CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution. Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced Affectionate and loving Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature Stable and reliable; faithful Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive Slow moving and graceful Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large "soft" eyes and a low, soft voice Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance Excellent health, strong resistance to disease Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers. Don't like cold, damp weather Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Physical Features People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of kapha people are not obvious because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent. Their complexions are fair and bright. The skin is soft, lustrous and oily, it is also cold and pale. The hair is thick, dark, soft and wavy. The eyes are dense and black or blue: the white of the eye is generally very white, large and attractive.  Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. They crave pungent, bitter and astringent foods. Stools are soft and may be pale in color: evacuation is slow. Their perspiration is moderate. Sleep is sound and prolonged. There is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and kapha people are generally healthy, happy and peaceful. Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving and loving: however, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness. Their comprehension is slow but definite: once they understand something, that knowledge is retained. Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and are good at holding on to it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type.
 

• Medium physique, strong, well-built
• Sharp mind, good concentration powers
• Orderly, focused
• Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance
• Competitive, enjoy challenges
• passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas
• Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal
• Like to be in command
• When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry
• Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily
• Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair
• Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired
• Perspire a lot
• Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated
• Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech
• Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian
• Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects
• Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger

Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.

Physical Features

These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.
 

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.
They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA TYPES

• Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.    Creativity, mental quickness
• Highly imaginative
• Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
• Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
• Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
•  Talk and walk quickly
•  Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
• Excitable, lively, fun personality
• Changeable moods
• Irregular daily routine
• Variable appetite and digestive efficiency
• High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert
• Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance
• Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance
• Tendency to act on impulse
• Often have racing, disjointed thoughts
• Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much

Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

Physical Features

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.

Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.

You are what you eat - Food is the fuel for our state of mind

Cultivating The Satvic Mind

Ayurvedic Recommendations for Purity of Life

Through centuries of observing both cosmic and human behavior, ancient ayurvedic healers defined three basic gunas or qualities that influence everything that happens in the macrocosm of the universe or the microcosm of our minds. It's the quantity of these three gunas -- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas -- that ayurvedic healers believed can create or destroy harmony in our lives:

Sattva is the most superior of all gunas. Sattva in the Universe is responsible for Creation. Inside our own self, it gives us the ability to visualize well, think right, do good and act in accordance with the laws of nature.

Rajas stands for action. In cosmic terms, Rajas is responsible for Maintenance and Nurturing of what has been created. In human beings, the Rajasic guna or quality means giving a concrete shape to dreams, being motivated and taking action. Excess of Rajas, however, leads to an unsettled and perpetually restless mind.

Tamas supplies us with the ability to finish or complete what was generated by Sattva and Rajas. In the context of the Universe, Tamas stands for Destruction. While some may see Tamas as a negative guna, ayurvedic philosophy says Tamas has its own role in the scheme of things. It weans us from the old and the lifeless, urging us to move on and invest in that which is still alive.

While a balanced personality blends all three gunas in equal measure, the most positive personality is that which is high on Sattva. Is it possible to cultivate more Sattva in our lives? Certainly, says ayurveda. If so, how? Ayurveda suggests a two-pronged approach.

Aahara: diet. Vihara: activity or lifestyle.

The two pillars of purity of life
 

1.Aahara: diet. 2.Vihara: activity or lifestyle.

On Aahara:

He begins with the oft-quoted saying "You are what you eat. Ayurveda, he says, believes this simple statement holds infinite meaning and truth. To illustrate this point, healers use the example of the elephant, the tiger and the jackal.

The elephant is a pure vegetarian. He is strong, gentle and intelligent enough to work well in a human environment. The elephant represents the Saatvic mind.

The tiger represents the Rajasic nature. He kills and eats other animals, and this carnivorous nature makes him fierce and aggressive. Restless and strong, the tiger is always on the prowl.

The jackal symbolizes the Tamasic mind. He is cunning, fearful and lazy, shunning daylight and surviving on food left uneaten by other animals.

Your goal should be to acquire the Saatvic qualities of the elephant. This can be achieved by analyzing your eating habits and improving them in keeping with these guidelines:

Eat vegetarian food. Light foods such as fresh vegetables, milk, fruits, most grains, split or whole mung dal and almonds increase calmness, clarity and creativity of the mind-in other words, they enhance Sattva.

