Pitta / Kapha Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly fire and water. An excess of fire and water elements creates cold and heat, and heaviness and dampness in the body, specifically in the chest, lungs, sinuses, stomach and small intestines. When balanced, you are adaptable, and cheerful, goal-oriented and a leader. An excess of fire causes heat-related issues like hot temper, being overly critical and impatient, skin rashes, allergies, eye problems, ulcers, and diarrhea. An excess of water creates bronchitis, overweight, and mental lethargy. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air , water and fire. To bring fire and water into balance one needs to:

• Consume more bitter and stringent energies in the form of food, aromas, herbs.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) because they may cause allergic reactions.
• Avoid hot foods (e.g. onion, garlic, red peppers), fermented, or fried foods, salt.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial frame of mind.

HERBS

Coriander, mint, rose petals, saffron, turmeric, triphala, guggul, gokshura, amalaki, manjishtha, arjuna, gotu kola, chamomile, raspberry, shilajit.

FRUIT

(between meals): apples, mango, pears, pomegranate, prunes, raisins.

VEGETABLE

Asparagus, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, burdock root, cabbage, fresh corn, cauliflower, celery, green beans, dandelion, collards, lettuce, okra, parsley, peas, green peppers, squash (scaloppini, spaghetti, summer, yellow creekneck), sprouts, watercress

Avoid fermented foods , pickles, onions, garlic, chilies, because they will aggravate Pitta.

GRAINS

Barley is best, basmati rice, cooked oat bran, wheat bran (moderation). Bread without yeast (or toasted) is advised.

BEANS

The best is mung, which does not cause gas. Adzuki, black, black-eyes, chana dal (garbanzos), lima, navy, pinto, white, and split peas dal are acceptable.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Pumpkin and sunflower in moderation.

OILS

Ghee (clarified butter) can be taken in moderation (2 tsp./day). Sunflower in moderation.

DAIRY

Ghee, yogurt lassi (1 part organic yogurt to 3 parts water).

SWEETENERS

It is better to use very little. Either raw honey or a cane sugar, can be used sparingly.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Generally it is better to avoid animal products except for strength when ill. It gives strength but is inharmonious on finer levels. Ghee and lassi are good substitutes. Acceptable foods include poached or boiled egg white, and white meat of chicken and turkey.

BEVERAGES

Juice of aloe vera, apple , pear, berry, carob, fig shake, and fruits and vegetables mentioned above. Teas of alfalfa, barley, bansha, burdock, chamomile, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemon, grass, nettle, raspberry, red clover, rose, saffron, sarsaparilla, mint.

YOGA

Sitting and prone positions are good when Pitta is in excess; standing postures are best when Kapha is aggravated. Shoulder stands (only if there are no heart problems, blood, ear, or eye pressure) and back bends are also good. Deep breathing is calming.

MEDITATION

Can be done anywhere, at any time, either lying down, sitting or walking. It can be done with a mantra, with a thought, a feeling, looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, or love; virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry. Practice giving up worry, fear, negativity, anxiety, and lack of faith. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects to practice.

EXERCISE

Moderate to strong: walking is best.

Please Remember

do not force anything!

Listen to what your system tells you. One's intuition is the best doctor. Please enjoy these suggestions and feel an increasingly healthy and harmonious life.

Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Peace

Vata / Kapha Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly air and water. An excess of air element creates cold, light, and dryness in the body - colon, skin, and bones, causing dry skin, gas, and constipation.
When balanced, air makes one energetic, adaptable and cheerful. An excess of water creates moistness, coldness, and heaviness, leading to congestion, excess weight and mental lethargy. When balanced, water creates loyalty, consistency and comfort. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between elements of air, water, fire and earth. To bring air into balance one needs to:

• Consume more cooked foods.
• Take herbs that help digest food
• Eat smaller meals, 3 -4 hours apart. Breakfast may be skipped if so desired.
• Eat mainly pungent, hot substances that reduce excessive air and water. Bitter foods are useful to reduce water but increase air. Sweet foods reduce air but increase water. So, one must monitor the effects of the foods eaten.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, chilies) as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial fame of mind.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION

Cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger help digestion.

FRUIT

The best fruits are lemons, limes, grapefruits, apricots, berries, baked apples, cherries, peaches. Because this is a dual dosha, all other fruit intake should be monitored.

VEGETABLES

The cabbage family causes gas(broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts). Cucumber , sprouts, celery, asparagus, spinach, and chard also increase air. Best are sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, cilantro, parsley, fresh corn, green beans (well cooked), fresh peas, squash, artichoke, kira, mustard greens, moderate amounts of fenugreek greens, cooked leeks, black and green olives, parsnips, and pumpkin.

GRAINS

Cooked whole grains are best. Bread is acceptable if toasted, but it is best avoided (it contains yeast - difficult to digest).

Basmati rice and barley (if it doesn't cause gas) are the best grains. All other grains should be monitored owing to your dual dosha.

