Holistic Nutrition

Introduction

Ayurveda has its roots in India, dating back to about five thousand years. Essentially, it is a science that encompasses the health benefits of herbs, meditation, yoga, and massage. Ayurveda is based on the principle that every being on this earth, be it animate or inanimate, is the outcome of five basic elements, or Pancha Mahabhootas – Water, Air, Fire or Energy, Earth, and Sky. Ayurveda embodies the methods that help to achieve a balance between the body, mind and soul, which is absolutely crucial to stay in unison with nature.

Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition

According to Ayurveda, ‘We are what we eat’! This ancient branch of science believes most of the common ailments are a result of poor nutrition. Ayurvedic nutrition is concerned importantly with the dietary requirements of individuals. Any anomaly in the body is thought to emanate in the digestive system, and therefore it become crucial not to cast aside even minor digestive complaints, as it could be indicative of a disease.

Ayurveda does not distinguish between food and medicine, the underlying belief that the absence of nutritive food or diet causes disease in the body. This can only be remedied with appropriate food, which becomes the medicine to heal the body of its ailment. All the same, Ayurveda holds sacrosanct, that each one of us are distinct, and our health is determined by our attitude and response to the conscious and unconscious inputs in life that one is subjected to.

Ayurvedic diet is centered on treating life’s experiences as ‘food’ (for the body and the mind), which is assimilated into the body and contributes to its nourishment. This transformation of ‘food’ into nutrition is termed as ‘Agni’ or fire, which forms the edifice upon which the Ayurvedic system is built.

Spices and herbs form an integral part of Ayurvedic healing, mainly because of its power to be easily absorbed in the body. On the one hand, this enhances the digestive capacity of the body and on the other, cleanses it of its toxins, ensuring the cells in the body are empowered with the nutrition available in the diet. Ayurveda recommends that spices be consumed only after they are cooked.

An Ayurvedic diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fibrous food, which contribute to keeping the body energetic, glowing and in good health. An Ayurvedic diet is miserly with salt to prevent potential fluid retention and also discourages the intake of coffee, sodas, and alcohol.

Benefits of an Ayurvedic diet

  • Ayurvedic diet is low in fat and helps to maintain an optimum body weight.

Ayurvedic diet is endowed with minerals that charge the body with energy and radiance.

Ayurvedic diet is rich in vegetable proteins that are quickly digested and assimilated into the body.

Ayurvedic meals are easy to digest due to the inclusion of spices – garlic, ginger, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper.

Fresh organic foods that Ayurveda relies upon, are high on nutrition, and endow the body with strength and vitality.



The Five Great Elements

Ayurveda believes that everything in this universe is made up of five great elements or building blocks. These are earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Earth represents the solid state of matter. It manifests stability, permanence, and rigidity. In our body, the parts such as bones, teeth, cells, and tissues are manifestations of the earth. Earth is considered a stable substance.

Water characterizes change and represents the liquid state. Water is necessary for the survival of all living things. A large part of the human body is made up of water. Our blood, lymph, and other fluids move between our cells and through our vessels, bringing energy, carrying away wastes, regulating temperature, bringing disease fighters, and carrying hormonal information from one area to another. Water is a substance without stability.

Fire is the power to transform solids into liquids, to gas, and back again. In other words, it possess power to transform the state of any substance. Within our bodies, the fire or energy binds the atoms together. It also converts food to fat (stored energy) and muscle. Fire transforms food into energy. It creates the impulses of nervous reactions, our feelings, and even our thought processes. Fire is considered a form without substance.

Air is the gaseous form of matter which is mobile and dynamic. Within the body, air (oxygen) is the basis for all energy transfer reactions. It is a key element required for fire to burn. Air is existence without form.

Ether is the space in which everything happens. It is the field that is simultaneously the source of all matter and the space in which it exists. Ether is only the distances which separate matter. The chief characteristic of ether is sound. Here sound represents the entire spectrum of vibration.

Every substance in our world is made up of these five substances. All substances can be classified according to their predominant element. For example, a mountain is predominantly made up of earth element. A mountain also contain water, fire, air and ether. But these elements are very small compared to the earth. So, its classification is the earth.

Ayurveda defines a human as the assemblage of the five great elements plus the “immaterial self.”



The Senses

The five elements manifest in the functioning of the five senses of man. This allows the person to perceive the external environment in which he or she lives. They are also related, through the senses, to five actions expressing the functions of the sensory organs.

The basic senses and their relationship to the five elements are shown below:

Element Senses Sense Organ Action Organ of Action
Ether Hearing Ear Speech Tongue, vocal cords, mouth
Air Touch Skin Holding Hand
Fire Vision Eye Walking Feet
Water Taste Tongue Procreation Genitals
Earth Smell Nose Excretion Anus


Like And Unlike

Anything that enters our body (microcosm) can exert three possible effects on the organism.

It can act as food. This nourishes the organism
It can act as medicine. This balances the organism
It can act as poison. This disturbs the organism.

The five elements may exert one, two, or all three of these effects. The rule that governs the interaction between the environment and the organism is the Law of Like and Unlike. Like increase like. Unlike decreases like.

For example, when you lie in full sun, your body temperature goes up. Similarly, when you take bath in cold water, your body temperature goes down. Everything you experience, food, medicine, or poison, increases like parts of your microcosm and decreases those parts that are unlike it. Similarly, thought also enters your microcosm. Thought can be positive or negative and will influence your being. Goods thoughts cheer you up. Bad thoughts will poison you and decrease your good feelings.

Knowing what is good and what is not so good for your personal self enables you to make informed choices in your life. Right thoughts and attitudes actually induce prosperity. Evil thoughts and bad deeds will not result in prosperity, but to the ultimate ruin of the microcosm.



Uniqueness of Individuals

Ayurveda views each and every person as unique, with a unique mind-body constitution and a unique set of life circumstances, all of which must be considered in determining either natural healing approaches or recommendations for daily living. This view is in alignment with the modern science which views individuals as unique in the universe with a unique DNA.

According to Ayurveda, because we each have a unique constitution, our health prescription must be unique to us. This means that in order to be healthy, you need to eat certain foods that are beneficial for your body type and stay away from others. Your exercise program must be personally suitable as well. Your constitution determines very much about you – your body, your personality, even how you relate to other people. Understanding it lets you know what you need in order to be healthy.



