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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

Would you Like to Learn More?

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

Daily Cycles and the Doshas

Daily Cycles and the Doshas

Our Daily Routines and the Daily Cycle of the Doshas

According to Ayurveda, human beings are a part of nature and therefore optimal health means that our internal rhythm be in tune with the nautral cycles in the environment. Human beings have a circadian rhythm as do the other animals in nature. There are daily cycles and seasonal cycles. The cycles of time during the day and night as well as the seasonal changes throughout the year influence the doshas.

When  Dr. Simon, co-founder of the Chopra Center, taught us about the daily routines he was fond of saying, “There is really no such thing as a night person, only a person with bad habits.” Electricity which can keep it light 24/7 and 24 hour a day TV, Internet and other stimuli have made it easy to ignore the daily cycles and rhythms of nature.

The Kapha dosha predominates in the morning from 6:00 am until 10:00 am, and from 6:00 pm tuntil 10:00 pm at night. In the morning during this period the body feels slow, heavy relaxed and calm; all of which are qualities of Kapha. In the evening a major source of traffic accidents are people going home from work who fall asleep. 

Pitta predominates from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, and then from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am. The period of peak physical activity and appetite occurs at noon, during the middle of the first period of Pitta. Pitta is responsible for metabolizing food and distributing energy throught the body. Pittas need to eat by around 1:00 pm or the fire burns out of control, and then emotions tend to erupt.

Vata dosha predominates from 2:00 am until 6:00 am, and again from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Vata 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 nighttime 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, or REM (Rapid Eye Movement).

According to Ayurveda, synchoninzing you daily routine with the natural daily rhythms enhances health. Waking 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 qualitiies and encourages sound sleep.

2 am to 6 am – Vata Period

Nature is awakening at this time of day. Get up by 6:00 am and no later than 7:00. Most dreaming occurs in this period. Get up and meditate with the alertness of Vata. During this period of movement, toxins get moved into the elimination tiessues & channels of the body you can get rid of them when you get up. 

6 am to 10 am – Kapha Period

This is a heavier period of the day. If you stay in bed for too long you will feel dull and heavier. If you experiences stiffness in the joints, it will help you to get moving before the Kapha period begins. Eat a lighter breakfast, and this is the best time of the day to do vigerous, heavy physical exercise. It is also the best time to take chemotherapy, because at this time of the day the healthy cells are at their least active; cancer cells are over-active all of the time.

10 am to 2 pm – Pitta Period

This is the warmest time of the day and the sun is at its highest. Digestion (Agni) is it’s strongest at this time. Many cultures used to take a rest during this time of the day to keep from over-heating. This is the best time of the day to eat your main meal.

2 pm to 6 pm – Vata Period

During this Vata period you will be more light and alert. This should be a period that we are mentally alert, fresh, and creative. It is a good time to meditate. If you tend to experience that mid-afternoon slump, look for what may be out of balance.

6 pm to 10 pm – Kapha Period

This is a slwer, heavier time of the day. Animals quiet down, the sun sets and dark sets in. Take advantale of the quietness. Use this time to go to bed by 10:00. To stay in tune with the circadian rhythm go to bed between 9:30 and 11:00 pm at the lastest. Eat a light evening meal early in this period, from 6-7 pm.

10 pm – 2 am – Pitta Period

Pittas wake hot and throw off the covers. We will get hungry again if we are awake, and it may cause you to raid the refrigerator at night. Often pittas gain weight by eating late at night. Most people will notice a dip in energy around 10:00 pm. If you sleep during this time, agni metabolizes at this time. The body rids itself of toxins during heavy sleep.

When I spent time at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastary, I noted the monks kept their daily routines in line with these daily cycles. They were up by 4:00 am for the first service of the day of chanting and meditation, a second service at 8:00 am. Then in the evening another service at 4:00 pm, and the last one of the day, just before retiring was at 8:00 pm.

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

Daily Cycles and the Doshas

The Doshas—Mind-Body Typing

Ayurveda has a unique way of typing our mind-body constitution or Dosha types. The doshas are made up of THE FIVE GREAT ELEMENTS. The five great elements organize themselves into the three principles, or doshas, of movement, metabolism and protection. In sanskrit these principles, or doshas, are called Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

Vata, the principal of movement, is comprised of the elements of space and air. You can think of it as Wind. Pitta, the principle of transformation, is comprised of fire and a little bit of water. You can think of it as Fire. Kapha, the principle of protection, is made of earth and water. Think of it as Earth.

These principles are responsible for every function in our mind and body. We all have all thre dosha principles, but since we are each a unique expression of nature, we have our own unique psycho-phsiological type, or dosha type. This explains why we each respond differently to the same situation or stimulus. Some of us respond with more fire, while others may be more airy or earthy.