BEANS

Most beans cause gas, are drying and promote constipation. The best bean is mung. Tofu is also good, but may be hard to digest. If there is no gas or constipation problem then any bean is good to eat.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Raw or lightly roasted nuts are heavy, nourishing, and moistening. They are hard to digest , thus small amounts should be taken at any one time. The best is 3-5 almonds (soaked overnight and peeled), and sesame seeds.

OILS

Best is 2-3 teaspoons sesame oil or ghee per meal.

DAIRY

Is good for air constitution, though hard to digest. It should be taken with spices. Milk should be boiled. Lassi (1/2 cup yogurt to 1/2 cup water, or 1/4 cup yogurt to 3/4 cup water if Kapha is in excess) mixed with digestive herbs and taken at mealtime, aids digestion. Ghee is also excellent.

SWEETENERS

It is best not to combine sweets with other foods. Use only natural sugars which aid air types more than any other constitution on tissue and body fluid maintenance. Raw honey is best for Vata/Kapha. Turbinado sugar or sugar cane may be used if it does not cause congestion.

CONDIMENTS

The best is cardamom, asafoetida and fennel. Next best is ginger, cloves, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, basil and fenugreek.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Generally is it better to avoid animal products except for strength when ill. It gives strength but is difficult to digest , is toxic and disharmonious on finer levels. Ghee and lassi are the best substitutes. Next best is eggs. Chicken and turkey (white meat) are also all right.

BEVERAGES

Herbal teas and vegetable or fruit juices should be taken using the recommended fruits and vegetables.

YOGA

Sitting and prone positions are good. Shoulder stands and back bends are also good. Standing postures are good for Kapha. Deep breathing and alternate nostril pranayama are calming and balancing.

MEDITATION

Meditation can be done anywhere, at any time; lying down, sitting, or walking. It can be with a mantra, a thought, feeling, looking at nature, or thinking about God or Universal Energy, or love. Virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry is useful. Practice giving up worry, fear, negativity, anxiety, lack of faith, attachment, or greed. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects.

EXERCISE

Moderate to heavy; walking is best.

Please Remember

Do not force anything!

Listen to what your system tells you. One's intuition is the best doctor. Please enjoy these suggestions and feel an increasingly healthy and harmonious life.

Vata / Pitta Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly air and fire. An excess of air element creates cold, light, and dryness in the body, and colon , skin, and bones. When balanced, you are energetic, adaptable, and cheerful. An excess of air causes dry skin, gas, and constipation. Fire excess causes heat in the form of hot temper, impatience, rashes, infections , ulcers, etc.

When balanced , fire helps one be more goal-oriented, express leadership qualities, warmth, and gives physical strength. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between elements of air, water, fire, and earth. To bring air and fire into balance one needs to:

• Consume more cooked, moist and somewhat heavier foods.
• Eat herbs to help digest the more grounding foods.
• Avoid hot foods (e.g. onion, garlic, red peppers), fermented or fried foods, salt.
• Eat smaller meals, no more than 3-4 hours apart.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Don't combine fruit with other foods.
• Eat meals in a serene, thankful state of mind.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION

Cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, mints, coriander.

FRUIT

Most fruit is purifying, although it is not grounding. Soak dry fruit, and bake apples and pears. Sweet fruits of berries, cherries, coconut, fresh figs, grapes, kiwi, mangos, sweet melons, sweet oranges, peaches, rhubarb, pineapples and plums are balancing. Avocado (small amounts), watermelon (chew and eat several of the seeds).

VEGETABLES

also are too light for air constitution to live on. If vegetables are steamed and prepared with oils - and spiced, eating them with whole grains is acceptable. Most forms of squash (acorn, butternut, scaloppini, summer, winter and yellow creek neck) artichoke, asparagus, fresh corn, cucumber, green beans, okra, sweet potatoes, rutubaga, and zucchini are excellent for balance. (The cabbage family causes gas, i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts; root vegetables like beets and carrots may cause too much heat).

GRAINS

Cooked whole grains are best. Bread is acceptable if toasted , but yeast (contained in bread) is not a recommended product because it is difficult to digest. White basmati rice, wheat, oats, amaranth, wild rice khus khus are good. Dry grains like granola, chips aggravate the air element. Barley is good for reducing fire, but may create gas for the air aspect of your constitution.

BEANS

Most beans cause gas, are drying, and promote constipation. The best bean is mung. Tofu is also acceptable, but may be hard to digest. Adzuki, soy cheese, soy milk, and tepery beans may be taken in moderation.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Raw or lightly roasted nuts are heavy, nourishing, and moistening. They are hard to digest, thus, small amounts should be taken at any one time. Best is almonds (soaked overnight and peeled) and sesame seeds in moderation (grounds air); coconut and sunflower seeds are also good (cools fire).

OILS

Best is sesame oil (for air conditions) and ghee (clarified butte). Sunflower is better for fire-related issues; soy and unsalted butter are also good.

DAIRY

Is very good in its organic state and/or from raw sources. It may be hard to digest. Dairy should be taken with spices; milk should be boiled than cooled. Best is lassi (1/2 cup yogurt to 1/2 cup water; and digestive herbs, all mixed and drunk at meal time to aid digestion).

