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Stay Healthy and Boost Immunity with these Ayurvedic Tips

Stay Healthy and Boost Immunity with these Ayurvedic Tips

Use these Tips to Boost Your Immunity during COVID-19

These tips are good to follow at any time, but especially now, as we want to support our body’s immune response system and do the most we can to be strong and healthy. It’s our very BEST defense agains COVID-19.

#1. Eat Clean

Eat home cooked meals and snacks made with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. When available, eat foods that are in season, locally grown, and organic. If you can’t find locally grown or organic foods, just do the best you can with the freshest options available to you. Avoid processed foods, most dairy products, sugar, and any refined grains. If you are interested in joining me for a spring cleanse that is nutritious and delicious, as well as gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and night-shade free, I’m making that available to anyone for FREE this spring due to the challenges we are facing with the Corona (COVID-19) Virus.

  • Favor and use these favorite spices from the Ayurvedic tradition: Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Basil and Garlic. These spices provide an array of benefits in addition adding flavor to our foods. Ayurveda suggests that we should have all six flavors at each meal, and spices help us to easily do this. (The six flavors are: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent).
  • Choose from a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables.  When available choose fruits and veggies that are in season, locally grown and organic. I believe it pays to know your local farmers. It is expensive to become a “certified organic” farm, but many local growers and small farmers do use organic practices. I like to visit the farmers market and the farm to get fresh vegetables and eggs. The eggs I have been getting are beautiful brown eggs from chickens that are cage free. get to roam outdoors and they are fed soy free organic, not GMO feed. Remember, you are not just what you eat, but you are what you eat ate.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices are indeed natures “Farm” acy.
  • If you’d like to check out my Spring Cleanse, please do. Right now, you can have access to all of the materials and on-line support for FREE. I am accepting OPTIONAL donations to defray the cost of the program, but donations are completely voluntary. I welcome you to join and participate in a community of like-minded folks determined to improve their health during this time.

#2. Stay Hydrated

Drink pleanty of water at room temperature or hot water with fresh ginger and lemon or herbal teas.

  • The minimum daily recommendation for water is to drink half your body weight in pounds in ounces of water. Meaning, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. Herbal teas do count so long as they are not caffeinated.
  • If it is hot or humid and you are doing a lot of exercise, you may need more than the minimum daily amount.
  • Remember caffeinated drinks such as coffee and some teas, as well as alcohol are diuretics so you will need to drink MORE water to offset these beverages if you consume them.
  • Ayurveda recommends you drink you water at room temperature or hot. Cold water and ice tend to dull the digestive fire.
  • Dandelion Root & Holy Basil teas are great detoxifiers. I’ll list a couple of my favorite herbal or daily detox teas below for your reference. I use 1 Tablespoon of the CCF tea to a quart of water and add a thumb-sized chunk of fresh ginger, and the juice from half a lemon. I let it boil for a few minutes then add and a green tea-bag to let it steep.

#3. Keep Moving

Find a project around the house, do yard-work, go for a walk. The gyms may be closed during the CORONA Virus outbreak, but it is important as ever that you keep moving. Find an online Yoga or exercise class, Yoga studios are closed but there are some offering classes online. Be creative, be flexible, keep moving! One of my FAVORITE Yoga Studios will begin to offer classes virtually this week. I’ve been enjoying working in my yard, I’ve planted a few things … and I’ve been resourceful so I don’t have to go out for supplies. I have lettuce growing on the porch in the top of a garbage can and it is just beautiful. Nature has not paused, and we’ve had a few gorgeous spring days for being outside and taking a walk. The birds, the plants, and all of Nature seem completely oblivious to the Corona Virus and it is quite refreshing to be near the earth and nature at this time.

#4. Practice simple detoxifying routines

Practice these simple daily routines to stimulate your lymphatic system and keep your respiratory system clear and lubricated.

