Dosha, Prakruti and Vikruti

Ayurveda, teaches that health is maintained by the balancing of three subtle energies known as Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

This system teaches maintenance and protection of the whole person. Ayurvedic medicine is based on an individual's characteristics and body frame rather than oriented toward treating disease or sickness.

Each of us are made up of a combination of the three types of doshas. The three doshas are comprised of these five elements:

1. space
2. air
3. earth
4. fire
5. water

Vata is a combination of air and space.

Pitta is mostly fire with some water.

Kapha is mostly water with some earth.

Overall well-being depends on keeping your doshas balanced. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease. Factors that can bring about balance of the tridoshas are diet, exercise, good digestion, and elimination of toxins.

Vata Body Structure:

• Slender frame
• Lightweight bone structure
• Dry, rough or dark skin
• Brown / Black hair coloring
• Large, crooked or protruding teeth, thin gums
• Small thin lips and mouth
• Dull, dark eyes

Vata Characteristics:

• Often constipated
• Little perspiration
• Sparse urine (although frequent)
• Poor long-term memory
• Good short-term memory
• Anxious, nervous, depression
• High sex drive (or none at all)
• Love of travel
• Dislike of cold weather
• Slight to variable appetite

Pitta Body Structure:

• Medium height and build
• Fair to reddish complexion and hair coloring
• Small yellowish teeth, soft gums
• Green/Grayish Eyes
• Average size mouth

Pitta Characteristics:

• Sharp/Clear voice
• Light sleeper
• Intelligent
• Clear memory
• Jealous
• Ambitious
• Sexually passionate
• Dislikes hot weather
• Loves luxury
• Loose stools
  
• Thirsty

• Kapha Body Structure:

• Large Frame
• Tends to be overweight
• Thick and pale-colored oily skin
• Strong white teeth
• Blue Eyes
• Full lips / Large mouth

Kapha Characteristics:

• Speaks in slow monotone
• Requires deep sleep
• Steady appetite
• Heavy sweating
• Large soft stools
• Business oriented
• Good memory
• Passive
• Dislikes cold and damp
• Loves good food
• Enjoys familiar surroundings

Our Dosha is like our DNA which can't be changed, we are born with it. It is determine by our parents- (their balances and imbalance during the time of our conception). This blue print in Sanskrit is called Prakruti our nature or basic traits.

Vikruti, on the other hand is the discrepancy that makes our body different from a normal or healthy constitution. In simple terms, it is the abnormal or the diseased state. When the doshas of the body are not in perfect equilibrium, it can be termed as the stage of Vikruti.

I know that the above information might be a little confusing. My case study of the month September might make it a little easier for you to comprehend Dosha, prakruti and Vikruti.

I was born Vata/kapha- which is unusual because they are opposites. This month we had major outdoor renovations, festivals, school holidays and family visitors. Now normally been a dominate Vata I would be so aggravate- anxious, nervous, headaches, backaches, worried, insomnia,restless, fear and exhaustion. However been winter/spring which is a kapha time of the year, I was quite grounded. I really prepared my body and mind with positive thoughts and well cooked nourishing foods. Additional to that I took more than usual vata pacifying herbal teas and calming tulsi tea. End results - balanced body and mind, great renovations and happy times spent with family.

Love and Peace

Anyone For Chai?

Chai tea is a pleasurable addiction of mine. Since I blend my own chai masala I have discovered that there are 4 basic components in a masala chai.

1. Tea- Strong black tea-( Assam) so that spices do not overpower it.
2. Sweetener-  raw sugar-.This brings out the flavors of the spices.
3. Milk- Whole milk- 1/4 to 1/2 parts of milk mixed with water and heated close to boiling temperature.
4. Spice- warm spices- cardamom, ginger, cloves, peppercorn, cinnamon. You can also put nutmeg, cocoa, vanilla , saffron. However in a traditional chai cardamom is the dominant note and having ginger or black pepper gives the chai a slightly spicy flavor.

Chai is a slow food. Take time to prepare it well. Savour it. Let your mind rest while you drink it. And, of course, start with the perfect concentrate- one that is brewed with a healthy respect for tradition, purity,balance, patience and focus. (The Chai Company 2008)

Chai spice are widely used in ayurveda. The balance of spices has been shown to improve circulation, along with anti-bacterial, anti- inflammatory and digestive properties.

Traditionally brewed in big, steaming pots and served anywhere people gather, for many chai is more than a drink, it is a way of life life. Savoring a cup of chai is good for the mind , body and soul.

Love and Peace

Facts on Ayurveda

1. Ayurveda, the "science of life and longevity," has been in practice in the Indian subcontinent for about 5000 years. It is perhaps the oldest system of healing in the world. Today, there is a growing awareness about Ayurveda, amongst people across the globe.

2. The word "Ayurveda" is the combination of "ayus" & "veda," a derivation of Sanskrit words that means "life" and "knowledge" . Hence, it is the "Science of life" or "knowledge of life."

3. It is one of the oldest systems of health care that deals with the prevention and cure of life.

4. Sage Charaka has being credited to be Ayurveda's founding father.

Love and Peacel

Simply Ayurveda

After years of studying Ayurveda and doing countless number of case studies, assignments, examinations, and clinical work, I realized that Ayurveda simply is a verb. " Doing" Ayurveda does not require understanding Sanskrit, mantra chanting or struggling with religious beliefs.
All it requires is that you put a little time and energy to your wellbeing. A simple, friendly, relaxed manner - step by step to great health.

To "Do" Ayurveda is to make healthy choices in daily life. This can be as simple as choosing a piece of fresh fruit instead of eating Tazi's cup cakes, or going to sleep at 10pm instead of 1am.
As Ayurveda is lifestyle , the most important life is you. Respect your own potential to heal and be whole, this is the essence of Ayurveda.

There are a heaps of websites that you can go to and learn in depth the principle's of Ayurveda. Do an online quiz to find out your dosha ( body constitution) . Is it Vata, Pitta or kapha?. Or are you a combination of two? Once people find out their dosha body type they start treating their problems with dosha balancing charts. Eg. eating only kapha foods or following a strict pitta exercise regime. To me Ayurveda is much more then dosha balancing charts. Simple Ayurveda is "Learning how intimately your body and mind are connected, knowing what will make them work in harmony, and doing what you can to create that harmony. That is all there is to it." (Words of Vaiya Sharma).

So on that note lets surf the Vedic Seas. Wave by wave until we surf the big kahuna. Perfect wave Perfect Health.

Love and peace