In Ayurvedic teaching the world consists of the five elements space/ether (Akasha), air (Vayu), fire (Agni), water (Jala) and earth (Prithivi). These forms of energy join together in holistic functional principles and determine everything: from the characteristics of a rock to those of plants, animals and humans. A dynamic equilibrium prevails between the elements. This adapts to the body's needs and functions, which are constantly changing. It is also dependent on external influences: the seasons affect the human state, as does the time of day and a person's age. The five elements combine in pairs to form the three bodily humours (doshas): Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). The doshas are types of energy: they are present in every cell of the body and are responsible for the processes which take place there. Doshas form the foundation for all life.
pitta dosha
What Does Pitta Mean?
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three life forces (Sanskrit: Dosha), which give each person a unique constitution. This so-called Ayurveda type is innate and does not change during one’s entire life. It is therefore of particular importance in Ayurvedic medicine.
Pitta contains the properties of the fire and water element, but the former is more pronounced. Thus, Pitta regulates all metabolic processes in the body as well as body temperature and our hormonal balance. Hunger, thirst, and even intelligence are associated with Pitta.
Character of the Pitta Type
Pitta types can be well-structured, manage projects, and concentrate exceptionally well. They are a pleasure as teachers because their lessons are logically organized, and everyone can follow their clear manner of expression. The Pitta type spends money more systematically and prudently.
The Pitta person likes strong massages with cooling oils (e.g., with rose and sandalwood), enjoying the outdoors as well as a bright and well-ventilated workplace. Pitta types love to exercise outdoors and enjoy measuring their skills with others in order to prove their fighting spirit. They prefer light, loose-fitting clothing made of natural materials in both summer and winter.
Physical Characteristics of the Pitta Type
The first thing you notice with Pitta-dominant people is their clarity and radiance. They are of average stature, have medium-sized eyes and a piercing glance; they are muscular and have a thirst for action. Their skin is rather bright and sensitive, and the hair of European Pitta types is often reddish or blond. Their gums tend to bleed and their teeth are more yellowish than white. Their memory is precise. Pita’s like to eat a lot and digest quickly, very often thirsty, loves sweet and bitter flavors, perspires heavily, prone to infection, temperatures and inflammation.
Typical Pitta Disorders
If their fire gets the better of them, Pitta people can be inclined to have fits of anger or rage, especially when they’re hungry. After prolonged, concentrated work, the Pitta type has a difficult time relaxing, and sleep disorders can occur.
If the Pitta type derails, inflammation in the body may occur. For example, the following illnesses could develop: gastritis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, acne, eczema and other skin diseases such as furuncles and abscesses, as well as liver infections. For people with very pronounced Pitta, it is very important to avoid extremes. Exercise is good for the Pitta type to blow off steam, but the best activities are those of moderate exertion such as jogging, dancing, or cycling. The same applies to food; here, above all, very large portions should be avoided.
Otherwise, it helps to stay away from sources of heat and instead look for a cool, well-ventilated environment. Feelings should be expressed calmly. Deep massages with oil , rebalancing chakra work , shiatsu, and meditations are all good.
nutrition
KEEP AWAY FROM FOODS THAT INCREASE PITTA:
these foods are pungent, sour, salty or too hot. Stimulating foods just further invigorate Pitta, which is why the emphasis should be on moderate meals.
FRUITS: Bananas, pears, plums, figs, pomegranates, cherries, mangos, melons, grapes. Fruit should be consumed at least one hour before or after meals, and not at all in the evening
avoid : sour fruits, such as apples, grapefruit, lemons, dried fruit
VEGETABLES: All sweet and astringent types of vegetable, leafy green vegetables, green beans, broccoli, peas, cucumber, potatoes, cabbage, squash, mushrooms, lettuce, celeriac, asparagus, courgettes
avoid: aubergines, garlic, radishes, tomatoes, onions
GRAINS: Barley, cooked oat, rice, wheat
avoid: buckwheat, millet, corn
PROTEINS: Eggs in moderation
meat and fish products should be avoided.