  • Use a Neti pot each day to wash your sinuses. Be sure to use distilled or filtered water and not tap water. I like to warm the water to just above body temperature, and add 1/8 teaspoonful of sea salt to the water. (Note: do not use tap water and do not use iodized salt.) Pictured below is the neti pot I have and it comes with salt. It says it is dishwasher safe, but I always wash it by hand, my experience is that it is not microwave safe.
  • Use Nasya: lubricate the sinuses after washing with the Neti pot by using 2 drops of sesame oil in each nostril. This can be done one to two times per day.
  • Do a self-massage, called abyanga, in Ayurveda. You can use sesame oil or other herbal oils. I like to use a blend of oils infused with essential oil.
  • Take a couple of minutes and use a dry brush before getting in the shower. Start from your feet and work up, or from your hands and work towards your shoulders. You can probably pick up a dry brush from your local grocery store. I’ve also included a link to one at Amazon so you can order there or just see a photo of what you are looking for. Always go from your extremeties to the center of your body. This stimulates your lymphatic system.

#5. Keep a Positive Mental Attitude

  • Keep yourself busy. Find fun projects to do or catch up on things you normally haven’t had the time to do.
  • Avoid going down the rabbit hole of watching a constant stream of negative news on TV, the Internet or social media.
  • Stay connected to friends, loved ones and community. Social Media, Video calls, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype all offer us a multitude of ways to stay in touch and connected to loved ones and community. The phone is great, but it also is a wonderful experience to have someone join you in your home for a little while for a tea time or visit via a video call.
  • Practice gratitude. Take a few moments each day to think of several things and take time to genuinely feel gratitude for the good things in your life. I suggest you begin each day with this practice.
  • Meditate: Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase immune function and help us to stay calm and present. There are many guided meditations, I teach a mantra-based meditation called Primordeal Sound Meditation, and if you want an App to help you meditate and program your brain to stay positive, healthy, focused and make the best choices, here is a link to an App called BrainTap that will allow you to experiment and try it out for 15 days free.
  • Practice Present Moment Awareness. Stay in the present moment. Don’t dwell on the past and don’t worry about what may happen in the future. Most of it you have no control over. Your mind mind will be the most calm and your actions the most effective if you can stay in the present moment. Often, if you do this, you will realize that “at this moment, I am okay and I have everything I need.”

#6 Smudge

Do an energetic cleansing of your home and office with sage or palo santo.

#7. Use aromatherapy

Diffuse eucalyptus, basil, rosemary, sage or frankinsense … or use a blend such as YoungLiving’s Thieves or OnGuard by Dotera.

  • Long ago I determined that what I put ON my body is as important as what I put IN my body. I am a YoungLiving distributor, although I don’t generally actively promote it. I just use the products. However, if you would like to learn more, please contact me — the most cost effective way to enjoy their wonderful products is to become a member or distributor. I can help you.

#8. Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly several times each day, especially if you have to go out to the grocery store or for some other essential errand.

Disclaimer: Results may vary. Kay Rice, M.Ed. &/or Spontaneous Health, LLC does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a replacement form of treatment for physical, mental or medical problems by your doctor either directly or indirectly. Kay Rice, M.Ed.’s intention is to offer a variety of information and tools to help the reader in their quest for optimal health, spiritual growth, emotional and physical well-being. We may have an affiliate relationship with some of the products on this site. This means, if you purchase a program or product by clicking on a link for it on the site, we may receive a small commission for your purchase. This helps support us in bringing you educational and motivational information and support.

Ayurveda: The most ancient, comprehensive system of healthcare

Ayurveda: The most ancient, comprehensive system of healthcare

Mind-Body-Spirit explained as an Ancient & Comprehensive System of Healthcare called Ayurveda

As a certified Ayurvedic Educator, I’m often asked, “What exactly is Ayurveda?” This short video trailer will give you a very quick overview of what Ayurveda is.

As an Ayurvedic Educator, I teach the basics of understanding your mind-body type, or your “dosha” and how to incorporate simple daily routines, or “dinacharya” into your life that will enhance your over-all health and well-being.

Ayurveda goes way beyond diet and exercise and incorporates a deeper understanding of ourselves as a conscious based,  spiritual beings.

