Harmonising the Three Doshas: A Journey to Health and Wellbeing
In Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing system originating in India, achieving optimal health and wellbeing involves understanding your unique constitution (prakriti) and addressing imbalances through lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies and therapeutic practices tailored to your individual needs.
Ayurvedic practitioners can provide profound wellbeing insights through their understanding of the three doshas (body-mind-constitutions) Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas, derived from the five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth), shape our physical, mental and emotional states, guiding us towards balance and vitality. By harmonising the three doshas, you can cultivate a state of equilibrium, vitality and harmony in body, mind and spirit.
Do you recognise your dosha here?
1. Vata Dosha: The force of movement Vata, composed of space and air, regulates bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, nerve impulses and elimination. When in balance, Vata promotes creativity, enthusiasm and vitality. However, when aggravated, it can lead to anxiety, restlessness and digestive issues.
Individuals with a predominant Vata constitution tend to have a light frame, dry skin and irregular digestion.
To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends practices that are grounding, stabilising and nourishing. This includes eating warm, moist and easily digestible foods, maintaining a regular daily routine, staying warm and practising calming activities such as yoga, meditation and self-massage with warm herbal oils.
2. Pitta Dosha: The fire of transformation Pitta, embodying fire and water, controls digestion, metabolism and intellectual activities. Balanced Pitta encourages intelligence, ambition and a strong digestive fire, while excess can result in irritability, anger and inflammation.
People with a dominant Pitta constitution typically have a medium build, fair skin and strong digestion. They are often ambitious, organised and articulate but may struggle with perfectionism and overheating.
To pacify Pitta, Ayurveda suggests adopting cooling and calming practices, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, staying hydrated, practising moderation in work and exercise and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and emotional balance.
3. Kapha Dosha: The foundation of stability Kapha, formed by water and earth, maintains structure and lubrication in the body. Emotions associated with Kapha are love, forgiveness and compassion. When balanced, Kapha provides strength, endurance and emotional stability. However, excess Kapha can lead to lethargy, attachment and weight gain.
Individuals with a predominant Kapha constitution typically have a sturdy build, soft skin and strong endurance. They are often calm, compassionate and nurturing but may struggle with sluggishness and resistance to change.
To balance Kapha, Ayurveda recommends adopting stimulating, invigorating and energising practices. This includes consuming light, spicy and warming foods, engaging in regular exercise that promotes sweating, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and cultivating a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for life.
If you'd like to find out more about your own unique doshic constitution, book an Ayurvedic consultation with Sarita at Ayurveda New Zealand. Sarita is a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (BAMS) and uses diagnostic tools such as tongue analysis and pulse reading to assess your doshas and develop a customised Ayurvedic treatment plan for your needs. (Sarita Solvig Blankenburg)
#SaritaSolvigBlankenburg #Ayurvedanz #artoflivingwell #ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #ThreeDoshas #HealthWellbeing
Published: April 2024
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone
Published: April 2024