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*The
Doshas*
Vata
is a combination of the air and ether (space)
elements, with air being the predominent
force. Its function in the body (as in nature)
is to create movement and is therefore involved
in the following processes: reflexes and
motor functions, breathing, circulation
of blood and nutrients, transmission of
sensory stimuli, elimination, movement of
thoughts and memory recall.The qualities
expressed by Vata are: dry, light, cold,
astringent, clear, active and dispersing.
The
physical appearance of Vata is:
Physique:
light body frame, low body fat, little muscular
development, can be very tall or very short
Skin:
dry, cool to the touch (ex. cold hands and/or
feet - poor circulation), medium/dark skin
tone
Hair:
dry, coarse, dark, curly
Eyes:
narrow or small, brown, gray or slate bue
with a dull luster
Mouth:
small with thin, narrow lips
The
Vata temperment is:
Mental:
nervous, anxious, mood swings, insecurity,
quick to learn but short retention, creative
Physical:
prone to constipation (due to dry quality),
fluctuating appetite, light sleeper
Energy:
very active and mobile but poor stamina,
activity comes in bursts
Remedies
for excess Vata:
Exercise:
regular, but gentle in movements
Food:
warm, mildly spiced, moist, nutritious but
well cooked
Taste:
sweet, sour, salty
Pitta
is a combination of the water element and
the fire element, with fire dominant. As
such, it is the fire that fuels the metabolism
and comprehension of mental experiences.
Pitta is therefore involved in the following:
digestion, absorption and assimilation of
food, creating the feeling of hunger or
thirst, comprehension and reasoning of thoughts
and theories, sensory perception, vision
(including luster in the eyes), serves as
the furnace of the body - regulating temperature.
The
qualities expressed by Pitta are: hot, light,
liquid, sour, sharp and oily.
The
physical apprearance of Pitta is:
Physique:
medium build and good muscular development
Skin:
fair, warm, oils (may be prone to blemishes),
freckles, tendency toward rashes or reddening
Hair:
fine, soft, light in color, straight
Eyes:
average in size, lustrous, bright blue,
light brown/hazel
Mouth:
medium size with average lips
The
Pitta temperment is:
Mental:
organized, driven, easily irritated, love
knowledge and have a good memory, competitive,
controlling or dominating traits, enjoy
leadership roles
Physical:
strong appetite, regular elimination and
rapid digestion, generally sound sleepers
Energy:
enjoys physical activity, has moderate energy
levels with average stamina
Remedies
for excess Pitta:
Exercise:
moderate, non-competitive
Food:
cool to warm, mildly spiced
Taste:
sweet, bitter, astringent
Kapha
is a combination of the water and earth
elements with water as the primary element.
Kapha provides substance and support for
the body and acts as the basis for Vata
and Pitta. Kapha is involved in the following
functions within the body: lubrication (i.e.
joints), bodily secretions, cell structure,
stability of the mind, distribution of heat.
The
qualities expressed by Kapha are: heavy,
dense, cool, slow, liquid, static and oily.
The
physical qualities of Kapha are:
Physique:
large build, good muscular development,
tendency to put on weight due to slow metabolism
and digestion
Skin:
cool, clammy, smooth, pale, oily
Hair:
thick, wavy, shiny
Eyes:
large, attractive, brown
Mouth:
large mouth with full lips
The
Kapha temperment is:
Mental:
relaxed, compassionate, slow, takes time
to learn but prolonged memory
Physical:
strong appetite, slow digestion, may talk
and walk slowly, deep sleeper
Energy:
good stamina and steady energy, generally
disinterested in high energy activities
like running and aerobics
Remedies
for excess Kapha
Exercise:
regular, vigorous
Food:
warm, dry, light, spicy
Taste:
pungent, bitter, astringent
It
is important to note that the qualities
of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are present in
everyone,
and
are required to co-exist because they govern
different organs, processes and bodily functions
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