Effects of The Six Tastes:

Effects of The Six Tastes: Sweet

Taste:Sweet (Earth + Water)


Property Cooling
Source/Example Fruits with natural sugar such as peaches, sweet plums, grapes, melons, and oranges; vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets; milk, butter, and whole grains such as rice and wheat bread; herbs and spices such as basil, licorice root, red cloves, peppermint, slippery Elm and fennel. Ayurveda recommends that you avoid highly processed sweets such as candy bars and sugar, which also contain additives, food coloring, and preservatives.
Effect on Tridosha Decreases Vata Decreases Pitta Increases Kapha
Actions Sweet is the taste of pleasure. It makes us feel comforted and contented. It is one of the most important healing tools for debilitating weakness in Ayurveda. Nourishing and strengthening and promotes growth of all tissues, so is good for growing children, the elderly, and the weak or injured. Increases ojas and prolongs life. Good for hair, skin and complexion, and for healing broken bones. Adds Wholesomeness to the Body. Increases Rasa, water and ojas. Relieves thirst: Creates a burning sensation, Nourishes & soothes the body.
Disorders In excess, sweet taste promotes Kapha imbalances and disorders such as heaviness, laziness, and dullness, colds, obesity, excessive sleeping, loss of appetite, cough, diabetes, & abnormal growth of muscles.

Effects of The Six Tastes: Sour

Taste: Sour (Earth + Fire)
Property Heating
Source/Example Yogurt, vinegar, Cheese, sour cream, Green Grapes, Lemon (and other Citrus fruits), Hibiscus, Rose Hips, Tamarind, Pickles, Miso (fermented soybean paste) and in herbs such as Caraway, Coriander, and Cloves.
Effect on Tridosha Decreases Vata Increases Pitta Increases Kapha
Actions Creates a feeling of adventurousness. Adds deliciousness to food. Stimulates Appetite & Sharpens the mind. Strengthens the sense organs. Causes secretions & salivation. Is Light, Hot & Unctuous. Good for the heart, digestion and assimilation. Helps dispel gas.
Disorders Increases thirst, Sensitivity of teeth, Closure of eyes, Liquefaction of kapha, Toxicosis of blood, Edema, Ulceration, Heartburn & Acidity. You become weak and giddy. It also may cause itching and irritation, thirst, and blood toxicity.

Effect of Six Tastes: Salty

Taste: Salty (saline) (Water + Fire)
Property Heating
Source/Example Table salt, Sea Salt, Rock Salt, Kelp, sea weeds.
Effect on Tridosha Decreases Vata Increases Pitta Increases Kapha
Actions A basic unit of electricity, salt helps retain moisture in vata. Helps digestion. Acts as an Anti-spasmodic & Laxative. Promotes Salivation, Nullifies the Effect of All Other Tastes. Retains Water. Heavy. Unctuous, Hot.
Disorders Excess salt can aggravate skin conditions, weaken the system, cause wrinkling of the skin and graying and failing out of hair. It promotes inflammatory skin diseases, gout, and other Pitta disorders. Disturbs Blood, Causes fainting & heating of the body. Causes peptic ulcer, rash, pimples & hypertension.

Effect of Six Tastes: Pungent

Taste: Pungent (Fire + Air)
Property Heating
Source/Example Onion, Radish, Chili, Ginger, Garlic, Asafoetida, Cayenne Pepper, black pepper, mustard.
Effect on Tridosha Increases Vata Increases Pitta Decreases Kapha
Actions Stimulates appetite and improves digestion. Like salt and sour, pungent improves the taste of food. Gives mental clarity. Helps cure Kapha disorders such as obesity, sluggish digestion, excess water in the body. Improves circulation. Is germicidal, stops itching, facilitates sweating and elimination of ama (toxic accumulations). Keeps the mouth clean. Purifies the blood, cures skin disease, helps to eliminate blood clots, cleanses the body. Light, Hot, Unctuous.
Disorders Too much pungent taste can cause weakness, feeling of weariness, impurities, burning sensations in the body. Increases Heat, sweating, can cause a peptic ulcer, dizziness & unconsciousness.

Effect of Six Tastes: Bitter

Taste: Bitter (Air + Ether)
Property Cooling
Source/Example Dandelion Root, Holy Thistle, Yellow Dock, Rhubarb, bitter melon, greens such as Romaine lettuce, spinach, and chard, Fresh Turmeric Root, Fenugreek, Gentian Root.
Effect on Tridosha Increases Vata Decreases Pitta Decreases Kapha
Actions Considered to be one of the most healing tastes for many kind of imbalances in the mind-body. Bitter foods and herbs are drying and cooling and create lightness. Promotes other tastes. Acts as an Antitoxic & Germicidal. Is an antidote for Fainting, Itching & Burning Sensations in the body. Relieves thirst. Good for reducing fevers. Promotes digestion. Cleansing to the blood and helps remove ama in system.
Disorders Too much bitterness can cause dehydration. It can also Increase roughness, emaciation, dryness. Reduces bone marrow & semen. Can cause dizziness & Eventual unconsciousness.

Effect of Six Tastes: Astringent

Taste: Astringent (Air+ Earth)
Property Cooling
Source/Example Unripe Banana, Cranberries, Pomegranate, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Turmeric, Okra, Beans, Mace, Parsley, Saffron, Basil, and Alum.
Effect on Tridosha Increases Vata Decreases Pitta Decreases Kapha
Actions Astringent foods and herbs squeeze out water. Drying and firming, astringent taste stops diarrhea, reduces sweating, and slows or stops bleeding. (Causes constriction of blood vessels, Coagulation of blood.) Anti-inflammatory. Promotes healing. Has a sedative action, but is constipative, Is Dry, Rough, Cold.
Disorders Excess astringent is weakening and causes premature aging. Its drying effect causes constipation and retention of gas. Promotes dry mouth. Promotes Vata disorders such as paralysis and spasms. Obstruction of speech. Too much astringent taste can adversely affect the heart.

How To Use the Information on The Six Tastes To Improve Health

Dr. James Brooks, author of “Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity and Total Health” suggested that Ayurvedic principles of six tastes can be used to analyze what is wrong with the Western diet and why we get into so many problems. Dr. Brooks notes that the average fast food diet includes only three tastes, sweet, salty and sour. (The average fast food of a hamburger, French fries, coke and ketchup have only these three tastes. The meat, bread, and coke are sweet; the fries are salty; the vinegar in the ketchup is sour.) They are all Vata pacifying. Vata imbalance is very common in the western society due to the fast pace of life and the emotional problems such as insecurity, anxiety and emptiness, so common in our lifestyle. These tastes are attractive to most westerners because being vata pacifying, they tend to help with these problems. This is why the fast food is so appealing.