Ayurveda also encourages a seasonal cleanse, especially in the spring and fall as the seasons change. That is why I offer seasonal cleanses, as a way to improve your health and start to learn the daily routines you can use to improve your digestive fire and reduce toxicity. Once we have cleared and detoxified our body we can clear and detoxify our mind and emotions.

 

This short video will give you a very quick overview of what Ayurveda is, explained by the experts.

Join me for our Seasonal Spring Cleanse

Early Bird Pricing Through March 19

The pinnacle of accomplishment within the world-renowned Chopra Center is to be certified to teach all three pillars of Ayurveda which includes Yoga, Meditation and the Lifestyle Principles of Ayurveda. Proficiency in—and mastery of—these three disciplines conveys a special designation known as the Chopra Center Ayurvedic Educator. This coveted triple certification represents the highest level of commitment to exploring the depths of Vedanta, Ayurveda and Yoga.

Kay Rice, M.Ed.

Certified Ayurvedic Educator, Chopra Center for Wellbeing

Seasonal Cleanses: 5 Biggest Myths Debunked

Seasonal Cleanses: 5 Biggest Myths Debunked

Have you ever considered doing something healthy and then along come the nay-sayers? Not to worry, here are the 5 biggest myths about doing a seasonal cleanse debunked. If you are ready to get back on track after the winter, want a diet or metabolism re-set or a jump start to eating healthier, a cleanse could be perfect for you. In addition, done right, a cleanse can help you identify any food sensitivities causing you symptomes that you had not been aware of. 

The ancient wisdom teachings of Ayurveda recommend a seaonal cleanse for everyone who wants to experience optimal health. It also suggest a cleanse should be nourishing as well as support your body in eliminating any toxins. Basically, you are giving it the healthiest foods, giving your body a break and supporting it in doing it’s job of elimination, rejuvenation and providing you with optimal health and vitality.

The Truth About Seasonal Cleanses:  The five biggest myths debunked

Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, seasonal cleanses, aka detox, have earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe, not to mention uncomfortable. When you hear the words “cleanse” or “detox,” do you immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains? Sounds like just another new fad, right? Well … done that way, yes maybe … but done correctly …  

The truth is, doing a seasonal cleanse doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you cleanse in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.

 The following are five myths you may have heard about seasonal cleanses (aka detoxes). Understandably, these myths may cause you to be  hesitant to try a cleanse.

Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why a seasonal cleanse might be just what your body is craving.

Myth # 1: Cleansing and Detoxing is just a fad

The idea of doing a seasonal cleanse to promote optimal health and well-being has been around for thousands of years. Ayurveda, a holistic health tradition more than 5,000 years old, recommends routine cleanses for optimal health. Most often they are done at the change of the seasons with natures natural rhythms. It is a time to give your body a rest, allow it to release what it no longer needs, and receive nourishment for renewal.

Myth # 2: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a detox.

While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, detoxing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but nourish and detox your body.

The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends.

Myth #3:  You’ll constantly be hungry while detoxing.

While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a detox, you shouldn’t feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.

Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied.  My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during my detoxes.

Myth #4:  You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.

Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of detoxes can backfire: Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health. An effective detox will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.

Myth #5: Detoxes are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.

Supplements involved in a detox should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition.  While on a detox, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.

Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods.  For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body.

Aside from the benefits discussed above, a cleanse is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.

I’ve worked with nutrition clients who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear. 

Are you ready to discover the benefits of healthy seasonal cleanses for yourself?

Click here to learn more about 

The Art of Healthy Living Seasonal Spring Cleanse – Starts SOON!

Spring Cleanse starts Monday, March 23, 2020.Register by March 19 for Early Bird Savings.

What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a seasonal cleanse?

Before you try something new, like a cleanse, it’s normal to feel hesitant.  I want to hear from you. Submit a comment below, messages me on Facebook or email me at kay@kayrice.com. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally.

