If you have been in one of my yoga classes or have come in for a Thai Yoga Bodywork session you will have probably heard me talking about doshas. Well, what is a dosha? And why should you care what your particular dosha is??
The concept of a dosha is pretty simple. It is how Ayurvedic Practitioners or yogis describe people. Doshas, or constitutions, are the way the elements (eather, water, fire, air) manifest in a particular person. According to Ayurveda, constitution is formed at the time of conception. As people grow and their environment changes, the mind and body change to try to keep balanced. This can often lead to an imbalance of the persons particular dosha. In Ayurveda, when there is a strong imbalance of the mind or body from the natural dosha this can manifest as stress or disease of the body and/or mind.
Once you know and understand your dosha and your imbalances you can then work at rebalancing yourself by changing the way you eat, your environment, sleep patterns, and other lifestyle changes. But first things first; let’s find out what your partifular dosha is! http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/quiz/
To learn more about your particular dosha read this Bound for Bliss Yoga post: https://boundforblissyoga.com/2011/10/09/balance-your-doshas-with-essential-oils/
What is your dosha??
| Vata | Pitta | Kapha | |
|---|---|---|---|
| physical constitution | |||
| frame | thin, lanky, boney and taller or shorter than average | average build and size, weight centered in middle | heavy, stocky, broad and either very tall or very short |
| weight | low, difficulties in gaining weight | moderate, no difficulties in gaining or loosing weight | heavy, difficulties in loosing weight |
| appetite | unpredictable, irregular, variable | strong, cannot skip meals and will have to eat again after 3 or 4 hours | constant but can skip meals easily and tolerate hunger and thirst |
| amount of food | very variable, sometime much sometimes less | comparatively more, can eat large quantities at once | comparatively less |
| skin texture | thin and dry, cool to touch, rough | smooth and warm, oily T-zone | thick and moist/greasy, cold |
| complexion | dark, tans easily | fair with freckles, moles, prone to sunburn | pale and hardly tans |
| hair | dry, brittle and curly/frizzy | soft, straight and fine | thick and weavy, tends to get greasy |
| eyes | small and dry, blink a lot | penetrating gaze, reddish sclerae | large and moist, white sclerae |
| lips | thin and dry, often chapped | pink and soft | full and smooth |
| teeth | crooked, irregular with receding gums | yellowish, gums easily bleed | large, white and straight |
| fingers & nails | delicate, small and long fingers with chipped nails | regular fingers with pink and soft nails | wide, angular fingers with large and hard nails |
| voice | low volume, hoarse and cracking | loud and sharp | pleasant, harmonious, low pitch |
| body temperature | less than normal; cold feet and hands | more than normal; palms, feet and face warm or hot | normal, palms and feet cool |
| persipation | scanty with little odour | intense during physical activities or when it gets hot, sharp smell | constant and moderate, sweet smell |
| sleep | light sleeper, awakes easily and may have difficulties falling asleep | sleeps deep and even, hardly needs more than 8 hours sleep | long and sound sleeper, has difficulties awakening even after long hours of sleep |
| walk | fast with a light step | average speed, determined step | slow pace, steady step |
| weather | prefers warm climates, dislikes windy dry and cold days | prefers cooler climates, dislikes heat | adaptable to most climates but can’t stant cold and rainy days |
| mental constitution | |||
| temperament | lively and enthusiastic, likes to change | purposeful and intense, likes to convince | easy going and accepting, likes to support |
| social | independant but insecure, nervous in new situations | outgoing, assertive, accessible, leader nature | follower, good listener, accommodating, lots of friends |
| negative traits | uncertain and jumpy | furious and bossy | greedy and possessive |
| under stress | becomes anxious and worried | becomes irritable and aggressive | becomes withdrawn and passive |
| talk | very talkative; fast, diffused speaking | talkative, good speaker, good at arguments | slow, steady speaker, limited speech, cautious |
| memory | short attention span, forgets things easily | moderate, remembers details clearly and forgets rather slowly | excellent long-term memory, hardly forgets anything |
| learning type | mainly verbal, might have difficulties in truly understanding | lots of visual imagery, learns efficiently | feelings and emotions involved, usually grasping late but ultimately understandig well |
| dreams | flying, searching, restless, prone to nightmares | fighting, violent, passionate and colorful | few, sentimental, romantic, watery, sad |
| love | falls in and out of love easily | intense, passionate love affairs | long term relationships full of affection and love |
| creativity | distinct and detailed ideas in many areas | inventive in technical or scientific areas | creative when dealing with business things |
| decisions | making decisions often feels like a problematic and difficult process | makes decisions quickly and determined | take their time to think things through |
| interests | travelling, dancing, arts | sports, politics, luxury | business, food, literature |
| finances | spends easily, doesn’t save much and often feels poor | spends money on certain chosen things, luxury | saves money, spends freely on food and entertainment |
| activity | hyperactive, restless | active, enjoys exercise and competition | somewhat lethargic |
| sex drive | extreme or none at all | passionate and dominating | constant and loyal |
| beliefs | erratic, rebel, changing | determined, strong principles | permanent, don’t change easily |
| lifestyle | erratic, free and unattached | bustling, well planned | regular, gets into a rut easily |
From my open heart to yours,
Shanell
