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Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing system, which is many thousands of years old. It covers life and lifestyle. Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words, AYUR- life, and VEDA- knowing. The fundamental principals are based on an Indian philosophy called SAMKHYE, these principles being the basis of life is consciousness and with that awakening comes understanding on how the universe works. The five elements of Chinese medicine seem to have come from Ayurveda. It is recorded that Indian Buddhist missionaries brought the Indian medical system to China.
The main focus of Ayurvedic medicine is to improve health and longevity. It is a practical system and is primarily vegetarian. It focuses on nutrition supporte3d by herbs, massage and aromatherapy oils. Yoga concentrates on the more spiritual aspects of Ayurvedic teachings.
In practical terms, there are 3 main DOSHAS (basic types of people)- VATA< PITTA< KAPHA. Diet, lifestyle and the environment influence them.
Colour, crystals, personality & oils
COLOURS |
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
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Yellow, brown, beige |
Violet, green, blue |
Pink, red, orange. |
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CRYSTALS |
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Rose quartz, Citrine, amethyst, adventurine. |
Moonstone |
Garnet, ruby. |
| PERSONALITY |
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
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Creative, good ideas, needs routine, avoid stress. |
Activators, good promoters, enjoy challenge, like to develop things, need to relax. |
Reliable, good managers, need to have fun, avoid inertia, changes in routine of benefit. |
OILS |
VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
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Ginger, sandalwood , eucalyptus, camphor. |
Honeysuckle, jasmine, sandalwood, vetiver, coconut oil |
Ginger, myrrh, cinnamon, eucalyptus, orange. |
Lifestyle & environment
TYPE |
Element |
Climate |
Principal |
Emotions |
Most effects/excess causes |
VATA |
Air & ether |
Dry & cold |
Movement |
Anxious, sensitive,
Changeable. |
Colon , nervous system
Excess vatta causes
flatulence, back pain, dry skin, nerve & circulation disorders. |
PITTA |
Fire & water |
Hot & moist |
Transformation |
Intolerance, hate, impatience, anger, jealousy. warm-hearted |
Metabolism, small intestine, eyes, liver, hair
Excess pitta causes skin disorders, acidity, hair loss, diarrhoea, sun- sensitivity. |
KAPHA |
Water & earth |
Cold & damp |
Cohesion |
Stubbornness, greed, jealousy, possessiveness, motherliness, kindness. |
Joints, body fluids, mucous, lymphatics.
Excess kapha causes weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, slow mental response, congestion (nose, chest) |
Discover your type
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VATA |
PITTA |
KAPHA |
Height |
Very short or tall & thin |
Medium |
Tall or short & sturdy |
Body frame |
Light, narrow |
Medium |
Large, broad |
Musculature |
Thin, prominent tendons |
Medium/firm |
Plentiful/solid |
Weight |
Light, hard to gain |
Medium |
Heavy, gains easily |
Sweat |
Minimal |
Medium |
Moderate |
Skin |
Dry, cold |
Soft, warm |
Moist, cool, oily |
Complexion |
Darkish |
Fair, pink, red, .freckles |
Pale, white |
Hair amount |
Average amount |
Early thinning, greying |
Plentiful |
Type of hair |
Dry, thin, dark, coarse |
Fine, soft, red, fair |
Thick, lustrous, brown |
Size of eyes |
Small, narrow or sunken |
Average |
Large, prominent |
Type of eyes |
Dark brown or grey, dull |
Blue/grey/hazel, intense |
Blue, brown, attractive |
Teeth & gums |
Protruding, receding gums |
Yellowish, gums bleed |
White, strong gums |
Size of teeth |
Small or large, irregular |
Average |
Large |
Physical activity |
Moves quickly, active. |
Moderate pace, average |
Slow pace, steady |
Endurance |
Low |
Good |
Very good |
Strength |
Poor |
Good |
Very good |
Temperature |
Dislikes cold, likes warmth |
Likes coolness |
Aversion to cold & damp |
Stools |
Tendency to constipation |
Tendency to loose stools |
Plentiful, slow elimination |
Lifestyle |
Variable, erratic |
Busy, tends to achieve a lot |
Steady, can skip meals |
Sleep |
Light, interrupted, fitful |
Sound, short |
Deep, likes plenty |
Emotional tendency |
Fearful, anxious, insecure |
Fiery, angry, judgemental |
Greedy, possessive |
Mental activity |
Restless, lots of ideas |
Sharp, precise, logical |
Calm, steady, stable |
Memory |
Good recent memory |
Sharp, generally good |
Good long term |
Reaction to stress |
Excites very easily |
Quick temper |
Not easily irritated |
Work |
Creative |
Intellectual |
Caring |
Moods |
Change quickly |
Change slowly |
Generally steady |
Speech |
Fast |
Clear, sharp, precise |
Deep, slow |
Resting pulse- women |
80 |
70-80 |
Below 70 |
Resting pulse- men |
70 |
60-70 |
Below 60 |
| SCORE |
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Add the score up for each and the highest score is your type.
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