What dosha type are you?

returntorural

I'm curious to learn what dosha types we have here in our little group. I know me and our founder are total opposites! : )

If you're new to Ayurveda, check out the Online Resource page at Ayuveda.com. You can take a dosha quiz, and learn more about the basics of Ayurveda before committing to buying any books or supplies.

http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/index.html

I'm 100% kapha and it's astounding to me how accurate the explanation of what it means to have excess kapha applies to me. That's part of what drew me to Ayurveda... the idea that balance is the goal, not a particular body shape or weight.

to health! -tmc

StephD1185

I am mostly Kapha.

returntorural

haha, naturally! : )

I would guess that many of us with weight to lose have a kapha imbalance at the moment. But doshas change... we could balance ourselves right into another dosha!

38kali

I've just returned from a 12 day intensive yoga teacher training program (part one of two), and while I was there I had a consultation with an Ayurvedic nutrition specialist. She advised me on which herbs and oils to try and how to navigate my food -- I was feeling a bit confused. Since I'm vata-pitta, I found it easy to match my diet to the vata season, but in spring I was at a bit of a loss about whether to eat for my dosha or the season. She told me lots of interesting things, some of which I'll share below.

First, digestion process also follows the phases: starting with Kapha, then Pitta, than Vata.

Because I'm all vata-pitta, I should focus on the sweet, sour, and salty tastes, and not so much on the pungent, bitter, and astringent ones (because they are comprised air, as is vata, which would aggravate my constitution more).

Second, one should eat for these in combination: 1) Prakriti (your constitution) and Vikruti (your current condition); 2) Age 3) Place / Environment; 4) Phase of Life (also Kapha, Pitta, Vata); 5) Seasons. So in my case, I should continue eating like a vata imbalance (because I'm so vata, and I'm in a cold climate). She basically said I should never have cold or raw foods (e.g. salads). This of course makes me nervous about gaining weight (eating all the heavy, oily stuff), but I figure I'm going to give it a try and see what happens. Our bodies are just experiments, right?? :-)

I'm making some adjustments and will see how it goes!

returntorural

Great info, Jen! Thanks so much for sharing. Food combining vs seasons vs eating local has me a bit confused as well. I'm doing my best to follow the guidelines in the books I have. I think it's great that you had the opportunity to talk to an ayurvedic professional. Good for you!

cfedersp

I'm about 70% pitta dosha but my metabolism has slowed down significantly as I've aged, hence the weight gain.

38kali

You're welcome, tmcr2r!

CAnneMartens

Hi all!

I'm currently a mix of Kapha and Vata in the body and Kapha in the mind according to my results on the Chopra Dosha quiz. I am really intersted in learning more about the benefits of Ayurveda.

38kali

Welcome Anne - do you have any specific questions?

CAnneMartens

Sorry so late to reply. My mom has been very ill in the hospital these past two weeks, she is doing better now. I just wanted to know if anyone has experienced noticeable results since sticking to their Ayurvedic food plans....and has it helped them to eliminate the cravings we tend to get when stressed? Thanks!

38kali

Sorry to hear that, and glad to hear she's doing better. I was actually away anyway, getting my yoga teacher training certification.

Based on my personal experience, I would say that Ayurvedic food plans are not necessarily enough to eliminate cravings we get when stressed. In fact, I gained weight trying to be healthier because I developed such a "self-loathing" for myself and my body, ending up in an overeating / binging cycle (and all on healthy foods)!

In my opinion, having compassion and love for yourself, honing skills of self-awareness, and consistent practice of techniques such as pranayama (deep breathing), and meditation are critical as well.

returntorural

In my opinion, having compassion and love for yourself, honing skills of self-awareness, and consistent practice of techniques such as pranayama (deep breathing), and meditation are critical as well.

I totally agree with Jen. I haven't noticed that eating Ayurvedically has impacted my stress levels, although having a daily routine has brought me some comfort. Having compassion for yourself is so, so important as well.

soundtrack

I have a pitta dosha, kapha mind & body. I too used the Chopra Dosha quiz. The one referenced above is no longer available.

Getting the book recommended by someone in this group (Eat-Tatse-Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living). Thinking a thread for each dosha by helpful, thoughts? Share recipes, scents/candles -things that work or don't work for fellow friends.

returntorural

I like the idea of dosha threads.

