According to Ayurveda, the body is governed by three doshas, which are the fundamental principles of the functioning of nature. Thus, these doshas control all the functions of the human body.
If you want to know how to take care of your body and mind according to the principles of Ayurveda, you must first know the three doshas to find out what care you should take into account according to which one predominates in you.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the most important traditional medicine in India, and the oldest recorded holistic medicine. Currently, it is still considered a living science that enjoys official status in the Asian country.
Ayurveda stands out for its natural character, facilitating the application of the resources of nature to the body and respecting the uniqueness of each patient. Thus, this method consists of making a comprehensive assessment of each patient to establish a treatment based on diet, massage, and phytotherapy, and even meditation, yoga, or chanting, to establish and maintain a good balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
What are the doshas?
The doshas are the fundamental principles that control all the functions of the human body, according to Ayurveda. The three doshas of Ayurveda are as follows:
- Vata, which regulates movement. A Vata person is usually thin and acts quickly, has light sleep and tends toward insomnia. They are enthusiastic, lively, and imaginative, although they tire easily from overexertion. Their skin is dry and cool to the touch, and they love the sun and good weather.
- Pitta, which regulates metabolism. A Pitta person is of medium build, has light skin (and often freckles) and light hair, such as blonde, brown, or red. They usually have a strong appetite and thirst and an aversion to heat. Their character is enterprising and they love challenges, they have a sharp intellect and precise speech. They are decisive and cannot stand wasting time.
- Kapha, which regulates structure. A Kapha person is of sturdy build and has great strength and physical endurance, with a tendency to gain weight. Their skin is soft and pale, and their personality is calm and relaxed. They are stable, somewhat slow, very affectionate, although possessive and accommodating. Their sleep is usually heavy and prolonged.
Take the dosha test here to find out what dosha you have
These three doshas work together and each person's mind-body type is determined by the predominance of one, two, or all three in the body.
An Ayurvedic diet according to the doshas
According to Ayurveda, flavors are essential, and freshly cooked foods are preferred. It distinguishes six main flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent. The different combination of flavors we make in our diet strengthens some doshas and reduces others.
Of course, these recommendations should not be taken strictly, and a doctor should always be consulted if substantial changes to dietary habits are desired.
Diet for Vata dosha
Cold and dry snacks, as well as bread and astringent flavors, cold drinks, and sodas are not good for Vata people.
Meats help balance Vatas and are better assimilated in soups. They enjoy vegetables such as asparagus, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, onions, cooked peas, carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, radish, anise, garlic, green chilies, leeks, green mustard, black olives, turnip, sweet potato, pumpkin, tomatoes, watercress, and zucchini.
They also enjoy chickpeas and lentils in small quantities, as well as most fruits, except dried fruits, raw apples, dates and dried figs, plums, pears, pomegranates, and watermelon.
Most dairy products are recommended for Vatas, except hard cheeses, plain yogurt, and ice cream. Also seeds such as wheat, cooked oats, and rice, and different sugars, except white sugar.
As for oils, most are recommended, especially olive, ghee, and sesame, avoiding linseed oil. And nuts, in small quantities. Spices are also welcome except spicy chili, chocolate, and radish, as well as drinks, some juices, and most teas.
Diet for Pitta dosha
Pitta people prefer sweet, bitter, and astringent flavors and enjoy cold drinks. They enjoy sweet and bitter vegetables, as well as chickpeas or beans and sweet fruits, but they must avoid sour fruits.
As for dairy, unsalted butter, ricotta, soy milk, and ghee are welcome, but hard cheeses, sour cream, whey, and frozen fruit yogurts must be avoided.
If we talk about seeds, they accept wheat, basmati rice, dry cereals, granola, oat and wheat bran, tapioca, and barley very well, and they must avoid yeast bread, rye, corn, millet, and brown rice.
They must avoid honey and molasses, as well as corn, almond, and sesame oil. Coconut, olive, rapeseed, and sunflower oils are suitable, as well as all nuts except coconut. On the other hand, all spices except basil, cumin, ginger, mint, parsley, vanilla, cilantro, cinnamon, anise, turmeric, black pepper, and cardamom must be avoided.
They handle almond milk and most juices very well, while they must avoid strong alcoholic drinks, wine, apple cider, soda, coffee, and chocolate, as well as drinks with ice and some teas.
Diet for Kapha dosha
Kapha people have a regular appetite and slow digestion. They like spicy, bitter, and astringent food, so they accept all types of vegetables except cucumbers, olives, sweet potato, raw tomatoes, and zucchini. They enjoy red beans, chickpeas, and beans.
They enjoy astringent fruits but must avoid avocados, bananas, pears, coconut, fresh dates and figs, oranges, grapes, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, orange melons, papayas, pineapples, tamarindo, and watermelon.
As for dairy, they must avoid salted butter, cow's milk, whey, ice cream, sour cream, and plain or fruit yogurt. Regarding seeds, they must avoid yeast bread, cooked oats, and white or brown rice.
They accept concentrated juices and raw honey very well, but not so much barley malt, fructose, white sugar, and rice and maple syrups. As for oils, corn, sunflower, ghee, and almond oils are recommended, but not avocado, apricot, coconut, olive, sesame, soy, and walnut.
They accept all nuts except almond, coconut, pistachio, peanut, and hazelnut; as for spices, all except salt. If we talk about drinks, they must avoid alcoholic drinks, sodas, coffee, drinks with ice, lemonade, orange juice, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, papaya, and tomato juice. They also reject red ginger tea.
Hair care according to the doshas
According to Ayurveda, hair health begins with diet and depends on digestive strength, just like the health of all other tissues and systems. If you want to know more about this, you can consult the entry we dedicate to how to massage the hair according to Ayurveda.
What does your dosha say about your skin type?
As you may have seen, each dosha stands out for having a marked personality, but also for a specific skin type:
- Vata: thin, dry skin, with fine pores, delicate and prone to wrinkles.
- Pitta: susceptible to rashes, breakouts, and rosacea.
- Kapha: oily skin, prone to large pores, blackheads, pimples, eczema.
Thus, according to your dosha and your skin type, you will need to use different products. Fortunately, in the Real Earth Stories store you have many natural products you need to take care of your skin, whatever your dosha.
In our online store you can buy shikakai, amla, henna, argan oil and rosehip oil (tridosha products). Both oils are pure and 100% natural and we sell them in 100-milliliter bottles with a dropper so that it is much easier to apply. We also offer you an introduction to Ayurveda service that will help you find your balance.