Doshas may be described as types of internal energy that power every bodily function. These Dosha are present in all of us and throughout nature; they include Vata, Pitta and Kapha Dosha. Every individual has a unique balance of all three Dosha, with the dominant Dosha defining their Dosha type or Prakriti. This personal and innate balance of Dosha determines various aspects of your physical anatomy, personality and health, while also predetermining certain health vulnerabilities. By maintaining your natural balance of Dosha you can attain your best possible health and lower the risk of disease. Balancing your Dosha is pretty simple, but you will first need to determine your Dosha type.
How to Balance your Doshas?
How to Balance Vata Dosha Naturally
Vata Dosha is comprised of the elements of space and air, giving it the qualities of dryness, mobility, cold and lightness. Accordingly, any individual with a Vata dominant Prakriti needs to follow certain precautions:
- Foods to Balance Doshas: Try to eat foods with a heating effect, served either hot or warm. Cold and cool foods or beverages should be avoided as they can aggravate your dominant Dosha. Oily foods and those with high moisture content can also help to fight Vata’s drying effects. Additionally, certain tastes like sweet and sour will help to pacify your dominant Dosha.
- Yoga to Balance Doshas: For a Vata dominant individual, slow and gentle forms of Yoga that emphasize balance are most suitable, involving fluid and stabilizing movements. Good Asana choices include Surya Namaskar, Tadasana and Utkatasana, among others.
- Herbs to Balance Doshas: Herbs can be combined with foods and also used as supplements to help balance Dosha and pacify your dominant Dosha. Good choices include Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Cinnamon and Shatavari, to name a few.
How to Balance Pitta Dosha Naturally
Pitta Dosha is comprised of the elements of fire and water, giving it the qualities of heat, fluidity, lightness and intensity. Accordingly, any individual with a Pitta dominant prakriti needs to follow certain precautions:
- Foods to Balance Doshas: Try to eat foods with a cooling and drying effect, served at room temperature or cool. Spicy, heaty and hot foods are best avoided as they can aggravate your dominant Dosha. Drying or astringent foods can also help to fight Pitta’s fluidity effects. Additionally, certain tastes like sweet and bitter will help to pacify your dominant Dosha.
- Yoga to Balance Doshas: For a Pitta dominant individual, gentle forms of Yoga that emphasize holding asanas for longer periods, including breathing and relaxation activities will help. In addition to Surya Namaskar, asanas like Viparita Karani, Padottanasana and Balasana are recommended.
- Herbs to Balance Doshas: Herbs can be combined with foods and also used as supplements to help balance Dosha and pacify Pitta Dosha. The best choices to pacify Pitta include Giloy, Bhringraj, Haldi and Brahmi.
How to Balance Kapha Dosha Naturally
Kapha Dosha is comprised of the elements of water and earth, giving it the qualities of cold, heaviness, dullness and immobility. Accordingly, any individual with a Kapha dominant Prakriti needs to follow certain precautions:
- Foods to Balance Doshas: Try to eat foods with heating and drying effects, served either hot or warm. Cold and cool foods or beverages should be avoided as they can aggravate Kapha. Additionally, certain tastes like pungent and bitter will help to pacify your dominant Dosha.
- Yoga to Balance Doshas: For a Kapha dominant individual, you need a more active style of Yoga that keeps challenging you with faster movements and higher intensity. Some of the recommended asanas for Kapha balancing include Vrksasana, Trikonasana, Tadasana and Salabhasana, among others.
- Herbs to Balance Doshas: Herbs can be combined with foods and also used as supplements to help pacify Kapha aggravation. Good choices include Bibhitaki, Sunth, Punarnava and Moringa Olifiera, among others.
