Over the holiday break, I started reading about Ayurvedic medicine. From a physical health standpoint, I was curious to learn more about a system of traditional medicine that has existed for thousands of years (translation: they must have some things right!).
Though I am not much a believer of chakras and such, I became interested by one simple working concept: dosha types.
In a nutshell
Dosha types refer to three different mind/body constitutions that people tend to have:
VATA (WIND/AIR)
Physically: thin frame, quick-footed, and gets cold easily.
Temperament: can be enthusiastic and creative, but also easily become worried or anxious.
PITTA (SUN/HEAT)
Physically: solid and muscular, warm-bodied, with ease of digestion.
Temperament: can be dedicated and capable, but easily become angry or jealous.
KAPHA (EARTH/RAIN)
Physically: stocky build, gains weight easily, have oilier skin/hair, and slower pace.
Temperament: often kind and grounded, but can withdraw, over-indulge, or become possessive.
Eating for your type
There are different kinds of foods recommended for each of these types, in order to "balance" the dosha. For Vata types, whose bodies are naturally colder and lighter, the best foods are warming -- i.e., soft cooked foods, warming spices, cozy teas, etc. On the other hand, for Pitta types who are already fiery in composition, cooling foods are recommended -- i.e., raw veggies, cooling spices, water-based fruits and drinks. For Kapha types, light foods with strong flavours are suggested.
Self-knowledge for health
When such balances are made (and others not described here), maximum health -- both physical & emotional -- can be achieved. But how?
What I find most compelling about this ancient system is the timeless wisdom of tailoring your diet and your lifestyle to your specific body type. Rather than being dictated by a one-size-fits-all magic program, it proposes an intuitive way to live and take care of yourself -- one that transcends medical philosophies. The point is just to
be aware of your natural tendencies
and learn to balance them with appropriate choices.
Do you know your dosha type? Here are some places to start: 1, 2. As a self-identified Vata type, I have always gravitated towards soups/broths, chilis, teas & warm spices to feel at my best, and now I have a new lens for understanding why!
This sounds really interesting, would love to hear more about your findings. I'm still trying to figure out which one I am. Physically I'm Vata, but temperament I'm all three...haha! I do prefer to eat like a Vata though...
ReplyDeletehi estela, thanks for stopping by ! it's interesting that we can have qualities of all the types, but there is one that we might be just a little closer to ;-)
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