Use Ghee as your medium of cooking. Ghee is clarified butter, free of milk solids, proteins and water. It has amazing nutritive and medicinal qualities, besides being extremely flavorful and aromatic. Its penetrative qualities make it an excellent medium for aiding the absorption of nutrients by the body, while also lubricating the tissues.
Avoid refrigerated, processed, artificially colored, canned and chemically preserved foods as far as you can. They increases ama or toxic undigested matter in the physiology, tax the body's agni or digestive fire, lack vitality and do not stimulate your Sattva.
Eat cooked food instead of raw. Ayurveda believes that the essential nutrients of food are not available to the body until agni or fire is applied to them in the form of heat. For ayurvedic recipes using ghee and healing spices see our recipes section.
Avoid fermented foods, in which the disintegration of nutrients has begun even before they are consumed. These foods, such as vinegar, ketchup, yeast breads and alcohol, increase Tamas or dullness in the mind.
Always eat slightly less than what your hunger demands.
Eat all meals at regular times.

On Vihara:

Vihara is essentially your behavior and action as influenced by the quality of your mind. Take the example of a burning train. When a train catches fire, the three minds respond in very different ways:
The Tamasic mind, being dull and weak, faints or panics-unable to act or react in an appropriate manner. The Rajasic mind is naturally reliant on action, and therefore immediately starts hunting for the nearest fire extinguisher or exit. The Saatvic mind, being calm and steady, takes a moment to analyze the situation and acts only after weighing the right response to the situation.

Though each of us is born with one or more dominating gunas, it is in our power to increase the guna we want. How can the mind be led toward Sattva? The answer is simple. You train the mind to act in accordance with the laws of nature. His tips on how to do this are practical and logical. Among other things, the vaidya strongly recommends the following Sattva-building measures:
Focus on activities that bring you joy. Do not restrain natural urges such as sneezing or yawning. Go for walks. Retire early and make sure you get a good night's sleep. Be gentle and forgiving of yourself. Practice moderation in everything-be it diet, sleep, or exercise. Keep the company of the wise. Fine-tune your senses, so that your indriya or senses learn to obey your manas or mind. This will help you make healthful and happy choices, leading to increased Sattva in your life. Twice a day for 20 minutes, practice  Meditation, which is a scientifically proven way to heighten creativity, expand consciousness, improve relationships and increase Sattva.

In conclusion, then, the Saatvic mind always chooses those thoughts and actions that promote fulfillment and joy. It is rich in dhi or knowledge: it knows just What is beneficial for it. Cultivate Sattva in your life, and you will be able to reconnect with the limitless power of your atma or Self.

Chakras

The Chakras

Chakras are a common concept in several disciplines of alternative medicine and traditional Oriental medicine. A chakra is a centre of energy which has several functions. In addition to being 'representative' of a particular organ or group of organs, a chakra also controls our being on different levels and it links these two representative states.
The concept of chakra is very important in therapies such as reiki, meditation, yoga, therapeutic touch, aura, etc. Because of its wider application across a number of disciplines it is covered as a separate topic.
The word chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel. From a side view, a chakra looks like a cone with its point plugging into your spine to receive energy, and its opening about four inches from your body.
The body has seven basic body chakras and a number of minor chakras. These are from the lowest to the highest:

• The Root Chakra
• The Sexual Chakra
• The Personality Chakra
• The Heart Chakra
• The Expressive Chakra
• The Knowledge Chakra
• The Crown Chakra

The number of major chakras does vary in some instances, e.g. Hindu yoga has six centers, but the greatest variation is in the minor chakras. In some regimes of therapy ten minor chakras are identified, and these are interconnected with the major chakras. A typical system could be:

• one in the arch of each foot, connected to the first and third chakras
• one in each knee joint, connected to the fifth and sixth chakras
• one in each palm, connected to the second, third and fourth
• chakras one in each elbow, connected to the second and third chakras
• one below each shoulder, connected to the third and fifth chakras

