In the ancient world when people were more in tuned with nature, they understood the laws of nature and the unique balance it maintained through all living things in our universe.
Life as they accepted bloomed with the flow of giving and receiving. Nothing is static in nature. Our bodies flourish through dynamic and constant exchange of chemicals in the universe. Ancient Ayurveda was built and developed on the understanding of this essential natural balance. In the science of Ayurveda, the universe is identified to be built up of 5 elements, namely: fire, ether/space, earth, wind and water. Our bodies are a buildup of these 5 elements which are in constant exchange with the environment around us. Our cells thrive through corporation with one another and as do all our other organs. If there is an impact on one organ, it will imbalance the rest of our natural body balance.
Nature too provides us with a perfect symphony; the sun provides us warmth and helps germinate seeds. The rain brings much needed hydration to crops which subsequently give us food to nourish our bodies and helps fuel the entire ecosystem around us. Nowhere in the natural world does hording exist. The process of given and receiving is nature’s theory of maintaining this crucial balance.
As such, each and every one of us is made up of a varied degree of these 5 elements. Based on our mix of these elements found in our body, we are categories in to the 3 main Ayurveda Dosha namely Vata, Pitta, Kapha that is identified by Ayurveda. For more information on Dosha and finding your own unique, answer a few simple questions on our free Ayurveda Dosha Quiz
According to your unique Dosha you can see what balance of elements that are found more of and less of in your body. Accordingly to find a balance for optimal health one must aim to consume more of the foods that are found less in your body.
To put it more simply, you counterbalance your body’s qualities with foods of the opposite quality so you reach that perfect equilibrium. Hence, if you are a Vata you are made up of air and either/space. Pitta’s are fire and water. And Kapha are earth and water. For more information on this read “5 Elements of Ayurveda and its effect on your Doshas”
Its important to realize that although we are born with a certain level of each of these 5 elements, they do change throughout your life due to your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, emotions and a variety of other factors.
This is the key to you gaining control to your body’s own wellness where you can alter your imbalanced dosha by controlling these facts that affect it and your body. Below is a brief guideline on what foods each Dosha should avoid or take more of.
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Vata + Kapha |
Are both cooling doshas by nature, so you need to balance these out by warming foods |
Opt for soups, stews, hot stir fries, hot teas and keep yourself warm and cozy through your foods. |
|
Pitta |
Pitta Dosha are naturally hot and sharp. Its important to balance this out with cooling and refreshing foods and more smooth foods |
You can try salads, smoothies, ice teas, fresh dips and couscous salads. |
|
Vata |
Are naturally dry and rough, so oily and creamy soft foods are recommended. They are also astringent by nature and sweet and salty foods are good for them. |
Avoid dry foods such as crackers, chips and cereals. Eat stews, curries, stir-fries, avocados, nuts and healthy oils |
|
Pitta + Kapha |
Are oily by nature so dry and astringent foods are recommended for balance |
Avoid oily foods such as nuts, fried foods, tempura, stir fries, etc. Better options would be Steamed veggies, rice, fruits, oil-free curries and dressings. |
|
Vata + Pitta |
Are the constant runners group and they need foods that ground them |
You can try high protein options such as meats, lentils, spinach, energy boosting teas |
|
Kapha |
Are mostly made up of earth and are dense and soft by nature, so they need light foods and those that stimulate their metabolism. Fibrous foods are also recommended |
Avoid foods that will sit in your stomach and take longer to digest such as meats, bread, pasta, eggs, fried foods.Instead opt for steamed veggies, salads, lentil, sprouts, seeds, etc |
For a complete lifestyle change and maintenance we recommend you consult an Ayurvedic practitioner that can guide you with a multi-dimensional routine. Above is a basic dietary guide where we have listed out a few areas to consider to maintain a balance, based on the 3 main Ayurveda Dosha.
All Térapy Ceylon Teas too have a recommendation on which teas suit certain Doshas. However, as all the teas are herbal and tested, you can feel free to try any of the teas you love, regardless of your Dosha.