We all come into the world with our own unique combination of the doshas, which is determined at conception, and is referred to as our Prakruti. Most people have either one or two of the doshas more predominant. In addition to our basic dosha type, or prakruti, our experiences and choices also influence our doshas, as do the seasononal and daily cycles.

Everyone is one of the followng seven mind-body types: Vata, Pitta, Kapha (mono-doshic); Vata-Pitta (or Pitta-Vata), Vata-Kahpa (or Kapha-Vata), Pitta-Kapha (or Kapha-Pitta) having 2 predominant doshas (bi-doshic). The last type, tri-doshic (which is the most rare) has more-or-less equal expressions of all three dosha types in the constitution.

The three doshas regulate every function in our human body.

 

Vata

Vata is the principle of movement and is comprised of the elements of space and air. When you think of Vata, think about the qualities of wind: Dry, cold, light, irregular, mobile, quick and rough. Vata activity is quick, daily routines tend to be variable, under stress Vata becomes anxious.  Vata learns information quickly  to learn and is easy to forget. Physically, the Vata constitution tends to have a light, thin frame, and active, restless and creative mind, variable diet and sleep patterns, digestive irregularity, dry skin and hair. In the body the Vata Dosha is responsible for mental activity, neuromuscular activity, respiration, digestive movement and cardiovascular circulation. A person with a strong Vata Constitution may have inconsistent appetite and moods. They generally welcome new experiences, embrace change and can be lively and talkative. Their habits, interests and daily routines are likely to change from week to week.  Mentally, when in balance, Vata is energetic, adaptable, has strong initiative and is a good communicator. When vata is under stress or out of balance they become restless, inconsistent, undependable and overly talkative. To balance Vata think “rhythm”.  When you meet someone with a predominance of the Vata constitution, you may think this person is unpredictable.

Vata Imbalances often lead to dryness of skin, hair, fingernails and large intestine. Irregular appetite, delicate digestion, constipation, gas or bloating are all indications of Vata imbalance. Since this dosha governs movement in the body, a vata imbalance may cause restlessness or insomnia. Emotionally, those with a Vata imbalance may feel anxious, isolated, fearful or overly sensitive. Symptoms may come and go, a reflection of the irregularity of the wind principle, and may be brought on by times of change or instability. 

To balance Vata, think rhythm and grounding.

Pitta

Pitta is the principle of transformation and is comprised of the elements of fire with a little water. When you think of Pitta, think about the qualities of the element FIRE: hot, light intense, penetrating, sharp and acidic. People with a lot of pitta in their constitution will display these attributes both mentally and physically. They tend to have a medium frame, a discriminating mind and are intellectually sharp. They have a strong appetite and digestion, tend to perspire easily and have warm hands and feet.  Under stress they will become irritable and angry.  Pitta is responsible for all forms of digestion. In our body, the fire principle metabolizes our experiences so we can absorb what is nourishing and eliminate what is not. Pitta is responsible for the digestion of food, detoxification, intellectual discernment, vision and pigmentation of the skin and hair. Emotionally, when those with a predominance of Pitta are intelligent, warm, friendly, courageous and good leaders. Out of balance or under stress they become critical, irritable, headstrong and controlling.

An imbalance of Pitta in the body can create an excess of heat and acidity. Symptoms may emerge as skin rashes or inflammation, indigestion and heartburn. Emotions may become inflamed when pitta is out of balance, causing one to easily become angry, intolerant and hyper-critical. Pitta imbalances are likely to develop when one feels pressured or has “too much on his plate.” 

To balance Pitta, think decompression and cooling.

 

Kapha

Kapha is the principle of protection and structure, and is comprised of the elements earth and water.  People with a predomenence of the Kapha principle are generally sturdy and consistent. The qualities of earth are heavy, cold, solid, stable, wet, smooth and slow. These attributes are typical of thise with a lot of the earth element.  In the body, Kapha is responsible for protecting the digestive tract, protecting the heart and lungs, and for the sense of taste, protecting the brain and lubricating the joints. Those with a predominance of the Kapha dosha tend to be heavy set and stocky with great strength and endurance. Their skin is smooth, soft and lustrous, and they often have large eyes. They sleep long and deep. Emotionally, when in balance, Kapha is calm, steady, slow to anger, devoted and content. Under stress Kapha tends to depression or withdrawal.   Out of balance Kapha can become boring, inert, needy and complacent.

