I am a massive fan of the principals of Ayurveda, which is the sister study of yoga.
Ayur – life, and Veda – science or knowledge.
Ayurveda is a holistic science of health, focusing on maintaining a physically and emotionally balanced state. Yippee skippee! The study is a recognition of mind body and focuses on preventative practices to reduce dis-ease.
I’m a Vata/Pitta blend so implementing Vata balancing methods in winter, and pitta balancing practices in summer has seen a massive improvement in my health and happiness. Such as mood stability, better eating patterns / staying away from foods that don’t work so well for me, and simple grounding practices like slow flow yoga and regular self care practices.
The majority of people are a mix of two more prominent dosha’s with a little of the third dosha – and some lucky few are a perfect balance of all three, luuuuucky balanced humans!
Vata – Element – Space and Air
Pitta – Element – Fire and Water
Kapha – Element -Water and Earth
You can take a simple quiz on the Chopra Centre site to find out which blend of the dosha’s you are and also read more here.
The other cool thing I love is that your dosha or dosha blend is quite stable throughout the length of your life, so when completing the quiz try to be honest in your answers. I found it amazing that I had so many traits typical of my prominent dosha. As the seasons change your dosha’s may fluctuate a little so bringing in balancing practices for this, such as breathing exercises (pranayama) may help to bring balance and calm.
If your interested to learn more I would suggest a consultation twice a year with a registered practitioner, to keep you nice and balanced. I can highly recommend Perry Macdonald of Ayurveda Health in Auckland – Perry’s depth and breadth of knowledge is amazing 🙂🙂
Enjoy!