KAPHA

Hello everyone! How’s the year been treating you so far? I know so many of us have sent our kiddos back to school (or have already) and with all of the unknowns out there it can seem pretty scary and overwhelming at times, at least for me. It’s times like these that it’s so important to make self-care a priority and put those Ayurvedic practices I’ve been talking about into full effect. 

In my last blog, I touched on the 5 elements – air, water, fire, earth, and space, which according to Ayurvedic theory combine within our mind, body, and spirit to form the 3 energies or life forces called doshas – Vata, Kapha and Pitta which are believed to be responsible for our physiological, mental and emotional health. We are all said to have a unique ratio of each dosha with one standing out more than the others. Today I’m going to give a quick breakdown of each of the 3 doshas so you all can have some fun figuring out which is strongest within you. This will help you to curate YOUR best Ayurvedic routine. 

VATA: Combined mostly of the 2 elements air and space. Generally described as cold, light, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious – represented by Autumn for its cool, crisp days. 

Characteristics: 

slim, energetic, and creative. Can think outside the box but can also be easily distracted. The Vata mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and the foods they eat. 

Strengths:

learn quickly, highly creative, great multitaskers, kind-hearted and flexible.

Weaknesses: 

forgetful, anxious, moody, easily overwhelmed, trouble sleeping, irregular eating patterns, digestive issues, poor circulation resulting in cold hands and feet.

The best Ayurvedic practices for the Vata strong person are following a regular daily routine, managing stress with calming things like meditation, yoga, long walks, or whatever makes you feel peaceful. Warm foods and drinks were also suggested, I’m guessing to help with any circulation issues – I LOVE HOT TEA!!! :-). Activities that involve constant movement like cycling, running, and walking work great for Vata’s “on-the-go” nature. 

KAPHA: Based on earth and water and often described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold, and soft – represented by Spring as much of the world is coming out of hibernation.

Characteristics: 

strong, thick-boned, and caring. Can keep things together and be a support system for others. Kaphas rarely get upset, thinks before acting, and goes through life slowly and deliberately. 

Strengths: 

empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints and a healthy immune system.

Weaknesses: 

susceptible to weight gain due to slow metabolism, sluggishness, oversleeping, breathing issues such as Asthma and allergies, easily depression, and often needing regular motivation and encouragement. 

The best Ayurvedic practices for the Kapha strong person are regular exercise, a healthy diet, and establishing a regular sleep routine. Warming activities like sauna and warm foods and drinks were also suggested. Kaphas work best with a workout buddy and should focus on a good combo of cardio and weights to stay interested and motivated. 

PITTA: Based on fire and water, commonly described as hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid, and mobile – represented by Summer for its sunny, hot days.

Characteristics: 

muscular build, very athletic, strong leaders who are highly motivated, goal-oriented, and extremely competitive. Pittas can also have aggressive and tenacious personalities.

Strengths: 

intelligent and purposeful, learns quickly, self-determined, masters skills easily with a strong desire for success. Quick metabolism with good circulation and healthy skin and hair.

Weaknesses: 

Impatient, prone to conflict (thanks to that tenacious personality), always hungry resulting in mood swings, prone to acne and inflammation, and sensitive to hot temperatures. 

The best Ayurvedic practices for the Pitta strong person are all of the calming things to help you focus on a work-life balance and avoid extreme heat from weather to spicy foods. Team sports are a great way to stay active and satisfy Pitta’s natural competitiveness.

This was just the tip of the iceberg but enough to give you an idea of which of the 3 doshas is most dominant within you. While I can see the characteristics that I carry from each dosha, I now know that I am definitely VATA STRONG! – except for maybe the “slim” part but we’ll keep working on that 😉

Until next time!

Amber K