The 3 Ayurvedic doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
The 3 Ayurvedic doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
What is Ayurvedic medicine? What are the three doshas? How do they contribute to psychophysical well-being? What can online therapy do?
Ayurvedic medicine is part of an ancient system of traditional medicine originating in India. It is based on a holistic view of health and well-being, considering the balance between mind, body and spirit as fundamental for good health.
In Ayurvedic medicine it is believed that there are three main doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each of us has a unique combination of these doshas that affects our constitution and mental health status. Maintaining balance among the doshas is essential for health.
A person’s innate constitution is determined by the dominant doshas at birth. Health status can vary due to factors such as diet, lifestyle and environment. Ayurvedic medicine seeks to work on this balance through diet, yoga and meditation, herbal remedies, essential oils and massages, and detox purification practices.
The Ayurvedic diet is based on individual constitution and dosha balance; this means that there are specific foods and dietary practices for each type of person, which can help maintain balance and prevent disease.
The practice of yoga and meditation is also important in Ayurvedic medicine. These disciplines help maintain physical and mental health, improve flexibility and reduce stress.
The three Ayurvedic constitutions: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
The three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are fundamental concepts in Ayurvedic medicine and play a crucial role in determining individual constitution and health status. Here is a brief overview of each dosha:
Vata
Qualities: Vata is associated with the principles of wind and ether. It has the following qualities: light, cold, dry, mobile, subtle, rough, irregular.
Physical characteristics: People with a dominant Vata constitution tend to be slender, with thin bones and dry skin. They may have good agility but may be sensitive to the cold.
Mental and emotional characteristics: Vata is linked to creativity, enthusiasm and mental flexibility when in balance. However, it can cause anxiety, nervousness and instability when in excess.
Dysfunctions associated with excess Vata: Dry skin, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, emotional instability.
Vata individuals should combine for their rebalancing warm, oily and nourishing foods. An adequate sleep routine and regular physical activity are recommended.
Pitta
Qualities: Pitta is associated with the principles of fire and water. It has the following qualities: hot, oily, sharp, bright, mobile.
Physical characteristics: People with a dominant Pitta constitution tend to have a medium build, sun-sensitive skin and good musculature. They are prone to a strong appetite and efficient digestion.
Mental and emotional characteristics: Pitta is linked to intellect, determination and leadership when in balance. However, it can lead to aggressiveness, frustration and irritability when in excess.
Dysfunctions associated with excess Pitta: Inflammations, gastric acidity, ulcers, irritability, skin rashes.
People with predominance of Pitta should favor for their balance fresh and light foods. An adequate sleep routine and regular physical activity are recommended. It is also important to avoid spicy, fatty and fried foods, as well as to reduce stress and find ways to relax and cool down.
Kapha
Qualities: Kapha is associated with the principles of earth and water. It has the following qualities: cold, moist, heavy, stable, slow.
Physical characteristics: People with a dominant Kapha constitution tend to have a sturdy build, smooth skin and good endurance. They are prone to gain weight easily.
Mental and emotional characteristics: Kapha is linked to compassion, calmness and emotional stability when in balance. However, it can lead to apathy, laziness and depression when in excess.
Dysfunctions associated with excess Kapha: Weight gain, water retention, congestion, drowsiness, depression.
For the well-being of Kapha people, a diet of light, warm and spicy foods is recommended, avoiding heavy and fatty foods, along with an adequate routine of sleep and physical activity.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the main goal is to maintain balance among these doshas within the body to ensure good health and optimal well-being.
What can online therapy do?
From a holistic perspective, balance between mind, body and spirit is achieved through proper management of one’s inner world. Online therapy can give great help in managing emotions by working on what are called “mental poisons”: resentment, revenge, envy, anger, self-indulgence and attachment. Emotions are food for the soul just as nutrition is food for the body. This is why it is critically important to choose daily what nourishment we want to give to the mind and our soul. Online therapy is able to remove all those emotions that daily block our lives, transforming negative events into positive ones.
Often we cling to desires that, if not fulfilled, lead to suffering; but since it is not possible to know in advance whether that desire is right for our personal evolution, not fulfilling it could actually be a real blessing. Online therapy can shed light on false desires so as to realize only those that are aligned with our soul, bringing peace and well-being into our lives.
For information write to Dr. Jessica Zecchini.
Email contact consulenza@jessicazecchini.it, whatsapp contact 370 32 17 351
