Tess' Tidbits

fall is upon us

Embrace the Change

Welcome to October 2020!

What a crazy ride the Summer has been! [And Fall is upon us.] This month I wanted to take the opportunity to shine the spotlight on building our immunity. Keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe is important and it starts with us. 

This will be a small tidbit on Ayurveda and how to build your immunity based upon your main dosha. What is Ayurveda? “Ayurveda is the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature.” (The complete book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, by Vasant Lad.) What are doshas? “The doshas are biological energies found through the human body and mind. They govern all physical and mental processes and provide every living being with an individual blueprint for health and fulfillment.” (http://www.eattasteheal.com/ayurveda101/eth_bodytypes.htm) There are three dosha types, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When the three doshas are in balance, our bodies are strong and healthy. Balance is always the goal. So, how do you find out what your main dosha is? On this site is a questionnaire that can help determine your main dosha, http://www.eattasteheal.com/ETH_dosha.htm. 

Vata

“Vata derives from the elements of space and air and translates as “wind” or “that which moves things.”” (Eat.Taste.Heal an Ayurvedic guidebook and cookbook for modern living.) A person with Vata as their main dosha tends to have light, or thin frames and can often be “too tall” or “too short.” Vatas are also known for poor circulation and tend to prefer warmer climates due to being cold. A Vata in balance will have strong communication skills, be artistic, enthusiastic, charismatic and adaptable to name a few of the psychological characteristics. An imbalanced vata is known to be impatient, moody, “spacey” anxious, depressed, restless and prone to over thinking. To keep your vata in equilibrium it is important to not eat an aggravating diet, participate in too much vigorous exercise and to practice some form of meditation or yoga routine to stay grounded and help relieve stress. 

Pitta

Pitta qualities reflect the elements of fire and water. A person with Pitta as their main dosha tends to be of medium build and seldom gain or lose weight. A balanced pitta has a sharp intellect, strong drive and is known to be courageous. An imbalanced pitta has strong fire qualities and becomes angry where in balance they are joyful. Pitta’s are natural leaders. They have the characteristics needed to be successful in any area they seek. Which is why it is so important for pitta’s to remain in balance. Similar to vata, pitta needs to remain in equilibrium to achieve balance. While the diet and exercise may look different for someone with a pitta main dosha, it is important to not eat aggravating foods, which for a pitta would be eating more cold, and to exercise during the cooler part of the day. Pittas tend to overheat. Words to remember for pitta’s are, cooling, calming and moderation. 

Kapha

Kapha qualities come from the elements of water and earth. Kapha are known to be comforting, loving and calm. A kapha in balance is like the friend you go to for those deep hugs that remind you, you are loved. Kaphas are slow, but steady individuals who when out of balance can suffer tremendously. Typically well-built and known to easily put weight on a person with kapha as their main dosha, should eat a kapha balanced diet. Avoiding heavy foods and getting plenty of exercise are important. It is also important for kaphas to make time for introspective activities and to surround themselves with bright and vivid colors. 

Sources

In conclusion, we all have a bit of each dosha. The goal for good health is to keep them in equilibrium. This will look different to each individual. When our energies are balanced we are able to live a happy, healthy lifestyle. Doing so helps us to build our immune system and stay strong. 

A few sources worth looking into and I highly recommend as they have delicious recipes along with immense knowledge: 

Eat Taste Heal, an Ayurvedic Guidebook and Cookbook for Modern Living by Thomas Yarema, MD. Daniel Rhoda DAS. Chef Johnny Brannigan. 

The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad. 

And lastly, a woman who brings Ayurvedic living to the modern world with style. https://www.iamsahararose.com/

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