In Ayurveda, there are 3 main doshas: Pitta (fire and water) Vata (air and space) and Kapha (earth and water). Doshas are energies that govern your body.  When these doshas are in balance, you will feel healthy and great. When they are out of balance, you will experience symptoms and problems. Each person is made up of all 3 doshas, but one or two will be dominate. There are characteristics and qualities for each dosha.

VATA

Vata governs the nervous system and is responsible for movement: Blood flow, circulation, respiration, etc…

Qualities of Vata:

• Cold
• Irregular
• Moving
• Rough
• Dry
• Light
• Changeable
• Quick

People with vata as a primary dosha tend to be on the go since movement and change are part of their nature. They have creative and energetic minds, thin, light, and agile body types with dry skin and hair, cold hands and feet, and sensitive digestion. Vata types are quick to anger yet quick to forgive.  When vata is out of balance, anxiety, fear, insomnia, racing mind, bloating, gas, difficulty tolerating cold temperatures or loud noises, and weight loss  are common symptoms. I seriously experience every single one of these when I’m out of balance – well, except weight loss of course, the one symptom I wouldn’t mind. 

To keep vata in balance: choose things with the opposite qualities as listed above – things that are warming, stable, and consistent. Food should be oily, warming, and heavy. Vata pacifying foods are sweet, sour, and salty. Minimize astringent foods such as raw vegetables when vata is excessive. Don’t skip meals, stick to a routine, go to bed earlier, give yourself a daily massage, and do yoga and meditate when possible. Ginger tea is a good choice, especially during cooler weather.

PITTA

Pitta is responsible for transformation in the body: metabolism, digestion, appetite, etc…
Qualities of Pitta:

• Hot
• Sharp
• Oily
• Intense
• Liquid

Pitta doshas are typically medium, strong build with assertive, focused, organized, and passionate personalities. Everyone hates them because they can eat anything thanks to their excellent digestion. Ha. They have a lot of energy and can be good decision makers due to their sharp-witted, direct personality.
When pitta is out of balance, frustration & anger, rash, inflammation, nausea, uncomfortable feeling of heat in the body, impatience, and red or inflamed eyes are common symptoms. Avoid spicy foods and eat more veggies to keep pitta in balance.

KAPHA

Kapha governs the immune system and growth in the body: Strength, stability, etc…
Qualities of Kapha:

• Heavy
• Slow
• Solid
• Cold

Kapha doshas have strong build and are calm by nature. They have thick hair and sleep soundly.
When kapha is out of balance, symptoms include envy and insecurity, stubbornness, weight gain, and fluid retention. Avoid nuts, rice, and wheat when kapha is excessive.

What’s Your Dosha?

Before we go any further, what dosha are you? Take this quiz to find out!

https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/prakriti-quiz/

Ok, so…what is your primary dosha? Mine is pitta/vata. My husband is kapha. My kids are pitta/vata.
I was skeptical at first, but the more I heard, read, and learned, the more I recognized when I was out of balance. For me, I know my pitta is out of control when I get severe shoulder and neck tension and burning eyes. These almost always go together for me. Heat behind my eyes usually leads to a headache. This is the worst right before I start my period.  I know my vata is out of whack when I get an upset stomach, non-existent digestion, and super gassy. Sorry, too much? I also worry. A LOT. ABOUT EVERYTHING!

My Ayurveda Toolbox

Since I am primarily pitta/vata, those are 2 I know the most about. Here is what’s in my toolbox:

-Coconut oil (Since I’m pitta Sunflower oil would be better, but I just don’t like it as well. The wrong oil is better than no oil in my opinion) Costco has great deals on Kirkland brand Coconut oil. It’s a staple item in my bathroom.  Instead of lotion I use coconut oil, especially right before bed, head to toe.
–Resperate If you know me you have heard me talk about this contraption. You strap the sensor around your belly and it detects your breathing, then guides you to take long, deep breaths. It helps lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
–Super Nasya nose oil. This has been life changing for my sinus issues. 2 drops in each nostril before bed does the trick! Way less drying and irritating than nasal spray!
-Hibiscus Tea (Pitta tea) When my eyes burn (heat behind my eyes) and shoulder tension creeps in, I know it’s time for my Pitta tea. My friends think I’m crazy when I talk about my pitta heat, but I have learned to recognize this early on and this tea really helps!  I brew Tazo Passion tea and mix with Pomegranate juice, aloe vera gel, and lime juice. I keep a batch in the fridge so it’s on hand and ready. During warm weather I drink a glass every day.
-Herbs. I have a handful of herbs I use to stay in balance. I get most of my herbs from Banyan Botanicals or Mapi.com. Shop with caution. Peeking around on these sites will make you want to order about 500 different things because they all sound like just what you need! Consult a professional for some guidance. I have found some thing were unknowingly heating so they made my pitta worse.  Tranquil Mind is one of my favorites.
Even though I am not living 100% Ayurveda, I am a believer in dosha balance. In the last 5 years I have learned to recognize an imbalance and what to do about it. Some things are little over the top in my opinion (for example: yogurt and yeast infections) You don’t want to know. Trust me! But many of the things I have learned are so simple and so practical. Get yourself in balance & you will feel amazing!