Your style of running energy through these centers expresses your personality. This, in turn, determines how you survive, feel, respond, love, communicate, understand, perceive, trust, and create. You also have feet chakras and hand chakras. The best method of gaining understanding and control of your chakras is to meditate on them, one by one, placing your attention on each chakra for two or three minutes every day. Remember to both ground yourself and to run your energy while you meditate. The attached table, 'The Seven Body Chakras,' gives meaning and definitions to the seven basic body chakras and the physical and psychological imbalances connected with each chakra.
Brief summaries of the major chakras are given below:
The root chakra
This is the source of strength and is essential for proper development. The other centres of energy rely upon the root chakra to perform properly. Disorders within the root chakras may result in mental problems (e.g. aggression, confusion) or physical symptoms (e.g. of the intestines, excretory systems, or bones).
The sexual chakra
This is highly influential and governs sensual and sexual factors, the means whereby experiences are felt and registered. Blockages result in a variety of phobias or conditions such as a fear of being touched, a general incomprehension or an obsessive cleanliness. Physical manifestations may include being prone to infections, or problems with the kidneys/bladder or lymphatic system.
The personality chakra
This is also called the solar plexus chakra, this is the power centre and focus of personal freedom or, conversely, feelings of guilt. Mental consequences of a blockage might be anxiety about how others perceive you, envy or selfish greed. Physically there could be digestive disorders, liver and gall bladder problems or disorders of the pancreas.
The heart chakra
This effectively controls self-acceptance and by extension everyone else around us. Blockages may result in attitudes such as selfishness or emotional blackmail. Physical manifestations could be disorders of the lungs and heart, and circulatory problems.
The expressive chakra
The expressive chakra (or throat chakra) controls overall self-expression, whether it is language or gesture. An upset in this centre could well result in an individual who becomes dictatorial while the physical signs could be growth problems, or a muscular tension leading to a lack of vocal control.
The knowledge chakra
Otherwise known as the forehead chakra or Third Eye, this is the focus of intuition, the perception of truth which enables a person to find their own course through life. Accordingly, a blockage of this chakra will culminate in a haphazard approach to life, and probably an inability to settle down to any one task for any length of time.
The crown chakra
It is generally felt that the seventh, crown, chakra is appreciated only by experience and it depends upon the other six for its development.

5 Ways To Introduce Ayurvedic Principles Into Your Daily Diet

5 Ways To Introduce Ayurvedic Principles
Into Your Daily Diet

"You are what you eat." Right, but only 50% right, according to the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. The combination of what you eat and what your body does with what you eat is what actually shapes health and well-being.

According to Ayurveda, you are unique, and your dietary needs are unique too, determined by your body constitution, age, the season, your environment and your needs for balance at any given time. But there are some diet and digestion principles that are universally applicable. Here we present five that you can begin any time - the quick and-simple way to incorporate the Ayurvedic way of eating into your daily diet. Once you start seeing results, you can delve more deeply into doshas - Ayurvedic body types - and tailor a diet and digestion routine that' best for you.

1. Add some Zest to Your Life with Lemon!

Add the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon to a large cup of really warm water and drink first thing in the morning. Fresh lemon juice in moderation is good for all doshas. Lemon is a wonderful aid to internal cleansing. Antibacterial and antiseptic, lemon retards the presence of disease-causing bacteria in the digestive tract. It is also a digestion enhancer and helps reduce bloating and flatulence. It kindles a lethargic appetite, getting the digestive juices flowing. And it aids elimination, so your digestive tract is naturally flushed clear every morning. As an antioxidant, lemon helps fight disease-causing free radicals in the body. It helps keep your skin clear and your eyes sparkling.

More ways to use fresh lemon:

Add lemon zest to your herbal tea.  

Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your lentils. 

Skip the fatty prepared dressing and opt for a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dash of extra-virgin olive oil over your salad.

2. Say "No Ice, Please!"

According to Ayurveda, iced beverages, especially with or right after a meal, can really slow down digestion. Imagine pouring cold water over burning coals set up to cook your food. That's effectively what you do to your digestive fires when you gulp down iced beverages with your meal. Instead, opt for digestion-enhancing drinks. Warm water infused with fragrant fennel helps enhance digestion, prevents bloating, and freshens your breath naturally. Cumin tea, or ginger-mint tea made with fresh ginger root slices and fresh mint leaves are great alternatives. 

Warm herb/spice teas stimulate the digestion, help your body assimilate the nutrients from the foods you eat and help flush toxins from the system.

To make herb or spice teas, bring water to a boil, add the fresh herbs or spices, turn off the heat, and cover. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, strain and enjoy.

 

Digestion begins much before the first morsel of food goes down your throat. When food is prepared properly and presented beautifully, and your body and mind are receptive, all of your senses can aid digestion. When you eat mindfully, colors, flavors, aromas and textures blend to make the process of eating a delightful and productive experience.

3. Invite All your Senses to the Table


Create an inviting, pleasant environment to aid in the enjoyment of a meal:

• Keep the dining table free of clutter. Only your food should grace the table at mealtimes.
• Diffuse appetizing aromas 30 minutes before your meal - lemon, orange and coriander are wonderful for getting those digestive juices flowing.
• Eat in a silent, serene atmosphere. Keeping your mind free of clutter while you eat will help your body and mind make the best use of what you're ingesting.

