The Three Types of Dosha

Ayurveda is the ancient medical system of India. In the texts of this system, it is described that the body of a human being is composed of different element combinations also known by the term dosha.

There are 5 elements that compose a single dosha. These elements are the following: fire, water, air, ether, and earth. Different combinations of these 5 elements form the 3 dosha of the Ayurveda: Kapha (combination of earth and water), Pitta (combination of water and fire), Vata (combination of ether and air).

A person is born with a predominant dosha and this will determine his/ her physical trait as well as his/ her characteristics. Each of the dosha has its own determining factors.

Kapha Dosha

Physically speaking, people with Kapha tend to be heavily built and have large frames. This is due to the belief that water and earth are heavy elements. They are usually predisposed to have larger proportions and padded joints. They have thick, dark colored (usually black or brown), and wavy hair. Their skin is smooth that may lean towards being oily. An imbalance in Kapha could lead to being overweight. It may also cause the body to weaken and be lethargic.

As for the characteristic, people belonging to the Kapha Dosha are calm in thoughts and in words. They are sympathetic, easy going and pleasant to be with. They are also thought to be very loyal.

An out of balance Kapha can lead to depression, and sluggishness in thought. Imbalances however can easily be counteracted.

Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha, a combination of water and fire, are naturally born hot and can easily overheat. They can be described as persons who are strong, courageous, driven, and determined. When Pitta is out of balance, they usually suffer from ailments related to heat like fever, acidity, colitis, inflammation, and ulcers. Out of balance Pitta may also cause unsolicited competitiveness and aggressiveness.

Counteracting the out of balance Pitta can be done through yoga practice and meditation. This is to cool down the mental state, aggressiveness and irritability of the hot Pitta Dosha.

Physically, they can be called medium in build. They are neither heavy nor petite. They are also believed to have warm skin and thinning hair. People leaning towards Pitta Dosha are known to be ambitious and goal oriented.

Pitta Dosha are also believed to be moderate sleepers and are inclined to favor cool environments.

Vata Dosha

Vata Dosha, a combination of ether and air, are thinly built. They possess prominent joints and slender frames. Their skin is naturally dry and they have thinning hair.

Among the three dosha, they are known to be the most active, quick and light in thought. People inclined to Vata Dosha also make friends quite easily.

Imbalances can also occur to people with Vata Dosha. This can be done through regular exercise and proper diet. The environment can also play a big role in avoiding the Vata to go out of balance.

Keeping A Well Balanced Dosha

It is believed in the Ayurveda (Ancient Medical System in India) that each human being is composed of a Dosha. According to doctrines, a dosha is a combination of the different 5 elements water, earth, fire, wind, and ether.

In the texts of the Ayurveda there are 3 doshas namely Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha and Vata Dosha. Each of these doshas has its own unique characteristics that can manifest in people.

Every person is thought to have a dominant dosha during birth. The physical aspect, as well as the personality of a person, will be molded to the kind of dosha he/ she has. However, it is believed in the scriptures of the Ayurveda that a person may have more than just one dosha.

Doshas, according to the Ayurveda, needs to stay balanced in a person. An imbalance will let the negative aspect of the dosha manifest. There are several ways on how to keep the balance of the dosha.

Vata Dosha

Vata Doshas (space and air elements) are known to be active persons – cheerful and light minded. This dosha can become out of balance when there is too much wind/ air in the body, mind and environment. This imbalance may leave a feeling of being ungrounded. The best remedy for this is to introduce more earth element to the mind and body.

To keep a well-balanced Vata Dosha, it is recommended that you have a regular waking up schedule. It is highly advised that you wake up at the same exact time everyday. Meditating twice a day would also be a great help since it can calm down the mind and body of the Vata Dosha.

It is also suggested that to keep a balanced Vata Dosha you must eat three meals a day. It would also be good if you prefer to eat foods that are sour, salty, and sweet.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha Dosha is the combination of the elements earth and water. These elements are considered to be heavy thus Kapha Doshas are known to be heavy in built and have large frames.

When a Kapha Dosha is out of balance, it is believed that more than enough earth is in the body, mind and environment. This can result to a feeling of lethargy, sluggishness and dullness. A good way to keep the balance or to counteract an imbalance is to keep the circulation moving.

Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha is the combination of the elements fire and water. People under this category are known to be “hot” – aggressive and ambitious. Physically, they are known to be medium in built and possess warm skin.

An out of balance Pitta Dosha can cause the feeling of being excessively heated up internally. This is the result of having too much fire in the body. The best way to balance this is by brining more space element in.
A good example of this is by going to walks in the park. This can help you provide the space and coolness you need. It would also be very beneficial to meditate at least twice a day. As for food, it would be best to favor foods that are bitter, astringent and sweet.