Ayurveda, A Holistic Approach to Health and Well-Being

Ayurveda, A Holistic Approach to Health and Well-Being

Learn How to Bring Mind-Body Balance, Health and Nourishment Into Your Life.

Ayurveda states that health is not just the absence of disease; it is physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda could be explained as the sister science to Yoga. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing system founded in ancient India. The Sanskrit words ayus means life, and veda is translated as science or wisdom. Ayurveda, the wisdom of life, offers a proven guide for happiness, vitality, love and purpose.  From the Ayurvedic perspective, human beings are not viewed as mere thinking physical machines, but rather as fields of intelligence in dynamic exchange with the energy and information of the environment.  Health is a state of vibrant energy and balance in which all the layers of one’s life are integrated. Ayurveda provides us the tools to enhance physical and emotional well being through conscious choices, enlivening the nourishing connection between mind, body and spirit.

How Will Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices Affect My Life?

Ayurvedic lifestyle practices are simple and easy daily habits that will assist you to easily bring balance and healing into your life.  Ayurvedic practices balance the body and mind, enhance nutrition, reduce emotional turbulence and re-awaken the senses. Sometimes people initially find the Sandscrit terms unfamiliar and complicated. However, as you become familiar with the principles they will become increasingly simple. Ayurveda explains all of existence through the elements of space, air, earth, fire, and water. This ancient science recognizes each of us are unique. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, neither are we. We each have our very own unique mind-body constitution. When we learn to understand it, honor it, and through simple and ancient principles of self-care honor it, we experience health, happiness and vibrant energy. You see, Ayurveda defines health not just as the absence of disease; Ayuveda defines health in terms of experiencing vital energy and physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Today, doctors are increasingly citing stress as a major contributing factor to most illnesses.  Our bodies and minds react to it by shifting out of balance, which ultimately creates physical challenges and emotional turbulence that impact our lives at home, at work, and at play. In time, we can find ourselves in toxic relationships and non-nourishing patterns of eating, sleeping, and digestion. Ayurveda will help you identify the imbalances in your life, teach you how to correct them, and help you develop a nurturing daily routine. You will also learn to release emotions in a healthy way so that they don’t build up in your physiology. Most importantly, as your stress is eliminated, your mind and body begin to function with maximum effectiveness, creating health, vitality and happiness.

How Do I Get Started?

  1. Sign up for the 3-Day Seasonal Cleanse program. You’ll not just learn about the concepts of Ayurveda, but you will get to experience Ayurveda.
  2. Take the quiz below to begin learning about your mind-body type. You’ll learn more in the 3-Day program. This is a great start!

In Kay’s 90-Day Turn-Around Program, you will be introduced to Secrets of Ancient Wisdom, basic principles of Ayurveda, Meditation, and Yoga as well as the three  primary mind-body personalities: vata, pitta, and kapha.

You will learn how to select and use the most nourishing foods for your mind-body personality.  These nutritional practices will help you maintain vibrant health, appropriate weight, and optimized digestion.

You will learn to perpetually renew yourself each day by recognizing and eliminating toxins and by performing gentle rejuvenating techniques.

You will learn tools to practice conscious communication to enhance your relationships and help you achieve emotional freedom.

You will be taught how to use your senses to access the power of your body’s inner pharmacy to heal, nourish, and maintain balance.

How Will I Benefit from Ayurveda?

By practicing the Ayurvedic lifestyle techniques program, you will be able to:

  • Reduce stress & balance the mind-body
  • Identify your mind-body personality
  • Improve your digestion and sleep patterns
  • Release emotional toxicity
  • Create optimal daily nutrition
  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Restore Vitality
  • Re-awaken the senses

The pinnacle of accomplishment within the world-renowned Chopra Center is to be certified to teach all three pillars of Ayurveda which includes Yoga, Meditation and the Lifestyle Principles of Ayurveda. Proficiency in—and mastery of—these three disciplines conveys a special designation known as the Chopra Center Vedic Educator. This coveted triple certification represents the highest level of commitment to exploring the depths of Vedanta, Ayurveda and Yoga.

Kay Rice, M.Ed.

