, windy times.)
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Blessings on your journey,
with peace and joy,
Mary
Personality Characteristics of Each Type
Natural Rhythms
6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Kapha
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Pitta
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Vata
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Kapha
10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. - Pitta
2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. - Vata
Ideal Daily Routine
