Ayurveda – One of the oldest systems of holistic healing known to mankind, It believes that the balance of doshas is good health, whereas imbalance is ill health. Every individual has a unique pattern of doshas present in the body that decides physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. No two individuals have the same energy or dosha pattern. In Ayurveda, it is believed that like- increases like, whereas opposite- balances. Therefore to balance the imbalanced Ayurvedic body Dosha- we must cultivate the opposite quality of dosha so that the balance can be regained.

In modern days, it is very easy for anyone to get an imbalance of Ayurvedic body doshas. People get overstimulation or spend late nights awaking- Which may make Vata dosha out of balance. Sometimes, we have to overwork and overachieve to remain in pace with the fast-moving world- that may cause Pitta imbalance. Similarly, by spending a sedentary lifestyle– we may get our Kapha dosha- imbalanced.

All doshas have peculiar qualities. Imbalanced doshas can be streamlined- by understanding Ayurvedic body types, Ayurvedic body doshas, and symptoms associated with imbalanced doshas (for details click on the links below). And following the guidelines as suggested in Ayurveda, which guides us to regain the balance of Ayurvedic body dosha and lead a healthy life.

How to balance Ayurvedic body dosha- Vata?

Anybody can experience Vata imbalance. Vata dominant people are more prone to Vata imbalance. A few of the signs of Vata imbalance are:-

Signs of Vata imbalance may include:-

• Dryness of lips, joints, skin, and ears.
• Bloating, gas formation, constipation, dehydration, and weight loss.
• Restlessness, dizziness, and feeling ungrounded.
• Poor circulation, muscle spasms, asthma, pain, aches, and tightness.
• Anxiety, fidgeting agitation, muscle twitching, and palpitation.

Balancing Ayurvedic body dosha- Vata.

Vata people love spontaneity, which causes an imbalance of energies. Thus if Vata is imbalanced, the person should follow a disciplined routine, like on-time sleeping, waking up, eating, etc. That helps to create balance in the hormonal and endocrine systems. Following guidelines regarding lifestyle adjustments and diet may help to balance Ayurvedic body dosha- Vata.

Proper Hydration:-

For rebalancing- Vata imbalance, proper hydration is required. In the dry season, optimum hydration is needed. Drinking clean, warm, or hot water is most pacifying for Vata imbalance.

Moreover, proper hydration is suggested by self abhyanga massage or massage with warm oil like- sesame oil or almond oil. Massage should be done at least fifteen minutes before taking bath.

For cooking using Vata pacifying oils like- sesame oil, avocado oil, or almond oil may also help to rehydrate the body.

Consuming diet as per the season:-

Avoid consuming diets that are raw, cold, astringent, light, and dry. Minimize consumption of processed foods. Consumption of raw vegetables and smoothies in winter increases Vata. Therefore they must be avoided. Feeding on warm milk, soups, and cooked seasonal vegetables is advisable.

Consume a diet that is sweet, sour, salty, and warm. Prefer fresh and properly cooked whole foods like- whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

In grains prefer- legumes, nuts, oatmeal, quinoa, split mong, beans, etc.

In spices prefer- black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, fennel, ginger, turmeric, saffron, etc.

In fruits and vegetables prefer- pumpkin, sweet potato, beets, carrots, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, avocado, dates, figs, lemons, papayas, grapes, and grapefruits.

Adopt a regular daily routine:-

Good quality and quantity of sleep help a lot in pacifying Vata dosha. Adopting a habit of sleeping at fixed hours as per the body’s needs is suggested. All electronic screens must be off, one hour before bed to calm the nervous system.

Consuming three meals at fixed hours as per body needs also helps to pacify Vata dosha.

Adopt proper and regular exercise as per body needs and practicing meditation and yoga helps to rebalance Vata. Meditation- helps the withdrawal of senses and external distractions and facilitates calming down and focusing our mind to regain the required balance. Avoiding multitasking also increases focus and productivity.

How to balance Ayurvedic body dosha- Pitta?

Certain doshas are more dominant during certain seasons. Which may aggravate dosha and cause imbalance. Pitta transforms and governs digestion and body temperature. An imbalanced pitta may cause unhealthy physical and emotional patterns. Pitta is made up of fire and water. On the progression of summer, people become prone to excessive accumulation of Pitta. People with Pitta Prakriti are more at risk of Pitta imbalance.

Signs of Pitta imbalance may include:-

Signs of Pitta imbalance are mainly linked to basic qualities of Pitta- fire, and water. Pitta controls digestion and metabolism. Signs of Pitta imbalance can be:-

• Indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea.
• Fever
• Inflammation
• Burning sensation throughout the body
• Red irritated skin
• Stinky sweat
• Sensitivity to sun
• Hot flushes
• Excessive thirst

Pitta imbalance- may emotionally lead to anger, feeling of impatience or frustration, or Pitta imbalanced person may feel resentful or judgemental.

Balancing Ayurvedic body dosha- Pitta

The severity and manifestation of the effects of imbalanced doshas depend upon many factors. For health problems, healthcare providers must be consulted. The following few suggestions may help to rebalance- the Pitta imbalance:-

Consuming Pitta pacifying food

According to Ayurveda principles different tastes, play different roles in pacifying doshas. For regaining- Pitta rebalance- consuming foods that are bitter, sweet, and astringent can help. Some of the good options are- apples, grapes, zucchini, cucumber, cilantro, beans, coconut, watermelon, and fresh organic dairy products. Grains like oats and cream of wheat impart a cooling effect to fire. Green leafy salads consumption also helps. Taking fennel seeds, coriander, fenugreek, and fresh lime can help to pacify aggravated Pitta.