FATS: Olives , olive oil , butter
avoid : almond oil, corn oil, sesame oil, honey, treacle
SPICES: Coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, fennel. As a general rule, add spices sparingly.
DRINKS: Plenty of cooling water (body temperature), mellow, sweet juices, fennel tea, aniseed and caraway tea
VATA dosha
Vata constitutes vitality and governs all movement processes at a microcellular and macroscopic level – from the blinking of your eyelids to the movements of your muscles. This form of energy is also responsible for circulation, respiration and the nervous system. Vata is the king of the doshas.
If it is in equilibrium, then normally Pitta and Kapha are too. Vata is the foundation of our sense of well-being, which is why keeping this dosha in balance is so vital. The Vata type is shaped by space and air.
Character of the VATA Type
Vata types are exceptionally creative, communicative and brimming with ideas. They are easily enthused, but run the risk of spreading themselves too thin and getting distracted by something new (and supposedly better) after just a short time. They are quick on the uptake, and quick to forget. Their willpower is less well developed. Amongst other things, people with a Vata constitution have a delicate bone structure and do not carry much weight. Their skin tends to be dry and rough. They are physically very active. Appetite and digestion are variable. Vata types love sweet, sour and salty foods. They frequently suffer from cold hands and feet.
Size: either very large or relatively small low weight and delicate bone structure slender, undeveloped muscles little strength
dry, rough, cool skin,
dry hair,
brittle nails,
gains and loses weight quickly
deep and soft voice, speaks quickly
Typical vata Disorders
Vata is based in various locations in the body: in the large intestine, the pelvic area, the knees, skin, ears and hips. If there is an excess build-up of Vata in the body, it collects in these areas. If this bio-energy falls out of sync, the result is anxiety, insomnia and flatulence as well as dry lips, nails, flaky skin, muscle cramps and , constipation. Vata finds it difficult to fall asleep, sleep is frequently interrupted and they are prone to anxiety, and panic attacks.
HELPFUL FOR EXCESS VATA:
a regular daily routine, warming meals, minimal raw food, massages, baths.
the vata psyche :
learns and acts quickly,
good short-term memory,
artistic and musical interests,
prone to jealousy and intolerance,
often a loner,
forgives quickly,
poor long-term memory,
anxious, insecure, avoids conflict, has feelings of guilt,
poor at decision-making,
impulsive,
frequently changing partners,
Positive: levity, cheerfulness and joie de vivre, alertness, clarity and creativity
Negative: fear, sorrow, sadness, insecurity, depression
nutrition
KEEP AWAY FROM FOODS THAT INCREASE VATA:
these are foods that are astringent, bitter or pungent. Raw food is also somewhat detrimental for Vata types because it is more difficult to digest.
FRUITS: Sweet fruits such as bananas, coconut, apples, figs, grapefruit, grapes, mangos, melons, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, plums, berries, cherries, apricots, avocado
avoid :all sour fruits, apples, pears, pomegranates, dried fruit
VEGETABLES: Vegetables should always be well cooked and eaten warm. Green beans, carrots, okra, beetroot, celeriac, asparagus, sweet potatoes
avoid: lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, raw onions
GRAINS: cooked oat, rice, wheat
avoid: buckwheat, barley, millet, corn
PROTEINS: eggs, fish, seafood, chicken and other white meat
FATS: Olives , olive oil , butter
avoid : white sugars
SPICES: Pungent spices, such as pepper, chilli, allspice and turmeric, only in small quantities, otherwise all spices can be consumed.
DRINKS: Drink plenty and focus on warm drinks. Herbal and spiced teas are particularly appropriate.
kapha dosha
Kapha is the combination of water and earth elements. This bio-energy is the structure-forming principle for the organism and is particularly associated with cohesion, stability and energy storage: it gives people substance and strength. Kapha is involved in the material development of different types of tissue. At a spiritual level, it is primarily associated with terms such as love, courage, stamina, dedication, forgiveness and stability. In Indian culture this bio-energy is regarded as the promise of strength in people. Kapha is based in the chest area.