The problem is that the fast food is not a healthy diet. It has generally too much fat. It is difficult to digest. It does not contain all the ingredients the body needs because it is short of three tastes. Such a diet tend to imbalance Kapha, characterized by lethargy, overweight, depression, mental dullness, and greediness.

Dr. Brooks also suggests that nutritional imbalance can lead to addictive behavior of all kinds. The mind/body system feels dissatisfied and is craving for something. The person does not know what is missing. This, left untreated, can result in addiction (not necessarily just in food). Addiction may be in tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex, excitement, shopping, etc. The answer to this is to eat a balanced diet incorporating all the six tastes. This tend to balance our tridoshas and we feel mentally and physically satisfied.



How The Six Tastes Affect The Doshas
Dosha Tastes That Increases Dosha Tastes That Decreases Dosha
Vata
Pungent
Bitter
Astringent
Sweet
Sour
Salty
Pitta
Pungent
Sour
Salty
Sweet
Bitter
Astringent
Kapha
Sweet
Sour
Salty
Pungent
Bitter
Astringent
The table above, summarizing how the six tastes affect the doshas, is very useful in coming up with proper diet in case of imbalances in our doshas or vikruti. For example, a woman who is a few days away from her monthly period, will feel bloated from fluid retention. This is also accompanied by mood change and depression (we call this PMS). Ayurvedically speaking, these all mean that the Kapha is out of whack, an excess of Kapha in the system prior to menstruation period.

Looking at the table above we can see that in order to reduce Kapha, we need to eat Pungent (onions, radishes, garlic, ginger, cumin etc.), Bitter (green leafy vegetables such as spinach, bitter greens , turmeric) and astringent foods (such as lentils, broccoli, cabbage etc.). Most of the people tend to eat sweet foods (candy bar) or salty food (such as potato chips, salted nuts etc.). This obviously will make things worse.

Similarly, for a person who feels very angry or irritated (signs of Pitta imbalance), foods that are sweet, bitter or astringent will be helpful. Herbs can also be used instead of food. Refer to the table for the appropriate herbs.







Concept of Tri-Dosha

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. Dosha means “that which changes.” It is a word derived from the root dus, which is equivalent to the English prefix ‘dys’, such as in dysfunction, dystrophy, etc. In this sense, dosha can be regarded as a fault, mistake, error, or a transgression against the cosmic rhythm. The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are required for the life to happen. In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha.

The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Dosha Related Elements
Vata Air and Ether
Pitta Fire and Water
Kapha Water and Earth
Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

Vata means “wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command.” Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It  is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

The effect of Vata on our body or microcosm is described in the table below.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

Creativity, mental quickness
Highly imaginative
Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
Talk and walk quickly
Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
Excitable, lively, fun personality
Changeable moods
Irregular daily routine
Variable appetite and digestive efficiency
High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert
Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance
Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance
Tendency to act on impulse
Often have racing, disjointed thoughts
Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don’t perspire much
Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

Physical Features

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.

Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.

Signs of Vata Dosha Imbalance:

There are a number of tell tale signs of dosha imbalance. Some persons will get very angry. Some get depressed, etc. Here is a summary of the signs of vata imbalance:

Worried
Tired, yet can’t relax, Fatigue, poor stamina
Nervous, Can’t concentrate
Anxious, fearful
Agitated mind
Impatient, Antsy or hyperactive
Spaced out
Self-defeating
Shy, insecure, Restless
Cannot make decisions
Weight loss, under weight
Insomnia; wake up at night and can’t go back to sleep
Generalized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints
Agitated movement
Very sensitive to cold
Nail biting
Rough, flaky skin, Chapped lips
Fainting spells
Heart palpitations
Constipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups
Dry, sore throat, Dry eyes

Also See: Other Signs of Vata Aggravation

In summary, if you are suffering from anxiety, worry, a tendency to overexertion, insomnia, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension and other symptoms of stress, a weakened immune system, headaches, underweight, constipation, skin dryness, mental confusion, emotional conflict, inability to make decisions, impulsiveness, fast and disconnected speech, fantasy, illusions, and sensations of being lighthearted and removed from thoughts, feelings, or circumstances, then there is a very good sign that your vata is aggravated. Follow the dietary guidelines given to balance vata dosha.

Indications of balanced vata influences are mental alertness and abundance of creative energy, good elimination of waste matters from the body, sound sleep, a strong immune system, enthusiasm, emotional balance, and orderly functioning of the body’s systems.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types

The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.

Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t’ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.

When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. Meditate every day for deep relaxation.

A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha

These guidelines can be used for vata mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body.

Favor:

Warm food, moderately heavy textures, added butter and fat.
Salt, sour, and sweet tastes; Soothing and satisfying foods.
All soothing foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread. Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata. On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance.
Breakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet.
Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it.
Use spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil.
Use warm moist foods such as cooked grains and cereals, bowl of hot oatmeal or cup of steaming vegetable soup.
Warm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating candies as it disturbs vata.
Prefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks.
All sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent
Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks.
Summary: Breakfast is usually desirable. Hot foods and sweet and sour tastes. Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes. Warm or hot water and drinks. Raw nuts and nut butters. Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation.

Favor Reduce or Avoid
cooked vegetables
asparagus
beets
carrots
cucumber
garlic
green beans
onions, cooked
onions, cooked
sweet potato
radishes
turnips
leafy greens in moderation
broccoli
Brussels sprouts
cabbage
cauliflower
celery
eggplant
leafy green vegetables
mushrooms
peas
peppers
potatoes
sprouts
tomatoes
zucchini

Note: The above vegetables are OK if cooked with oil except cabbage and sprouts

Avoid raw vegetables, in general

Fruits
Favor Reduce or Avoid
sweet fruits
apricots
avocados
bananas
berries
cherries
coconut
fresh figs
grapefruit
lemons
grapes
mangos
sweet melons
sour oranges
papaya
pineapple
peaches
plums
sour fruits
Stewed fruits
Sweet, well-ripened fruit in general
apples
cranberries
pears
pomegranates

The above fruits are OK cooked

Avoid dried fruits, in general and unripe fruit (especially bananas)

Grains
Favor Reduce or Avoid
oats(as cooked oatmeal cereal, not dry)
cooked rice
wheat
barley
buckwheat
corn
dry oats
millet
rye
Dairy
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All Dairy is acceptable
Meat
Favor Reduce or Avoid
chicken
seafood, in general
turkey
All in small quantity
Avoid red meat
Beans
Favor Reduce or Avoid
chickpeas
mung beans
pink lentils
tofu (small amounts)
All, except as noted.
Oils
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All oils are acceptable
Sesame oil and olive oil are especially good.
Sweeteners
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All sweeteners are acceptable
Nuts and Seeds
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All are acceptable in small amounts. Almonds are best.
Herbs and Spices
Favor Reduce or Avoid
Almost all, in moderation, with emphasis on sweet and/or heating herbs and spices, such as:
allspice
anise
asafoetida
basil
bay leaf
black pepper (use sparingly)
caraway
cardamom
cilantro (green coriander)
cinnamon
clove
cumin
fennel
ginger
juniper berries
licorice root
mace
marjoram
mustard
nutmeg
oregano
sage
tarragon
thyme
Avoid using spices in large quantities. Minimize or avoid all bitter and astringent herbs and spices such as:
coriander seed
fenugreek
parsley
saffron
turmeric

If your basic constitution is mixed (vata-pitta or vata-kapha), include portions for the second influential dosha.

Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during autumn and early winter. During these seasons all mind-body types can include some of the above foods and decrease others.

Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.



Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are vitally required for the life processes to occur. (For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.

The effect of Pitta on our body or microcosm is shown in the table below.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type.

Medium physique, strong, well-built
Sharp mind, good concentration powers
Orderly, focused
Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance
Competitive, enjoy challenges
Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas
Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal
Like to be in command
When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry
Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily
Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair
Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired
Perspire a lot
Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated
Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech
Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian
Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects
Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger
Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.

Physical Features

These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.

They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.

Signs of Pitta Aggravation

Angry, Irritable
Hostile, Enraged, Destructive
Impatient
Critical of self and others
Argumentative, Aggressive
Bossy, controlling
Frustrated, Willful, Reckless
Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer
Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams
Diarrhea, Food allergies
Bad breath, Sour body odor
Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes
Skin rashes
Boils
Bloodshot eyes
Acne
Weakness due to low blood sugar
Fevers, Night sweats

Also See: Other Signs of Pitta Imbalance

When you experience symptoms such as, excessive body heat, digestive problems, a tendency to be hostile or angry and controlling, impatience, a tendency to exert excessive effort to achieve goals, vision difficulties, and being prone to make errors in judgment because of mental confusion or because passion or emotion blurs powers of intellectual discernment, there is a good possibility that you are suffering from pitta imbalance.

Indications of balanced pitta influences are strong powers of digestion, vitality, goal-setting inclinations, good problem-solving skills, keen powers of intelligence, decisiveness, boldness and courage, and a bright complexion.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta Persons

Pitta constitutions will be upset by alcohol and cigarettes, as well as by overwork, overexertion, and overheating. When out of balance, they are susceptible to feeling such negative emotions as hostility, hatred, intolerance, and jealousy. Therefore it is very important for Pittas to keep cool (literally and figuratively) and to lead a pure and moderate lifestyle. Choose foods, attitudes, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing pitta characteristics.

Because sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease pitta influences, include these in your food plan if pitta characteristics are too pronounced. Complex carbohydrates, milk, and some fruits are sweet; some green, leafy vegetables are bitter; beans and some green vegetables are astringent.

Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control.

A Food Plan to Balance Pitta Dosha

These guidelines can be used for pitta mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance and to restore balance if necessary regardless of the basic constitution. Pitta influences digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and biological transformations.

Favor

Cool or warm but not steaming hot foods
Bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes
As far as practical use less butter and added fat. Consume food with moderately heavy textures.
Since Pittas have strong efficient digestion, they can generally eat just about everything. Most Pittas get into trouble by continued use of too much salt, overuse of sour and spicy food and overeating.
Take cool, refreshing food in summer. Reduce the consumption of salt, oil, and spices, all of which are “heating” to the body. Salads are good, so is milk and ice cream.
Avoid pickles, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. Avoid vinegar in salad dressing; use lemon juice instead. Alcoholic and fermented foods should be avoided. Their sour Rasa aggravates Pitta. Coffee is also pitta aggravating due to the acid in coffee. Herb tea is good. Prefer mint, licorice root or other pitta pacifying tea.
Breakfast: Cold cereals, cinnamon toast, and apple tea is a good breakfast for Pitta. Avoid coffee, orange juice and doughnuts – they aggravate pitta.
The vegetarian foods are the best for pitta. Consuming red meat tend to heat the body from the fat. Consume abundant amounts of milk, grains and vegetables.
Avoid oily, hot, salty, and heavy foods such as fried food. Instead consume starchy foods such as vegetables, grains and beans. Avoid the tendency to overeat under stress.
Avoid processed and fast foods as they tend to be heavy on salt and sour tastes. Japanese and Chinese food are good choices. Avoid highly spicy food such as is found in Mexican restaurants.
To bring down aggravated Pitta, take two teaspoons of ghee (clarified butter) in a glass of warm milk. (Avoid taking the ghee if you have problem with high cholesterol).

Summary

Avoid egg yolks, nuts, hot spices, honey, and hot drinks. Cool foods and drinks are better. Add sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. Reduce use of sour tastes. Spices: black pepper, coriander, and cardamom.

Vegetables
Favor Reduce or Avoid
cooked vegetables
asparagus
beets
carrots
cucumber
garlic
green beans
onions, cooked
onions, cooked
sweet potato
radishes
turnips
leafy greens in moderation
broccoli
Brussels sprouts
cabbage
cauliflower
celery
eggplant
leafy green vegetables
mushrooms
peas
peppers
potatoes
sprouts
tomatoes
zucchini

Note: The above vegetables are OK if cooked with oil except cabbage and sprouts

Avoid raw vegetables, in general

Fruits
Favor Reduce or Avoid
sweet fruits
apricots
avocados
bananas
berries
cherries
coconut
fresh figs
grapefruit
lemons
grapes
mangos
sweet melons
sour oranges
papaya
pineapple
peaches
plums
sour fruits
Stewed fruits
Sweet, well-ripened fruit in general
apples
cranberries
pears
pomegranates

The above fruits are OK cooked

Avoid dried fruits, in general and unripe fruit (especially bananas)

Grains
Favor Reduce or Avoid
oats(as cooked oatmeal cereal, not dry)
cooked rice
wheat
barley
buckwheat
corn
dry oats
millet
rye
Dairy
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All Dairy is acceptable
Meat
Favor Reduce or Avoid
chicken
seafood, in general
turkey
All in small quantity
Avoid red meat
Beans
Favor Reduce or Avoid
chickpeas
mung beans
pink lentils
tofu (small amounts)
All, except as noted.
Oils
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All oils are acceptable
Sesame oil and olive oil are especially good.
Sweeteners
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All sweeteners are acceptable
Nuts and Seeds
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All are acceptable in small amounts. Almonds are best.
Herbs and Spices
Favor Reduce or Avoid
Almost all, in moderation, with emphasis on sweet and/or heating herbs and spices, such as:
allspice
anise
asafoetida
basil
bay leaf
black pepper (use sparingly)
caraway
cardamom
cilantro (green coriander)
cinnamon
clove
cumin
fennel
ginger
juniper berries
licorice root
mace
marjoram
mustard
nutmeg
oregano
sage
tarragon
thyme
Avoid using spices in large quantities. Minimize or avoid all bitter and astringent herbs and spices such as:
coriander seed
fenugreek
parsley
saffron
turmeric

If your basic constitution is mixed (vata-pitta or vata-kapha), include portions for the second influential dosha.

Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during autumn and early winter. During these seasons all mind-body types can include some of the above foods and decrease others.

Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.



Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to the half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water is by stirring the mixture continuously. The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body.

Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

The effect of Kapha on our body or microcosm is shown in the  table below.

CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution.

Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced
Affectionate and loving
Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature Stable and reliable; faithful
Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build
Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive
Slow moving and graceful
Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process
Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory
Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large “soft” eyes and a low, soft voice
Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion
Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions
More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life
Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance
Excellent health, strong resistance to disease
Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings
Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others
Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers. Don’t like cold, damp weather
Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Physical Features

People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of kapha people are not obvious because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.

Their complexions are fair and bright. The skin is soft, lustrous and oily, it is also cold and pale. The hair is thick, dark, soft and wavy. The eyes are dense and black or blue: the white of the eye is generally very white, large and attractive.

Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. They crave pungent, bitter and astringent foods. Stools are soft and may be pale in color: evacuation is slow. Their perspiration is moderate. Sleep is sound and prolonged. There is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and kapha people are generally healthy, happy and peaceful.

Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving and loving: however, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness. Their comprehension is slow but definite: once they understand something, that knowledge is retained.

Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and are good at holding on to it.

Signs of Kapha Aggravation

Sluggish thinking, Dull thinking
Groggy all day
Apathetic, no desire
Depressed, Sad, Sentimental
Slow to comprehend, Slow to react
Procrastinating, Lethargy
Clingy, hanging on to people and ideas
Greedy, Possessive, Materialistic
Sleeping too much
Very tired in the morning, hard to get out of bed
Drowsy or groggy during the day
Weight gain, obesity
Mucus and congestion in the chest or throat
Mucus and congestion in the nose or sinuses
Nausea
Diabetes
Hay fever
Pale, cool, clammy skin
Edema, water retention, Bloated feeling
Sluggish digestion, food “just sits” in the stomach
High cholesterol
Aching joints or heavy limbs

Also See: Symptoms of Kapha Aggravation

When you experience symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, a feeling of heaviness, chills, looseness of the limbs, coughing, mucus discharges, breathing difficulties, and a tendency to sleep too much, you may be suffering from Kapha imbalance. Other symptoms can be inertia, congestion, stagnation, and circulation problems. There may be a tendency toward obesity. Boredom, laziness, and mental dullness may be present.

Indications of balanced kapha influences are physical strength, a strong immune system, serenity, mental resolve, rational thinking, ability to conserve and use personal resources, endurance, and adaptability.

General Tips for Health and Wellness for Kapha Types

Kapha’s are prone to lethargy, sluggishness, depression, and overweight, Kaphas need activity and stimulation. Daily exercise is more important for them than for any other type. Getting out of the house and actively seeking new experiences is also valuable. Be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, be intentional in implementing life-enhancing actions, and choose foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise routines, and relationships and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing kapha characteristics.

Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha influences. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili, and some other spices provide the pungent taste; bitter is provided by some green leafy vegetables; and some green vegetables and beans provide the astringent taste. Note that the taste that decreases a dosha usually increases one or both of the other two. For general purposes, mildly increase the proportion of foods which are helpful while somewhat decreasing the proportions of others-having a sampling of all six tastes at your major meal.

Meditation can be more intensive for kapha constitutions than for vata or pitta constitutions. Schedule time every day for prayer and meditation.

A Food Plan to Balance Kapha Dosha

These guidelines can be used for kapha mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Kapha influences the heavy, moist aspects of the body.

What kind of Food to Eat to Balance Kapha

Warm, light food
Dry food, cooked without much water, minimum of butter, oil and sugar
Stimulating foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes
Kaphas need to watch the consumption of too much sweet foods or fatty foods. Keep an eye on the salt consumption also, which tend to result in fluid retention in Kaphas.
Light meals are to be favored such as light breakfast and dinner.
Avoid deep fried foods. Eat lightly cooked foods or raw fruits and vegetables. Eat spicy, bitter and astringent foods. Watch out for eating too much food, a typical kapha tendency.
Select hot food over cold food whenever feasible. Dry cooking methods (baking, broiling, grilling, sautéing) are preferable for kaphas over moist cooking such as steaming, boiling or poaching.
As an appetizer eat bitter or pungent foods instead of salty or sour. Foods such as romaine lettuce, endive, or tonic water are good to stimulate your appetite.
Take ginger tea or a pinch or ginger to stimulate appetite. Other preferred spices are cumin, fenugreek, sesame seed and turmeric.
Any food that is spicy is good for kaphas such as very hot Mexican or Indian food, especially in winter.
Foods that are good for kapha breakfast are hot spiced cider, buckwheat pancakes with apple butter, corn muffins, and bitter cocoa made with skim milk and a touch of honey. Avoid cold cereals, cold juice or milk, and sugary pastries. Bacon and sausage aggravates kapha due to their salt and oil. For kapha types, breakfast is optional. (You may skip it if you like).
To pep you up in the morning, take honey, hot water, lemon juice and ginger. Try hot ginger tea. Try skipping a meal or two and take a spoonful of honey in hot water to keep you going.
Kaphas have a sweet tooth. So, cutting down on sugar is difficult for many of them. Cutting sugar is recommended. Take honey instead. Avoid taking more than a spoonful of honey a day.
Don’t overindulge on dairy foods. Butter, ice cream, and cheese are among the worst foods you can take as it aggravates the kapha. Take warm low fat milk. Avoid hamburgers and milk shakes.
Eat raw fruits, vegetables and salads.
Watch out the restaurant foods, especially oily, salty, sweet or deep fried foods – these are all kapha aggravating. Eat salad with minimum salad dressing. Take a glass of hot water instead of ice water. Eat salad instead of soup especially in hot weather.