When Kapha becomes imbalanced, one will feel sluggish, lazy and may become congested. Weight gain, retention of fluids, allergies and sinus congestion all reflect an excess or imbalance of Kapha. Emotionally, Kapha imbalance may present itself as depression, or an inability to let go of things or relationships even if they are no longer needed or nurturing. A person with a Kapha imbalance may be slow to react and resistant to change. 

 

To balance Kapha think Action & Movement

 

When the doshas are imbalanced

Unhealthy lifestyle choices and stress can cause the doshas to become out of balance. Each of the doshas have a balanced and imbalanced expression. When in balance the principles are circulating in the mind body physiology in appropriate proportains and we feel healthy and happy. All our bodily functions work in harmony with on another. Due to improper diet and lifestyle choices and stress these principles may become disturbed and cause distress or disease in the body or mind.

When the a dosha is imbalanced it means we have too much of that dosha active.

In ayurveda, the doshas are brought back into balance using all five of our senses. We are not just what we eat, we are what we metabolize through every sensory experience: What we see, hear, smell, taste, touch and the emotions we feel. We nourish ourselves with self-care through the experiences of taste, smell, touch and sounds.

There are six tastes in Ayurveda: Sweet, Salty, Sour, Pungent, Bitter, Astringent.  

Daily Cycles and the Doshas

Seasonal Cycles and the Doshas

The Six Tastes

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

The Five Great Elements

The Five Great Elements

According the the ancient teachings of Ayurveda, the five great elements of space, air, fire, water & earth organize themselves into three essential principles: Movement, Metabolism & Structure. These principles are known as the doshas in Ayurveda.  The Sandskrit names for the three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three dosas are the components of life and all living systems. Explaining the world we live in through these elements is common to virtually all the ancient wisdom teachings of the world from the Native American Indians, to the Indigenous people in South America, to Ancient Chinese Medicine, to India where Ayurveda originated.

To understand the dosha principles, lets first explore the five great elements that make up nature.

SPACE

AIR

FIRE

WATER

EARTH

The Five Great Elements—The Building Blocks of Nature

According to Vedic Science, or Ayurveda, conscious manifests the world through five codes of intelligence called the five  Great Elements (Sanskrit: Mahabhutas).  These great elements are Space, Air, Fire, Water & Earth. These elements are the building blocks of nature.  Using the elements to explain our world is consistent with other ancient wisdom traditions of the world.  Since our bodies are part of the world, they are composed of these five elements. Fundamental to the timeless healing system of Ayurveda is the expression: "As is the human body, so is the cosmic body. As is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind." This phrase embodies the understanding that the human mind-body is not separate from nature. The Infinite Intelligence that governs the growth of a single cell into the 50 trillion cells that are currently functioning as your mind-body is the same as the Cosmic Intelligence that orchestrates the changing of the seasons, the migration of animals and the movement of the stars. This is why understanding the fundamental building blocks of nature allows us to better understand ourselves.

SPACE

SPACE (Akasha)

The space element represents the open expanse in which everything is contained. In the universe, space expresses itself as the vast emptiness that underlies the physical world. Within our bodies, space can be recognized as the gaps between and within cells through which information flows.

AIR

AIR (Vayu)

The air element is the animating force of life; it is present in everything that moves. Externally this force is represented as the wind; internally it is the movement of breath, circulation and nerve impulses. 

FIRE

 

FIRE (Agni or Tejas)

 

The fire element is present in everything that generates heat, light or transformation. Fire expresses itself in the outer world as the sun and internatlly as our digestive and cognitive processes. 

 

WATER

WATER (Jala)

The water element connects and nourishes the physical substance of our bodies. Our bodies are comprised of roughly 70% water, as is the planet itself. Internally, our organs and systems are nourished by the river of our plasma, our joints are lubricated by synovial fluid and our central nervous system is protected by creebrospynal fluid.

 

EARTH

EARTH (Prithivi)

The earth element expresses itself as solidarity, mass and form. It is reflected in nature as planets, mountains, rocks and all solid structures. Internally, the earth element gives rise to our bones, muscles, tendons and cartilage.

How is Your Mind-Body, or Dosha, Type Determined?

Our psycho-physiological, or mind-body, type is determined at conception by a number of factors, to include our parents' doshas, time of day of conception, where they were located and even what they may have eaten.

We all have all five of the elements & all three doshas present in our constitution. It is most common for an individual to have one or two of the doshas predominant. Even though we come into the world with a dosha type that was determined at conception, called our Prakruti, our experiences and choices influence our current dosha type. If one of the doshas is out of balance, it means we have "too much" of that principle active, and there are things we can do to bring ourselves back into balance. Our current state of balance is refered to in Sandscrit as our Vikruti. Mantaining balance is essential to health. 

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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