Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of life.
Much more than a system of medicines for ailments, it consists of a body of wisdom designed to help people stay healthy while living their life to its full potential.
Ayurvedic philosophy holds that the mind and the body are fundamentally connected, and that nothing has more power to heal than the mind. Ayurveda teaches us how to connect with and balance the life force within.
The essence of Ayurveda is a way of life, a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is an ancient system of rejuvenation of both the body and mind.
Ayurveda is considered to be the sister science of yoga, and as we are also a Yoga Centre, we are well-placed to provide you with an overall program for your overall health and well-being.
Disease is born when the mind is constantly in flux between the past and the future, causing stress, anxiety and depression. Ayurveda and yoga therapy help to bring the mind back to the present into a calm state, where healing can naturally occur.
The treatments that we offer are based on Ayurveda’s holistic views of the body, which covers lifestyle issues, diet, mental attitudes and a person’s individual constitution. According to Ayurveda, your constitution is determined by your body type, or dosha.
There are three types of doshas – vata, pitta and kapha, and it is the way in which they are combined in each individual that makes a person unique. Our trained therapists can help to analyse your body type and determine appropriate treatments according to this.
Want to know your own constitution? Read our next section on Self-diagnosis.
| Vata (air + space) | Pitta (fire + water) | Kapha (water + earth) |
| Properties: dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, minute, moving | Properties: slightly oily, light, hot, penetrating, unpleasant odour, spreading nature, liquid | Properties: oily, heavy, cold, slow acting, slimy, firm, smooth |
| Physical functions: motion, breathing, natural urges, speech, tissue transformation, senses, secretions and excretions, blood circulation, pulsation, nervous system. | Physical functions: digestion, metabolism, hormones, enzymes, vision, hunger, thirst, colour complexion, temperature | Physical functions: solid body structure, organ coating, lubrication, strength, potency |
| Mental functions: fear, anxiety, impulses, pain, enthusiasm, alertness | Mental functions: thinking, intelligence, understanding, perception, desire, courage, bravery, anger | Mental functions: enthusiasm, forbearance, sexual urges, forgiveness, attachment, courage, passion, stability, greed |
| Primary locations: intestines and lower body | Primary locations: navel and stomach area | Primary locations: chest, head and neck area (above the heart) |
| TRAITS | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
| PHYSICAL TRAITS | |||
| Body frame/type | Thin, lean | Medium, athletic | Large, stocky |
| Hair | Curly, dry, thick | Straight, grey, bald | Silky, thick, oily |
| Eyes | Small, unsteady | Sharp, reddish | Large, oval, clear |
| Lips | Thin, dry, cracked | Pink, medium, soft | Full, smooth |
| Skin | Thin, dry, rough, cold | Smooth and warm | Normal, cool |
| Body Temperature | Cold when touched | Hot when touched | Norma, cool |
| Weight | Lose easy, gain hard | Steady, slow change | Gain easy, lose hard |
| Hunger | Unpredictable | Strong every 4 hours | Regular |
| Cravings | Caffeine, sugar | Spicy, intense foods | Ice cream, cheese |
| Digestion/elimination | Regular constipation | Rare constipation | Slow, steady, regular |
| Sleep | Light, restless | Sleep well 7-8 hours | Deep, hard to wake |
| Exercise | Run, dance, move | Competitive sports | Mild, gentle |
| Sweat | Hard to sweat | Sweat easily | Regular |
| Movement | Quick, light step | Average, strong step | Slow, steady steps |
| MENTAL TRAITS | |||
| Temperament | Lively, enthusiastic | Motivated, intense | Relaxed, accepting |
| Learning | Breadth over depth | Analytical, in-depth | Common topics |
| Memory | Quick grasp and loss | Sharp, clear | Slow grasp, not lost |
| Work | Independent/creative | Leads, likes to be boss | Employee, guided |
| Projects | Rarely completed | Sets goals, executes | Take time, completed |
| Emotion under stress | Anxiety, fear, worry | Angry, irritable, jealous | Laziness, withdrawal |
| Decision-making | Difficult, overthinking | Quick, confident | After contemplation |
| Communication | Fast talker | Direct, persuasive | Calm, deep voice |
| Lifestyle | Unattached, mobile | Busy, well-structured | Routine, constant |
| Weather | Dislikes cold, winter | Dislike heat, humidity | Dislikes cool, rain |
| Faith and beliefs | Ever changeable | Strong, extremist | Stable/set in stone |
| Interest/motivation | Art, travel, experience | Sport, business, politics | Comfort, family, food |
So, after having read this table
WHAT IS YOUR CONSTITUTION?
