The definition of Ayurveda is the dynamic state of balance between mind, body and environment.
Ayurveda is one of the fastest modes to good health as Ayurveda follows a simple path that is developed or is appropriate to your body type or dosha. Ayurveda follows the concept of understanding the doshas in order to heal oneself. The three ayurvedic body types, or doshas, are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each type of dosha has a unique set of characteristics and the body type of a person depends on their physical and emotional attributes. To maintain good health and state of mind it is necessary to know your dosha, in order to practice suitable diet, exercise and lifestyle pattern. Today, we dig deep into the Ayurveda concept, and help you to find out which dosha you actually belong to so that you can attain good health.
Benefits of knowing your Ayurvedic body type
-Personal analysis of dosha helps you know about your body and its requirements
-Knowing your dosha can help you maintain optimal health.
-It will help you to maintain a good and balanced personal, family and professional life
-Helps you to plan your lifestyle according to the requirements of your body
-Dosha analysis will help you plan a balanced diet
-This can help you to know how an imbalance is likely to occur in yourself.
Ayurvedic body type # 1: Are you a Vata?
Vata body type is governed by air and space elements.
Body structure – People belonging to this class, generally find it difficult to gain weight. As they have fast metabolism, they are thin with prominent bony structures, they tend to be cold most of the time and have dry skin and hair. They also have little muscle tone. Their pulses are fast and weak.
Lifestyle – They are very active, mobile, restless and energetic. Their sleeping, eating and personal habits are usually irregular and erratic. Their sexual desire keeps on varying between extremes. As they sleep lightly and are easily disturbed, they are more prone to sleep disorder like insomnia.
Communication -Their mode of speech is generally very fast, they are talkative and enjoying talking a lot.
Mental state – Mentally and emotionally they are very quick. They are quick at gathering or displaying information’s or emotions. They tend to learn fast but their retention poor is weak, thus they forget fast as well.
Nature – Vata people are generally shy, modest and are low in confidence. They are often impatient but very flexible and adaptable to change. They usually feel stressed or worried under unfamiliar or bad situation. They are most likely to be loners, or non-conformists. They spent money quickly. They are highly creative and sensitive.
Ayurvedic body type # 2: Are you a Pitta?
Pita body type is by the fire element.
Body structure – People belonging to this class are medium build. They have good muscle tone and they always feel warm. They have premature gray hair or a victim of early balding. They have reddish complexion, enjoy high energy level and have a good digestive system. Their skin is soft, warm often develop freckles, moles and are sunburned easily.
Lifestyle – Their desire for food and sex is very strong. Their sleep is moderate and is not easily disturbed. Their pulse is strong. They often dominate any conversation. They dislike hot weather, sunlight and heat.
Communication – They usually speak loudly and with passion.
Mental state – They are extremely intelligent, focused and ambitious people. Emotionally, they are passionate about life, have a tendency to be perfectionists, and can become easily irritated.
Nature – They are usually extroverts and love to be the centre of attention. They manage money very carefully. They often aspire to attain positions of leaders. They enjoy competitive sports and games, either as spectators or participants. Their intelligence is high, and they have good insight and a keen sense of discrimination.
Ayurvedic body type # 3: Are you a Kalpha?
Kapha body type is governed by water and earth elements.
Body structure – People belonging to this class usually have the largest of all the body types. Physically they have wide hips and shoulders. They have thick and wavy hair. They generally have a very good stamina. They are often overweight and tend to gain weight very easily. Their teeth are strong and very well formed. Their pulse is slow and steady.
Lifestyle – They usually have a moderate or low appetite and their digestion is very slow. They enjoy eating luxury foods which tastes and smells good. In physical activity they are very slow. However, they are also very sluggish, lethargic and difficult to motivate. They love to sleep a lot.
Communication – They have a pleasant appearance and voice.
Mental state – They are slow learners, but their memory is very great. Emotionally, they tend to be very loyal and stable.
Nature – They like to be familiar surroundings. They are money-savers and they are very good providers as well. Typically, they are serene and tranquil and their emotions are slow to become excited or aroused. However, they can be sentimental, nostalgic and romantic in nature. They are highly tolerant and forgiving, with medium intelligence. They prefer to belong to a group, club or community. They cling to their family or familiar associations.
Why the dosha should be in balance?
All three doshas are very active and constantly change in reaction to the change in actions, food, thoughts and activity. When we fail to treat our body well and manage it haphazardly by eating too much junk food, dosha inappropriate food items or follow unhealthy patterns, this can lead to physical and mental imbalance.
In order to maintain good health, it is important to manage your current state of doshas proportional to your birth state. If there is a difference between the two conditions, then an imbalance can occur. Vikruti is the term used to denote this imbalance.
At a certain point everyday, each dosha or body type can be:
Balanced
Increased
Decreased
If your dosha is not balanced, you may be a victim of heart burn, constipation, mood swings, depression etc.