Whether you live and breathe the Ayurveda way of life, or you’re a complete newbie (welcome!), you’ve probably come across the term ‘dosha’. Put simply, it’s what makes you you.
You see, in Ayurveda, it’s believed that our body is made up of three main energies or doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everyone has all three doshas in them but we all have a dominant one leading the way.
Kaphas are the earthy ones, they’re grounded, stable and calm. Pittas are spontaneous, determined and often fiery. Vatas are airy, creative and free. It’s not just about personality though. The dosha we’re dominant in has a big part to play in our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
By understanding your dosha, as well as the signs of a dosha imbalance, you can make small diet and lifestyle changes to help keep your mind, body and gut happy. But that’s not the only reason it’s important to know your dosha type. We even have a really easy quiz to help you to find out yours. Here’s why you need to know your dosha:
1. It supports with overall health
When you know your mind and body type, you’re on the right track to understanding any imbalances. Not only is this crucial for diagnosing diseases and illnesses but it means you’ll know how to treat them, and prevent them from happening in the first place. After all, the Ayurveda way of life is all about prevention.
Different doshas are also prone to different types of health issues or diseases, which is another reason why knowing your unique dosha is so important. For example, Kapha doshas can suffer with diabetes and weight gain - but diet and exercising can help to prevent this. Vatas can suffer with anxiety and insomnia but taking certain natural supplements like Mind Balance can help to refocus and calm the mind. And Pitta often struggles with indigestion and inflammatory conditions but foods such as Turmeric and Triphala can combat this.
2. It gives you insight into your body
From your body’s shape and size to habits, strengths and weaknesses, by knowing your dominant dosha, you’ll know exactly how your body is made up. You can then use this information to create a routine that you enjoy and stick to. The best time to wake up, the best exercises, what foods to eat - these can all be affected by your individual dosha.
By knowing what makes you who you are, you’ll be on a better path to knowing - and giving - your body, digestive system and mind exactly what it needs.
3. It will improve your self-care
Self-care is super important - but did you know that we all need something different when it comes to me-time? Vata doshas enjoy simple relaxation like reading, journaling or a soak in the bath. Pitta doshas might enjoy social gatherings and something that keeps them on their toes.
Kapha types, on the other hand, need to be energised and invigorated. Think long walks, regular exercise or anything that keeps the brain working. By knowing what your mind and body need, you’ll probably find that you get more enjoyment out of it too.
4. It will allow you to focus on your emotional and mental wellbeing
We’ve already mentioned that our doshas can have an impact on how we feel emotionally and mentally. Pitta types can be intensely focused and huge overthinkers. By slowing down, taking some time out and finding effective ways to manage anger, they can combat any negative emotions. Kapha is cool, calm and collected but requires a little breeze and lightness to stop them from getting too grounded. If this sounds like you, changing up your routine and getting out early will do wonders for your mental and emotional wellbeing.
On the other hand, Vata types are restless and energetic. Thoughts often roam so mindfulness activities that provide focus for the short-term will bring a sense of balance and calmness.
5. It makes the seasons easier
Transitioning through the seasons can take its toll on our bodies. In Ayurveda, it’s believed that seasons have characteristics of a dominant dosha. As you might expect, summer is governed by fiery Pitta, winter by cold and breezy Vata and spring by cool and calm Kapha.
Ayurveda also tells us that if you’re that specific dosha, you can be vulnerable in the season that your dosha is associated with. For example, in summer, Pitta can be the most affected because this season is associated with high heats - and therefore fire - making indigestion, heartburn and anger common. Cool and breezy Vata types tend to suffer between autumn and winter when the weather changes, and causes them to lose their stability as well as giving them dry skin and hair. Finally, Kaphas are most affected by the wet and colder months as they are more prone to feeling the cold.
By knowing your dosha though, you’ll be armed with a few quick fixes and lifestyle switches to keep things in harmony.
So, what’s next?
Now you know the benefits of knowing your dosha, it’s time to find out your unique combination. But don’t worry, we’ve made it super easy with our dosha quiz.
Once armed with your dosha type, you can join the path for a healthy and happy life, making decisions and choosing actions for balance, stability and vitality. At Deja, we’ve also created a range of Ayurvedic products and supplements - that suit any dosha - to give your body, mind and gut the helping hand it needs.
You can shop the full range online, and don’t forget to show us how you’re getting on with the Ayurveda way of life. Tag us in your pics on Instagram or feel free to slide into our DMs and let us know what Ayurveda approaches you’re taking into the new year.