Ghee is also excellent. Other good dairy products include yogurt, kefit, cream, unsalted butter, and cottage cheese. A little cheese is acceptable also, but only ' renetless' cheese qualifies as vegetarian.

SWEETENERS

It is best not to combine sweets with other foods. Use only natural sugars which aid air types more than any other constitution in tissue and body fluid maintenance. Best is jaggery (gud-Indian), turbinado, maple syrup, or sugar cane. Raw honey (for air conditions) is acceptable.

CONDIMENTS

Best is cardamom, fennel, coriander, cumin, cilantro, turmeric, vanilla, saffron, rosewater, mint. Cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds pippali will aggravate fire conditions.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Generally it is better to avoid animal products except for strength, when extremely ill. It gives strength, but it is difficult to digest, is toxic and disharmonious on finer levels. Ghee and lassi are excellent substitutes. Next best is poached or boiled egg whites and white poultry because they are easily digested.

BEVERAGES

Air/Fire constitutions need fluids. Suggestions include boiled milk, teas such as bansha (with milk), catnip, chamomile, elder flower, fennel, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, licorice, lotus, marshmallow, oat straw, raspberry, rose and saffron. All fruits, vegetables, and herbs listed above are good as juice.

YOGA

Sitting and prone positions are good , shoulder stands (so long as there ate no heart problems) and back bends are also good. Deep breathing is calming.

MEDITATION

can be done everywhere, at any time, lying down, sitting, walking. It can be with a mantra, with a thought, a feeling; looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, love; virtually anything that doesn't cause strain, anger; or worry that you are not meditating properly. Practice giving up worry, fear, negativity, anxiety, impatience, anger, harsh speech, a critical mind, and lack of faith. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects to practice.

EXERCISE

Moderate; walking, swimming, trampoline, cross-country or downhill skiing.

Please Remember

Do not force anything! Listen o what your system tells you. One's intuition is , in the final analysis, the best doctor.

Enjoy these suggestions and feel and increasingly healthy and harmonious life.

Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti -Peace

Kapha Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly water. An excess of water element creates cold, heavy, and dampness in the body; specifically in the chest, lungs, and sinuses. When balanced , you are loyal and calm by nature. An excess of water causes water retention (e.g. edema, overweight), sinus problems, bronchitis. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air, water, and fire. To bring water into balance one needs to:

• Consume more steamed , light, hot, and dry foods.
• Take herbs to help digest the heavy foods.
• Eat smaller and fewer meals; eat more herbs. Breakfast may be skipped.
• Eat pungent, bitter, and stringent foods to reduce excessive water.
• It is better to cook for others, especially for Vayu (Vata) individuals.
• Do not use food as an emotional support.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION

Hot spices: dry ginger, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon improve the metabolism

Bitters: aloe, turmeric, barberry, and gentian reduce the desire for sugars and fats.

FRUIT

Generally increases water, causing mucus and depressing the digestive fire (agni). It is better to not combine fruits with other foods. Best are lemon, limes, and grapefruits (which dissolve mucus and reduce fat). hey should be eaten without sugar. Other good fruits include cranberries, apples, and dried fruits.

VEGETABLES

Most are diuretics (naturally drawing water from the system). Steamed vegetables are easiest on the digestive system. The best are chilies, broccoli, cabbage, and celery. Next best are carrots, green beans, fresh peas, beets, asparagus, lettuce, cilantro, watercress, mustard greens, alfalfa, sunflower sprouts, and chard. Third best are bell peppers, cauliflower, parsley, and spinach. Other vegetables increase water.

GRAINS

are nourishing and balancing for Kapha dosha. Whole grains of barley , quinoa, dry or popped grains are best. Second best are corn, millet, rye, and buckwheat. Basmati rice is alright in moderation. Barley is a diuretic that reduces water and weight. Avoid yeasted breads.

BEANS

Most beans are good, particularly adzuki, followed by soy, lima, and lentils. Other useful beans include tofu, mung, kidney, peanut ( but not roasted) , and split peas. Mung is a pure or sattwic bean and will not encourage gas.

NUTS AND SEEDS

are eaten only in small quantities because they are heavy and hard to digest. Sunflower and pumpkin are acceptable. These are a good meat (protein ) substitute.

OILS

in moderation: Mustard, canola, sunflower, safflower. Corn oil is also acceptable.

DAIRY

Buttermilk (lassi: 1/4 cup organic yogurt: 3/4 cup water) with meals; soy milk and goat's milk are acceptable when there are no congestion or digestive disorders.

SWEETENERS

A little raw honey is acceptable.

CONDIMENTS

Cardamom, ginger (dry), mustard horseradish, turmeric, cloves. Second best are cinnamon, coriander, basil, cilantro, and parsley. Avoid salt because it retains water in the body (if absolutely necessary, black or rock salt may be used because it is the least aggravating).

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

are best avoided, except if the person is extremely weak. Animal products boost strength, but are inharmonious, toxic, increase water, and do not generate new tissue growth. White, lean poultry is the least aggravating.