Avoid or minimize the consumption of alcohol, heavy meats, oily fried foods, salty, spicy, or sour foods, and coffee- Pitta is aggravated by coffee consumption, therefore it should be avoided, or should be consumed by adding the milk so that the acidic heat of coffee is minimized. Red meat is also to be avoided, as it aggravates Pitta.

Cooling down

The hot surroundings may further aggravate the Pitta imbalance. Therefore avoid hot surroundings and prefer to spend time in cool areas. Wear clothes that allow air to pass through for a cooling effect- like- cotton and linen. Avoid heat-building workouts.

Pitta can be calmed down by using cooling and relaxing smells. Using tuberose, gardenia, or freesia may help. Rosewater can be sprayed on the face and body to experience the calming effects.

Relax your senses

People with dominant dosha as Pitta are work-focused and highly motivated. They remain active and immersed in their work. To calm down aggravated Pitta they may be suggested to take small gaps of rest from their work requiring focus. Shutting down electronic screens and spending some time in nature helps a lot.

Taking part in sports- Playing sports without a competitive mindset, challenging own physical capabilities. Staying calm and avoiding a heated environment.

Cultivating a helping attitude- Working for the higher cause to serve others, helps ease perfectionism and ego.

Pitta people are mostly in a habit of listening to loud music, matching their on-the-go nature. This makes them more prone to Pitta imbalance or aggravates the imbalance. Listening to calm and relaxing music helps to a great extent to calm down Pitta. Devotional songs may also play a larger role in calming down your mind and spirit.

Calming effect- Having a bath with essential oils like Rose and Lavender gives a soothing effect to the soul.

How to balance Ayurvedic body dosha- Kapha?

Kapha is made up of earth and water. Kapha dosha governs the structure and robustness of the body. It hydrates all the cells and framework of the body. Kapha- lubricates the joints, saturates the skin, maintains immunity, and safeguards the tissues. Environmental factors like- cold and cool temperatures, heaviness and stagnancy in the air, dullness, dampness, and moisture from melting ice or rain may influence the human system by increasing the same qualities in our minds and bodies. The damp, cold, and heavy qualities manifest as accumulated toxins, clogging our energetic channels and lowering our immunity. Thus causing Kapha imbalance.

Signs of Ayurvedic body dosha- Kapha

Following are the few signs of Kapha dosha imbalance:-

• The signs of a cold- are congestion, cough, and running of the nose.
• Seasonal allergies
• Water retention, swelling, and puffiness.
• Weight gain
• Lack of appetite.
• Slow digestion and heavy feeling in the stomach.
• Lethargy, depression, lack of motivation.

Balancing Ayurvedic body dosha- Kapha

The following few tips may help in rebalancing Kapha dosha:-

Maintaining body weight

Maintaining body weight- in Kapha imbalance- plays a vital role. To maintain body weight remaining active is a must. Active movements as per your body capabilities are suggested. Always listen to your body. You may adopt a regular habit of brisk walking, jogging, biking, rowing, aerobic exercises, or dancing. Or you may join some yoga classes under guidance from some well-trained professional. Take into consideration your body’s other imbalances also. And work as per your tolerance level.

Daily Excercise- Kapha imbalanced people need to sweat out energy by rigorous exercising, long-distance running, etc.

Adding more spontaneity in life- Stepping outside the comfort zone and trying new things in life will help.

Dry Brushing- Dry brushing after showers, helps stimulate the lymphatic system.

Consuming Kapha pacifying food

Consuming Kapha pacifying food plays a key role. Eat pungent, bitter, and astringent-tasting foods like- leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, spices, and beans. Try to consume most of the calories in the middle of the day and avoid eating after 7 P.M.

Drink ginger tea with meals:- Drinking ginger tea before or during meals helps in improving digestion and metabolism.

Adding spices to your food:- Adding spices like- black pepper, cayenne, turmeric, etc. may activate digestive enzymes and boost metabolism.

Add invigorating herbs to your food:- Herbs like- oregano, rosemary, or parsley possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help to detoxify the system.

Reducing dairy products and carbohydrates- Consumption of millet, barley, and quinoa is advised. Eating many vegetables, warming spices like cinnamon, pepper, ginger, and adding honey as a sweetener to tea and food helps.

Taking care of low mood

Kapha imbalance may lead to depression. Although depression is a complex issue. Ayurveda describes different types of depression based on root doshas imbalance. In-depth evaluation under the healthcare provider’s guidance is required. Following suggestions may help to balance Kapha imbalance.

Sound:- Listen to music with a good beat, which can activate your senses.

Sight:- Wear bright and energizing colors like- red, orange, yellow, etc. And brighten your surroundings.

Smell:- Use invigorating smells like- rosemary, sage, or peppermint on your skin, or use diffusers/ candles in your room.

Understanding doshas, their symptoms, and their effects to balance Ayurvedic body dosha with possible solutions can help you to lead a healthy life, thus attaining the ultimate goals of life, i.e.  Dharma, Artha, Kama, and  Moksha.

For treatment please, consult your healthcare provider.

For awareness purposes only.

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