4. Take a Lunch Break!

How many times a week do you grab a quick bite for lunch, use lunch as an excuse for getting business accomplished or skip lunch altogether?

According to Ayurvedic healers, lunch should be THE most important meal of the day. It's the time of day when your digestion is naturally at its peak, and your body best able to complete the digest-absorb-assimilate cycle.

Yet most of us eat the biggest meal of the day at night, often not long before we go to bed, and the body has to rev up and work hard to digest the food at a time when it should be trying to get into rest mode. Unless you're among the lucky few with a workhorse for a digestive system, eating heavy at night tends to result in undigested food clogging up your insides. You'll find it harder to fall asleep, your skin might break out, you'll gain weight easily, and you'll not feel as energetic as you should during the day.

So take that lunch break, and eat your most substantial meal of the day around noon. Heavier foods and yogurt should be eaten at lunch rather than dinner for the same reasons.

And when you have five to ten precious extra minutes, take the time to just sit quietly after the meal, savoring the experience, before you resume activity. This will direct your body's energy towards digestion before you draw it to other activities.

5. Drink to Good Health!

Water, the Ayurvedic beverage of choice, is crucial for digestion and absorption and to help flush toxins out of the body. It helps prevent bloating and constipation, and helps transport nutrients to the cells and tissues. It helps support the metabolism of fat.

Drink room temperature water or warm water through the day. Water spiked with digestion enhancing spices and herbs is even better. Light, clear vegetable broths, prepared fresh each day, are good detoxifiers and offer soothing comfort on cold winter days.   

Alchemy of Digestion

"Good Health Is a Gently Blazing Fire"

In Western culture, reverence for food and eating has faded, or been lost entirely. Grace may still be said at the dinner table, but for the most part, food is eaten with very little thought of where it came from and an absence of sensitivity to the condition of the digestive fire.

The ancient science of Ayurveda describes digestion as a sacred fire. Personified in the Indian tradition as the god Agni, the digestive fire in the belly consumes our food and transmutes it into the elements of the body, mind and spirit. 

When we feel hunger, this is a sign that the digestive fire is blazing. When our hunger flags, and the fire weakens, then our digestion suffers, food is not assimilated and toxins accumulate in the body. According to Ayurveda, the condition of the digestive fire determines the health of our entire being.

How do we make sure that Agni, this sacred fire, stays strong and healthy? First, we supply just the right amount of fuel. If we overload our stomach by overeating, or if we drown it by drinking too much at meals, then the digestive fire goes out and it takes a long time to recover.

Keeping in mind that hunger is the sign of a healthy digestive fire, rather than constantly snacking, we can wait to eat until the level of hunger is high, but not too high. We can wait until mealtimes, and only then make our offering to the flames.

In India, as in many traditional cultures, meals are a time of sacred offering. Prior to eating, the food is offered to the divine power with humility, reverence and gratitude. The food itself is considered sacred and is prepared, handled and served as a precious gift. Many traditional cultures attach rituals to the act of eating to acknowledge its divine nature. This religious practice nourishes the soul as well as the body.

In many parts of the Western culture, however, this reverence for food and eating has faded, or been lost entirely. Grace may still be said at the dinner table, but for the most part, food is eaten with very little thought of where it came from and an absence of sensitivity to the condition of the digestive fire. Who among us takes a moment of reverential silence before biting into food when we are dashboard dining? And, with oversized portions being the norm, how often do we force ourselves to finish every bite, regardless of feeling unwell afterwards?

The consequences of eating in this unconscious fashion, year after year, are devastating, and explain, in part, why Western people suffer so much from obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and other life-threatening conditions. These are all diet-related problems and the solution, the way to prevent them, is also related to the diet-what we eat and how we eat it. 

Simply stated, when our digestive fire is strong, we thrive. When it is weak, we suffer.

• The next time you sit down to eat, take a few seconds to become aware of your digestive fire. Assess the level of hunger. Can you feel your digestive fire blazing?Can you sense that the digestive fire is ready to accept your offering of food?
  
  
• Look at the food you are offering. Is it pleasing? Is it also wholesome? Will it leave you feeling satisfied, light and energetic?
  
  
• Are you in a quiet and reverential state of mind, undistracted, focused on the amazing, alchemical act of nourishing yourself?
  
  
• Pause for a moment to center yourself in this awareness. Take a deep breath and enjoy.