“Asana, with its soothing, stretching and relaxing action, is the main physical exercise for balancing the doshas. It calms Vata, cools Pitta and releases Kapha.” ― David Frawley
Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” – it’s one of the world’s first forms of holistic medicine and still widely used today by health professionals everywhere. The focus of Ayurveda is on whole-body healing and uses three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – to accomplish this. Each person is born with a unique, unchanging ratio of doshas, usually with one standing out more than the others. To determine your dosha, you can visit an Ayurvedic practitioner or simply take the quiz linked here. You can then use your unique ratio of vata, kapha and pitta as a blueprint to guide you to optimal health.
Ayurvedic medicine categorizes the world into five constitutional elements – aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air). Combining these five elements results in three distinct bio-energies or bodily humors, which we refer to as doshas. Each dosha is based on different physical, emotional and behavioural characteristics & we’re here to give a brief breakdown of all this for you (X)
Vata is based air and space. Those with the vata dosha are usually slim, energetic and creative. They think outside the box, become easily distracted and often base their mood according to the weather, people around them and foods they eat.
Vata Strengths: learn quickly, highly creative, multitasker, kind-hearted, flexible, “on the go,” naturally slim
Vata Weaknesses: forgetful, anxious, unstable mood, can get overwhelmed easily, highly sensitive to the cold, has trouble sleeping, irregular appetite and eating patterns, prone to digestive issues and gas, poor circulation (cold hands and feet)
TIPS: follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other calming activities, and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather and consuming warm foods and drinks
Kapha (pronounced “kuffa”) is based on earth and water. People with this dosha are described as strong, thick-boned and caring. They are known to be a support system for others, rarely getting upset and keeping things together in a slow, deliberate manner.
Kapha Strengths: empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints, healthy immune system
Kapha Weaknesses: prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, over-sleeping, breathing issues (i.e., asthma, allergies), higher risk of heart disease, mucus build-up, susceptible to depression, needs regular motivation and encouragement
TIPS: focus on regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintain a warm body temperature (e.g., by sitting in a sauna or eating warm food), and establish a regular sleep routine
Pitta is based on fire and water. This dosha is associated with having a muscular build, being very athletic and strong leadership.
Strengths: intelligent, purposeful, learns quickly, self-determined, masters skills easily, strong desire for success, strong, natural leaders, quick metabolism, good circulation, healthy skin and hair
Weaknesses: impatient, prone to conflict, always hungry, mood swings when hungry, prone to acne and inflammation, sensitive to hot temperatures
TIPS: focus on work-life balance and avoid extreme heat (e.g., weather, spicy food)
Based on your dosha, different yoga classes serve you best. This is why our online studio, Practice Shraddha, offers such a vast range of classes – to suit everyone’s unique needs. Our studio offers yoga, meditation, wellness, and workshops filmed across the most beautiful locations of Israel. If you haven’t signed up already, start your free 7-day trial today and check out what we have to offer by clicking here.
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