Dear Dr. Simon,
I have taken the ayurvedic dosha quiz, and my scores tell me that I have a Pitta body and a Vata mind. Which lifestyle and diet do I need to follow?
Answer: It’s important to keep in mind that each of us has the elements of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in our mind-body system, for all three doshas are necessary to maintain life. Since it is common for one dosha to predominate in the body, while another predominates in the mind, it is useful to consider how the information we take in through the five senses affects the body and mind.
According to Ayurveda, the body is DNA woven with food, and therefore, the most direct way to affect the body is through what we take in through our mouth. Since your body is predominantly Pitta, you will want to focus on Pitta-balancing foods, spices, and teas.
Of course, whatever we ingest also affects the mind. In Ayurveda ingested food is divided into three categories: The most gross level becomes the products of elimination. The middle level of food nourishes the body. The most subtle level nourishes the mind.
For most people, the mind is most strongly influenced by sound and sensations. Therefore I recommend that you engage in regular meditation to calm your Vata mind, and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of music and nature to soothe your inner physiology. Give yourself a daily self-massage using Vata-pacifying oils such as sesame or almond (preferably before bed), and employ Vata-pacifying aromas such as lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood. Following the above steps will help bring peace to the mental agitation to which the Vata mind is prone.
With love,
David
March 6th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Thank you! I’ve been struggling with how to handle this very problem! This greatly simplifies things : )
March 11th, 2010 at 9:41 am
My question is, if I am normally Pitta/Vata but currently I have an abundance of Kapha does this mean my Kapha is out of balance, thus I need to take steps to balance my Kapha? For instance, I am more sluggish than I have ever been, stressed and have gained weight, therefore I have been adding more invigorating fragrances and herbal teas and a variety of other steps. Or, do I need to work on balancing my Pitta and all will align again?
October 21st, 2011 at 11:37 am
I had Obstrastic Cholestasis when I was 36 weeks pregnant. Before I got my results back from lab, I lost my baby boy. I am very much worried how to avoid this situation next time when I will be pregnant again.
Please provide me assistance & medicine to solve this problem in future.
October 24th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Dear Keya,
We are deeply sorry to hear about your experience. Since every situation is unique, it is difficult to give specific recommendations. In the event of another pregnancy, it is important to discuss this history in detail with your physician to find out all of the options available to you to prevent it from occurring again. In addition to their recommendations, we would suggest you look at this from a mind-body perspective, as well as considering what emotional or other factors may have been at play.
With love,
The Chopra Center Medical Staff