Balancing the Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas
The combination of certain characteristics that comprise one’s Constitution or Doshas is derived from a person’s physical mental and emotional composition. All aspects of one’s biology are taken into account by our Ayurvedic doctor when establishing the state of these energies within the body. The energies of the Doshas can be found in all forms of life. The basic ratio in each person is fixed at birth and is called your Prakruti. Vikruti refers to your day to day dosha balance or imbalance. Doshas are a vital component in essential physiological functions. Below is an overview of how to harmonise an imbalance in each of these energy types.
How to Balance Vata Dosha
- Sit still, meditating, relaxing and sleep.
- Eat warm, heavier and moist foods which are grounding in nature.
- Favouring tastes that are sweet, sour and salty.
- Eat foods cooked with warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon.
- Self-massage with Ayurvedic herbal oil or seeing your favourite masseuse.
- Avoid cold draughts or winds.
- Stay at home rather than being out and about.
- Slow and calming yoga practice.
- Follow a daily routine with regard to meals, exercises, relaxation, meditation and sleep.
Tips for Balancing Pitta Dosha
- Not being so intense about whatever it is that you are doing. It is useful to distract oneself with more leisurely pastimes. Classically it was recommended to go on walks under the moon with garlands of flowers around your neck.
- Have fun, playing with children or walking with the dog.
- Have food which is cooling in nature. Favouring sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.
- Reduce or avoid hot, spicy foods and very salty foods.
- “Bitter is better”. Have cooling and bitter herbs such as coriander, fenugreek or neem.
- Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and coffee.
- Drink plenty of fresh warm water.
- Swimming and walks by the sea.
- Cooling yoga practice.
Ways to Balance Kapha Dosha
- Eat food which is light, dry and less oily.
- Favoured tastes are bitter, pungent and astringent.
- Food cooked with warming spices such as garlic, ginger, mustard, black pepper, and chilli.
- Vigorous exercise or active, stimulating yoga practice.
- Fasting now and then. Taking two meals a day.
- Avoid too much sleep, especially after meals and during the day.
- Don’t eat for emotional comfort.
- Avoid using air conditioning.
- Minimise salt and sugar intake.
To remedy any disease within the body it is necessary to determine the dynamic of these constitutions through an individual assessment with one of our Ayurvedic Practitioners. Our doctors, who practised Indian Ayurvedic Medicine in Kerala, may recommend a combination of treatments depending on their evaluation of the Doshas. Approaching the body holistically and identifying the root cause of the imbalance is paramount in realigning and restoring the holistic health of the body to its natural state of balance.
To make an appointment with our doctor, please call us on (02) 9389 2581 or book online here
