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Creating Your Individual Eating Program Part III (Cont'd):
Balancing The Doshas: A Lifestyle Program
By Laura M. Turner
As we have previously discussed in this article series, Ayurveda is a healing system
that has been used for
thousands of years in the East as a way to recognize the particular and unique
energetic tendencies of a person. It relies on what it calls the "Doshas" or
what author Dr. Robert Svoboda defines as "things that go out of whack."
What follows then, is a brief overview of the Tridoshas: Vata, Pitta and
Kapha. This is by no means the last word on the Ayurvedic System, however, and
often one person may fit into more than one category. Yet, if you've taken
our profile
here
this outline will simply help you get to know a bit more about yourself and
offer unique insight as to the food and lifestyle tendencies of each Dosha.
Vata Dosha:
If your dominant Dosha is Vata, most likely you prefer a warm, serene
environment. To keep the mind, body and spirit in balance, Vata's must be gentle
to themselves and make every effort to live in harmony with the body's cycles.
Also of great import to Vata's is keeping the diet predominately warm. Eating
foods such as soups and vegetables while going light on heavy meats will help
keep the body in balance. This in conjunction with avoiding foods that may
cause intestinal disturbances (think beans and spicy foods) can also help keep
the Vata in balance.
Vata energies come in short bursts. These individuals are usually visionary and
exhaust easily from life's stresses. Vata's are usually active and restless yet
low in endurance. They are creative and very interested in pursuing a spiritual
life.
If you are a Vata, your focus should be on learning to regulate your energy and
balance your lifestyle. Often you will know when you are out of balance as
imbalances often manifest as low back pain. When stressed, learn to say "no,"
according to author Dr. Gabriel Cousens. Also find a regular schedule and rhythm
and be sure to get adequate sleep and rest. Finding time for regular meditation
can also help to make the Vata environment balanced.
Kapha Dosha:
Kapha's are very active and thrive within a creatively stimulating life.
They would do best to exercise daily and eat a diet rich in vegetables and
fruits. It is important for Kapha's to keep a moderate steady fluid intake as
they tend to over-hydrate easily. Kapha's would also do best to learn to freely
express feelings and make an effort to stay in contact with their divine purpose
of life. Kapha's are the "quiet heroic types" according to Dr. Cousens.
They often work hard with no complaints and tend to be very family oriented.
Kapha's often store energy as weight, usually in the lower part of the body. As
a result, exercise is extremely important as is deep, restful sleep. If you are
a Kapha, stay away from oily, fat and fried foods. Also work to avoid or reduce
consumption of fast food and dairy products.
Kapha's should keep their life calm and relaxed. They are very capable of
forgiveness and love, making a balanced life an easy task. If you are a Kapha
most likely you will want to avoid change. You will probably be loyal to your
commitments and enjoy your life without creating drama. Kapha's also have an
aversion to cold, damp weather.
If you are
a Kapha, creating an environment from any of the aforementioned characteristics
should easily keep you in balance.
Pitta Dosha:
Pitta's on the other hand, can be angry and irritable when not in balance. They
make great leaders are ambitious and quite focused on time management.
Pitta's are the "warriors" the corporate leaders and the competitive athletes.
They tend to have a short wick and a hot temper. Pitta's are warm blooded and
tend to perspire even in colder weather. They often have red or light colored
hair.
If these characteristics resonate with you, you may also find you have a healthy
appetite and a fast metabolism. Therefore, you will find much benefit with
vigorous exercise. Pitta's should make every effort to eat bland and to
eat as organic as possible. If you are a Pitta, stay toward cool foods with an
emphasis on fruits and vegetables (Pitta's are often prone to acid
indigestion).
To stay in balance, Pitta's do best in a cool, calm work and living environment.
Avoiding heat, humidity and direct sun may also be helpful. Pitta's would do
best to learn to meditate regularly and freely express their feelings.
Keeping feelings inside will surely send a Pitta out of balance. Therefore,
learning to express unconditional love and keeping the environment serene may be
the perfect remedy for any Pitta.
This
research project is taken directly from these sources:
Cousens,
Gabriel, M.D. Conscious Eating. California: North Atlantic Books, 2000.
Clayton College Holistic Nutrition Workbook (2004). Birmingham, AL:
Clayton College Of Natural Health, Inc.
Read The Other Articles In This Series:
****
Laura M. Turner is a health journalist, author and net-preneur. She
hosts Beauty & Body Online: Your Home For Natural Health, Wellness
and Creative Abundance. Visit:
http://www.beauty-and-body.com
Laura is the Sr. Editor of The New Body News and Wellness Letter.
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