Certified Vedic Educator, Chopra Center for Wellbeing

What’s Your Dosha, Baby?

What’s Your Dosha, Baby?

Do You Know Your Mind-Body Type?

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term, “DOSHA” please allow me to explain. Your “dosha” is your mind-body type, and this term comes from the ancient wisdom teachings of Ayurveda which is more than 5,000 years old. As with MANY ancient wisdom teachings from around our world, the “doshas” are described through the elements. In Ayurveda these elements are described as the “Great Elements” (Mahabhutas): and they are Space (akasha), Air (vayu), Fire (agni), Water (jalu) and Earth (prithivi). I am providing the ancient Sanskrit terms for these principles and elements.

Ayurveda, which is also a Sanskrit word which can be translated as “the science of life” is an ancient wisdom tradition which is more than 5,000 years old. It is one of the earliest documented approaches to holistic and alternative medicine, and understanding ourselves, our health and our body as a multi-dimensional and spiritual being in a physical body.

Back to the “Doshas” … According the Vedic science (Ayurvedic Science), consciousness mainifests the world through the five great elements of space, air, fire, water and earth. Since our bodies reside in the world, they are composed of the five elements. Ayurveda teaches that as the field of pure potential (“The UNIVERSE)” unfolds into living forms, the five elements organize themselves into three essential principles: Movement, Metabolism and Structure. These three principles are known as the three doshas.

Vata is the “Wind” principle & its primary function is movement.

An individual whose mind-body constitution shows a preponderance of the Vata principle will likely possess attributes that resemble the wind.

Pitta is the “Fire” principle  & its primary function is transformation.

An individual with a preponderance of the Pitta principle have a fiery nature that manifests in both body and mind.

Kapha is the “Earth” principle of and its primary function is protection.

Those with an abundance of the Kapha principle are typically grounded and steady, remaining unruffled by, and sometimes even resistant to, change.

This is starting to sound complicated, right?

Well, really, this ancient wisdom system made it very simple. All of life, including us are all just composed of bits of space, air, fire, water, and earth. When we begin thinking about these five basic elements and their qualities, it becomes more simple. 

Western thought divides us into 3 basic body types: Endomorph, Ectomorph, and Mesomorph, and it takes noting into consideration of our mind and our way of interpreting our world.. Ayurveda looks deeper into the complete mind-body type of the individual, which is determined at conception. This is our “psychophysiological constitution” which is a big word for our “mind-body type”. 

Though we come into the world with our own unique constitution, or mind-body type, or combination of the doshas—our experiences and choices in live influence our current state. If one of the doshas is out of balance, it means we have “too much” of that principle active, and once we understand these principles there are things we can do to bring ourselves back into balance. 

Let’s begin by understanding a little more about each of the three dosha types:

In a conflict … 

Vata may ask, “What did I do wrong?”.

Pitta may ask, “What did YOU do wrong?”

Kapha might respond with, “Who cares … I don’t want to deal with it.”

Daily Routines:

According to Ayurveda, human beings are a part of nature and therefore, good health requires that an individual’s internal rhythms be in tune with the natural cycles in the environment. We humans have a circadian rhythm just like all the other animals in nature. The cycles of time during the day and night as well as the seasonal changes through the year influence the doshas. Understanding the effects of environmental changes on the doshas allow you to make choices to enhance balance.

Daily cycles:

Kapha dosha predominates from 6:00 in the morning until 10:00 am and from 6:00 in the evening until 10:00 pm. In the morning, the body feels slow, heavy, relaxed and calm; all of which are qualities of Kapha. The period of peak physical activity and appetite occurs at noon, during the middle of the first Pitta period. Pitta is responsible for metabolizing food and distributing energy throughout the body. Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system predominates in the late afternoon, during which time mental activities and physical dexterity are most efficient.

The second cycle of the day begins at 6:00 pm with Kapha and its tendency to create a slow relaxed evening. During the night time Pitta period, the body is metabolizing dinner, but since the body is asleep during the 10:00 pm to 2:00 am period, the energy is being converted into warmth and the rebuilding of tissues. The early morning Vata time activates the nervous system in the form of active dream sleep (REM or rapid eye movement).

