Exploring Wellness for Body, Mind and Self: Discover Your Dosha - Align With Your Nature
From Anne Meneghetti, MD, 3/10/2010 8:06:36 AM
Usually, I can tell if my mind-body state is out of balance. Sometimes, a friend or family member does that job for me, pointing out that I seem lethargic or overexcited or not quite my usual self. The ancient healing approach of Ayurveda supports individuals in aligning with their personal best health – their mind-body energy signature. Optimal health is not like a cookie cutter. Even if you and I are both in perfect health, our energetic states will not be identical. Ayurveda offers lifestyle supports that can bring us in balance with our own essential nature. Learn more about your personal energy signature and take the quiz.
If you find that one or more of the energetic forces is out of balance, or too high, compared to your personal best state of health, consider these simple lifestyle remedies. By working with the forces that are in excess, you can bring yourself back into balance with your own nature.
Calming Excess Vata Energy. Vata is easily disturbed by too much change, travel, and overstimulation. Excess can manifest as a scattered, ungrounded feeling, dryness, and emotional ups and downs.
1. Establish a routine. Do whatever it takes to get to bed before 10 PM. Eat regular meals, and set a firm time for stopping work or other projects. Reduce unnecessary activities and excessive excitement.
2. Be warm. Ensure you are physically comfortably warm. Eat and drink warm items. Especially avoid ice, soft drinks, and chilled raw foods. Consider a massage with warm oil.
3. Take support. Enjoy the company of grounded, stable friends and family.
Calming Excess Pitta Energy. Pitta disturbance expresses itself as anger, frustration, excessive competitiveness, short temper, and redness of the body.
1. Be cool. Avoid becoming overheated (including with exercise), avoid excessively hot environments.
2. Reduce the spice. Rather than spicy salty foods, aim for flavor from cooling or sweet spices (mint, dill, fresh ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, etc.) Enjoy foods with natural sweetness. Gradually reduce stimulants such as tea and coffee.
3. Get perspective. Consider which goals are really worth your time and energy. Scale back on competitive activities that disturb your peace of mind.
Calming Excess Kapha Energy. Kapha disturbance can manifest as lethargy, sluggishness, excess weight, a distaste for changes or transition, attachment, or possessiveness.
1. Be active. Do whatever it takes to get to bed before 10 PM. Eat regular meals, and set a firm time for stopping work or other projects. Reduce unnecessary activities. If necessary, take the support of friends or trainers to get started. Avoid daytime naps if possible.
2. Discipline the palate. Snacking throughout the day can worsen kapha. Limit eating to mealtimes. Excessive amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and dairy also increase kapha. Avoid ice and chilled foods.
3. Shake it up. Varying your routine can support a more open outlook on change. Engage friends and family in supporting you to break up your routine with new events and activities. For more information on finding balance with your energetic self, check out this online resource.
Here’s to your personal best health,
Dr. Anne
This information is purely educational and does not replace a physician's advice that may be unique to each individual. For all medical concerns, please see a physician to establish a diagnosis and explore proven treatments. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company or REAL Powered by Humana program.
