The Three Doshas: What are they?

The Three Ayurvedic Doshas

Doshas are important in understanding Ayurveda and most importantly how to apply the knowledge to YOU. The doshas inform your unique mind-body type as well as other life energies such as times of day, times of life and inherent properties of foods.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing system. It is a 5000 year old medicine that was cognized through deep meditation and perceived by examining principles of nature. The natural world contains the five following elements: earth, water, fire, air and space (ether). Each element has inherent qualities. These qualities can be observed by examining and experiencing the elements in nature. For example, earth is dense and static. Water is liquid and dense. Fire is hot and mobile. Air is mobile and clear. Space is subtle and expansive. 

These five elements combine to create doshas, unique mind-body types or constitutions. There are three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. The unique proportion in which the doshas appear in each individual inform physical characteristics, emotional and mental tendencies as well predispositions to specific imbalances. When doshas are out of balance it causes dis-ease or disease. 

This deep understanding of doshas and nature's tendencies inform proper diet, lifestyle, and self-care techniques for individuals. For example, have you tried a diet that doesn't work for you for various reasons? You may not be eating according to your dosha! Knowing and understanding your dosha is key to good health and happiness. 

Below is more information about each dosha and a few balancing recommendations for each:

Vata

Vata is air and space. These elements make vata light, dry, coarse, rough, dark, changeable, moveable, subtle, cold and clear. This manifests as a light, thin body frame. Vatas are enthusiastic, vivacious and talkative.

Vata predominant time of life is around age 50+, and it is prevalent during fall and early winter each year. Have you experienced a fall/winter season where you can't have enough cream/lotion/oil on your hands?! Hello vata!

Vata controls movement. Movement in the body happens through blood flow, waste elimination and breathing. An example of movement in the mind is quick movement of thoughts such as jumping from one thought to another and another. Emotional movement is excitement and quick movement from one emotion to the next.

When vata is high, imbalance can manifest as: anxiety, fear, excess air – gas/burps/bloating, constipation, general dryness, poor circulation and pain.

People who are predominately vata need routine. They thrive when they have set times for waking up, going to sleep and eating meals. Vata people also need nourishing and warm foods that are easy on digestion. They require plenty of rest, need extra self-care during the fall and winter, and benefit from calming walks, grounding exercise and focused meditation.

In my experience, many of us fall prey to some amount of vata imbalance in the West. It is the most subtle of the three doshas which means it is generally the first to go out of balance. Vata relates to movement, so continuous stimulation and movement in our culture creates imbalance. 

Pitta

Pitta is fire and some water. These elements make pitta hot, sharp, pungent, intense, flowing, sour and slightly oily. This manifests as a medium and muscular frame. Pittas are intense, analytical, focused, generous and goal-oriented.

Pitta predominant time of life is around age 20 - 50, and it is prevalent during the summer each year.

Pitta controls metabolism. Examples in the body include: digestion, transformation, and energy production.

When pitta is high, imbalance can manifest as: irritability, anger, impatience, criticism, jealousy, intense hunger, acne, and inflammation. Next time you eat something spicy, notice if you feel more irritable -- especially during the summer months!

Those who are predominant in pitta need everything in moderation and should focus on a cooling lifestyle, including eating cooling foods. They should also take extra care of themselves in summer, avoid spicy foods, and make sure to get outdoors at dawn, dusk or even at night for moon-bathing.

Kapha

Kapha is earth and water. These elements make kapha unctuous (oily), slimy, cool, moist, sticky, heavy, stable, strong and soft. This manifests as a large frame. Kaphas are jovial, sweet, loving and easy-going.

Kapha predominant time of life is around birth - 20, and it is prevalent during the late winter and spring each year.

Kapha controls structure. Structure includes: muscle, fat, bones, and the cells that make form.

When kapha is high, imbalance can manifest as: obesity, congestion, lethargy, colds/coughs, lymphatic congestion, and poor appetite.

Kapha people thrive on an active lifestyle, often mixing up their routines and seeking out invigorating experiences. They should consume warm foods with lots of activating spices. Kapha types should take extra care of themselves during spring and should consider skipping meals if they are not hungry.

Conclusion

What is your dosha? If you aren't sure, I strongly encourage you to take the Shri Wellness Dosha Test by clicking the tab 'Free Test!' at the bottom right corner of the webpage. This informs the proper diet and lifestyle for YOU! 

Ayurveda provides a wonderful framework on how to care for your unique self throughout the seasons of life. More importantly, Ayurvedic practices open your awareness to nature's principles so that you become the healer and manifest the physical, mental and spiritual health that you desire.

Ayurveda is as simple as tuning into your body's natural desires! In Ayurveda, it is said that pragya paradh or a crime against wisdom is what causes dis-ease or disease. Begin to inquire what food, drink and exercise you (the real you - beyond ego and society) actually desire. Start to notice how the time of day and season inform your hunger, thirst, energy and emotions. Listen to what your body truly wants, and give yourself the nourishment you need. This is Ayurveda.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Make with caution - this stuff is addicting! It is extremely tasty and great for reducing the excess heat of summer in the mind and body. 

This is sauce delicious on cooked veggies, grains, legumes, or can even use as a salad dressing (eat salad only if digestion is strong and in the warm summer months).

