The first step is through knowledge. A typical ayurvedic consultation begins with a practitioner listening to your pulse and assessing your eyes, tongue and nails for evidence of imbalance. The practitioner also queries you extensively about your health and disease history, spiritual practices, temperament, energy level, diet, sleep habits, digestion and metabolism.
This information helps determine your basic constitution; in ayurvedic terms, it’s comprised of three basic doshas, or energies, which are the same ones that make up the entire universe: earth (called kapha, pronounced "kapa" or "kafa"), fire (pitta) and air (vata).
One or two of the three main energies tend to predominate in each of us, and this determines our predisposition and our strengths and weaknesses. Vatas, for example, are creative and quick to learn, but they’re also prone to anxiety, constipation and stroke. Kaphas are nurturing but must guard against their tendency toward obesity, lethargy and indulgence. Pittas are fiery, with hot tempers but warm hearts.
According to Ramesh Modi, president of the International Council of Ayurvedic Physicians Inc., who practises at the Ayurved and Acupuncture Centre in Toronto, I’m a vata. I am excitable – a fast talker with lots of mental energy. But this morning I’m more kapha than vata. There’s no sign of mental quickness as I lie inert over the steaming herbal cleanser; there’s only the slow, groggy numbness I associate with the morning. That’s because doshas fluctuate in what Olivera calls "the elemental dance."
Doshas exist outside of people, too, and these can also affect moods and behaviours. According to Shah, different times of day and seasons have their own doshas. Morning is kapha. You may find it difficult to get moving before 10 a.m., especially if you’re a slow-moving, kapha-controlled person to begin with. Many people, myself included, need a stimulating beverage to get going in the morning. Sunshiny, energizing pitta becomes stronger during the morning and is strongest at midday when the sun, too, is at its peak. That’s when you should do your most demanding work.
Sounds like common sense?
There’s a good reason. "It’s because ayurveda is Mother Nature’s wisdom," says Shah, and her advice is the key to boosting immunity and maintaining your health.
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