b'THE THREE AYURVEDIC MIND-BODY TYPES (DOSHAS) Department of Diet and Herbal TherapyAccording to Ayurveda, the basic qualities of natures elementsearth, water, fire, air, and spaceare present within the mind and body, too. These mind-body elements are grouped into the three governing principles of physiology (Doshas): Vata (space/air), Pitta (fire/water), andT heAyurvedicapproachtodietanddigestionemphasizesthatwater,fire,air,andspacearepresentwithinthemindandbody,too. Kapha (earth/water). Each persons constitution (Prakriti) is a unique blend of the three doshas. digestion occurs not just through the mouth and digestive tract,These mind-body elements are grouped into thethree governing princi-but also through all our faculties, including our sense organs andples of physiology (Doshas): Vata (space/air), Pitta (fire/water), and Kapha VATA DOSHA PITTA DOSHA KAPHA DOSHA intellect. In this light, diet is anything that is taken in from any field of(earth/water). perception, through any sense of perception, any mode of mind andBalance of the doshas is essential to optimize all bodily functions includ- space + airfire + waterearth + water any mode of intellect.movementtransformationstructure ing digestion. Personalizing ones diet to promote balance of the doshastransportationheatcohesion The classical Ayurvedic texts assert that a healthy, happy, successful life,is an important aspect of ideal Ayurvedic nutrition. To do so, its useful tocommunicationmetabolismlubrication including worldly achievement, attainment of heavenly life, and enlight- have some understanding of ones current state of dosha balance, some-enment, all depend on food.times called the individuals body constitution. GENERAL QUALITIESGENERAL QUALITIESGENERAL QUALITIESAt the same time, ideal nutrition depends not only on a wholesome and Thin build Medium build Larger build balanced diet, but also on the strength and efficiency of the processes ofWhile an Ayurvedic consultation, including pulse assessment is the best Doesnt gain weight easily Balanced weight Tendency for weight gain digestion and metabolism through which the body extracts and utilizesway to gain this understanding, a well-designed Personal Characteristics Quick to learn, quick to forget Sharp intellect Longer to learn, doesnt forget easily the nutrients contained in foods. Equal importance is thus given to theQuestionnaire(DoshaQuestionnaire)canbeausefulpreliminarytool. Enthusiastic and vivacious Goal oriented Calm and grounded quality of the food we eat and the power of our digestion. The information gained can help one make personal dietary choices that Becomes cold easily Becomes hot easily Soft, oily, cool skin promote balance.IN BALANCE IN BALANCE IN BALANCE In the AyurVedic approach to diet and digestion, an important focus is thePersonalizingonesapproachtodietanddigestionincludesconsidera-Creative and dynamic Driven, methodical worker Strong and steady quality of the end-product of digestion. When diet is wholesome and bal- tions such as taste of food, quality of food (heavy/light, dry/oily, hot/cold, Clear and alert mind Inner peace & happiness Stable temperament anced and digestion is strong, the end-product of digestion and metabo- etc.), and timing of food intake, all of which have an effect on the state of Balanced digestion & elimination Strong digestion Regular elimination lism is called Ojas. Ojas is understood to be the most refined bodily sub- dosha balance. Short and light sleep Short and sound sleep Long and sound sleep stance which, when produced in abundance and functioning effectively, Good circulation & even body temperature Radiant, glowing skin Healthy robust physiology upholds immunity, long life, happiness, and the development of higherBecoming more familiar with these principles will help refine and optimize states of consciousness.onesapproachtodietanddigestionenhancingOjasandminimizing OUT OF BALANCE OUT OF BALANCE OUT OF BALANCE On the other hand, if food quality and digestion are not optimal, toxic im- Ama. In addition, a wide range of Ayurvedic formulations are available to Tired and/or fatigued Controlling, fiery personality Lethargy purities are produced that collectively are called Ama. Ama is a key caus- help bring balance to the physiology and to promote longevity.Lack of focus or forgetful Overheated Occasional feelings of sadness ative factor in ill health and lack of overall wellness, including diminished Constipation, gas, wind Workaholic tendencies Sluggish digestion Successfully integrating these principles of Ayurveda into ones daily life Difficulty falling asleep Excess stomach acid Difficulty waking up mental well-being. Therefore, all Ayurvedic strategies aim to optimize dietare key to fulfilling the ultimate purpose of diet and digestion: to unite Poor circulation - cold hands and feet Interrupted sleep Prone to sinus & respiratory issues and digestion to favour production and function of Ojas and prevent thedisparate values into such a perfectly balanced state of mind and body Feelings of anxiousness or worry Occasional skin rashes & acne Food cravings formation of Ama. as to promote not just good health but higher states of consciousness to According to Ayurveda, the basic qualities of natures elementsearth,support and sustain the stable experience of wholeness of Life.26 27'