Ayurveda doshas: How to balance Kapha, Pitta, Vata to maintain overall health?

Ayurvedic medicine is rooted in the concept of the five elements, such as space, fire, air, water, and earth. These elements give rise to three doshas—Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Each dosha is believed to govern the physiological and psychological functions of the body. Ayurveda suggests that individuals have a unique dosha composition, with one typically dominant over the other two doshas. Imbalances in these doshas can result in health problems, both physical and mental. However, finding balance can be beneficial for your overall well-being. So, know how to balance three doshas.

What are three doshas and how to balance Kapha, Pitta, and Vata?

Ayurveda understands that all of us have a unique biological blueprint and that our nutrition has to be personalised to this. Our body is made of five basic elements, such as earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements come together and make doshas, which are known as Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Here’s what they are and how to balance them:

1. Kapha dosha

“Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water, which make up the gross body. Everything that we can touch has a physical form—our bones, muscles, tissues, teeth, nails and hair. Kapha gives our body stability, strength and the gross body to function,” says Ayurvedic expert Dr Dimple Jangda. Kapha provides strength, immunity, and emotional support. When balanced, Kapha promotes calmness, patience, and nourishment. However, an imbalance in Kapha can manifest as lethargy, weight gain, congestion, and attachment.

How to balance Kapha Dosha:

• Stay active and incorporate regular exercise such as cardio, running, brisk walking, hiking, cycling, martial arts, strength training, and aerobics into your routine to prevent unbalance.
• Eat a diet that is light and warm, including foods such as steamed vegetables, spices, astringent foods like chilies, capsicum, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, pepper, leafy greens, astringent fruits like apples and berries, and grains like millets, legumes, beans, and pulses.
• People with dominant Kapha dosha must engage in 14-16 hours of intermittent fasting.
• Avoid heavy, oily, and sweet foods that can increase Kapha.
• Stay socially engaged and seek out stimulating environments to prevent lethargy.

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2. Pitta dosha

Pitta is associated with the elements of fire and water. It governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation within the body. Pitta is responsible for maintaining body temperature, intelligence, and courage. “In balance, Pitta promotes strong digestion, healthy skin, hair, and teeth, and promotes intelligence,” explains Jangda. However, an excess of Pitta can lead to anger, inflammation, weight gain, heartburn, and skin rashes.

How to balance Pitta Dosha:

• Ensure to include sweet, bitter, and astringent foods in your diet. You may also consume cooling foods such as cucumber, leafy greens, and sweet fruits.
• Avoid spicy, oily, sour, salty, and pungent foods in your diet, as they can aggravate Pitta.
• Do moderate workouts and sports activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, and walking to release excess energy without overheating your body.
• Maintain a cool environment and avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Ensure you get enough rest and avoid overworking yourself.

3. Vata dosha

Vata is associated with the elements of air and space. Jangda says, “This is responsible for all the movement in the body, including breathing, muscle and tissue movement, blood circulation, movement of food (from stomach to intestines), and communication within the nervous system.” When in balance, Vata promotes creativity, vitality, and flexibility. However, an imbalance in Vata can lead to anxiety, insomnia, brittle bones, dry skin, and digestive issues.

How to balance Vata Dosha:

• Ensure to consume warm and nutritious foods such as cooked grains, root vegetables, and soups.
• Add healthy spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, etc. to your regular food.
• Incorporate calming activities such as yoga, meditation, and gentle exercise into your daily routine.
• Since Vata tends to cause dryness, stay hydrated by drinking warm liquids throughout the day.
• Keep a regular daily routine, including consistent meal times and sleep schedules.

In Ayurveda, maintaining balance among these doshas is essential for overall health and well-being. So, follow these tips to balance your Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.