BEVERAGES

Astringent or pungent teas (warm or at room temperature): Alfalfa, raspberry, hibiscus, and dandelion. Boiled, organic goat's milk (without food) with cinnamon and honey. Pineapple, pomegranate, cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, and lime juice are good. Celery and other green vegetable juices are also helpful. Avoid wine, alcohol, ice, or any cold drinks.

YOGA

Strong workouts and more standing postures, along with headstands (if there is no heart condition). Solar Pranayama and breath of fire (bhastrika) breathing are advised.

MEDITATION

Devotion (bhakti) and service (karma) harmonize one's nature. Worship the divine as a particular deity or incarnation you like , e.g. Rama, Krishna, or Christ. Renounce greed, desire, attachment and sentimentality to clear the mind. Chanting is excellent.

LIFESTYLE

Strong and aerobic workouts, sunbathing, warm breezes, discipline, physical hardship. Stay up at night, avoid day naps, increase mental stimulation, travel and pilgrimage. Avid cold and dampness.

Please Remember

Do not force anything! Listen to what your system tells you. One's intuition is the best doctor. Please enjoy these suggestions and feel an increasingly healthy and harmonious life.

Vata Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly air. An excess of air element creates cold, light, and dryness in the body, colon, skin, and bones. When balanced, you are energetic , adaptable, and cheerful. An excess of air causes dry skin, gas, constipation, anxiety, nervousness, and worry. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air, fire and water. To bring air into balance Vayu (Vata) dosha needs to :

• Consume more steamed, heavy and moist foods.
• Ingest herbs to help digest the heavy foods.
• Eat smaller meals, no more than 3 -4 hours apart.
• Eat sour, sweet, and salty substances that reduce excessive air. Pungent herbs , such as ginger, are good if combined with sweet, sour, and salty foods and herbs.
• It's better not to eat alone. Have your food cooked for you if possible.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial frame of mind.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION: Cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, rock salt are among the major herbs to use.

FRUIT

Most fruit is purifying, though not grounding. Dry fruit , melons, uncooked apples and pears, and cranberries increase air; they are not advised (baked apples and pears, or soaked dry fruits are alright). The best fruits for Vayu doshas are , lemons, limes, grapefruit, cherries, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, pineapples, papayas, mangos, soaked- prunes, raisins, dates, and figs; other berries, kiwi, sweet melons, and rhubarb. Second best are oranges, cooked pears, cooked apples, peaches, plums, apricots, pomegranates, and persimmons. Fruit is best eaten between meals.

VEGETABLES

also are too light for air constitutions to live on. However, if steamed with oils and spices, eating them with whole grains is fine. The cabbage family causes gas ( broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts). Other air-increasing vegetables are cucumbers, sprouts, celery, asparagus, spinach, and chard. The best vegetables for Vayu doshas are sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, cilantro, parsley, seaweed, and small amounts of avocado. Second best are fresh corn, green beans (well-cooked), fresh peas, zucchini, squash, artichoke, kira, mustard greens, watercress, bell peppers, and okra. Some practitioners recommend moderate amounts of fenugreek greens, cooked leeks, black and green olives, parsnip, pumpkin, rutabaga, and watercress.

GRAINS

Cooked whole grains are best. Bread is fine if toasted (but the yeast in bread is still heavy and hard to digest). The best grains for Vayu doshas are wheat, then other moist grains like basmati rice, oats and khus khus. Whole grain pasta is good. Dry grains like granola and chips aggravate the air element.

BEANS

Most beans cause gas, are drying, and promote constipation. Te best bean is mung. Tofu is also acceptable, but may be hard to digest.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Raw or lightly roasted nuts are heavy, nourishing and moistening. They are hard to digest and so they are taken in small amounts at any one time. Vayu recommendations include almonds (peel off the skin), walnuts, pecans, pine nuts and sesame seeds (or tahini); these should be soaked overnight.

OILS

The best are sesame oil and ghee ( one teaspoon per serving). Second best include almond, olive, avocado , and butter.

DAIRY

is good for air constitutions, though hard to digest. Dairy is taken with spices, and milk should be boiled then left to cool slightly. The best dairy for Vayu doshas include lassi (1/2 cup yogurt to 1/2 cup water, digestive herbs, all mixed, drunk at mealtime to aid digestion).

Ghee is also excellent. Other suggestions include yogurt, kefir, cream, sour cream, butter, and cottage cheese. A little cheese may be eaten (especially homemade paneer).

SWEETENER

It is best not to eat sweets during meals. Natural sugars assist air types more than any other constitution in tissue building and body fluid maintenance. The best sweeteners are jaggery (gud-Indian), turbinado sugar, or natural sugar cane, maple syrup , and raw sugar. Raw honey and fruit sugar are acceptable but in smaller amounts.

CONDIMENTS

A little rock salt improves digestion. Other suggestions include cardamom, fennel, ginger, cloves, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, basil and fenugreek.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Generally it is best to avoid animal products except when needed to regain strength following illness. Animal products give strength but are inharmonious on finer level. (Ghee and lassi are good substitutes). Next best is fish and eggs. White chicken and turkey are also acceptable.

