Image by - Omar Lopez.
Understand your Ayurvedic Dosha for healthy, balanced and radiant skin.
According to Ayurvedic Medicine, there are three body types/doshas that are a combination of the five elements - air, space, fire, earth and water.
These three doshas are a fundamental concept in traditional Ayurveda, as it is believed that we all have a unique mix of the three that determine our mental and physical characteristics. Your main or predominant dosha can also change with the seasons, depending on what you are faced with at certain times in your life.
This constitutional based model is a unique concept that can provide specific guidance on how to maintain physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
Below, our in-house Nutritionist has provided some guidance for each dosha. We touch on all three and explain the common symptoms that may arise when we are out of balance. We also suggest some nutritional, lifestyle and skincare recommendations to create balance and whole-body healing.
The Three Ayurvedic Doshas
Vata:
Energy associated with motion such as blood circulation, breathing, blinking and heart rate. When in balance, Vata’s can be very creative. Out of balance, fear and anxiety can form or become more severe.
Physical & Internal Imbalances can include:
Dry/rough skin, dry lips, constipation, fatigue, can be underweight, headaches, anxiety, prone to panic attacks, weak digestion, sensitive immune system, frequently unwell.
Nutritional Suggestions:
- It’s recommended to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking warm or room temperature water regularly.
- Minimal consumption of raw foods, as Vata’s tend to have a weak digestion.
- Lean towards more warming, cooked foods which will make it easier for your digestion to absorb the vitamins and minerals needed for your body to thrive.
- Limit your caffeine intake.
- Focus on warming and soft foods such as bananas, berries, cooked vegetables, brown rice and lean meat.
- Eat a predominantly whole foods diet.
Lifestyle Suggestions
- Try to reduce stress where possible as it can aggravate and increase Vata.
- Take part in slow exercise like yoga or tai chi.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness techniques.
- Practice good sleep hygiene as it is an important component for whole-body healing.
Vayda Organics Skincare Recommendations: Moisturiser, Hydration Oil, Lip Balm, Multi-Purpose Balm.
Pitta
The Pitta dosha is represented by heat with its energy associated with digestion, regulation of temperature and absorption. When in balance Pitta’s can be very calm and content. When out of balance, this can lead to outbursts of range and anger. Redness can therefore appear in the skin when Pitta is out of balance.
Physical & Internal Imbalances can include:
Rashes, inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, excessive body heat, diarrhoea, stomach aches.
Nutritional Suggestions:
- It’s recommended to eat regular meals to keep blood sugar levels balanced and for these meals to be at room temperature.
- Focus on light and cooling foods such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, oats and eggs.
- It’s recommended to limit heavy, processed and spicy foods.
- Eat a predominantly whole foods diet and stay hydrated.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Avoid excessive heat, especially when exercising.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness techniques.
- Practice good sleep hygiene as it is an important component for whole-body healing.
Vayda Organics Skincare Recommendations: Facial Cleanser (Oil), Facial Mist Toner, Blemish Relief, Body Oil.
Kapha
Energy that provides water throughout the body, moisturises the skin and keeps the immune system functioning optimally. When in balance Kapha’s are very loving and able to forgive easily. When out of balance, this can lead to envy and insecurity.
Physical & Internal Imbalances can include:
Oily, congested skin, sinus congestion, asthma, allergies, obesity, skin growths, slow digestion.
Nutritional Suggestions:
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, lean meats.
- Limit heavy, processed foods.
- Eat a predominantly whole foods diet and stay hydrated.
Lifestyle Suggestions:
- Regularly move your body.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness techniques.
- Practice good sleep hygiene as it is an important component for whole-body healing.
Vayda Organics Skincare Recommendations: Facial Cleanser (Oil), Facial Exfoliator, Moisturiser, Blemish Relief.
To view our Vayda Organics Skincare Range click HERE.
