I am mostly Kapha.

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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