BEVERAGES

Air constitutions require fluids.

The best liquids are dairy, fruit or vegetable juices, tonic teas (taken with sweetener and milk), water with lime or lemon, and sour fruit juices.

YOGA

Sitting and prone positions are good.

Shoulder stands and back bends are also helpful if there are no heart problems. Deep breathing promotes calming.

MEDITATION

can be done anywhere, at any time, lying down, sitting, or walking. Mantras, thoughts, feelings, looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, love, virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry are acceptable forms of meditation. Practice giving up worry, fear, negativity, anxiety, and lack of faith. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects to practice. If the opportunity arises, consider a meditation practice with a qualifies spiritual teacher.

Please Remember

Do not force anything. If your system tells you it wants or doesn't want something, countering these guidelines, by all means , follow your intuition! The Inner Self is the best healer. Ayurveda helps us take control of our health. Seasonal changes may also require some modification of these recommendations. Enjoy these suggestions and feel increasingly healthy and harmonious.

Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Peace.

Find out your Dosha

The Ayurvedic Dosha Questionnaire from "Simply Ayurveda" by Bharti Vyas
The first step towards benefiting from Ayurveda is to determine your body type or dosha, so you can apply specific information on diet, lifestyle, meditation and more.
Everyone is different , but Ayurveda believes there are three broad brush-strokes. Each individual is controlled by these three elements to varying degrees, but we usually have one or possibly two dominant doshas. Which mixture of types you are (known as 'prakruti') is determined by your behavioural traits as well as body size and composition, food preferences, energy levels and metabolism. Discovering your type is the most significant step in finding out more about how Ayurveda can be helpful to you.
Please Remember: It is best to consult an ayurvedic doctor to determine your dosha before starting any ayurvedic treatment or to recommend your dosha-specific do's and dont's for you.

PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT:
A I am slim and fine-boned with only soft muscular definition
B I am of medium physique with fairly good muscular development
C I am of large build , prone to roundness and gain weight easily

A I can eat what I want without having to worry about putting on weight
B I gain weight if I eat too much, but can lose it if I try
C If I put on weight, which I do fairly easily, it's a real struggle to shed it

A My skin is cool, rough, and prone to being quite dry in places
B My skin is warm and prone to oiliness
C My skin is smooth, cool to the touch and hardly ever dry

A My underlying skin tone is best described as bluish
B My underlying skin tone is best described as reddish
C My underlying skin tone is best described as yellowish

A My skin is prone to dehydration and dryness, especially when it is cold outside
B I suffer from rashes and inflammation and sometimes burn
C I sometimes suffer from whiteheads and blackheads

A My complexion is marked by fine lines and prominent veins
B I have some broken capillaries, freckles and moles
C My skin is supple and soft

A My hair has a natural curl and can be quite dry on the ends
B My hair is fairly straight and fine
C My hair is wavy, thick and lustrous

A My eyes are small and pale, dark brown, grey or slate blue
B My eyes are bright blue, light brown, lustrous and bright
C My eyes are large, watery and brown

A My lips are dry and quite slender
B I have fairly average soft red lips
C My lips are firm, large and quite plump

A My fingernails are quite dry, brittle and can be rough
B I have soft pink fingernails that don't split often
C My fingernails are thick , smooth and very strong


PHYSICAL TENDENCIES:

A I prefer warm weather to cold
B I prefer cool weather and particularly enjoy cold foods like ice-cream and ice cold drinks
C I enjoy most climates but prefer warmer weather

A My energy is inconsistent and usually comes in bursts
B My energy levels are moderate
C My energy tends to be fairly steady when apparent but I'm often lazy

A I am active but I lose strength quickly
B I enjoy physical activity and sweat easily
C I have good endurance but I'm naturally lethargic

A I am active and restless, and what I lack in strength I make up for in enthusiasm
B I have average stamina and good staying power
C I have very good stamina and physical endurance

A I do not usually require much sleep and I sleep lightly
B I need a moderate amount of sleep and sleep soundly
C I enjoy sleep and sleep deeply

A I am talkative and tend to talk quite fast
B I have a fairly confident voice and can be an assertive speaker
C I have a gentle voice and talk fairly slow

A My appetite is irregular, I eat what I want when I want it
B I have a good appetite and tend to eat regularly
C I eat fairly slow, enjoy food and have a consistently good appetite

A I alternate between dry and loose stools
B I have soft stools tat tend to be loose
C Food moves through me slowly

A I sometimes experience low appetite, low back pain and muscle spasms
B I can suffer with hot flushes, acid stomach and heartburn
C I have trouble with sinus congestion, coughs, colds, and weight gain


TEMPERAMENT ASSESSMENT:

A I learn new things easily, but I tend to forget easily as well
B My memory is good
C Although I tend to learn slowly, I go on to have a good recall

A I tend to be enthusiastic and vivacious with an active imagination
B I tend to be somewhat orderly and precise and can be easily irritated
C I am steady, calm and infrequently ruffled

