Kapha individuals are the strong, stable, dependable types. They are easy going and not ruffled by much. They are most resilient in the face of stress. In their balanced state, they are calm and sweet. They value family and relationships. If you are in relationship with a Kapha type, count yourself lucky. You are likely in a love filled supportive relationship. Kapha types when out of balance can be the most likely type to put on body weight; they can also struggle with fatigue and apathy when in this state. They may sleep too much when in a state of imbalance. Environmental factors that can cause a Kapha to be aggravated include too much damp; cold will also aggravate them.

In terms of dietary factors that will aggravate Kapha types, factor in too many sweets, heavy, deep fried foods or cold foods. Salt and sour can also aggravate. Substances that are pungent balance Kapha (think chili pepper, garlic, herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper and basil). These substances help stimulate digestion and metabolism. Foods that are bitter (dark leafy greens) also help keep Kaphas lighter and play a role in detoxification. Foods that are astringent such as legumes, fruits and vegetables help absorb excess water in the body. Clear vegetable soups with legumes would be a balancing meal for Kapha types.

Nuts can be too oily for Kaphas although sunflower and pumpkin seeds are okay for them. The best grains for Kapha include barley, buckwheat, millet and couscous. Rice and wheat should be eaten in small amounts. Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) can aggravate but fresh green chili peppers are recommended. Fruits such as cherries, berries, pears, and apple are especially balancing. Dried fruits are also tolerated.

Kaphas should eat light at breakfast and dinner; their main meal should be at mid day. Avoiding dairy helps Kaphas reduce their congestion which may show up in the sinuses or chest in the form of bronchitis. Drinking warm ginger tea can also help balance them. They should avoid drinking ice cold drinks.

Kaphas are not a constitutional type that needs to eat frequently. Rather they can do well eating less frequently; snacking in between meals is not a benefit to them. However they should not skip meals or fast. They should eat lightly. Because they have a tendency to gain weight, it would be useful to train themselves not to overeat.

Kaphas need to exercise regularly. Engaging in mental activity is beneficial for them. Travel and meeting new people can invigorate Kaphas. Don’t allow yourself to oversleep and make time to go sweat from time to time at your health club as steams are beneficial to Kaphas. For more information on balancing Kaphas, please read ‘Perfect Health’ by Deepak Chopra.

If you are predominantly Pitta, you are likely ambitious, enthusiastic and decisive. You are likely very successful at what you do. Type A people are typically Pitta. When out of balance though, Pittas can be overly demanding and hard driving. Anger is a common manifestation of this imbalance. It’s no wonder, that an out of balance Pitta can suffer from hypertension or even a heart attack. Other Pitta ailments include skin problems like rashes, acne, migraine headaches, hyperthyroidism, heartburn and colitis; fevers and excessive perspiration are common to Pittas as well. So how do Pittas find their balance?

Dietary changes are key to balancing Pitta.  Because the digestive fire is high in Pittas, they digest their food well and have a healthy appetite. Fruits and vegetables should be increased and if they’re raw, even better. Salads are your best friend. Vegetables that can aggravate Pittas include tomatoes, radishes, hot peppers and raw onions.  Vegetables that favor Pitta include the Brassica family (cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, etc). Leafy greens,cucumbers,and cilantro are good for Pittas because of their cooling effect.  Sweet fruits including grapes, mangos, melons, and plums, figs and raisins benefit Pitta the best. Foods such as citrus fruits (except lemon in small quantities which is alkalanizing and thus beneficial), yogurt, sour cream, pickles, and vinegar tend to aggravate Pitta because of their sour quality. Pittas should reduce their intake of flesh food, eggs, mustard, garlic, ginger (which are too heating), caffeine, alcohol, salt, and tobacco. Alcohol is said to be akin to throwing gasoline on the fire and reducing or eliminating intake altogether will help Pittas feel in balance.Pittas tolerate grains such as buckwheat, rice and wheat. Pittas need to drink a lot of water to cool them off and replace water lost through sweat.

With regards to physical exercise for Pittas, avoid excessive exercise especially in the heat. Swimming is one of the best balancers along with water aerobics. Taking a walk after sunset along the river would also be beneficial.  Essential oils that are well tolerated topically include mint, sandalwood and rose. A few drops could be added to Coconut oil for your skin and could be used as a massage oil or added to a cool bath.

These changes made to diet and lifestyle will help balance the Pitta dosha so you can still be successful while maintaining harmony within your interpersonal relationships. Balancing your predominant constitution takes you one step closer to optimal health. For more information on balancing Ayurvedic constitutional types, please read Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra…

Summer is a time when the living is easy. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and all is well. It is a time when people largely feel balanced. It is useful to think about what balances you. What factors make you feel balanced? Ayurvedic medicine and its view of constitutional types is a great system to help balance you. Most people are a combination of at least 2 ayurvedic types- one is the primary, the other is the secondary type. The three types are vata, pitta and kapha. By understanding one’s predominant type, it is possible to choose the most appropriate dietary selections, appropriate lifestyle and environment. I will start by talking about the Vata dosha.

Vata types are the least likely to have a weight problem. They tend towards the thin side, despite eating a lot. They burn energy really quickly. Their energy levels can fluctuate as much as their appetites. Their energy comes in bursts and they can quickly expend it. They are the dosha most in need of balance.Vata types are typically very creative, even visionaries in some cases. They have alert, active minds. They can become bored easily and like mental stimulation.

 Vata imbalance on the physical plane may manifest as rough skin, arthritis, constipation, insomnia, excessive sensitivity and excitability. They may suffer from anxiety, fearfulness and excessive worry when out of balance. Vatas are most sensitive to stress so they must be mindful of limiting the amount of stress they are under. Vatas are most in need of balancing and balance helps them thrive.

Eating at regular times at frequent intervals helps Vatas stay in balance. They are not the types that will feel good when skipping meals. Rather they benefit from warm foods that have some oil content and do not stimulate gas (only some beans are tolerated by Vatas so avoid most). Vatas benefit from foods that are sweet, salty, and sour. They benefit from warming spices such as ginger, cumin and cinnamon because they tend to be on the chilly side when it comes to body temperature. In the hot summer months, they can it eat salads but will feel more balanced when making sure they have enough dressing on the salad.

Overwork can definitely bring a vata into imbalance. When feeling balanced, Vata types are creative, vivacious and enthusiastic.  Other things that aggravate Vata imbalance include cold, windy environments, traveling, and being on the run. Sleep, rest and meditation are key for Vatas. They need time to restore themselves and taking the time for these balancing activities is key. An environment that feels safe and secure benefits Vata.

Vata types should not do anything to extremes. Gentle exercise in the form of walking is favored over training for marathons. Hatha yoga is more calming for them then hot yoga. They may want to push it when they exercise but if they back off a little, they will feel more balanced. Moderation in everything  is key to living a tranquil life for Vata types. For more information on Vatas and how to balance Vatas including more detailed info on diet, please book an appointment to discuss or read Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra, M.D.