Vata Kapha Dosha
The elements air and space rule this Dosha which is the essential force behind all things moving.You walk fast and talk fast. You have lots of energy but not as much stamina and tire easily. The appetite can be variable and while you can eat substantial meals, your digestion is not always up to the task. Despite being active, your circulation is variable and can often make you feel cold, particularly the hands, nose and feet. Sitting still makes you restless.
You have a quick mind and remember things easily; but forget quickly too. Vata people are creative and enjoy the arts. A side effect of this can be the loss of focus because a creative mind goes hither/thither. You are friendly and have a large circle of friends because your flexible and “go with flow” nature. You are good at earning a living but not as good at saving money.
Daily lifestyle suggestions:
Routine is very useful for the Vata individual. It will help you to remain focused. Pause your fast paced life by taking a break couple of times a day. Arrange your work schedule so as not to take on too much in the time given. Prefer light, warm meals taken in in small portions through out the day. Regulate the amount of raw foods such as vegetables and fruits. Here are some suggested recipes. Prefer exercises that a set pace such as walking or swimming. Take Ashwagandha or Chyawanprash daily.
When you are out of balance, what happens:
Vata influencing areas of your body are the colon, brain, ears, bones, joints, skin. You may experience cold or aching joints –even joint conditions, dry skin or hair, constipation, gas. You feel tired easily. Vata types have a tendency to become anxious, nervous, indecisive.
When out of balance, what you should do:
Take Ashwagandha to help loss of energy. Boswellia for joint conditions. Daily dose of Chyawanprash will support an inherently fragile immune system. Triphala is excellent for constipation and for a clean digestive tract. Stay away from cold and dry foods such as beans, and prefer well cooked vegetables, cheese and milk, wheat bread, banana, soy beans. Reduce the amount of red meat you consume for a little while. A gentle Swedish massage will help calm your Vata and it is best for you to apply oil our Calming Oil to the legs and feet, essential for grounding and calming Vata. Try Yoga, low impact aerobics, golf, hiking, baseball.
This is the Kapha in you…
The elements water and earth rule this Dosha and provide the lubrication, moisture and structural integrity within the body.
While your digestive strength is good, the metabolism is slow causing you to have a larger body structure. You tend to have oily skin and prefer warm weather over humidity. Your Kapha nature shows in expressive eyes often having long lashes and brows.
You like a routine to follow and prefer the tried and true path. You are calm and laid back by nature, not easily agitated. Your speech has a slow, regular rhythm. You have excellent people skills and feel better when you create harmony around you. You don’t “let go” easily and are the most sentimental of the three Doshas.
Daily lifestyle suggestions:
Vary your routine when you can, even if it is as simple as taking a different road one day of the week. Make friends with a Vata person as they will draw you out of a comfort zone. Enjoy but regulate the intake of cold heavy foods such as submarine sandwiches, fried foods and deserts. Drink skim or low fat milk/milk products. While you do not prefer rigorous exercise, engage in some physical activity. Take Chyawanprash daily to support your robust immune system.
When out of balance, what happens:
You tend to get into a rut and prefer to stay at home. You feel down and find that you eat more. You become emotionally sensitive and are offended easily. Conditions connected to the water principle such as sinus congestion, lymphatic and respiratory develop more quickly or take longer to relieve.
When out of balance, what you should do:
Even a small amount of physical activity is helpful. Walking, hiking, bicycling are great choices. Take up a hobby of something that you have not done before. Take Ashwagandha to improve energy levels. Gymnema to help reduce sugar cravings. The liver has many roles, one of which is fat metabolism, so periodically try a liver cleanse with Phyllanthus and simultaneously use Picrorrhiza to strengthen the liver. Reduce heavy moist foods such as dairy, eggs, wheat, rice and switch to light foods such as; salads, cooked vegetables, poultry. Here for some suggested recipes. Get a deep tissue massage to help move retained fluids. Use our Warming Massage Oil to benefit from the spicy, stimulating essential oils.