A When I am stressed I suffer anxiety attacks, insomnia, and sometimes hysteria
B Under stress I can become jealous, hostile, frustrated and easy to anger
C I f I am under too much pressure I become depressed, despondent and possessive

A I am upset by buffeting winds and cold
B Heat and sun make me edgy
C When it is cold and damp I feel miserable

A My moods fluctuate, often fairly unpredictable
B I am goal and task driven, my moods are a secondary consideration
C I am consistently compassionate and caring

A I am creative and imaginative, I like to express myself
B I am a perfectionist who likes to be organized and efficient
C My thoughts and ideas are well organized and tend to be fairly tranquil

A My thoughts are often dreams which I do not need to see through to their conclusion
B My ideas and thoughts tend to be well-considered and logical
C I am thorough and good at following through

A I choose an unpredictable, exciting lifestyle and hate routine
B I like my life to be busy but wouldn't say I hate routine
C I enjoy a relaxed and fairly slow-paced routine lifestyle


RESULTS:

MOSTLY As: AIR (VATA) TYPE
You are a natural whirlwind, always on the go and as energetic and unpredictable as your name suggests. You are artistic and tender, but can be over-sensitive and prone to burnout when you don't take enough time to care for yourself or try to cram too much into every week.
You can be visionary and at your best you are highly creative and imaginative - at whatever you choose to put your mind to, but when you overload yourself you experience digestive problems, you get scatty, prone to sensitive dry skin, sleep-less nights and you become less effective.
You need to avoid the crash- and -burn option by making time to chill out and, however loathsome it may sound, trying to coax a few more elements of routine into your life. Try Tai Chi, walking, dancing, yoga, or, when you feel yourself getting overwrought, make a few days space to relax and unwind.



MOSTLY Bs: FIRE (PITTA) TYPE
You are one of life's alchemists, blazing a trail, making a difference, taking no prisoners. You are as fiery and passionate as your type name suggests, dynamic , active and inspirational. There is never a dull minute around you. When your life is in balance you have the attractive commanding presence of the natural leader, you radiate perception and focus, and love taking control and encouraging other people to have a good time. But if you overdo it, don't fuel your body with the right foods and give in to your more fiery excesses, you can become brittle , critical, overly, competitive, and your skin can flare up as a visual indication of your internal combustion. You need to cool down, controlling the excesses of your inflamed inner core- think fun exercise like skiing, swimming and cycling to give the physical expression you require without bombarding yourself within an environment of competitiveness.
Take a breath before you respond, learn the art of compromise, and make enough time to relax.


MOSTLY Cs: EARTH (KAPHA) TYPE
At our best you are as deliciously grounded and dependable as your type suggests. You are solid, patient and intensely loyal. You are drawn towards people, who are in turn drawn to confide in you, and are a wonderful source of constancy and solidity in a crisis.
But when out of balance that laid -back charm can turn into excess sluggishness and your skin can become excessively oily. If you don't ensure that enough is going on you tend to vegetate, seeking solace in the third bar of chocolate and feeling a bit stagnant internally. If you feel this happening you need to act fast, and top up your self-esteem and energy levels with a plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
You have fantastic endurance and would really benefit from all sports that get your metabolism moving.

MIXED TYPES
If you scored fairly evenly across two types, you are most likely a combination type.
Most people are a double type (two doshas present in high proportions) but one type will tend to be dominant. This one is always named first and is considered to be the leading dosha. So if you scored highly in Air and Fire, but marginally more points for Fire, you are a Fire-Air type and your dominant type is Fire. You can benefit from reading recommendations for your type.

A much smaller percentage of people are what is called a tridosha type, meaning they scored almost equally across all three types. This is an unusual blessing and means you are said to face a long and happy life with few health problems.

Pitta Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly fire. An excess of the fire element creates heat in the body, specifically in the small intestines, liver, spleen, gall bladder, blood, and heart. When balanced, you are warm, adaptable, cheerful, goal oriented , have leadership qualities. An excess of fire causes heat -related behaviour, such as hot temper, being overly critical and impatient, skin rashes, allergies, eye problems , ulcers , diarrhea. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air, water, and fire. To bring fire into balance one needs to:

• Consume more bitter and astringent energies in the form of food, aromas, and herbs.
• Avoid hot foods (e.g. onions, garlic, red peppers), fermented or fried foods, salt.
• Eat every 4 to 5 hours.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial frame of mind.
• Increase consumption of sweet fruit juices and herbal teas.
• Consume cold, heavy, moist blander foods.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking because of their heating nature.
• Emotionally cultivate clarity rather than critical nature.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION: Coriander, mint, aloe, gentian, barberry, fennel, turmeric.

FRUIT: Most fruit is calming and cooling, harmonizing and thirst quenching. Apples, pears, pomegranates are excellent. Pineapples, cranberries, persimmons, melons, prunes, dates, figs, grapes, are also very good. Mangos, plums, and raspberries are helpful. Sour and certain other fruits, such as lemons, limes, apricots, bananas, cherries, papayas, peaches, and strawberries, will aggravate heat.