DevoteeofIset

The Chopra Dosha Test said I am Pitta - Kapha nearly equal in characteristics making me bi-doshic.
My current state of body-mind has my Kapha being way out of balance in both instances.

The information was very helpful; all the tips were right on!

FitChicFab2013

Hello, I'm new to the group and to Ayurveda. I'm currently reading Deepak Chopra's "Perfect Weight" and could clearly identify myself as Kapha. The quiz shows I'm Vata 9, Pitta 9 and Kapha 19 for my body and Vata 21. Pitta 12 and Kapha 24 for my mind - the way I've been thinking in recent months.

I'm going to follow a liquefied diet between now and next Friday, as that's one of the suggestions for getting rid of "ama" and increasing "agni".

would love to hear from anyone who has tried following tips for balancing their dosha. Below is an excerpt from the book I'm currently reading.

" PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR RESTORING BALANCE There are several powerful techniques that can help in reestablishing balance in a person who has become overweight. One of the most useful is the liquefied diet. I recommend following a liquefied diet one day each week. This will not only allow you to eat lightly on that day but will directly eliminate ama and strengthen digestion. This liquefied diet is a very powerful addition to your routine. You should continue it once a week until you’ve lost all the weight that is appropriate for you. Remember : This is not a fast, nor is it necessary to buy liquefied protein solutions or anything of that sort. You may include any food you like as long as it is liquefied first. But because this is a purifying technique to eliminate ama, it’s best to use foods that are fresh and wholesome. Don’t, for example, try to liquefy lasagna or pizza or meat. Soups, herbals teas, fresh fruit or vegetable juices, warm milk, and grains blended with water all work very well; with a few exceptions, you may take any item you like, add some warm liquid to it, and put it in your blender. You may take liquefied food or liquids as often as you like during the day. Some people find that they feel absolutely comfortable and energetic just taking fresh fruit juices. Others find that they need more substance in the diet, such as liquefied grains and vegetables. Follow the routine according to your level of comfort. When you use the liquefied diet properly, you should feel more energetic and light. However, if you are in the habit of jogging or performing other vigorous exercise, you might want to moderate that activity on the days you follow the liquefied diet. body is beginning to flush itself out, to remove toxins and impurities from the system. It’s a sign that something powerful is happening. After a few weeks, your urine will return to normal, but ama will continue to be dissolved from your system. Begin using these two important techniques for eliminating ama. Adding them to your daily routine will greatly enhance your progress. Once a week, eat a liquefied diet. Foods that you might include are soups, herbal teas, fresh fruit or vegetable juices, warm milk, or grains blended with water. You can liquefy any food in your blender, but remember to avoid eating foods that are not fresh or wholesome, as well as heavy foods such as lasagna, pizza, and meat. Sip hot water frequently throughout the day. Remember that the water should be very hot and should be sipped often, about every half-hour. You might want to fill a thermos with hot water and keep it with you throughout the day. Try these dietary suggestions to improve your digestion: In general, meat increases Kapha and is more likely to produce ama than other foods. Favor chicken and fish over red meats, and try to keep several days a week completely meat-free. Include plenty of fresh, cooked vegetables and grains. Favor warm, light foods. Choose hot, cooked foods rather than cold foods (as hot foods are easier to digest and help balance the Kapha dosha). While cooked food is easier to digest and assimilate, you can include some raw vegetables and salads in your diet, according to taste. Raw fruits are also fine. Use fresh or powdered ginger in cooking to stimulate your digestion and eliminate ama. Other spices that stimulate digestion are cumin, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, mustard seed, and black pepper. Try eating ginger just before your meal to stimulate your agni, or digestive fire."

Chopra, Deepak (2010-01-19). Perfect Weight (Perfect Health Library). Random House UK.

returntorural

I hadn't heard of using a liquified diet once a week. That's an interesting idea.

I did invest in a number of the spices mentioned. They certainly do jazz up any simple grain and veggie dish!.

One of my Ayurvedic cookbooks has a wonderful kapha tea recipe that I enjoy and feel it helps with my digestion. I will try to remember to post it later on.

