Constitution (prakiti)
According to ayurveda, a
person’s constitution, or prakiti, is determined by the unique combination of
physical and psychological characteristics formed at the time of birth. This
natal constitution remains unchanged throughout life. Determining the proper
treatment depends on knowing a person’s prakriti. Based on the individual’s
prakiti, the ayurvedic practitioner gives guidance on a diet and behavior to
help him or her heal disease or maintain health. The two types of prakriti are
physical (sareerika) and mental (mansika). The physical or sareeka prakriti is
based on the three life forces, or doshas, whose Sanskrit names are Vata, pitta
and Kapha.
The mental (mansika prakriti) is based on the three tendencies of
mind ( Gunas): Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Life Forces ( Doshas)
The way the three life forces
are balanced affects health, in conjunction with the physical condition of the
body, metal attitudes and lifestyle.
Doshas have these elements in common:
- - Each is made of two of the five basic elements:
Earth, fire, water, air and space (ether).
Each controls certain bodily functions- for
example, vata controls the Breath and circulation.
-
Each person has a unique combination of the
doshas, with one dosha usually more prominent than the other two. One can be a
single doshic,bi-doshic or more rarely tri-doshic.
-
Each dosha has it’s own physical and
psychological characteristics.
-
An imbalance of a dosha will produce symptoms
that are related to that dosha-for instance, an imbalanced vata dosha causes
fear and anxiety.
VATA DOSHA
Vata dosha combines the elements of space (ether) and
air.
It regulates major bodily functions such as blood circulation, breathing,
heart rate, elimination and the mind.
Vatas are lightweight with a thin build;
they think and move quickly and have an aversion to cold, dry weather.
Vatas
have a tendency to worry and suffer light restless sleep. They find warm foods
comforting.
Physically, the are prone to have skin problems neurological
conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.
When unbalanced, they may
suffer from fear and anxiety and have physical tremors and tics.
When balanced,
they are highly creative.
PITTA DOSHA
Pitta dosha present the element of fire and water.
Pitta
controls hormones, metabolism and the digestive system.
Pittas are of modest build
with a strong appetite; they may have reddish complexions with moles and freckles,
an aversion to hot weather and a preference for cold drinks and foods.
Pittas
can be perfectionists. A person with a pitta imbalance may experience negative
emotions, such as anger, and become critical and judgmental.
Digestion may be
compromised by fatigue, too much sun or eating too many spicy or sour foods.
Pittas are susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, infectious disease and
digestive problems such as crohn’s disease.
A balanced pitta dosha builds
qualities such as daring, courage and will.
KAPHA DOSHA
Kapha dosha combines the elements of water and earth.
Kapha helps to maintain strength and immunity and controls growth.
Kapha
lubricates and moisturizes the body tissues, replace old cells, heals wounds
and balances pitta and vata.
Kaphas usually have a solid and heavy body. They
have a great strength and endurance and are slow and methodical in whatever
they do. Their skin is oil and smooth, their hair is lush, thick and dark and
their sleep is sound and long.
Kapha is unbalanced by greed, daytime sleep and
eating too many sweets, starchy or salty foods.
Kapha are vulnerable to
diabetes, cancer, obesity and respiratory illness.
In balance, kapha gives vigor,
strength and energy to the body, and calmness and steadiness to the mind.
Have a great day!
Nadine Robichaud
Ayurvedic Facial Specialist,
Master Esthetician