VEGETABLES: Most vegetables are also good for Pitta dosha, especially if eaten raw or slightly steamed. The best vegetables are cauliflower, cilantro, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower sprouts, celery. Second best is broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, lettuce, beans, peas, cucumbers, and okra. Finally, parsley, bell peppers, fresh corn, and squash are acceptable. Root vegetables (beets and carrots), nightshades (eggplant, tomato, potato), mustard greens, parsley, spinach, and sweet potatoes may cause difficulty. Hot spicy foods like chilies, garlic, onions, pickles, and radishes greatly increase the fire element.

GRAINS: Most grains are cooling for Pitta.The best are cooked whole wheat , basmati rice, oats, barley, granola, couscous, and quinoa. Finally, long grain brown rice, blue corn, and millet. Short grain brown rice , buckwheat, corn, and rye may be too heating and create Pitta discomfort. Whole grain pastas are good.Yeast-free breads are good; bread containing yeast should be toasted.

BEANS: Best is mung, which does not cause gas. Most beans are acceptable for Pitta dosha, though it is better to cook them with cumin or cardamom to aid digestion. Also good are adzuki, tofu, lima, kidney, soy, split , and chick peas. Lentils and peanuts may cause indigestion.

(Some practitioners accept various forms of lentils).

NUTS and SEEDS: The best are coconut and sunflower seeds. Seeds are a preferred source of protein over fish and poultry.

OILS: Ghee (clarified butter), sunflower, butter( unsalted), soy.

DAIRY: Ghee, boiled milk (then left to cool), yogurt lassi (1 part of organic yogurt to 1 part water), cottage cheese (unsalted).

SWEETENERS: Most sweeteners are good. It is better to avoid white sugar, honey, and molasses in excess.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS: Generally, it is better to avoid animal products except when needed for strength. Animal products give strength but are inharmonious on finer levels. Animal foods that balance Pitta include egg whites, chicken, and turkey (white meat).

BEVERAGES: Juice of aloe vera, apple, pear, berry, carob, vegetables according to above section , fig shake, boiled milk, other fruit juices mentioned above. Teas include alfalfa, barley, bansha, burdock, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemum, dandelion, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemon grass, nettle, raspberry, red clover, rose, saffron, sarsaparilla, mint.

YOGA: Sitting and prone positions are good for Pitta dosha. Shoulder stands (only if there is no heart problems) and back bends are also good. Deep breathing is calming.

MEDITATION: can be done anywhere at any time, lying down, sitting, walking.It can be with a mantra, with a thought, a feeling, looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, love or virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry. Practice giving up anger and impatience. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects.

LIFESTYLE: Take walks by the water or in gardens in the full moon. Work in flower gardens and practice sweet speech, forgiveness, and contentment. Moderate exercise. Walking is best.

Please Remember: Do not force anything! Listen to what your system tells you. One's intuition is the best doctor. Please enjoy these suggestions and feel an increasingly healthy and harmonious life.

History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda , the science of life, prevention and longevity is the oldest and most holistic medical system available on the planet today. It was placed in written form over 5,000 years ago in India, it was said to be a world medicine dealing with both body and the spirit.

Before the advent of writing, the ancient wisdom of this healing system was a part of the spiritual tradition of the Sanatana Dharma (Universal Religion), or Vedic Religion.
VedaVyasa, the famous sage, shaktavesha avatar of Vishnu, put into writing the complete knowledge of Ayurveda, along with the more directly spiritual insights of self realization into a body of scriptural literature called the Vedas and the Vedic literatures.

There were originally four main books of spirituality, which included among other topics, health, astrology, spiritual business, government, army, poetry and spiritual living and behavior. These books are known as the four Vedas; Rik, Sama, Yajur and Atharva.

The Rik Veda, a compilation of verse on the nature of existence, is the oldest surviving book of any Indo-European language (3000 B.C.). The Rik Veda (also known as Rig Veda) refers to the cosmology known as Sankhya which lies at the base of both Ayurveda and Yoga, contains verses on the nature of health and disease, pathogenesis and principles of treatment.
Among the Rik Veda are found discussions of the three dosas, Vayu. Pitta and Kapha, and the use of herbs to heal the diseases of the mind and body and to foster longevity.

The Atharva Veda lists the eight divisions of Ayurveda: Internal Medicine, Surgery of Head and Neck, Opthamology and Otorinolaryngology, Surgery, Toxicology, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Gerontology or Science of Rejuvenation, and the Science of Fertility.

The Vedic Sages took the passages from the Vedic Scriptures relating to Ayurveda and compiled separate books dealing only with Ayurveda.

One of these books, called the Atreya Samhita is the oldest medical book in the world! The Vedic Brahmanas were not only priests performing religious rites and ceremonies, they also became Vaidyas (physicians of Ayurveda).

The sage-physician-surgeons of the time were the same sages or seers, deeply devoted holy people, who saw health as an integral part of spiritual life. It is said that they received their training of Ayurveda through direct cognition during meditation. In other words, the knowledge of the use of various methods of healing, prevention, longevity and surgery came through Divine revelation; there was no guessing or testing and harming animals.