Summary

Breakfast is usually not necessary. Avoid sugar, fats, dairy products, and salt. Ghee and oils only in small amounts. Choose light, dry foods. The main meal should be at the middle of the day, and only a light, dry meal in the evening. Avoid cold foods and drinks. Reduce use of sweet, sour, and salty tastes. Pungent, astringent, and bitter tastes are all right. All spices.

Food Classified By Group

Vegetables
Favor Reduce or Avoid
Pungent and bitter foods such as:
asparagus
beets
broccoli
Brussels sprouts
cabbage
carrots
cauliflower
celery
eggplant
garlic
leafy green vegetables
lettuce
mushrooms
okra
onions
peas
peppers
potatoes
radishes
spinach
sprouts
Sweet and juicy vegetables, such as:
cucumbers
sweet potatoes
tomatoes
zucchini
Fruits
Favor Reduce or Avoid
apples
apricots
berries
cherries
cranberries
figs
mangoes
peaches
pears
prunes
pomegranates

Dried fruits in general are good for kapha. (apricots, figs, prunes, raisins)

avocados
bananas
coconut
dates
fresh figs
grapefruit
grapes
melons
oranges
papayas
pineapples
plums

Avoid sweet, sour, or very juicy fruits, in general.

Grains
Favor Reduce or Avoid
barley
buckwheat
corn
millet
oats, dry
rye
basmati rice
oats
rice
wheat, except in small amounts

Avoid hot cereals and steamed grains, in general, as they are too moist and heavy for kapha.

Dairy
Favor Reduce or Avoid
warm skim milk
small amounts of whole milk and eggs (not fried of cooked with butter)
All, except as noted
Meat
Favor Reduce or Avoid
chicken
shrimp
turkey
(All in small amounts)
red meat
seafood in general
Beans
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All legumes are acceptable except kidney beans and tofu kidney beans
tofu
Oils
Favor Reduce or Avoid
almond
corn
safflower
sunflower
(All in small quantities)
All, except as noted.
Sweeteners
Favor Reduce or Avoid
Raw, unheated honey All, except honey
Nuts and Seeds
Favor Reduce or Avoid
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
All, except sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds
Herbs and Spices
Favor Reduce or Avoid
All are good. Ginger is especially good for improving digestion salt

If your basic constitution is mixed (kapha-pitta or kapha-vata), include smaller portions for the second dosha.

Kapha dosha is aggravated and increased in the spring of the year. During this season, eat less and choose more dry, fibrous foods. During wet, cold seasons, all mind-body types can choose some of the above foods and decrease others.



Effect of Constitution Type On Body or Microcosm
Vata Pitta Kapha
Function of the Dosha (or controls)
Movement
Breathing
Natural Urges
Transformation of the tissues
Motor functions
Sensory functions
Ungroundedness
Secretions
Excretions
Fear
Emptiness
Anxiety
Thoughts
Life force
Nerve impulses
Body heat
Temperature
Digestion
Perception
Understanding
Hunger
Thirst
Intelligence
Anger
Hate
Jealousy
Stability
Energy
Lubrication
Forgiveness
Greed
Attachment
Accumulation
Holding
Possessiveness
Manifests in living things as The movement of::

nerve impulses
air
blood
food
waste
thought
The quality of transformation. Pitta controls the enzymes that digest our food and the hormones that regulate our metabolism. Pitta transforms the chemical/electrical impulses in our mind to thoughts we can understand. Cells which make up our organs and fluids which nourish and protect them.
Characteristics
cold
light
irregular
mobile
rarefied
dry
rough
hot
light
fluid
subtle
sharp
malodorous
soft
clear
oily
cold
heavy
stable
dense
smooth
Too much of the dosha force can result in
nerve irritation
high blood pressure
gas
confusion
ulcers
hormonal imbalance
irritated skin (acne)
consuming emotions (anger)
Mucous build-up in the sinus and nasal passages, the lungs and colon.
In the mind it creates rigidity, a fixation of thought, inflexibility.
Too little dosha force can result in
nerve loss
congestion
constipation
thoughtlessness
indigestion
inability to understand
sluggish metabolism
Experiences a dry respiratory tract
burning stomach (due to lack of mucous, which protects from excess stomach acids)


Basis For Ayurvedic Philosophy

Concept of Prakruti and Vikruti

According to Ayurveda, your basic constitution is determined at the time of conception. This constitution is called Prakruti. The term Prakruti is a Sanskrit word that means, “nature,” “creativity,” or “the first creation.” One of the very important concept of Ayurveda is that one’s basic constitution is fixed throughout his lifetime. The combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that was present in the individual at the time of conception is maintained throughout his lifetime. This is your base point. Notice that different persons can have different combination of Vata, Pitta and kapha as their basic constitution or Prakruti. This is how Ayurveda can explain the subtle differences between individuals and explains why everyone is unique and that two persons can react very differently when exposed to the same environment or stimuli. Your Prakruti is unique to you just as your fingerprint and DNA. Thus, in order to understand a person, it is necessary to determine his or her Prakruti. HolisticOnLine has developed a computerized diagnostic system that enables you to determine your Prakruti.

Ideally, your constitution remain fixed throughout your life. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Every person is subjected to the constant interaction with his or her environment which will affect the person’s constitution at any time. The body will try to maintain a dynamic equilibrium or balance with the environment. Your current condition is called your vikruti. Although it reflects your ability to adjust to life’s influences and is always changing, it should match your prakruti, or inborn constitution, as closely as possible. If the current proportion of your doshas differs significantly from your constitutional proportion, it indicates imbalances, which in turn can lead to illness. Farther your Vikruti is from your Prakruti, more ill you are. Ayurveda teaches that your Vikruti can be changed by means of diet and meditation so as to approach your Prakruti or the state where you have perfect health.

The concept of Prakruti and Vikruti can be illustrated by reference to our body temperature. When healthy, we maintain an average body temperature of about 98 degrees. Although, different persons can have different base temperatures, it does not change much so long as the person is healthy. When we go outside on a winter day, our body temperature may go down slightly; but will pick right back up to the normal if we are healthy. Similarly, jogging on a hot day can temporarily raise our body temperature. When we are sick, or catch a cold, our body temperature will go up. This indicates that we are sick or outside our normal base condition. We may take medicine to bring the body temperature back to the normal range. In analogy to Ayurveda, our present temperature may be considered as Vikruti and the difference between the Prakruti (our normal temperature) and Vikruti (our present temperature) can determine whether any medical intervention is required. Just like an allopathic doctor will take your temperature and blood pressure routinely as the first step in diagnosing your condition, Ayurvedic practitioners will determine your Prakruti and Vikruti as the first step in diagnosing your condition.