According to Ayurveda, synchronizing your daily routine with the natural daily rhythms inhances health. Awakening before dawn during the end of the Vata period allows you to take advantage of the Vata qualities of alertness and energy. Eating your main meal during the noon hour when the Pitta fire is strongest insures strong digestion. Going to bed by 10:00 pm at the end of the Kapha period takes advantage of the slow, dull Kapha qualities and encourages sound sleep.

Seasonal Cycles

As with the daily rhythms, the seasonal cycles that run throughout the yeare are matched to the doshas. Kapha season applies to the months when it is predominantly wet and cold, usually during late winter, spring and early summer. Pitta season applies to the hot summer and early autumn. Vata season is during the months when the weather is cold, dry and windy, usually occurring during the late fall and early winter. However, the three Ayurvedic seasons are only approximate and have to be adjusted according to local conditions. In addition, it is not really the calendar but the natural influences that determine how the doshas are affected. For example, any damp, cold or overcast day will increase Kapha to some degree, regardless of the season.

Kapha Seasonal Routine: Generally late winter, spring, and early summer

Favor a diet that is lighter, drier and less oily. Reduce heavy dairy products. Favor warm food and drink. Eat more foods with pungent, bitter and stringent tastes and fewer with sweet, sour and salty tastes.

Pitta Seasonal Routine: Generally midsummer through early autumn

The digestive fire is naturally high during hot weather, so your appetite may be increased. Respect this change by not overeating. Favor cool food and drink, but not ice cold. Favor sweet bitter and astringent tastes and reduce sour, salty and pungent ones. Your body will desire more fluids in hot weather but avoid large volumes of ice cold liquids during or after meals.

Vata Seasonal Routine: Generally late autumn through winter.

Favor warm food and drink, heavier food and a more oily diet than other times of the year. Your food should be well cooked and easy to digest, accompanied by plenty of warm liquids. Eat more foods with sweet, sour and salty tastes and fewer with pungent, bitter and astringent ones. Reduce dry or raw foods. It is natural for your appetite to increase during the Vata season. You may take increased quantities of food during this season but be careful not to overeat.

Vata Dosha: The Principle of Movement

Elements: Space and Air 

Characteristics: dry, cold, light, irregular, mobile, quick, rough 

Vata Constitution: Light, thin frame; active, restless, creative mind; variable diet and sleep patterns; digestive irregularity; dry skin & hair; anxiety/insomnia under stress. 

Responsible for: mental activity, neuromuscular activity, respiration, gastrointestinal mobility/elimination, cardiovascular circulation. 

Vata Psychology: to balance Vata, think “Rhythm” 

Balanced, Vata is energetic, adaptable, has strong initiative and is a good communicator. 

Imbalanced, Vata can become restless, insconsistent, unreliable and overly talkative. 

Imbalances of Vata often lead to dryness of the skin, hair, fingernails and large intestine. One may experience an irregular appetitie, delicate digestion, constipation, gas or bloating. One may become restless or suffer from insomnia. Emotionally, people with an Air imbalance may feel anxious, isolated, fearful or overly sensitive. 

Some general tips for Balancing Vata: Keep warm; Keep calm; Avoid both raw and cold food; Avoid cold temperatures; Eat warm foods and spices and Keep a regular Routine.

Vata Characteristics

Mind: Creative, quick, imaginative

Body: Thin light frame

Skin: Dry

Hair: Dry

Appetite: Delicate, spontaneous, often misses meals

Routine: Variable, spontaneous

Temperament: Welcomes new experiences, excitable, friendly, energetic

Conversation Style: Loves to talk

Shopping Style: Buy, buy buy

Stress Response: What did I do wrong? Tendencey to blame oneself.

Pitta Dosha: The Principle of Transformation

Characteristics: Hot, moist, light, intense, fluid, pungent, sour

Pitta Constitution: Medium fram, keen intellect with hungry minds, strong appetite and digestion (for everything), warm extremeties, perspires easily, irritability and angry under stress.

