Ayurveda, translating to “Knowledge or Science of Life”, is one of the oldest systems of holistic healing. In the system of Ayurveda, the goal is to maintain a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. To do this, your primary dosha, or your own particular constitution, must be in balance with the other doshas.
What Are Doshas?
“The doshas are ‘health types’ used in ayurvedic medicine to specify how certain people should eat, sleep, exercise, and what their emotional strengths and weaknesses may be.”
- Dr. Taz Bhatia, MD
There are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has its own unique pattern of energy and its own set of common physical, psychological and emotional tendencies and challenges. In order to keep the doshas in equilibrium and prevent the excess of one over the others, you can monitor and alter everything from diet and exercise to self-care and meditation practices.
Here is a brief overview of how to exercise in order to pacify each dosha:
Exercising for Vata Dosha
Those with Vata as their dominant dosha tend to be quick, restless, and get occasional bursts of energy, but this means they may also get fatigued quickly.
For this reason, it is recommended that Vata types practice steady, stabilizing exercises such as biking, long walks, and yoga. Routine-based physical activity that won’t push you too hard helps to provide the grounding energy that Vata needs.
Exercise should be done inside during the winter months, as those with Vata dosha are sensitive to the cold.
Exercising for Pitta Dosha
The determination and strong drive of those with prominent Pitta dosha make them suited for challenging or competitive sports such as skiing, tennis, and mountain climbing. They don’t have the highest endurance of the three doshas, but they may be good at many sports in moderation.
In order to balance the competitive, reactive nature of Pitta, going on calming walks and keeping stress to a minimum when exercising is helpful. Since Pitta is associated with so many hot attributes, participating in winter sports and swimming is a great way to bring in some coolness and control the internal fire.
Exercising for Kapha Dosha
Steady, sturdy, and strong, people with dominant Kapha energy are made for sports that require endurance and stamina.
Aerobic activities like long-distance running, dance, rowing, and high movement team sports all help Kapha get their heart pumping and ward off their tendency for sluggishness or slowness.
Since Kapha is prone to being more slow-paced and relaxed, the most difficult part of exercising might be making yourself get up and start. Brisk walks and bike rides can be a great place to begin.
Study about understanding personality from the Ayurvedic perspective:
Learn your unique Mind-Body type and receive recommendations for looking and feeling your best.
To find out what your Dosha (Mind-Body Constitution) is,
click here to take the Ayurvedic Perfect Health Dosha Quiz
and learn how to incorporate lifestyle, diet and exercise changes based on your unique Dosha for optimal health and well-being.
Sources:
Quotes
Study on Dosha brain types