Hence prior to embarking on a journey to perfect health and longevity, it is important that you understand your Prakruti and Vikruti and determine how far separated these are. Armed with this knowledge, we can map a treatment strategy. This is the basic premise of Ayurveda. The diagnostic system developed by HolisticOnline can be utilized to determine both your Prakruti and Vikruti.




Key Concepts of Ayurveda

Digestion – The Cornerstone of Health

According to Ayurveda, digestion is the cornerstone of health. Good digestion nourishes the body. Eating the proper foods will make a big difference in your well being. There are two aspects to the food and nutrition in Ayurveda. One is the physical food you eat, digest, and assimilate. In this process, the organs of your digestive system has a big role. The second aspect of it is what you consume through your mind-body. What you see, hear, taste, smell, feel, and think are all important for your well being and impact your health considerably. For example, stress plays a key role in the health. Ayurveda had recognized the importance of the environment in the total health. Remember, everything in your environment is composed of doshas that interact with your own doshas. You are affected by everything else which goes on in this universe as you are part and parcel of this cosmos. Thus we have the “big picture” or “holistic outlook” in Ayurveda.


Ojas:The Substance That Maintains Life

Ojas is the by-product of a healthy, efficient, contented physiology. It is the “juice” that remains after food has been properly digested and assimilated. When you are producing ojas, it means all your organs have integrated vitality and you are receiving the nourishment your mind and body need. Your whole being hums with good vibrations because you are producing and feeling bliss, not pain. However, when your agni isn’t working properly, you don’t produce ojas. Instead food, thoughts, and feelings turn into ama.

Ojas is the subtle glue that cements the body, mind and spirit together, integrating them into a functioning individual.


Ama – Toxins

Ama originates from improperly digested toxic particles that clog the channels in your body. Some of these channels are physical and include the intestines, lymphatic system, arteries and veins, capillaries, and genitourinary tract. Others are nonphysical channels called nadis (river or stream) through which your energy flows. Ama toxicity accumulates wherever there is a weakness in the body, and this will result in disease. Ayurveda offers ways you can cleanse the body of ama such as Panchakarma. However, it’s best to prevent it from forming in the first place. The symptoms such as coating on the tongue or feeling tired all the time are signs of ama.


Malas: Waste Products

Malas are the waste products of your body and include urine, feces, mucus, and sweat. Eliminating waste is crucial to good health, but dosha imbalances stifle the flow of the malas, creating a toxic internal environment. If you are not eliminating malas, it means you are accumulating ama somewhere in your system and you may have to undergo Ayurvedic cleansing to get rid of these toxins from your body.


Prana: The Life Force

Another key concept in Ayurveda is the life force that enters the body at birth, travels through all the parts of the body until it leaves at the moment of death. This life force is called prana. Prana strings body, mind, and spirit together like beads on a strand. Prana is the force necessary to keep the living beings alive.

Prana gets its nutrition through:

bullet The lungs that absorbs the essence found in the air.
bullet The colon that absorbs the prana found in well digested food.

Thus the lungs and the large intestine are closely connected in Ayurveda. They both supply Prana. For example, a few minutes of slow, deep breathing can reduce the hunger. Ayurveda is concerned with nourishing both the body as well as the mind.

Amalaki Juice (Emblica officinalis)

English name: Gooseberry
Sanskrit name: Amalaki
Hindi name: Amla
Tamil name: Nellikka
Botanical name: Emblica officinalis

Indications :

1. Amalaki scores the best among rejuvenators
2. Cold in potency
3. Balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
4. It is recommended during the following conditions

  • Skin diseases
  • Anemia
  • Diseases of heart
  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Constipation
  • Bleeding diseases

Ingredients:

Fresh Amalaki – 100gm
Sugar Candy – 50gm
Water – Desired quantity

Preparation:

Blend the fleshy portion of the steamed Amalaki after removing the seeds. Add desired amount of water and powdered sugar

.


Apple Juice

English name: Apple 
Botanical Name:
Malus pumila 
Sanskrit name:
Simbitika 
Hindi name:
Seb

English name: Apple 
Botanical Name:
Malus pumila 
Sanskrit name:
Simbitika 

Indications

When given with honey it cures the following conditions:

  • Anemia
  • Gout
  • Skin diseases
  • Sprue
  • Dysentery
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive disorders
  • Obesity
  • Disease of tooth
  • Cold & asthma
  • Stress

Properties

  • Apple is sweet in taste
  • It is nourishing
  • It is light to digest
  • It is almost a pre-digested food
  • It is a neutralizer
  • It breaks down calculi
  • Cleanses the digestive tract
  • Contains anti-oxidant compounds
  • It reduces vata and Pitta Dosha
  • Increases Kapha Dosha
  • It is cold in potency (Sheeta Veeryam)
  • The fiber in apple lowers Blood Cholesterol & raises HDL.
  • Its’ organic salts makes it diuretic reducing the sodium in the body and thus good for Hypertension
  • It is rich in Phosphates and vitamins
  • Stops excessive bleeding
  • Nerve & brain tonic
  • It regulates menstruation.
  • It is a rejuvenator (Rasayanam)
  • Aphrodisiac (Vajikaram)
  • It improves intelligence (Medhyam)
  • Good for hair, skin, nails and eyes
Ingredients:

Apple – 1 fruit
Honey – 30 ml
Water – Desired Quantity


Preparation:

Blend the Apple and extract the juice. Add honey and stir.

Avocado Juice (Persea americana)

English name: Alligator pear
Botanical name: Persea americana

Properties

  • Sweet in taste
  • Unctuous
  • Cold in potency
  • Reduces vata & pitta and increases kapha
  • Increases the weight of the body
  • Very tasty
  • Contains more fat
  • High quality protein content
  • Vitamin A content provides resistance against bacterial infection
  • High calorie content

It is very beneficial for:

  • Digestion
  • Hyper acidity
  • Ulcer
  • Gall bladder problems
  • Weight loss

Ingredients:

Avocado fruit pulp – 1 fruit
Water – Quantity sufficient
Palm Sugar – 3 spoons full
Yogurt – ½ cup 

Carrot Juice

English name: Carrot
Botanical name: Daucus carota
Sanskrit name: Gaajara
Hindi name: GaajarIndications

  • Ulcers
  • Heart
  • Cold & cough
  • Laxative
  • Sprue
  • Piles
  • Bleeding diseases

Properties

  • Taste (Rasa) – Sweet & bitter
  • Quality (Guna) – Light & sharp
  • Potency (Virya) – hot
  • Taste after digestion (Vipaka) – sweet
  • Balances pitta & kapha
  • Soothing
  • Healing
  • Nourishing
  • Protects the liver
  • Is a rich source of beta carotene that is extremely good for its anti-cancerous properties, especially lung Cancer
  • Good tonic
  • Alkalizer
  • Blood purifier
  • Boosts immunity in children
  • Aphrodisiac
  • It is rich in Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, phosphorus, Sulphur, Sodium, Beta carotene, Vitamin C, Iron, other minerals.
Ingredients:

Carrot
Palm sugar
Water
Lime Juice – one tsp


Preparation:

Extract the juice from the carrot in a blender. Add palm sugar to the extracted juice.  Add lime juice and stir well.