Responsible for: Transformation and digestion, mental discrimination, visual perception, digestion, coloration and pigmentation, temperature regulation (all the colored body fluids are Pitta).

Pitta Psychology: To balance Pitta think “Decompression”

Balanced, Pitta is intelligent, warm, friendly, courageous, and are good leaders.

Imbalanced, Pitta dosha can become critical, irritable, headstrong and controlling.

An imbalance of the Pitta dosha creates an excess of heat and acidity in the body. This may create symptoms such as skin rashes and irritations, burning pain in the digestive tract, indigestion or heartburn. Emotions may become inflamed when the Fire principle is out of balance, and the person may become angry, intolerant and hyper-critical. Fire imbalances are more likely to develop when one feels pressured or has “too much on their plate.”

Some general tips for balancing Pitta: Avoid excessive heat, Avoid excessive oil &nd steam; Limit salt intake, Eat cooling, nonspicy foods, Drink cool (but not iced) drinks, Exercise during the cooler part of the day.

Pitta Characteristics

Mind: Sharp, intellectual, direc t, precise, discerning

Body: Medium build, warm, muscular

Skin: Sensitive, flush, acne-prone

Hair: Tendancy towards early graying or thinning

Appetite: Strong. Can eat just about anything, anytime

Routine: Very precise and organized

Temperment: Passionate, driven, courageous, strong sex drive, good leader

Conversation Style: Speaks to convey a point.

Shopping Style: Spends on luxury items

Stress Response: Irratible, tendency to blame others.

Kapha Dosha: The Principle of Protection & Structure

Characteristics: cold, heavy, stable, viscous, dense, smooth, slow

Kapha Constitution (earth & water): Heavy set build, methodical, thoughtful nature, slow steady appetite and digestion, smooth, soft, lustrous complexion, deep, prolonged sleep, withdraws under stress and when imbalanced tends to hold onto things for too long.

Responsible for: Principle of protection, nervous system support, digestive tract protection, respiratory tract lubrication, joint lubrication, water and fat regulation. Kapha body fluids are clear.

Kapha Psychology: to balance think “Action”

Balanced, Kapha is calm, steady, devoted and tolerant. Imbalanced, Kapha becomes boring, inert, needy and and complacent.

An imbalance in the Kapha dosha will make one feel sluggish, congested and lazy. Weight gain, retention of fluids, allergies and sinus congestion all reflect an excess or imbalance of the earth principal. Earth imbalances may manifest emotionally as depression, attachment, sentimentality, or an inability to let go.

General Tips for Balancing Kapha: Keep active and get plenty of exercise; Avoid heavy foods; Vary your routine; Avoid dairy foods, and fatty or oily foods; Avoid iced food and drinks; Eat light, dry food.

Kapha Characteristics

Mind: Detail-oriented, steady consistent

Body: Sturdy, gains weight easily, has trouble losing it

Skin: Smooth and oily

Hair: Thick, oily

Appetite: Loves to eat but has a slow digestion

Routine: Methodical and sturdy, resistant to change

Temperament: Thoughtful, forgiving, sweet, patient, loving, content, slow-moving

Conversation Style: Simple and profound

Shopping Style: Saves

Stress Response: I don’t want to deal with it! Withdrawn

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Get to Know your Mind-Body Type. Discover your personal blueprint for achieving perfect health, as we guide you into bringing vibrant balance to your unique mind-body type.

The pinnacle of accomplishment within the world-renowned Chopra Center is to be certified to teach all three pillars of Ayurveda which includes Yoga, Meditation and the Lifestyle Principles of Ayurveda. Proficiency in—and mastery of—these three disciplines conveys a special designation known as the Chopra Center Vedic Educator. This coveted triple certification represents the highest level of commitment to exploring the depths of Vedanta, Ayurveda and Yoga.  

Kay Rice, M.Ed.

Certified Vedic Educator, Chopra Center for Wellbeing

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