According to Ayurveda every person has an inherent and unique constitution and his or her physical, mental and emotional characteristics are decided by this constitution. A person can plan a diet and general lifestyle according to this constitution. By understanding our own personal basic nature, it contributes to an acceptance and we can develop a nurturing attitude towards ourselves in our lives.

Ether, earth, fire, water and air, the first material of life are the basis of the Vedic sciences. Existing in the body of all living organisms, the 5 basic elements congregate in a certain pattern. These are known as the doshas. The proportion of the doshas in you is known as your prakruti.

Determining an individual's prakruti, or body type is the first essential step an Ayurvedic practitioner must take; this is the cornerstone for understanding the patient and for all subsequent treatment. To determine your own primary dosha, click here.

All three doshas, or biological humours are present in varying degrees in everyone, but one or two usually predominate. A vata person is characterized as unpredictable, enthusiastic, impulsive, and imaginative. Physically, vatas are slender, have prominent features, and cool, dry skin. In contrast, the pitta type of personality is predictable, intelligent, passionate, and articulate with a medium build. A kapha personality is characterized by a heavyset body type and is loving, compassionate, affectionate, tolerant and forgiving in nature.

When these doshas go out of balance, then imbalance results. Vikruti is the present unbalanced state of the dosha which must be addressed. The purpose of all Ayurvedic treatment is to balance one's prakruti and vikruti so the doshas are in harmony. Five factors that cause aggravation are: diet, lifestyle, emotions, exercise (too much, too little, or the wrong kind), and external influences of the seasons, weather, or trauma.

Vitiated vata can result in hyperactivity, restlessness, anxiety, insecurity, fear, doubt, nervousness, insomnia, spaciness, dizziness or ungroundedness. Physical manifestations are constipation, bloating, abdominal distension, gases, dehydration and emaciation, to name a few. When pitta is disturbed, it manifests as anger, rage, irritability, frustration, impatience, jealousy, violence, and being critical or judgmental. Physically, pitta can cause diarrhea, nausea, acid regurgitation, skin disturbances such as hives, rash, increased perspiration, bleeding tendencies, inflammation, infection, and increased body heat. Disturbed kapha dosha is revealed through attachment, greed, depression and trouble letting go. It results in cold, congestion, weight gain, heaviness, shortness of breath, water retention, edema, and solidification of tumors, fibroids and lumps.

Ayurvedic treatment entails a personalized approach to balancing the doshas through diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine that is tailored to each individual. By teaching the individual how to manage diet and lifestyle and the properties of their dosha, it takes a preventative approach instead of waiting to deal with illness after it has already manifested. This may involve exercise, yoga, pranayama, meditation, dietary changes, fasting, oilation through massage, sweat baths, nasal medications and herbal tonics.

The therapeutic effects of botanical medicines or herbs has been vastly undervalued in the West despite its continuous use over the centuries in the East. Ayurveda has a rich pharmacy of hundreds of herbs that work in harmony with the body's innate intelligence. Herbal formulas can specifically address an individual's prakruti, vikruti, and symptoms. They are natural substances that can be taken long-term without side-effects.

True joy, happiness and beauty come from within when we take the time to be ourselves, to discover who we are.

< Back to top