Ayurveda is the holistic science of health. Ayurveda is based on the principles of three doshas. Doshas are the energies that make up every individual, which perform different physiological functions in the body. The three Ayurvedic body types, or doshas, are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha has a unique set of characteristics and every individual is unique and there is no diet or lifestyle routine that works for everyone. Prevention is the key, therefore food and lifestyle routines are considered the most important medicine:

Vata Dosha: Energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and your heartbeat. Vata corresponds to space and air and is found within all forms of movement. Vata types tend to be more slim, and dry skin. They can be forgetful, worry, have lighter sleep, often have cold hands and feet, and like sweet, sour and salty things.

Eating to balance Vata. ” Warm” and “cooked” are key factors in the Vata diet. Nourishing soups and stews, hot g.f cereals, hearty gluten free grains, wholesome beverages like turmeric, and herbal teas, or hot almond milk and heavy desserts like rich rice pudding all feel warming.

In balance: There is creativity and vitality. They are active, alert, full of energy and enthusiasm, intuitive, artistic, and lively.

Out of balance: Can produce fear and anxiety, memory loss, panic, weak digestion, phobia, insomnia, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorder.

Pitta Dosha:  Energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and your body’s temperature.Pitta corresponds to fire and water and is found within all forms of transformation. They tend to have moderate physic quite with a muscular body and soft, lustrous warm skin. They like things done well and like tidiness, like larger quantities of food, and sweet and bitter tastes.

In balance: Leads to contentment and intelligence. Determined, focused, ambitious, and intelligent, sharp, cheerful, competitive.

Out of balance: Can cause ulcers and anger. Impatience, critical, guilt, domineering behaviour, obsessive behaviour patterns.

Eating to balance Pitta: Eat more foods that are Sweet, Bitter, Astringent / Cold, Heavy, Oily: such as salads, steamed vegetables, fruit and coconut oil. Eat less foods that are Pungent (Spicy), Sour, Salty / Hot, Light, Dry: such as coffee, chips and salsa and spicy foods.  Fill your meals with more vegetables.

Kappa Dosha:  Energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturises the skin, and maintains the immune system. Kapha corresponds to water and earth and is found within all forms of structure. They like spicy foods, sleep deeply, have a larger frame, like sports that give them stamina, they can feel little low or demotivated.

In balance: Expressed as love and forgiveness, compassionate, consistent, stable, supportive, patient.

Out of balance: Can lead to insecurity and envy. Depression, greed, lack of motivation, weak digestion, and lethargy

To balance Kapha:  Avoid Heavy foods like hard cheeses, puddings, nuts, cakes, pies, wheat, most flours, breads, pastas, red meat and deep fried foods, focus on lots of salads, raw soups, vegetables, gluten free whole grains, brown rice, g.f oats, fish, organic poultry.

Ayurveda derives from India ancient traditions. The key to health and vitality is to keep our doshas balanced and being aware of how we are feeling inside, and paying attention to imbalances. When we are in balanced we will naturally experience energy, calmness, vitality, clarity, a sense of wellbeing, and joy. Imbalance will lead to pain, discomfort, and eventually disease mentally or physically.

To find out your dosha, take the quiz

http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/quiz/quiz.html