In our last post, we discussed the bare basics of Ayurveda. Today we're bringing you a quick guide to balancing the doshas. To find out your primary and secondary doshas, take this easy quiz.
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Balancing Pitta
Pitta imbalance is characterized by:
-red, inflamed rashes, acne or cold sores
-acute inflammation in body or joints
-acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
-nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
-loose stools
-heat intolerance
-frustration, anger, irritability, short temper
-judgment, impatience, criticism, intolerance
-red, inflamed, or light-sensitive eyes
-excessive perfectionist tendencies
To balance Pitta:
Enjoy cooling foods that are sweet, bitter or astringent.
Avoid foods that are pungent, sour and salty.
Avoid warming or spicy foods
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine
Partake in a moderate exercise regimen that is challenging, like yoga, biking or swimming, and avoid working out during the hottest part of the day.
Keep yourself cool, body and mind.
Balancing Kapha
Kapha imbalance is characterized by:
-excess mucus
-thick, white tongue coating
-slow, sluggish bowel movement
-excess body weight
-difficulty waking in the morning
-feeling slow, sluggish, foggy, lethargic
-possessive or excess attachment
-stubborn or stuck
-emotional eating
To balance Kapha:
Bring stimulation and exercise into your daily routine.
Enjoy foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent
Warming and heating foods, spicy.
Room temp or warm drinks only, steer clear of ice-cold beverages
Whole and freshly cooked meals
Avoid sweet, sour or salty foods
Avoid cooling, heavy or oily foods
Avoid stagnation, get your body moving!
Keep warm and dry
Invite invigorating scents, music and experiences into your routine
Balancing Vata
Vata imbalance is characterized by:
-Anxiety, nervousness, fear
-twitching, tremors
-dry skin
-constipation, gas, bloat
-low body weight
-avoiding cold or wind
-sensitive to loud noise
-interrupted sleep, light sleep
-distracted, scattered thought, space-cadet
-worry or overthinking
To balance Vata:
Enjoy sweet, sour and salty foods
Enjoy warm foods
Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne
Warm drinks
Avoid bitter, astringent or pungent foods
Avoid cool foods, raw foods
Avoid dry or light foods, snacks
Enjoy gentle exercise like yoga, walking
Introduce sweet, soothing smells and experiences to your daily routine
Now you've got the basics on how to gently begin balancing the doshas, not only for yourself, but for your loved ones too! For a more in-depth exploration of Ayurveda, we recommend Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda by Pratima Raichur for a deep dive into Ayurveda. Beautifully written and easy to follow, this is the ultimate guide to bringing Ayurveda into your life.
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