Are You A Kapha Dosha?

In your yoga class, the instructor might have told you that you are a kapha dosha. Unfortunately though, he/ she didn’t expound much on it leaving you curious on what a kapha dosha is. Here are a few facts about Kapha Dosha that may help answer a few of your questions.

Kapha Dosha is one of the 3 doshas described in Ayurveda - the ancient medical system of India. It is said that a person has a predominant dosha when he/ she is born. This dosha will determine the type of body, strengths, weaknesses, temperament, and constitution of the person.

Kapha Dosha, according to the ayurvedic text, is the combination of the elements water and earth. A person dominated by Kapha tends to be soft, cold, sweet, unctuous, stable and slippery. Among the three doshas, Kapha is easier to spot in a person.

Kapha Dosha Body Structure

One way of knowing whether you are a Kapha Dosha is through your body structure. Basically a Kapha Dosha person is born to have a large frame. They are heavily built and basically tend to be overweight. This is most especially true when Kapha is not in balance. Kapha Doshas also naturally have thick and dark hair and have oily skin.

Kapha Dosha Characteristic

Aside from the physical structure of the human body, a person can also be determined as having Kapha Dosha through his/ her characteristics.

People with Kapha are naturally calm in words, thoughts and actions. They are supportive when it comes to relationships and are easy-going. They also have a strong and stable constitution.

It is believed that loyalty is one of the best traits of a person that have more Kapha. This is most especially true when it comes to family and friends.

As for sleeping, they are known to be heavy and long sleepers. They tend to get uncomfortable in clammy and damp surroundings.

Balance In Kapha Dosha

Kapha Dosha can be in or out of balance that may cause positive and negative effects respectively. A person with a balanced Kapha has a large built and that is natural, which simply means that the Kapha is in balance. Being overweight however to a point of obesity could mean a Kapha that is out of balance.

If symptoms of Kapha imbalance are showing, there are different ways on how to counteract it. A good example of this would be regular vigorous exercise. Having a good diet of fruits and vegetables, reducing intake of oily and cold foods are also good ways of balancing the Kapha.

The environment can also be a big factor when it comes to balancing Kapha. It would be more favorable to stay in a warm place rather than in a cold and damp one. Warm weather is also very suitable for balancing Kapha.

Some Good Things to Remember When Heading Out to an Ayurvedic Spa

Are you really prepared to go to an Ayurvedic spa? There are a lot of people who would think that this is another kind of beauty or skin care treatment. However, you’ll get more than that. When you go to such a spa, you’re going for rejuvenation not only of the body but also of the mind.

The Life Before Her Eyes hd That’s why it’s always the best to come to the spa prepared:

1. Make sure that you are completely relaxed before you get your treatment. Though the massage itself will definitely keep you comfortable and relaxed, you will be able to enjoy it more if you are even before the session starts. If you have any problems or there are a lot of things worrying you, it’s time that you set aside them first for a while. Mind you, by the time your session ends, you already know what to do with them. You should skip going to Ayurvedic spa is you have an appointment after, so you can prevent yourself from looking at the clock or your watch at all times.

2. Be comfortable at your own skin. For the herbs and oils used in the spa to really seep in, you have to get the treatments in the nude. Thus, you have be very comfortable with the idea. If not, you can go for something very comfortable. Avoid wearing anything that could be stained by oils, especially the expensive ones.

3. Don’t wear anything with scent. As mentioned, the treatments make use of oils and herbs, which already have their own smell. You will never be able to feel them if you are wearing your own perfume, cologne, or anything scented. There’s also a huge chance that it can interfere with the treatments that you’re getting.

4. Avoid taking the treatments hungry. Otherwise, you will definitely be disturbed by your empty stomach, and you will not be able to fully enjoy your Ayurvedic spa treatments. Nevertheless, make sure that you also don’t get to eat too much. A light snack will definitely do.

5. You should be at least 18 years old to get the treatment. If you don’t want to be accompanied by an adult such as a parent or a guardian, you must be 18 years old and above before you try out the Ayurvedic spa. If not, you must have someone with you in the room at all times or all throughout the duration of the treatment. Rules may vary, though, so always inquire from the spa facility before you go there.

6. Understand the principles of Ayurvedic treatments. For you to really appreciate your Ayurvedic treatments and that you will not be able to hinder the kind of effects they will have on you, ensure that you have full understanding of the benefits that you can derive out of the sessions. This also goes to mean that you must go to the spa facility with an open mind.