These revelations were transcribed from the oral tradition into book form, interspersed with the other aspects of life and spirituality. What is fascinating is Ayurveda's use of herbs, foods, aromas, gems, colors, yoga, mantras, lifestyle and surgery.

Consequently Ayurveda grew into a respected and widely used system of healing in India. Around 1500 B.C., Ayurveda was delineated into eight specific branches of medicine. There were two main schools of Ayurveda at that time. Atreya- the school of physicians, and Dhanvantari - the school of surgeons. These two schools made Ayurveda a more scientifically verifiable and classifiable medical system

People from numerous countries came to Indian Ayurvedic schools to learn about this world medicine and the religious scriptures it sprang from. Learned men from China, Tibet, the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Afghanistanis, Persians, and more traveled to learn the complete wisdom and bring it back to their own countries. Ayurvedic texts were translated in Arabic and under physicians such as Avicenna and Razi Sempion, both of whom quoted Indian Ayurvedic texts, established Islamic medicine. This style became popular in Europe, and helped to form the foundation of the European tradition in medicine.

In 16th Century Europe, Paracelsus, who is known as the father of modem Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine which borrowed heavily from Ayurveda.

There are two main re-organizers of Ayurveda whose works are still existing in tact today - Charak and Sushrut. The third major treatise is called the Ashtanga Hridaya, which is a concise version of the works of Charak and Sushrut. Thus the three main Ayurvedic texts that are still used today are the Charak Samhita (compilation of the oldest book Atreya Samhita), Sushrut Samhita and the Ashtangha Hridaya Samhita.

These books are believed to be over 1,200 years old. It is because these texts still contain the original and complete knowledge of this Ayurvedic world medicine, that Ayurveda is known today as the only complete medical system still in existence. Other forms of medicine from various cultures, although parallel are missing parts of the original information.

What is Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a simple, practical science of life, the principles and practices of which evolved through many centuries. Ayurvedic science is based on eternal wisdom of people who acquired the knowledge from experience and meditation more than 4000 years ago. Ayurvedic system is applicable universally to all those seeking harmony, health, happiness and peace.
The Classical Ayurvedic texts discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology and subjects like philosophy and theology.

Ayurveda has its own views about principles and philosophy of life. Ayurvedic system describes man as a universe within himself which is a child of the cosmic forces. His existence is inextricably intertwined to the total cosmic manifestation. The entire universe, as well as the body is made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

The word Ayurveda is composed of two sanskrit terms - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life. It is defined as the science, through which one can obtain knowledge about the useful and harmful ways of life, happy and miserable types of life, conditions that lead to the above types of life, as well as, the very nature of life.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are called the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease.

Ayurvedic system says that this imbalance is the effect of the constant reaction of the internal environment of body to the changes in external environment. It is only required that we bring back normalcy to the balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of health, happiness and harmony.
Other basic concepts of Ayurvedic system are the Saptha Dhathus (the bodily tissues), Srotas (Channals), Ama (toxins and filthy matter) and the trinity of life - body, mind and spiritual awareness.

The first step in the method of diagnosis in Ayurvedic form of medicine is to determine the constitution of the person. That means it is the patient who is diagnosed first and not the disease.
The same disease might appear in different forms in two persons because their constitution is different. Due to this variation in constitution the medicines and treatment may be different for two people with the same illness. This difference in treatment methods according to the constitution is essential to bring back the natural balance of the biological humors. The constitutional approach is the essence of the Ayurvedic system. Understanding ones constitution helps one to lead a life style that is most befitting her constitution, thus optimizing her health and creative potential.

According to Ayurvedic system, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are called the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease. Ayurvedic treatment measures include internal medicine, external medicine, surgical treatment and psychotherapy.

Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups - tonification and reduction.
Reduction therapies decrease excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body.
Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing humors.

The power of Ayurvedic elimination therapy is its system for guiding the toxins to their sites for elimination. It consist of five parts - The pancha karmas - cleaning enemas, nasal medication, Purgation, Emesis and blood letting. All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practises of oleation and sweating.
Kerala a southern state of India, has developed its own Ayurvedic treatment modalities like Dhara, pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc. which are highly effective in a number of diseases which include Motor neuron diseases, Arthritis of various kinds, skin diseases, heart diseases, peptic ulcer, Asthama, Peripheral vascular diseases and Gynecological disorders.
Ayurvedic pharmacology is based upon the concepts of rasa, veerya and vipaka. A vast variety of plants, metals, minerals, animals, birds and even mud and sand are used as medicines in Ayurveda.

Knowledge about Ayurvedic type of medicine is divided into eight branches. The branches are 1. Kaya chikilsa (general medicine), 2. Shalya (surgery), 3. Shalakya (ENT and Ophthalmology), 4. Graha (Psychotherapy), 5. Damshitra (toxicology), 6. Bala (Pediatrics and Gynecology), 7. Jara (rejuvenation) and 8. Vrishya (Aphrodisiacs).
Of the above the seventh one, that is rejuvenation therapy is a unique method which Ayurveda performs.