THE ART OF AYURVEDA

HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA

THE ART OF AYURVEDA EATING FOR YOUR DIGESTION

AYURVEDA a-yur-ve-da / n.

the science or knowledge (veda) or life (ayus).

Ayurveda helps one to understand how the individual body functions in relation to the cosmic body, helping us to maintain the intelligence in the body for as long as possible.

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the idea that the world is made up of five elements

ETHER AIR FIRE WATER EARTH

A combination of each element results in three doshas, which are responsible for an individual’s physiological, emotional and mental health. A person’s unique ratio of vata, kapha and pitta can define their Ayurvedic constitution, a blueprint to achieve optimal health.

VATA

AIR + SPACE

COLD, LIGHT, DRY, ROUGH, FLOWING AND SPACIOUS. Vata governs movement in the body, the activities of the nervous system and the process of elimination.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTCS Those with a predominance of Vata dosha usually have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. Their energy comes in bursts and they are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. They sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. When the Vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it manifests in the body as weight loss, constipation, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive challenges.

EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS Vatas love excitement and new experiences. They are ​ quick to anger but also to forgive. When Vatas are in balance, they are energetic, creative, and flexible.

They also take initiative and are lively conversationalists. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia.

When they feel overwhelmed or stressed, their response is, “What did I do wrong?”

KAPHA

EARTH + WATER

STEADY, STABLE, HEAVY, SLOW, COLD AND SOFT. Kapha governs the structure of the body.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTCS Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina.

Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are also important Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. When Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body.

When out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.

EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is, “I don’t want to deal with it.”

PITTA

FIRE + WATER

HOT, LIGHT, SHARP, OILY, LIQUID AND MOBILE. Pitta governs digestion, metabolism and energy production.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTCS Pittas are usually of medium size and weight. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They have a warm body temperature. They sleep soundly for short periods of time and have a strong sex drive. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pittas may suffer from skin rashes, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, and indigestion.

EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When they’re in balance, they are good decision-makers, teachers and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct and often outspoken. Outof-balance pittas can be short-tempered and argumentative. When pittas are overstressed their typical response is, “What did you do wrong?”

DISCOVER YOUR DOSHA PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS BY MARKING ONE ON EACH LINE THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU - SPECIFICALLY HOW YOU HAVE BEEN MOST OF YOUR LIFE, NOT HOW YOU CURRENTLY ARE. IF YOU HAVE/HAD AN ILLNESS, PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS BASED OFF OF HOW YOU WERE BEFORE THAT ILLNESS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ALL MADE UP OF VARYING DEGREES OF THE THREE DOSHAS, THE MOST PROMINENT ONE WILL HAVE THE HIGHEST NUMBER.

DISCOVER YOUR DOSHA

FRAME

WEIGHT

EYES

COMPLEXION

HAIR

JOINTS

I am thin, lanky, and slender with prominent joints and thin muscles.

I have a medium, symmetrical build with good muscle development.

I have a large, round, or stocky build.

My frame is broad, stout, or thick.

Medium. It’s easy for me to gain or lose weight if I put my mind to it.

Heavy. I gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it.

My eyes are small and active.

I have a penetrating gaze.

I have large pleasant eyes.

My skin is dry, rough, or thin.

My skin is warm, moist, reddish + prone to irritation.

My skin is thick, oily + smooth.

My hair is dry, frizzy, or brittle.

My hair is fine with a tendency toward early thinning or graying.

My hair is thick, oily, and smooth.

My joints are thin, prominent + have a tendency to crack.

My joints are loose and flexible.

Low. I tend to lose weight easily.

My joints are large, well-knit and padded.

DISCOVER YOUR DOSHA

SLEEP PATTERNS

I am a light sleeper with a tendency to awaken easily.

I am a moderately sound sleeper, usually needing less than eight hours to feel rested.

My sleep is deep and long.

I tend to awaken slowly in the morning.

BODY TEMPERATURE

My hands and feet are usually cold. I prefer warmer weather.

I am usually warm, regardless of season. I prefer cooler weather.

I am adaptable to most temperatures, but I do not like cold, wet days.

I become anxious +/or worried.

I become irritable + aggressive.

I become withdrawn +/or inclusive.

Fast.

Sharp, cutting.

Harmonious, slow.

Impatient.

Jealous.

Attached.

MENTAL ACTIVITY

Quick, restless.

Sharp intellect, aggressive.

Calm, steady, stable.

RESTING PULSE RATE

80-100

70-80

60-70

UNDER STRESS

SPEECH

TEMPERAMENT

DISCOVER YOUR DOSHA

ENDURANCE

HUNGER

EATING SPEED

WEATHER

ELIMINATION

WALKING

Poor.

Good.

Excellent.

Irregular.

Sharp, needs food.

Can easily miss meals.

Quickly.

Medium speed.

Slowly.

Aversion to cold.

Aversion to heat.

Aversion to damp + cool.

Dry, hard, and prone to constipation.

Many, soft to normal.

Heavy, thick, + regular.

Fast, quickly.

Average.

Slow, steady.

Wanderer.

Adventurer with a purpose, explorer.

Likes to stay home.

TRAVEL

TOTALS:

VATA

PITTA

KAPHA