Hopefully, with all these tips, you will have a grand time by your lonesome or with a group of friends.

How to Practice Ayurvedic Skin Care

Your skin is considered to be the largest organ of the body. However, because it is the outer covering, it is very much exposed to the environment, which can sometimes be harsh. Most of the problems we have therefore would normally involve the skin.

If the skin is healthy, you will not only feel well inside, but you would also be very confident. Why? Because there is a huge chance that you are not suffering from any acne or pimple breakout, or that you have supple skin. There will be no sign of premature aging. Even if you are already in your thirties or forties, you will still be getting compliments from women—and even men—who are much younger than you.

Now, there are a lot of beauty products that are available in the market. Unfortunately, only a handful of them can be very effective. In fact, some can only aggravate whatever skin problem that you have. If you want to stay on the safe side, you may want to consider practicing Ayurvedic skin care.

Skin Pigmentation. If you have blotches and patches on your skin, it means that you have skin discoloration. In science, it means that there is a problem when it comes to your melanin. In ayurveda, there could be an imbalance if your bhrajaka pitta. Either way, it will not be good to look at. There are a lot of reasons why you may have such problem. For one, it is because you are under stress, or you’re not eating regularly. Sometimes too much exposure under the heat of the sun can cause spots all over your skin.

Fortunately, there are simple solutions that you can follow. First, you can combine water and tulsi leaves until you can come up with a paste. You can then place the mixture over the discolored portion of your skin. Another technique is to grind turmeric and sesame seeds. Ensure that they are of the same amount. You can then combine the mixture with water, until you will have some paste that you can apply into the affected area.

Pimples, Acne, and Blackhead

These are usually the most common skin problems men and women suffer. Pimples and acne can be very painful, and blackheads can be too embarrassing to have. There are several reasons for their occurrence, but normally, it’s because there was imbalance in your tridosha, or the three types of energy your body has. If you’re exposed to too much pollution or stress, or you have consumed a lot of alcohol, tea, oily or fatty foods, or coffee, there’s a huge chance that you can have pimples and acne.

What you can do, though, is to create a half-cup of a pulp of the aloe vera, and you need to eat it directly. If you’re pregnant, you can simply apply the pulp into the affected skin. You can also concoct coriander juice and turmeric powder. You can then apply the paste into your skin, especially to your face, before you go to sleep.

4 Ways on How to Look for an Ayurvedic Resort

True, there are Ayurvedic spa facilities. However, if you’re thinking of spending not just hours but definitely days, then what you’re looking for is an Ayurvedic resort.

An Ayurvedic resort will definitely have more amenities than a spa center, and there will be plenty of activities to look forward to. The spa treatment will just be one of them. You will be in a very quiet and serene place, where you can just relax and be one with nature. You will be able to eat the food that will not only nourish your body but also your soul. There will be exercises that are meant to benefit you holistically.

The question is “Where can I find one?” Fortunately, there are a lot of places:

1. Go online. The Internet is a threshold of many websites, including those of Ayurvedic resorts. All you need to do is to log in and search for “Ayurvedic resorts,” and you can already come up with hundreds of lists. You can then browse each page, see what the center looks like and what it offers, and give them a call if you want to make more inquiries. You basically don’t need to go out and search all over the place for you to find one, and it will only take you few minutes.

Besides searching, you can also read blogs, post questions in message boards, or even read electronic feature articles. You will realize that there are actually a lot of online areas where you can get some information about the most well-loved Ayurvedic resorts in your area.

2. Visit a spa facility. Most of the spa facilities in your area are affiliated with a resort. In fact, they may just give you certificates to the latter if you’re a loyal customer. Nevertheless, it’s always good to take a shot and ask them of the resort they are affiliated with. If they are not, surely, they know of a resort, which they can recommend to their clients. The truth is that you may not be the first one to ask them about it. Thus, they’re always ready.

3. Check on the travel brochures and magazines. If an Ayurvedic resort is good, there’s a huge chance that it will be featured in reading materials, such as magazines and brochures. There are even others that are found in books as well as in dailies. You can read first-hand accounts or real stories about what the resort looks like and the kind of experience you’re going to have there. This way, you can already know what to expect from the facility. As you know, magazines, brochures, and other reading materials are readily available. You just need to take a walk to your nearest bookstore for you to get one.

4. Ask recommendations. Do you know of anyone who has been to an Ayurvedic resort? It’s high time to get some suggestions from them. Perhaps you have a friend or even a family member who has gone on a retreat. Usually, if he likes the Ayurvedic resort, he’s going to recommend the same thing to you. If not, he will tell you of other places where to look for one.