Character of the kapha Type
People who are characterised by Kapha energy operate in a manner that is well-considered and thorough. They can sometimes appear rather slow and ponderous to other people, but they have exceptional endurance and strength. Once a Kapha type has a new objective in their sights, they pursue this with patience and tenacity until they have achieved a successful outcome. Eating is their great passion: consequently Kapha people have a lifelong tendency to be overweight. Above all else, Kapha personalities value inner tranquillity, peace and harmony. They are also able to enjoy the little things in life; they are easily pleased and love things that are tried and tested. Private joy in a stable partnership, healthy kids and loyal friendships are the things they prioritise and that give them inner satisfaction, security and personal happiness.
Heavy, robust physical build, well-proportioned, puts on weight quickly, often overweight, smooth skin, few wrinkles, strong hair, deep, pleasant voice, membranes and joints remain supple.
They have rather poor and sluggish digestion, little thirst, enjoys eating pungent, bitter, sweet flavours, very strong immune system.
Typical KAPHA Disorders
If Kapha gets the upper hand, people become inflexible and increasingly cut back the radius of their existence. They perceive the intense movements and changes of everyday life as exhausting. The result is that they increasingly withdraw from life, shutting themselves off and becoming emotionally and spiritually isolated from their surroundings. It does not take long for boredom to set in. And this is accompanied by food cravings and an uncontrollable desire to consume sweet things, fatty foods, cheese, sausage products. The result is obvious: weight gain and excessive fat in the tissues. Every Kapha type will recognise the phases of internal withdrawal, the desire to be alone and to laze about, the instinctive need to wait out periods of conflict. But once this natural regeneration phase has mutated into a typical Kapha depression, the individual can feel that life is too much for them and they immerse themselves completely in their own fantasy world. In this situation, people with disordered Kapha dosha refuse any kind of emotional exchanges with others, they curl up in a ball and become numb to events around them.
HELPFUL FOR EXCESS KAPHA: To restore Kapha to its healthy form, a plan needs to be put in place to encourage regular exercise both in the physical and spiritual sense. A consciously active lifestyle with good social contacts will be helpful. Don't sleep for too long, especially during the day.
the KAPHA psyche :
Tranquil, stable personality, good long-term memory, works carefully, albeit slowly, tenacious, courageous, tolerant and generous, romantic, prefers to stay home, finds it hard to display negative emotions such as anger, lethargic, does not like change, requires pressure to change anything, Positive: tranquil, stable personality, very patient, sympathetic, affectionate, steadfast, Negative: lacks 'get up and go', lethargy, ignorance, inertia. Mentally bogged down and inflexible. Becomes greedy.
NURITION
KEEP AWAY FROM FOODS THAT INCREASE KAPHA:
These are foods that are sour, salty, sweet, oily or very high in protein.
FRUITS: apples, apricots, berries, pears, dried fruit, pomegranates, cherries, mangos, peaches, cranberries, raisins
avoid :pineapple, bananas, dates, generally very sweet and sour fruits
VEGETABLES: artichokes, aubergines, lettuce, broccoli, chicory, peas, fennel, carrots, garlic, cabbage, peppers, mushrooms, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, asparagus, bean sprouts, onions
avoid: sweet and juicy varieties of vegetable, cucumbers, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, courgettes
GRAINS: quinoa, millet, buckwheat, barley, oats, couscous
avoid: white and brown rice, wheat
PROTEINS: chicken or turkey (the dark meat in each case), eggs (not fried), prawns, game
FATS:
avoid : butter, coconut oil, all kinds of sugar
SPICES: cayenne pepper, pepper, horseradish, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, caraway, fenugreek, nutmeg, fennel, mint
DRINKS:herbal teas, teas with cinnamon, ginger and bitter substances