In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means the science of life and longevity. It is the ancient system of healing that has been practiced in India for over 5000 years. Using a comprehensive assessment of one’s mind, body and spirit, Ayurvedic principles of diet and lifestyle are applied to create optimal health and well being by balancing one’s dosha.

What is a Dosha?

Ayurveda believes all beings and things are made of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. It is the combination of these elements and their qualities that forms an individual’s doshic constitution or Prakruti.

Vata: is made of air and ether. The qualities of Vata are light, dry, cold and mobile. Vata in-balance is vibrant, creative, energetic and quick thinking. Vata out-of-balance can present as constipation, gas, bloating, fear, anxiety, worry and an inability to concentrate or be still. Vata resides in the colon and has an affinity for all of the spaces in the body. It’s primary function is movement making it easily vitiated.

Pitta: is made of fire and water. The qualities of Pitta are hot, smooth, oily and spreading. Pitta in-balance is highly intellectual,  disciplined, focused and has a sharp mind. Pitta out-of-balance can present as heart burn, acid reflux, loose stools, anger, control, criticism and judgment. Pitta resides in the small intestine and it has an affinity for the  blood, liver, heart, eyes and skin. Its primary function is all things of digestion and metabolism.

Kapha: is made of earth and water. The qualities of Kapha are cool, moist, heavy and stable. Kapha in-balance is loving, loyal, stable, generous and patient. Kapha out-of-balance can present as slow digestion, chest congestion, depression, lethargy, complacency and attachment. Kapha resides in the stomach and has affinity for the lungs and chest. Its primary function is protection.

What is Prakruti and Vikruti?

Prakruti:  is the natural doshic tendency of your constitution. It is one’s precise combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and it never changes.

Vikruti : represents doshic imbalance. It is the rise or fall of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in relation to one’s constitution. It is very common for one’s primary dosha to be the culprit of their Vikruti.