According to Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three principal energies, also known as doshas. These doshas are Pitta, Vata and Kapha. Every individual has all three fundamental doshas; however, one dosha is more prominent than the rest. This prominent dosha determines the Ayurvedic body type or constitution, also known as Prakriti. Ancient wisdom defines the human body as a conglomeration of water, air, earth, fire, and ether. These 5 elements make up the human body and handle its functioning. However, all the elements must exist proportionally to ensure balance and stability. If this balance is disturbed beyond a certain point, the body may experience discomfort or collapse altogether. Each Prakriti has different characteristic features. The concept of Prakriti makes Ayurveda unique from other medical systems. Selection of treatment, medicine is different for each individual depending upon their Prakriti.
Vata consists mostly of the two elements air and space (also known as ether) and is generally described as cold, light, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious. Autumn represents vata for its cool, crisp days.
Read MoreKnown for being associated with a tenacious personality, this dosha is based on fire and water. It's described as hot, light, sharp, and mobile. Summer is known as pitta season for its sunny days.
Read MoreKapha (pronounced “kuffa”) is based on earth and water. It can be described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold, and soft. Spring is known as kapha season, as many parts of the world slowly exit hibernation.
Read MoreThose with the vata dosha are usually described as slim, energetic, and creative. They're known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. What's more, their mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat
According to Ayurveda, for optimal health, a vata-dominant person should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other calming activities, and maintain a warm body temperature by avoiding cold weather and consuming warm foods and drinks
The food which are beneficial to Vata Prakriti are those that are sweet and hot in properties. Since Vata Prakriti people have variable digestive capacity, it is recommended to them to follow an appropriate dietary routine. Food should be consumed in small quantities. Ginger and garlic shall be used to maintain proper digestive abilities. Cereals such as wheat, sesame. Pulses such as black gram, green gram. Milk products such as curd, ghee, butter, cheese. Oils such as sesame oil, castor oil, cod liver oil. Vegetable such as white gourd, drumstick, onion, asparagus, radish. Fruits such as mango, coconut, grapes, dates, pineapple, almonds, figs.
Food which are not beneficial to Vata which are dry, cold and astringent in properties. Cereals such as barely, horse gram. Pulses such as sprouted pulses, peas, masur, chana. Vegetables such as dry leafy vegetables, potato, bitter gourd. Fruit such as jamun, cucumber, watermelon. Spices such as chillies, pepper. Honey and sugarcane juice are not beneficial.
Due to their “on-the-go” nature, those with vata-dominant doshas should focus on activities that involve constant movement, such as cycling, running, walking, yoga, tai chi, etc.
People with pitta are said to usually have a muscular build, be very athletic, and serve as strong leaders. They're highly motivated, goal-oriented, and competitive. Still, their aggressive and tenacious nature can be off-putting to some people, which can lead to conflict
Those with a pitta-dominant dosha should focus on work-life balance and avoid extreme heat
Food which are cold , dry, sweet and bitter are beneficial to Pitta Prakriti. Cereals such as wheat, barley. Pulses masur, greengram, channa. Ghee, butter, fresh buttermilk. Vegetables such as snake gourd, white gourd, carrot, beetroot. Fruits such as dried grapes, apple, pomegranate, ripe bananas. Old jaggery. Spices such as coriander, rock salt. Meat of deer or goat.
Food which are hot, pungent and sharp (teekshna) in properties are not beneficial to Pitta Prakriti. Pulses such as blackgram, horsegram, sprouted pulses. Sour curds and butter milk. Beef, mutton, sea fish. Vegetables such as bringal, drumstick, green leafy vegetables. Fruits such as oranges, lime, tamrind, unripe mango. Spices such as garlic, pepper, chillies, asafoetida.
Pitta doshas tend to push themselves too hard and should avoid exercising in the heat. Team sports are an excellent way to stay active while satisfying pitta's natural competitiveness.
People with this dosha are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring. They're known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner
For good health, a kapha-dominant person should focus on regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintain a warm body temperature (e.g., by sitting in a sauna or eating warm food), and establish a regular sleep routine
Food which are light, hot, dry, pungent in properties are beneficial to Kapha Prakriti. Cereals such barley. Pulses such as masur, horse gram, green gram. Oil such as mustard oil, sesame oil. Vegetables such as bitter gourd, drumstick, snake gourd, onions. Fruits such as pomegranates, lemon. Spices such as dry ginger, black cumin seeds, garlic, pepper. Meat of deer. Old wine and substances such as honey.
Food which are sweet, cold, heavy in property are not beneficial to Kapha Prakriti. Cereals such as fresh rice. Pulses such as black gram. Buffalo's milk, curd, ghee, butter. Oils from animal fat. Vegetables such as sweet potato, cabbage. Fruits such as banana, guava, grapes, coconut, jack fruit. Mutton, egg, fresh water fish. Sugarcane juice, jaggery. Freshly prepared beverages. Spices such as coriander.
Kapha doshas work best with a workout buddy and should focus on a combination of cardio and weight-resistance exercise to stay interested and motivated. Any type of movement is beneficial for this group.