Doshas
Springtime
There are three main constitutions or doshas in Ayurveda and each is made up of two elements. Every person has a unique combination of all the elements, but typically a dosha or combination of doshas, is more dominant. Physical, mental, and emotional characteristics are taken into account when determining doshic constitution. Some of the physical attributes considered are body frame size, muscular build, facial features, hair and skin type. Mental attributes such as learning style, memory, and patterns of thinking weigh in as well. Emotional attributes including response under stress, personality, and temperament are also important factors. Ayurveda recognizes that some attributes fluctuate throughout our lives, while others remain constant. When considering our constitution we think about how we have been for most of our lives.
Spring is considered the King of Seasons. In the Bhagavad Gita, an important yogic text from around 4th century BC, Lord Krishna says, “ …I am the Eagle among birds, the Lion among animals ..and of the seasons, I am Spring.” In spring, nature comes to life. Buds sprout on trees, bulbs begin to show off their colors, snow melts and gives way to moist fertile ground. Slumbering animals reawaken. The sun begins to rise earlier and the world is alive with the magic of life. In Ayurveda, Spring is the season of Kapha. As the snow and ice begin to melt, accumulated kapha in the body may begin to run too. It is easier for Kapha to become imbalanced in the form of head colds, sinus infections, lung congestion and lethargy. Ayurveda offers many ways to remain or restore balance as needed.
Vata is the principle of movement and change. Air and ether predominate this constitution. Vata individuals tend to move fast, talk fast, love spontaneity and change. Vata’s have a slight frame and a light appetite, often forgetting to eat. In a balanced state, they tend to be creative, enthusiastic and drawn towards spirituality. When unbalanced, they are prone to indecision, anxiety/fear, being nervous and forgetful. Fire and water predominate in the Pitta constitution. Pitta is the principle of transformation (fire element) which includes the digestion of food, ideas, sensory experiences, and emotions. Pittas have a strong appetite and a medium build with well developed muscles. In a balanced state, they tend to be motivated, intellectual, passionate and organized. In an unbalanced state, they tend to be easily aggravated, have a tendency to blame others and make rash decisions. Kapha is the principle of stability and nourishment. Water and earth influence more heavily in this constitution. Kaphas have a larger bone structure with a tendency to gain weight easily. In a balanced state, they are calm, loving, steady and loyal. Out of balance, they tend to be unmotivated, may hold on to things that no longer serve them and are prone to congestion of all types. So, let’s say a Kapha, Pitta and Vata are all going on a 4 week trip. K would want to bring everything including the kitchen sink. P would pack very efficiently while V may forget some things (hopefully nothing too important). K would like to keep a leisurely pace, eating, relaxing and enjoying a laid back way of life. P would feel ambitious to see and do many things and would want to include some type of physical activity. V would really enjoy being spontaneous and going where the wind blows with excitement for new experiences. If a stressful situation arose, K would want to eat, hide or sleep it away. P would be a bit fired up and would likely express this to people. V would wonder, “what did I do wrong?” and have feelings of self-blame. At the end of the trip, K may come back with a few extra pounds while P would likely stay the same weight. V may be a bit thinner, having found it difficult to eat regularly. Keep in mind, we all have aspects of each dosha, but typically have inherent tendencies toward one or another.
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE