21 Feb Get to Know Your Body. What are Doshas?
Doshas are three energies present in every body. They manifest differently in each person, and depending on their constitution, affect various aspects of your lifestyle and health.
Each body is made up of Kapha (water and earth), Pitta (fire), and Vatta (air and space). In the Eastern science of Ayurveda, there are 5 elements are found in every living being: ether, air, fire, water, earth.
The way each dosha presents in your body can give insight into what YOUR body may need specifically, and how you can make healthy lifestyle choices to live in optimal health. When in balance, each dosha has beautiful strengths. When there is imbalance in your doshas, pain, disease, and mental and physical ailments can manifest.
Pitta:
The fire within. Pitta energy controls your metabolism, energy, and digestion. Pitta dominant doshas are often type-A personalities. They are passionate and outgoing. They tend to have a strong appetite, and welcome competition.
When out of balance, someone who is pitta dominant may have indigestion or acid in the belly, and may experience inflammatory conditions. When in balance, they feel as though they can eat anything, and digest well. Imbalance in Pitta can also mean they are quick to anger or short tempered. Pitta’s tend to run hot in body temperature. Other characteristics of Pitta are hot, light, sharp, pungent, and acidic.
Vata:
Water. body composition may be more naturally lean. Vata balances the nervous system and elimination in the body. Vata’s may tend to have dryer skin or thinner hair. Vata’s are easily cold. Other characteristics of vata are dry, quick, moving, or rough. Vatas in balance tend to be energetic and move around a lot. They are creative spirits and enthusiastic. Vatas love conversation. When out of balance, Vatas will experience stress from all their activity, and perhaps insomnia. Their minds may race. Vata benefits from routine.
Kapha:
Earth. Kapha dictates structure of the body and how the cells are formed. Kapha protects the body. Kapha types bone structure tends to be larger or more dense. Characteristics are slow and steady, solid, oily, and cold. Kaphas sleep well and have normal digestion. They may cary excess weight. When Kapha every is balanced, they are supportive and loyal. When out of balance, they may become stubborn or resistant to change. Kaphas need stimulation and warmth.
There are numerous nuances to doshas and how they affect your body and personality. So there will be a part 2 of this article!
The Challenge: Find you what your dosha is! Take this quiz to learn more.