DOSHAS
The doshas, in the human body, are the forces that maintain health since they govern vital functioning mechanisms in the body. However, if they get out of balance, they become responsible for starting the disease process.
Based on the five elements, by linking two elements together, we arrive at the concept of the doshas: mood, energy or force. These are the three primary vital forces in the body.
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VATA - the energy of movement
VATA is by linking with space and air: also translated as "wind". Vata is the first, most important biological humor. She is responsible for all physical processes in general.
As the root of the doshas, it is the motivating force behind the other two, incapable of movement without it and also the main source of imbalances.
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Vata is: DRY - LIGHT - COLD. Its main seat within the physical body is the colon. Like a dry wind, the energy Vata is predominant during the fall season. Being responsible for the aging of the body, it is all the more active during the last period of our life, from the age of 50 or the menopause.
Vata personality profile
Physically
A thin body, with thin bones and having difficulty gaining weight.
Skin prone to dryness. Fine and dry hair. Small eyes and ears. Thin lips. A sunken face.
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Psychologically
Loving movement, change, moving around, having an irregular rhythm of life.
Very creative, inspired, innovative, imaginative, quick-witted.
Spontaneous, sociable, talkative, but also solitary and on the margins of society.
Profession: artists, communication and healing professions.
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Aggravating factors
Dry, raw and cold food, prolonged fasts, cold and dry climate, excessive irregularity in one's way of life, too intense physical activity, an anxiety-provoking and stressful environment, speed.
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Potential imbalances
Constipation, bloating, spasms, difficulty digesting raw vegetables and legumes, hypersensitivity (light, noise, waves), dizziness, insomnia, anemia, tachycardia
Behavioral problems, agitation, confusion, anxiety, indecision, hyperactivity and mood swings
Ayurvedic lifestyle advice
- Adopt a regular rhythm of life
- Anti-vata diet: increase DAMP, HEAVY, and HOT. Cooked, unctuous food accompanied by acid, sweet and salty flavours. Favor root vegetables, water vegetables (squash, zucchini), whole grains, dairy products and oilseeds. Avoid bitter and astringent products such as green vegetables, teas, tops, legumes and pungent and cold foods.
- VATA spices: cumin seeds, fennel and fresh ginger
- The VATA dish: oatmeal porridge
- VATA massage oil: sesame oil
- The type of yoga: hatha
PITTA - the energy of transformation
PITTA is by linking with fire and water: also translated as "bile".
Pitta governs all aspects of light and heat in body and mind.
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Pitta is: WARM - LIGHT - HUMID. Its main seat within the physical body is the small intestine. like fire, energy Pitta is predominant during the summer season. Being linked to the hormonal system, Pitta has an important role throughout our active life - from our adolescence until our 50s.
Pitta Personality Profile
Physically
An average body, with average bones.
Oily and hot skin. Shiny hair. A dazzling look. Medium sized ears. Medium lips. A heart-shaped face. Freckles.
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Psychologically
Loving organization, self-transcendence, self-control and others.
Determined , methodical, courageous, adventurous, devoted.
In search of knowledge and knowledge, "fire of intelligence", precise spirit.
Profession: leaders, managers , guides, psychologists, in the humanitarian sector.
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Aggravating factors
Hot, spicy, acidic and fatty food, hot climate, excessive concentration, hot emotions (anger, jealousy, hatred), prolonged fasting, excessive exposure to the sun, working in a hot environment (in the kitchen)
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Potential imbalances
Diarrhea, excessive and odorous perspiration, acidity, heartburn, skin problems (acne, eczema, hives...), bleeding, hemorrhages, liver disorders, hepatitis, vomiting, cardiovascular problems, inflammations and infections
Anger, manipulation, judgment, desire, aggression, suicidal thoughts, burnout
Ayurvedic lifestyle advice
- Anti-pitta food: cleansing and nourishing - REFRESHING, HEAVY and SLIGHTLY DRY. Raw, fresh foods, lightly spiced and cooked in little oil. Give preference to SWEET, BITTER and ASTRINGENT flavours. Favor green vegetables (cabbages, salads), whole grains, legumes, non-acidic dairy products. Avoid spicy, acidic, salty products, fatty foods, overcooked foods, meat, alcohol, coffee.
- PITTA spices: coriander seeds, turmeric, fennel seeds
- The PITTA dish: dhal with coconut milk and coriander leaves
- PITTA massage oil: coconut oil
- The type of yoga: yin
KAPHA- the energy of cohesion
KAPHA is binding with water and earth: also translated as "mucus".
Kapha is the material substrate that supports the other two and brings us emotional stability. ​
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Kapha is: HEAVY - COLD - WET. Its main seat within the physical body is the stomach. energy Kapha is predominant during the spring season, at the image of the liquefaction of ice and snow during this season . So also within our bodies, Kapha, the mucus, accumulates more within our bodies during this season.
Kapha is the energy that allows the body, and its tissues, to develop and build, which is why childhood is related to Kapha.
Kapha personality profile
Physically
A small, stocky, sturdy body with large bones. Tendency to weight gain.
Oily and fresh skin. Thick and often wavy hair. Big eyes and ears. Luscious lips. A round face.
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Psychologically
Concerned about comfort and safety, loving their routine, their cocoon.
Loving to take care of others, close to the entourage, consistent in their relationship.
Enduring, great physical resistance, calm, patient, understanding.
Profession: caregivers, cooks, manual workers (construction, farmers)
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Aggravating factors
Cold, heavy and greasy food, excessive water intake, overeating, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, cold and damp weather, excessive sleep, sleeping in a soft bed.
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Potential imbalances
Loss of appetite, nausea, heaviness, lethargy, breathing problems, excess mucus, obesity, swelling, edema, tumors, endometriosis
Sadness, sentimental, laziness, depression, attachment to others, to objects and food, possessive, procrastinators
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Ayurvedic lifestyle advice
- Anti-kapha nourishment: cleansing - WARM, LIGHT, and DRIED. Cooked, spicy foods. Steam cooking. Favor BITTER, ASTRINGENT and SPICY flavours. Favor green vegetables (cabbages, salads), legumes, spices Avoid acidic, salty products, fatty foods, fruits, drink too much water, dairy products and gluten.
- KAPHA spices: cumin seeds, dry ginger, black pepper
- The KAPHA dish: kitchari with mung beans & barley
- KAPHA massage oil: mustard oil
- The type of yoga: vinyasa