Coconut Dates Juice

English name: Coconut & Dates
Botanical name: Cocos nucifera & Phoenix sylverstris
Sanskrit Name: Narikela & Karjura
Hindi name: Nariyal & Chuhada
Tamil name: Thengaai & Pereecham pazham

Indications

  • Cures burning sensation
  • Injury
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Increases Kapha & Semen
  • It is an aphrodisiac
  • Helps to gain weight

Properties

  • Highly nourishing
  • Heavy to digest
  • Cold in potency
  • Tasty
  • Reduces vata & pitta
  • Sweet to taste
  • Unctuous in quality
  • Blood purifier
  • Binds the stools
  • Rich in protein and minerals. Contains essential amino acids.

Ingredients:

Coconut – 1 coconut
Dates – 15 gm
Water – as desired

Preparation:

1. Extract coconut milk from the scraped coconut. Soak the seedless dates in it for 1 hour.

2. Make a paste of this mixture. If required, a little water may be added.



Cucumber Juice

Botanical name: Cucumis utilissimus linn
English name: Cucumber
Sanskrit name: karkati
Hindi name: kakdi
Tamil name: vellerikka 

Indications

  • Cancer
  • Heart diseases
  • Relieves Eczemas
  • Vaginal itching
  • Difficulty in passing urine
  • Loss of appetite

Properties

  • The tender cucumber balances all the three doshas.
  • Cools the body
  • Beneficial to consume it in summer
  • Diuretic
  • Tasty
  • Heavy to digest
  • Binds the stools
  • Restores body fluids
  • Quenches the thirst
  • Rich in Vitamin C, Folate, dietary fiber & potassium
  • Anti-poisonous
  • Antidote.
Ingredients:

Cucumber
Buttermilk
Rock Salt
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves


Preparation:

1. Extract juice from the cucumber in a blender.

2. Grind & squeeze the juice of coriander leaves & curry leaves.

3. Add buttermilk. Add cucumber to the buttermilk. Add a pinch of rock salt & mix them together.

4. The cucumber cooler is ready to drink.



Grape Juice

English name: Grapes
Botanical name: Vitis vinifera
Hindi name: Angur
Sanskrit name: Draksha
Tamil name: Drakshai 

Indication and Benefits:

  • Balances Vata & Pitta dosha
  • Remedies bitter taste in the mouth
  • Can cause intoxication when fermented
  • Remedies thirst cough
  • Helps in relieving tiredness
  • Can be consumed after Injury
  • Remedy for Weight loss
  • Anti-cancer properties
  • Assists during breathing difficulty

Properties

  • It balances vata & pitta
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Improves vision
  • Eliminates urine & feces
  • Sweet to taste
  • Mild astringent
  • Unctuous
  • Cold in potency
  • Heavy to digest
  • Energizer
  • Rich in Pectin, Vitamin – C & Fruit sugar
Ingredients:

Grapes (black variety) – 100gm
Water- Quantity sufficient
Palm Sugar – 3 spoons



Lemon Juice

English name: Lemon
Sanskrit name: Nimbuka
Botanical name: Citrus limon
Hindi name: Nimbu  

Indication

  • Relives all the three Doshas
  • Improves taste & Agni (digestive fire)
  • Light to digest
  • A natural laxative – Provides easy & downward movement of vata & feces
  • Sweet-sour in taste
  • Good for the heart
  • Hot and cold potency
  • Relieves thirsty conditions
  • Relieves filariasis
  • Relieves insanity
  • Relieves eye & ear diseases
  • Rich in potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium & calcium. Also rich in phosphorous, Sulpher, Silicon, Carotene, Vit – C

Ingredients:

Lemon – 1 fruit
Jaggery (Brown sugar) – 3 spoons full
Water – Desired quantity

Preparation:

1. Mix the jaggery very well with the water.

2. Squeeze the lemon juice in it. Mix it well. Preferably store it in a mud pot.

3. Serve chilled.



Mango Juice

English name: Mango
Botanical name: Mangifera indica
Hindi name: Aam
Sanskrit name: Aamra
Tamil name: Mampazham 

Indications:

Extremely beneficial to consume during following conditions :

  • Constipation
  • Excessive thirsty condition
  • Cancer
  • Heart diseases
  • Anaemia
  • Pregnancy
  • Mental weakness
  • Stress

Properties:

  • Relieves Vata, increases pitta & kapha
  • Hot in potency
  • Removes toxins
  • An aphrodisiac
  • Rich in carotene, niacin, & vitamin C
  • Invigorates nerve tissues
  • Energises the body
  • Improves complexion

Ingredients:

Mango – 1 fruit
Water – quantity sufficient
Palm Sugar – 3 spoons full
Yoghurt – 1 cup


Preparation:

1. Remove the skin and seed of Mango.
2. Blend the pulp of mango in a mixer to make it juice.
3. Add required amount of water.
4. Stir well after adding palm sugar.

Musk Melon Juice

English name: Muskmelon
Sanskrit name: Kharbuja
Hindi name: Kharbuj
Botanical name: Cuccumis melon
Tamil name: Mulam pazham

Indications:

Beneficial to be consumed during the following conditions:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Constipation
  • Acidity
  • Ulcer
Properties:

  • It reduces heat in the body to a great extent
  • Relieves tiredness
  • Increases appetite
  • Increases Kapha more
  • Reduces vata & pitta
  • It is heavy to digest
  • Sweet in taste
  • Unctuous in quality
  • Cold in potency
  • Diuretic
  • Strengthening
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Laxative

Ingredients:

Yellow melon 1 full fruit medium Size
Water – Quantity sufficient


Preparation:

1. Peel the skin of the muskmelon. Make it into pieces.

2. Squeeze the juice of melon & dilute it if required. Jaggery can be added if required.