FitChicFab2013

I only did a day of the liquid diet, it will take a little more will power I think to make it a week The herbal teas are wonderful; I'm waiting on a delivery of Kapha tea, can't wait to give it a try.

yogichic

I just joined this group because I LOVE studying about Ayurveda and try to live my life following Ayurvedic principles. I am in an intensive training this week on yoga and Ayurveda and it has been fascinating, so how timely for me to find this group! :happy:
My doshas are pitta/vata.
One factoid I'd like to share with you all is your dosha is your constitution which means when you were "conceived" your doshas were determined right then and there. There is no changing your doshas since that is who you are, no matter what you try to do to change your body. There are no good or bad doshas. They are all equally needed and have their place to keep us in balance.
What you ultimately are seeking to do is to keep your doshas in balance so you can feel fantastic and live a happy life. When a dosha becomes imbalanced, then that is when dis-ease begins. Ayurveda looks at the whole picture and treats the whole person, not just the symptom. By the time we see a western doctor, the damage has begun.
I am no expert on this topic but I'm happy to share whatever knowledge I have gained to help you find joy and your bliss.

FitChicFab2013

Welcome, yogichic!
Thanks that's interesting and I'm super jealous about your intensive week . I'm away on holiday for the next two weeks, but when I get back to my routine I'll be signing up to a local yoga studio. I tried their taster session and was amazed at how challenging Jivamukti yoga can be - really got me sweating; which is great for a Kapha

DevoteeofIset

I am hoping that the books I have can really help me out to understand my dosha. I took some tests online and it is interesting that a trained person can look at your skin, tongue, etc and tell what dosha might be out of balance.

As far as I understand you have your doshas and then when you have an issue, your doshas are out of balance and Ayruveda is about keeping your doshas in balance. I feel so out of balance I can't tell. I think I actually maybe be a Vata-Pitta but I have a large Kapha imbalance. When I was younger I took a test and I was Pitta. Then being overweight I found taking it I am Pitta-Kapha. But recently I understood a bit more and I took it 2x. The first time which is the true me and then the second is the me now... And I came up with Vata as my true nature. and Pitta-Kapha is me now lol...

I am going to work on the principles and the basics, eating right and what my body tells me too and then go to a local guy in January to have him diagnose me and start an actual treatment plan.

returntorural

That's great that you have a local practitioner whose guidance you can seek! Definitely let us know how it goes.

ornumc

I HAVE experienced that my chronic lower back pain caused by stress has mostly gone and I have lost weight by eating almost exclusively Kapha pacifying food. I totally agree that you have to show yourself compassion, something a Buddhist monk told me last summer when I was telling him about all the things I felt I should do and be. Now to work on my daily routine - BIG challenge so far :-)

In my opinion, having compassion and love for yourself, honing skills of self-awareness, and consistent practice of techniques such as pranayama (deep breathing), and meditation are critical as well.

I totally agree with Jen. I haven't noticed that eating Ayurvedically has impacted my stress levels, although having a daily routine has brought me some comfort. Having compassion for yourself is so, so important as well.

loriliebike

Hello everyone. My constitution is Pitta-Kapha, however, I am dealing with a Kapha imbalance. I went to an Ayurvedic practitioner two years ago after many years of reading about Ayurveda. I find this science to be very interesting. It all makes so much sense. With that said, I must say I have not followed what I learned. No excuses, but I let my life get in the way and I dropped the routines and recommended diet (Huge mistake). I was glad to find this group in hopes that I might be able to reconnect with the principles. I will be taking baby steps this time. I usually overdo it, become totally "into it" and then something gets in the way and I drop it completely. I'll try to update you on my progress. Also, I thought you might be interested in the following website which is entertaining as well as informative.

www.heymonicab.com

Lorilei

returntorural

What a charming website with lots of good info. Thanks for sharing!

FitChicFab2013

Thanks for sharing the site, will have a proper look tonight

readbooks25

I am kapha all the way! Still learning the terms, practices, etc. Where do you get ayurvedic supplies? I'm looking for kapha spices and tea, especially.

Thanks!

Dianne

returntorural

Hi Dianne!

Making your own teas is best and super easy but you can find all kinds of supplies at http://shop.ayurveda.com/

t

missdibs1

Vata Pitta?

lenatilde

I am a dual dosha of pitta kapha - pitta mind and kapha body (of course!), which I think is a grand combo

vgurgel

I think I´m kapha. Not jut because of the weight, but other physical traces as well.