As a yoga teacher, I’ve become more intrigued in how ancient wisdom ties into modern practice. Ayurveda, often called “the science of life,” is an integral part of this connection. Ayurveda offers a unique lens through which we can understand not only our health but our entire being—body, mind, and spirit. Our unique energy, which you can think of like an energetic fingerprint, is made up of the doshas. See if you can determine which is predominant for you as you explore the doshas.
Understanding the Five Elements and Doshas
The Five Elements
Ayurveda teaches that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is composed of five basic elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine in various ways to form three primary energies known as doshas: Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth).
The Role of Doshas
Each person has a unique blend of all three doshas, typically with one or two being more dominant. This unique combination affects our physical constitution, emotional nature, and psychological tendencies. Recognizing your predominant dosha can help you gain more awareness about your natural tendencies and potential health challenges. Also, it can help us understand when we are out of balance by our dominant dosha taking the lead and what we can do to bring our energies back into balance.
The Influence of Doshas in Daily Life
From my own experience, understanding my predominant Pitta nature has been a game changer. Pitta’s are strong willed, determined, and decisive. When I am out of balance and pitta is running the show, I can be irritable, judgmental, and controlling. Some of you may be able to relate. I must slow down (kapha/earth) to get myself back into a more balanced state.
Vata Dosha: Ethereal Air
Vata means to move things. The elements that make of Vata are a combination of ether and air. Vata energy governs the nervous system, heart function, circulation, and the removal of waste in the body.
Most Vata’s don’t like the cold and can have poor circulation in their extremities. People whose predominant dosha is Vata usually have delicate features, a light body frame, and are very flexible. Their skin and hair can also be dry.
Vata in Balance
If you’re predominantly Vata, you’re likely energetic and fun-loving. You like to create, but not to organize or get bogged down by the details. You are a quick learner, but easily forget like the saying, “in one ear and out the other”.
Vata Out of Balance
However, when out of balance, Vata can lead to anxiety and restlessness. Too many creative thoughts can lead you to feel overwhelmed and unable to focus. In your body, it can cause stiffness and cracking in the joints and digestive issues.
How to Balance Vata
Vata dominant people are usually attracted to fast paced flowing yoga sequences. So, Vata types benefit enormously from grounding practices like Yin yoga and mindful breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing to stabilize their often whirlwind-like energy. You can also stay longer in poses. To help ground your energy, practice poses like tree pose and tadasana. In your daily life, create a schedule and stick to it to keep you focused.
Pitta Dosha: The Fire Within
Pitta contains the elements of fire and water. It controls the heat in the body, mind, and your emotions. This dosha governs the eyes, skin, liver, small intestine, your ability to digest and metabolize food, and your thoughts. The fire of pitta can burn away old habits and cause transformations, but it also can consume.
If you are Pitta dominant, you are fiery, passionate, and driven. You are filled with a passion for life! Most are good leaders and excel under pressure. You love a detailed task list and find it hard to slow down and relax. You are much more comfortable with “doing” than to just “be”.
Pitta Balanced
Pitta in balance makes you a magnet! As a magnet, people are attracted to your charisma and charm. Things that you desire come easily to you. You are empowered and have an abundance of energy. You have a good memory and discrimination.
Pitta Unbalanced
Overheating, inflammation, and anger can signify an imbalance. You can become obsessive, controlling, and judgmental. In the physical body, this energy manifests as heartburn and stress.
How to Balance Pitta
Pitta’s tendency is to do hot and vigorous yoga practices. Cooling and relaxing practices, such as gentle flow yoga and Sitali pranayama (cooling breath), can help calm Pitta’s intensity. You can also expel the heat by doing twists and side bends to open up the body. While practicing, invite in more ease and surrender instead of constantly striving or pushing to your fullest expression in a pose.
As a constant overachiever, make time to slow down and relax. Maybe take a long bath and read a book for pleasure. Remind yourself that it is okay for you to relax and enjoy life. Pitta’s also need to fuel their body with food regularly due to their strong digestion. Missing meals can make you feel depleted and irritable.
Kapha Dosha: The Grounding Force
Kapha means “that which sticks”. It represents the earth and water elements. This grounded energy governs the structure of the body down to a cellular level, the lungs, sinuses, joints, stomach, and lymph nodes. People with a strong Kapha dosha are easy going, strong, reliable, and make good companions. People are attracted to you for your steadiness and loyalty.
Kapha in Balance
In balance Kapha’s are contented, at ease, compassionate, loving, nurturing, and stable.
Kapha Out of Balance
If Kapha is your dominant dosha, you may find yourself zoning out or streaming hours of tv when you’re stressed. You tend to procrastinate and become sluggish. You also have a hard time upholding boundaries. Because your grounding energy is so strong, you sometimes become too attached to people and outcomes.
How to Balance Kapha
Incorporating stimulating activities like dynamic Vinyasa flows and energizing pranayamas like Breath of Fire can help awaken Kapha’s often dormant energy. Sustained backbends and heart openers will help stimulate circulation in the chest and head leading to a more balanced energy with clearer thoughts.
Practice setting boundaries and putting your needs first. Challenge yourself to do one small thing to get you out of your comfort zone. And don’t forget to get yourself moving!
Personalizing Yoga Practices Based on Ayurvedic Principles
Ayurveda’s principle that “like increases like and opposites balance” is particularly useful with your yoga practice. We are usually attracted to yoga practices, foods, or lifestyles that bring us further out of balance. For example, a Pitta-dominant individual might gravitate towards challenging and hot yoga classes, which can actually exacerbate their fire element. Instead, they could balance their fiery nature with more cooling, grounding practices.
Ayurveda and Yoga: A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
Understanding your Ayurvedic constitution not only enhances your yoga practice but also deepens your connection to daily life. For instance, knowing when you are likely to feel out of balance during seasonal changes can help you adjust your diet, exercise, and even your social activities.
Bringing It All Together
Remember, while identifying your predominant dosha and adjusting your lifestyle accordingly can be profoundly transformative, it’s always best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a comprehensive analysis.
In the journey of yoga and Ayurveda, we are continuously learning, adjusting, and balancing. Whether through the poses we practice on the mat or the foods we choose off it, this ancient wisdom guides us toward a harmonious state of being that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world.
To all my fellow yogis—whether you’re a fiery Pitta, a whirlwind Vata, or a grounded Kapha—embrace the deep wisdom of Ayurveda. Let it guide you not just on your mat but in every facet of your life, paving the way to a balanced, healthy, and joyful existence.
Much love & health,
Carrie
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Resources:
Harris, G. (2019). The Language of Yin. Luminary Press.
Larkin, B. (2023). Yoga Life. Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Stephens, M. (2012). Yoga Sequencing: Designing transformative yoga classes. North Atlantic Books.