Where Do You Get the Ayurvedic Products?

There are times when you want to join your Ayurvedic healing session, but you simply can’t for one reason or the other. It could be because you have other prior commitments or that you have an immediate meeting to attend to. It could also be that the clinic itself is so far, and commuting can sometimes drain you with all your strength and might.

But since you understand the purpose and the benefits of Ayurvedic healing, you don’t want to miss out a single session. What should you do then? If you don’t want to waste time and be more comfortable, you can practice ayurvedic healing right inside your home. All you need to do is to purchase Ayurvedic products. Here are the best places to look for them:

1. Go online. Indeed, the Internet has provided you with a good reason to simply chill inside your home and have your Ayurvedic products delivered into your doorsteps. Today, if you are just going to type “Ayurvedic herbs” or “Ayurvedic products” into your search engine, such as Google, you will generate hundreds of search results. Most of them are link to stores where you can possibly find them. If not, you can read some information that will give you clues on where you can get them.

When you’re shopping for such products in the Internet, though, you have to take note of certain things. First the website should be a legitimate store. You will instantly know it by the way they look or present their products and their business, in general. They must also carry as many Ayurvedic products as possible. You can actually go cheaper on them, since you’re going to order a lot in one shop. You won’t also be annoying yourself from moving from one website to another. If you’re going to pay, make sure that you’re in a secured website. This means that all information must be encrypted before being sent across the Web. This way, there will be no hacker that can steal your information.

2. Check out stores. There are alternative treatment and Indian stores all around. You can roam around your neighborhood or town. They are usually not huge, so you may have to be highly observant. However, once you can discover one, you will not be disappointed, since they normally have everything that you’re looking for. Most of their attendants too are very knowledgeable when it comes to Ayurvedic products. They can give you inputs on which products to use and how you can utilize them to their fullest potential. They can also give away discounts, especially for those who have become their regular customers.

3. Ask your healer. If you think that you can no longer attend the Ayurvedic healing sessions regularly or you want to practice it in your home, you can inquire if your healer can provide you with the herbs and other medications you need. There are actually some healers who would sell them, so you can just buy what you need.

Top Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage has become a lifestyle for the people of India. It is supposed to be the natural form of exercise for those who are weak or incapable of doing so. However, unlike other exercise routines or even massage sessions, this one offers the balance between the mind and the body. If you are seeking Ayurvedic healing, it’s not only your body that is being treated, but also your mind. It is also a detoxification program, which is sometimes called panchakarma. With the use of excessive herbs and oils, the toxins are removed from the system.

The Reasons for Ayurvedic Massage

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There are plenty of reasons why you should get an Ayurvedic massage. Here are some of them:

1. It makes you feel good. If you’ve ever been to a massage, then you’ll surely understand this benefit. If you haven’t, then you should know that Ayurvedic massage can actually help calm your nerves and remove your stress; thus, you would feel rejuvenated after every session. Because you feel relaxed and refreshed, you will then be self-confident, and your self-esteem increases. Of course, the massage will make you feel good, and you will be more aware of yourself.

2. It improves the condition of your circulatory system. Ayurvedic massage can improve the number of red blood cells in your body, which means that your blood will become a lot healthier. If you’re suffering from hypertension and other heart diseases, this type of massage will be good for you, as it can lower your pulse rate and reduce the chances of occurrence of your heart ailment. Because toxins are removed from your body, you can look forward to faster metabolism. The pressure that is being applied into your nerves during the Ayurvedic massage can decrease the pain that you’re feeling. It can also reduce contusions and swelling by allowing the blood to flow properly.

3. It enhances the muscular system. There are times when your muscles tighten or when they suffer from atrophy for one reason or the other. The Ayurvedic massage can help remove that. It can reduce the tension and cramping of the muscles, as well as prevent them from forming knots or fibrosis. If you are feeling some pain in your muscles, the pressure applied to your body through this massage can help relieve yourself from such. Moreover, since you can relax for a short span of time, you can bounce back from fatigue, and you can even improve your work capacity or productivity.

4. It improves the general condition of the mind. You know what they say, “It’s all in the mind.” Ayurvedic massage can make you feel as if you’re completely healed from all your sickness. You have already achieved vigor, and before you know it, you already have your self-reliance back. Even if there are still parts of you that are still sick, because your mind thinks that you’re already healed, you can no longer feel them.

So make sure that you can participate in such type of Ayurvedic healing as often as you can, so you can enjoy these benefits.