Serving size: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes

Dosha Considerations - Kapha - consider adding dash of cayenne for increased digestion. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 heaping cup cilantro leaves
• 1/2 avocado
• 3 limes, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/3 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. This will save in airtight container for a few days. I use a ball jar. :)

How To Choose A Vacation Spot Based On Your Dosha

Do you have vacation on your mind now that summer is fast approaching? Have you ever stopped to think about what a balancing vacation spot may be for you? 

Environment plays a role in your health and well-being, too! According to Ayurveda, there are various environments which harness healing properties for specific doshas. This blog sheds light on how to choose a vacation that supports your constitution.

Funny enough, this article was sparked by a dream I have one night. In my dream, I contemplated various destinations for each dosha. Read below for tips to plan a trip that is best for you! 

Vata

Vata types struggle with travel because travel sparks movement. Vata is air and space and has plenty of movement already. Traveling on an airplane means you are traveling through space and time quickly (400 mph+)! Even traveling by car, you are moving quickly (75 mph+ on the highway). Ayurveda provides insight on how to balance the elements in your environment and your body for optimal well-being. 

Travel Insider Trick: Constipation is common with travel due to excess movement. Movement increases vata which increases dryness. Triphala is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb which can be used for constipation due to travel. It is a blend of three fruits and helps to regulate bowel movements. 

Here are two recommendations for vata types:

Staycation! Get extra sleep, each nourishing foods, and stay warm where you are. 

Go somewhere tropical! Warm and moist environments are most balancing for the cold and dry properties of vata. Here are a few locations to consider:

• Hawaiian Islands
• Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Pitta

Pitta types need to pay extra attention to staying cool in the summer. Pitta is fire and a little water. The sun and heat can cause rash, inflammation and redness for pittas. 

Choose somewhere that is cool in temperature! Here are some places that are notoriously cooler in the summer months:

• San Francisco, California
• Seattle, Washington
• Portland, Oregon
• Rochester, New York
• San Diego, California

Kapha

Kapha is earth and water, and these types can use the activation and stimulation of a dry heat. While on vacation, choose to move around. Go for walks or hikes in the heat. Hop on a bike and go for a ride. Movement is great for you!

Choose a location that is warm and dry - think desert! Here is a list of hot and dry places:

• Sedona, Arizona
• Tucson, Arizona (my hometown!)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Palm Springs, California 
• Moab, Utah

Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Stuffed Kabocha Squash

A kabocha squash is a Japanese pumpkin. They have a rich, delicious flavor and are similar to pumpkin and sweet potato. These squash are harvest in the fall, and therefore great for fall and winter! 

According to The World's Healthiest Foods, winter squash boasts a slew of nutrients. Here are some notable nutrients: vitamin A 59%, vitamin C 26%, fiber 23%, vitamin B6 19%, manganese 19%, copper 19%, potassium 14%, vitamin B2 11%, pantothenic acid 10%, folate 10%, vitamin K 10%, omega-3 fats 8%, magnesium 7%, vitamin B3 6%.

Serving size: 2
Prep and cook time: 45 minutes

Dosha Considerations - Good for vata - be sure to cook kale well. Kapha - sub celery for squash and sub ghee for flax or sunflower oil. Pitta - you can reduce to 1/4 onion, sub rice for quinoa and sub ground coriander for rosemary.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kabocha squash
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 4 leaves kale, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 2 teaspoons rosemary 
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges 

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut kabocha squash in half and remove seeds. Put squash face down on baking sheet and place in oven. Cook until just about tender. Test for tenderness by inserting knife or fork into yellow squash close to the rind. It will insert easily when close to done, and takes about 30 minutes.
3. Place quinoa and water into saucepan. Turn on medium high heat until boiling. Add top and cook for about 20 minutes.
4. While squash is cooking, preheat large frying pan to medium heat. Add in ghee. Cook until melted. 
5. Add in onions and cook until soft. Add in zucchini, kale and rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until soft then add in cooked quinoa.
6. Remove squash from oven. Flip so the tops face up. Add in vegetable mixture. Place back in oven for about 5 - 10 minutes until vegetable mixture is just crisp on top.
7. Remove from oven. Squeeze a little lemon juice over vegetable mixture and serve.

Simple Kale Salad

Simple Kale Salad

Kale has received lots of press over the past few years. It is widely known as a superfood because it is dense with nutrients. According to The World's Healthiest Foods, here are all the nutrients in just one cup of kale: vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin E, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin B1, protein, phosphorus, omega-3 fats, vitamin B3, folate.

This is a great dish when you need a lighter meal, but best not to have daily or too frequently. Particularly in the winter. The pepper flakes and lemon stimulate digestion.

Recipe adapted from Dr. Weil's Kale Salad.

Dosha Considerations - Good for kaphas in moderation. Reduce for pittas and avoid pepper flakes. Avoid for vatas. 

Serving Size: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 large leaves of kale
• Lemon juice, half of large or full small
• Olive oil, equal amount to lemon juice
• Salt + pepper
• Hot red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, and a generous pinch of hot red pepper flakes in small bowl or cup.
2. Chop kale into small pieces and place in large serving bowl.
3. Pour dressing over kale and toss well.
4. Let kale sit for at least 15 minutes then toss again before serving.