Exquisite World Of Ayurveda
More than 90% of Indians use some form of ayurvedic medicine, according to the University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality & Healing - and the Western world , though it's still considered an alternative medical treatment . According to the ayurvedic teachings the world is regulated by Five Elements viz. Akasha (space) , Vaayu (air) , Agni (fire) , Jala (water) and Prithvi (earth). These forms of energy join together in holistic functional principles and determine everything .
These five element combine in pairs to form " three bodily energies" basically known as Doshas / The Three Dosha Theory :
- Pitta
- Vata
- Kapha
Pitta Dosha
As it contains the properties of Fire and Water (small contribution), it controls your digestion , metabolism (how well you break down foods) and certain hormones that are linked to your appetite. Hunger, Thirst and even Intelligence are associated with Pitta.
Tips for Balancing Pitta
- To balance pitta, make choices that are cooling, sweet and stabilizing.
- Do not skip meals and do not wait until you are ravenous to eat.
- Favor foods that are sweet, sour & constricting which are more cooling and refreshing such as cucumber, sweet fruits, melons etc
- Spend time with nature, go for regular walks, keep plants and fresh flowers at home and office. (It will make you feel so refreshing, calm and connected).
- Stick to sweeter fruits such as melons, coconuts, avocado, pomegranate, fully ripped pineapples , oranges, plum etc.
- Fill in your wardrobe and environment with some refreshing colors such as blue, green and yellow
- Surround yourselves with the aromas which can soothe and satisfy your soul such as Rose, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavender, Mint, Chamomile and many more are there which can serve you well.
- Reduce acidic/bitter fruits such as grapefruits, apricots and berries .
- The veggies to be avoided includes tomatoes, carrot, beets, eggplant, onion, garlic, radish and spinach. And which can added to your diet are cucumber , potatoes , sweet potato, celery , okra , lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, leafy vegetables and zucchini.
- For Non-Vegetarians, chicken, pheasant and turkey are preferable while beef, sea-food, and eggs increase Pitta.., so it should be minimized.
- Most important ; Laugh a lot, don't let anyone still that beautiful smile of yours.
Pittas have powerful intellect and a strong ability to focus. When they're in balance, they are good decision makers, teachers and speakers. They are explicit, sharp-witted, direct and often outspoken. Out-of-balance pittas can be short tempered and argumentative.
Vata
Vata regulates all movements in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. Since Pitta and Kapha cannot move without it, Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. It is very important to keep Vata in balance. Vata is based on various locations in body ; in the large intestine, the pelvic area, knees, skin, ears and hips.If there is excess escalation of Vata in the body, it collects in these areas which will result in Anxiety, Insomnia and Flatulence.
Tips for Balancing Vata
- All dairy products can soothe Vata. Always drink milk after boiling and drink it warm. Don't drink milk with a full meal.
- Stay warm in windy, cold weather.
- Fasting should be avoided, as the meals shall not be skipped.
- Oil baths.
- Eat hot meals at regular times.
- You can relax yourselves well by listening to classical music while enjoying warm and gentle oil massages.
- A cozy surrounding and soft fabric such as silk, silk-wool blend and cotton on skin provide basic inner balance.
- Even a chair or sofa with soft fleece blanket can help you to relax.
- Avoid combing too many different foods.
- Food and vegetables shall be cooked properly.
- Avoid stimulating drinks. It includes cola, coffee and black tea. (because they stimulates the human nervous system too much)
People with Vata composition have delicate bone structure and do not carry much weight . Their skin tends to be dry and rough. But they are physically very active. They frequently suffer from cold hand and feet.
Kapha
Kapha is the energy that forms the body's structure - bones, muscles, tendons and provide the glue that holds the cells together, formed from Earth and Water. Kapha is responsible for the right structures as well as for the right amount of body fluids. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Its out-of-balance may leads to attachment, greed and envy.
Tips for Balancing Kapha
- Eat less than you are craving for.
- Running and Osho meditations as well as a workplace without (too much) sitting will help you keep the Kapha in balance.
- Deep massages with warm herbal oils are very useful stimulants and an Ayurvedic detoxification.
- Regular exercises.
- Fresh fruits, vegetable and legumes.
- Reduce heavy, oily, cold foods & sweet, sour and salty tastes.
- Seek out variety and new experiences.
- Stay warm in cold damp weather.
- Honey is wizard for reducing Kapha. Reduce sugar products as they increase Kapha.
- Most grains are fine, especially barley and millet. Do not take too much wheat or rice, as they also tends to increase Kapha.
- You can intake any spice except salt.
- Tomatoes, cucumber, sweet potatoes and zucchini shall be avoided.
Kapha types have regularity and routine as their life principle , which they don't have to work on . But they also have a tendency towards overeating, insufficient exercise and excess sleep. Their ability to hold onto things pounds and people, coupled with water retention, makes life difficult for them in many aspects.
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