Dosha Profiles

Meet Ganesh --  this Hindu God  is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is here to help you understand your dosha and what you can do to stay healthy and maintain a sense of calm and well-being. We've provided a short list of foods and activities which can either aggravate your particular dosha or bring it into balance.

Factors That Increase or Aggravate Vata

Fasting Living in a cold, dry climate Traveling too often, especially by airplane Drinking too much alcohol or cold drinks Not following a daily routine Working late at night Not enough sleep Eating to much raw vegetables or popcorn Listening to loud music Being exposed to any loud noise Watching too much television Working at a computer for long periods of time Excessive physical exercise

Signs of Aggravated or Excess Vata

Emotional Nervousness, worry, anxiety, fear, inability to relax, confusion, grief, sadness, insecurity, lack of confidence, loss of creativity, lack of communication, moodiness, impatience, restlessness, insomnia   Physical Lower backache, painful joints, general stiffness, spasm, cramps, tremors, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, dry skin, lack of appetite, weight loss, high blood pressure, low stamina

How To Pacify or Balance Vata

Foods Warm soothing food, added fats and butter, salty, sour and sweet tastes. Warm milk, cream, butter, soups and long-cooked stews, hot cereals, fresh-baked breads, Mexican or Indian food, salted nuts, sweet fruits, pasta. Avoid dry foods such as crackers, popcorn and dried fruits. Lifestyle Changes Exercise Vata has bursts of energy but lacks endurance. Walking, short hikes and yoga are ideal for Vata types. Aromatherapy A combination of warm, sweet and sour scents such as geranium, neroli, lemon, orange, basil, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Sound Therapy Soft music with low tones. Soft ritual drumming would be ideal. Color Therapy Warming colors such as yellow and deep red or calming colors such as white, violet and blue.

Factors That Increase or Aggravate Pitta

Sunbathing Working in the hot sun for long periods of time Eating too much red meat or spicy food Taking Drugs Saunas or long dips in a hot tub Being exposed to pollution Using stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, tea, cigarettes, diet pills Indulging in toxic emotions such as hostility, intolerance & hatred

Signs of Aggravated or Excess Pitta

Emotional Anger, hostility, dissatisfaction, frustration, irritability, hate, jealousy, cynicism, criticism of others, argumentative or judgmental behavior, fear of failure, scepticism, pride   Physical Inflammation, burning sensations in the eyes, skin, stomach or intestines, fever, hot flashes, red, sensitive eyes, migraines, headaches, stomach acidity, heartburn, ulcers, excessive hunger and thirst, excessive perspiration, rashes, psoriasis, acne, hypertension, heart disease, hemorrhoids, poor eyesight

How To Pacify or Balance Pitta

Foods Cool or warm food but not steaming hot, bitter, sweet and astringent tastes Cool refreshing food, especially in the summer - salads, ice cream, herbal tea, cold cereal, apple juice, sweet, ripe fruit, whole grains, beans, shrimp, turkey, chicken Try to limit red meat, fried or spicy foods. Lifestyle Changes Exercise While Pitta's determination to win may give you an edge in competitive sports, it also brings out your fiery temper. Walking and swimming help burn off any excess energy without rising temperatures. A quiet hike in the woods would be perfect. Aromatherapy Sweet, coolscents such as sandalwood, rose, mint, jasmine, cardamom, fennel and vetiver. Sound Therapy Soft, soothing melodies. Flute tones are beneficial. Color Therapy Stay cool with soft pastels such as pink, rose, green and blue.

Factors That Increase or Aggravate Kapha

Living in cold, damp climates Eating too many sweets or fatty foods Consuming too much salt Drinking too much water Sleeping after meals Leading a sedentary lifestyle Taking naps after meals Taking sedatives or tranquilizers Lack of exercise Sleeping too late into the morning

Signs of Aggravated or Excess Kapha

Emotional Dullness, carelessness, indifference, depression, lack of compassion, over attachment, greed, obsessive behavior, bitterness   Physical Bloating, weight gain, lassitude, drowsiness, craving sweets, nausea, congestion, chest colds, sinus infections, asthma, allergies, high cholesterol, cysts, diabetes

How To Pacify or Balance Kapha

Foods Warm, light foods with a minimum of fat and sugar, stimulating foods. Raw fruits and vegetables and spicy foods for digestion and to warm the body. Bitter and astringent foods such as dark leafy greens, cabbage, beans, apples, cranberries, persimmons and peaches to help curb the appetite. Lifestyle Changes Exercise Don't be a lazy bones! Rev up your engine with any aerobic activity such as running, aerobics, rowing, stair machines or dancing. With your strength and endurance, weight training can be very satisfying. Aromatherapy Warm and spicy for Kaphas. Try cinnamon, ginger, patchouli, black pepper, eucalyptus, camphor, clove, juniper and marjoram. Sound Therapy Loud music and upbeat rhythms will give Kapha energy a much needed boost. Color Therapy Hot, stimulating colors for you, try reds and vibrant oranges.

Do you know which dosha corresponds to your constitution? We've created a Dosha Self Test to give you a clearer vision of your personal profile.

References:

Lad, Vasant Dr., Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing (Wilmot, Wisconsin; Lotus Press, 1984)

Verma, Vinod Dr., Ayurveda, A Way of Life (York Beach, Maine; Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1995)

Morrison, Judith H., The Book of Ayurveda, A Holistic Approach to Health and Longevity (New York, New York; Fireside, 1995)

Chopra, Deepak M.D., Perfect Health, The Complete Mind/Body Guide (New York, New York; Harmony Books, 1991)

Raichur, Pratima, Absolute Beauty, Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda (New York, New York; Harper Collins Publishers, 1997)

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