The Power of the Different Ayurveda Herbs

One of the distinct characteristics of Ayurveda is the use of herbs and oils—and we’re not basically talking about the ones that you’re going to use for cooking. For the healing masters and for those who believe in the power of Ayurveda, they possess healing abilities, which allow them to easily find the right cure for their illnesses or relax their body and mind.

Here are some of them:

Arjuna. If you’re suffering from a heart condition, this will be the one that will be given to you. A heart tonic, it’s meant to lower not only your pulse rate but also your blood pressure, so there’s a decreased chance of suffering from a heart attack. It can also improve the circulation of blood all over the body, allowing enough oxygen to reach your muscles and your brain.

Ashoka. This one is meant for women. If you’re thinking of having children in the future or you want help on how to take care of your reproductive system, this will be herb that will be given to you. It’s also meant to keep your uterus healthy. Nevertheless, be mindful of getting any kind of Ayurveda herbs and oils when you’re pregnant. Make sure that you can inform your healing masters about your delicate condition.

Bibitaki. If you have an excess kapha, this is the one that will be given to you. This is a very powerful treatment, as it’s composed of three other potent herbs. It is widely used because of its soothing or comforting characteristics, but if you are suffering from constipation or you want to do some cleansing, this is the most effective one available. It can help regulate your bowel movements.

Bhringaraj. Do you feel like you’re getting older or that you are getting more sickly for the past few days or weeks? Then this one is the right treatment for you. It is mainly used to bring back the original state of health of your patta. You can also use this in its oil form, which means you just need to apply the herb topically. It can help bring back the growth of your hair or prevent you from suffering hair loss. It can also improve the general condition of your skin, spleen, and liver. Lastly, it can cure anemia and hepatitis.

Boswellia. Arthritis doesn’t just affect the old ones. As long as you have problems with your joints, there’s definitely a huge chance that you can also get arthritis. To prevent the swelling and to improve the circulation of your blood, as well as to act as support for your bones, you can take in boswellia.

Ashwagandha. This is another herb that is being used for general health. If you’re a man or woman having sexual conditions or problems or if you’re tensed, make it a point to treat yourself with this. It’s also ideal for those who are suffering from insomnia or hormonal problems. After the treatment, you will also feel like you have more energy left in your body.

Ayurveda Healing

What Is Ayurveda?

For the past several years, there are a lot of Ayurvedic treatment centers, spas, and resorts that are being established all over the world. However, one should not consider this as mere fad or another health and wellness fashion. After all, the principles that govern every treatment and practice have deep-seated roots. It goes back to the ancient times in India.

Defining Ayurveda

The main point of Ayurveda is healing. For those who are sick, the different treatments will help them cure their illnesses. For the ones who have been healthy, Ayurveda will allow them to maintain their good health or even improve it through a much healthier lifestyle.

Ayurveda is different from yoga, which also came from India, in the sense that the former is not composed of exercises, but rather soothing and comforting massages enriched with herbs and oils. It is also widely different from other forms of alternative treatments because of its constitutional model. Every recommendation and treatment that is being given will be highly dependent on the individual. Moreover, the kind of treatment a person receives has been carefully assessed, observed, and compared with the ancient texts that guide those who practice Ayurveda. It is somewhat similar to acupuncture, since Ayurveda recognizes not just the body but also the mind as well as the environment.

Principles of Ayurveda

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Ayurveda likens the body to nature, wherein there are five basic elements that compose them. We are talking about fire, air, space, earth, and water. This is also reason why the environment has great influence in our lives. Moreover, according to Ayurveda, these five elements in our body can combine themselves to allow us to perform certain functions. For example, you have Vata dosha, which is mainly associated with the circulation of blood, respiration, and the removal of toxins in the body. Pitta, on the other hand, refers to metabolism of the tissues, cells, and other body organs. However, if it combines with dosha, you will have pitta dosha; and it will then be referring to the conversion of food into bodily nutrients with the aid of the body’s metabolism.

You also have kapha, which refers to growth. If you’re thinking about bones and brain, then you’re actually talking about kapha. It can also combine with dosha, which will then form kapha dosha or protection. You have kapha dosha if you still have the spinal fluid in your brain. It will also refer to the uterine and stomach walls that prevent the main organs from getting damaged one way or the other. Any type of illness that a person suffers is because of the imbalance in any of these three main categories of the body, which is kapha, vata, and pitta.

You should also realize that Ayurvedic healing doesn’t focus only on the body but also of the mind and spirit. As mentioned, it’s wholistic healing—it’s life that it’s trying to heal and protect. And life, according to Ayurveda, is composed of the soul, mind, and body.