What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, (AYE-YOUR-VAY-DUH), Yoga’s sister science, is a nature based system focused on healing and maintaining the quality and longevity of life, and balancing the mind and body for optimal health. All areas of health, from physical to emotional, are interconnected and treated in harmony. Ayurveda draws connections within the body and mind and offers ways to bring each back into balance. Ayurveda combines science, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality in this multi-layered practice.

We are each unique beings. We do not all fit in the same box; in fact lets get rid of the boxes. We are all a combination of the three doshas, or energy types/archetypes--Vata, Pitta, Kapha. These archetypes are the blueprint for how our body and mind function, helping us to not only better understand ourselves, but each other and nature around us. In addition to our archetype, we factor in lifestyle, season, daily practices, what we digest (physically and mentally)…these all play a role. To create and maintain health, vigor, and longevity each person must be seen through the Ayurvedic lens of three archetypes or doshas.

The Doshas

A person who is dominant in Vata has a light body frame (muscles, skeleton), dry, thin skin and light or irregular appetite and digestion. They are light sleepers, with little perspiration, light urination and irregular, scant elimination. They often speak and move quickly, this dosha tends to be more creative, energetic, and quite proficient at multi-tasking. They are visionaries who love to start new projects, but may be challenged when it comes to finishing them. Vata types are likely to be involved in several projects simultaneously, and as a result, their lifestyle and daily habits tend to be inconsistent and irregular.

Pittas usually run hot. Physically, they have a light body frame with good musculature and fair,sensitive skin, prone to redness or rashes. This dosha usually possess strong appetites, digestion and metabolism, eliminating as much as three times daily. Pittas are easily aggravated by warm, spicy foods and often suffer from hyperacidity. They become irritable if they miss a meal, so eating regularly is important. They are focused, goal oriented, intense, and competitive, and may be prone to heated emotions such as anger, irritability, criticism, and jealousy.

Kapha types have strong, well-proportioned bodies. They are likely to have soft, thick skin, full, lustrous hair and well-formed facial features. Their appetite and metabolic processes are slow so they don’t need much food. Kaphas speak and move slowly. They are frequently consistent and dedicated. This doshic type tends to avoid physical activity, yet often has strong, steady energy and abundant stamina. Though Kaphas present as emotionally stable and deeply satisfied with life, they can become overly attached, lethargic and depressed.