In Ayurveda, Doshas are one of the most important concepts. There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These terms used to describe an individual’s natural tendencies and physical constitution. Doshas can vary from person to person and change with age, or they can remain consistent throughout a person’s life.
3 Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Each dosha has its own unique qualities and appearance. According to Ayurveda, doshas govern the function of all the organs in the body. When a person’s doshas are out of balance, this leads to ailments such as skin problems or digestive issues. In order to restore balance, it is necessary to identify the predominant dosha in a person and take steps to correct imbalances in other doshas.
VATA
PITTA
KAPHA
VATA DOSHA
ELEMENTS: AIR & ETHER
QUALITIES: DRY, LIGHT, COLD, ROUGH, SUBTLE & MOBILE
Opposite Qualities That Balance:
– A diet with more of the sweet, sour, and salty tastes – Cooked foods – boiling, poaching, stewing (with ample oil/ghee) – Food with unctuousness/ moisture/oiliness – Warm food and drinks
Diet: Similar Qualities That Imbalance and Aggravate
– A diet with more of the sweet, sour, and salty tastes – Cooked foods – boiling, poaching, stewing (with ample oil/ghee) – Food with unctuousness/ moisture/oiliness – Warm food and drinks
Lifestyle That Aggravates Vata
– A diet with more of the sweet, sour, and salty tastes – Cooked foods – boiling, poaching, stewing (with ample oil/ghee) – Food with unctuousness/ moisture/oiliness – Warm food and drinks
– Room temperature or warm food and drinks – Sweet, bitter,and astringent tastes – Cooling foods (cooling by nature like coconut) – Cooked foods – by sauteing steaming, boiling, stewing etc – A little raw is ok, but not recommended as a main meal
Diet: Similar Qualities That Imbalance and Aggravate
– Pungent, sour, and salty tastes in excess – Oily, fried food – Spicy (hot) food – Sour like yogurt, vinegar – Alcohol – Fermented foods (like pickles)
Lifestyle That Aggravates Pitta
-Anger – Fasting, hunger, less food intake, skipping or not eating on time – Staying awake late at night – Not sleeping enough – Working in hot environments, near heat / fire – Excessive exposure to heat and sunlight – Excess sex
– A diet with more of the pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes – Cooked foods – stir-fried, baking, roasting, sauteed – Warm food and drinks – Lighter foods (less heavy)
Diet: Similar Qualities That Imbalance and Aggravate
– Sweet, sour, and salty tastes in excess – Very heavy/rich foods – Oily fried foods – Cold/frozen/iced foods & drinks – Dairy and nuts in excess, especially cold dairy – Excess sweets and sugar – Excess of liquidy foods
Lifestyle That Aggravates Pitta
– Over eating – Excess (too long) sleep – Naps – Sleeping during the day – Lack of exercise or low physical activity – Sedentary lifestyle
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