vata Archives - Doctor Rekha

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. Beyond that, it is a way of life that helps you reach the ultimate goal of overall wellness. In Ayurveda, the status of your health primarily revolves around the balance of your biophysical energies or Doshas. There are three types of Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, collectively called Tridoshas. They are derived from the 5 basic elements known as “Panchamahabhutas.” The Panchamahabhutas are space or ether, air, fire, water and earth. All these Doshas must be known to understand the unique constitution of one’s body and how to maintain a balanced manner to attain good health. The Panchamahabhutas: The Basis of Doshas The Panchamahabhutas are the fundamental elements that all matter in the universe is based on. These elements, in different combinations, make up the Doshas. Knowing them can delve deeper into the Doshas’ nature and influence on our bodies and minds. Ether (Space): This is the most subtle of all the elements. It symbolizes emptiness and the possibility of creation. Air: Associated with motion, lightness, and actionability. Fire: Associated with transformation, heat, and metabolism. Water: Fluidity, cohesion, lubrication. Earth: Most solid elements are related to stability and structure. Each Dosha gets its uniqueness from a different combination of these elements, which explains their distinct characteristics and effects on our bodies. What Are the Doshas? Doshas are biophysical energies that govern our inner and outer environments. These energies or Doshas, are present in everybody and everything. They are found in a unique ratio in each individual. This determines one’s Prakriti or physiological and psychological profile. If your Doshas are in balance, you have health and well-being. They, when in imbalance due to diet, lifestyle, or environmental factors, give rise to diseases. Vata Vata is the energy of movement. It constitutes air and ether. Vata Dosha governs bodily functions, like breathing, nerve impulses, and circulation. When in balance, there is much creativity and vitality. If it’s out of balance, the result is anxiety, dryness, and irregularity in the functions. Characteristics: Light, cold, dry, irregular, quick. Physical Characteristics: Thin build, dry skin, cold hands and feet. Mental Characteristics: Imaginative, anxious, quick learner. Imbalances: Result in anxiety, insomnia, xerosis, and constipation. You can balance your Vata Dosha by following a routine that includes warm, nutrient packed food, proper sleep, and activities like yoga or meditation. Pitta Pitta is composed of fire and water. It governs your digestion and metabolism. This fuels the drive of appetite, intelligence, and body heat. A balanced Pitta Dosha is marked by clarity and energy. However,when it’s out of balance, it results in anger, inflammation and digestive problems. Characteristics: Sharp, oily, hot, intense, and light Physical Traits: Medium build, warm skin, sharp features. Mental Traits: Intelligent, competitive, driven. Imbalances: Marked by symptoms, such as anger, indigestion, skin rashes, heartburn. Balancing the Pitta would require cooling food, relaxing exercises or techniques, and avoiding overwork. Fresh fruits, lots of vegetables and whole grains can nullify the inflamed nature of the Pittas. Kapha Kapha Dosha constitutes earth and water. It is the energy of body stability and structure. It controls growth, hydration and immune responses. A person with a proper and well-balanced Kapha will be calm, patient and an endurance expert. A Kapha imbalance will result in lethargy, weight increase, and congestion. Characteristics: Heavy, slow, steady, oily, and cool. Physical Traits: Compact, soft-skinned, big-eyed. Mental Traits: Loyal, patient, compassionate. Imbalances: Results in obesity, slowdown in digestion, depression, and allergies. Massage-reviving functions and a balanced diet with light spicy foods maintain Kapha. Exercise and abstinence from heavy, oily foods will keep Kapha in harmony. What is Prakriti? Your Prakriti is your constitution and fixed at the moment of conception. This is a blueprint of your inborn strengths and weaknesses. By knowing your Prakriti, you can devise your lifestyle in a manner that will maintain a balance of your Doshas. Are you looking for more valuable insights? Head onto our blog section! How to Know Your Prakriti? Knowing your Prakriti means knowing which Doshas are most operative in your constitution based on that knowledge. We can guess these by looking within ourselves or consulting an Ayurvedic professional. Here’s a brief overview of how the Doshas may manifest in your physical and mental attributes: Vata Dominant: Thin and lean, dry skin, quick mind, active, anxious, and sleepless. Pitta Dominant: Medium-built, warm-skinned, sharp intellect, ambitious, irritable, and easily inflamed. Kapha Dominant: Heavier in build, smooth skin, calm disposition, steady energy, tends to put on weight and become lethargic. Knowing your Prakriti helps you tailor a diet, exercise, and daily routines suitable for bringing out balance in life. Balancing the Doshas Keeping your Doshas in balance is what keeps you healthy. The Doshas are particularly sensitive to continued influences, such as diet, lifestyle, stress and environmental elements that disturb your balance. What to do to Balance Vata? Diet: Have warm, freshly-cooked food with spices, such as ginger and cinnamon. Lifestyle: Follow a daily routine. Engage in activities that ground you in life, such as meditation and yoga. Season: Vata is provoked by a cold, dry & windy climate. Keep warm and moist. Tips to Pacify Pitta Diet: Consume cooling foods like greens, melons and cucumbers. Stay away from hot, spicy, and oily foods. Lifestyle: Moderate work and exercise. Engage in cool recreation activities like swimming or walking in nature to calm down. Season: One shouldn’t disturb the natural order of Doshas. Avoid hot and humid seasons. Always be cautious at the seasonal end. Tips for Balancing Kapha Diet: Light, spicy foods; avoid dairy and heavy foods; include stimulating spices like black pepper and turmeric. Lifestyle: Be active & get regular exercise, but avoid too much sleeping and sedentary habits. Season: In cold, damp weather, Kapha Dosha is dominant. So, stay warm and dry. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor to guide you regarding your right diet and lifestyle… Continue reading What are Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas in Ayurveda?

In a world bustling with ambitions and dreams, motivation becomes the fuel that propels us forward. But have you ever wondered why some people are naturally driven while others struggle to find their inner spark? Enter Ayurveda, which offers profound insights into the diverse spectrum of personality types that are influenced by different factors, like Dosha. According to Ayurvedic principles, each individual possesses a unique constitution, or “Prakriti,” determined by the balance of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas govern not only our physical health but also our mental tendencies and emotional inclinations. Understanding the Doshas Before we delve further into how your personality and motivation type varies with your Dosha predominance, first let us understand each Dosha. Every living being in the universe is made up of five elements or the Panchamahabhutas – earth, air, water, fire and ether. In our body, we have these 5 elements in various proportions. Depending on the proportion of these 5 elements, we categorise people into Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata Vata has more of air element. Just like how air is moving and unstable, Vata people are highly dynamic. Pitta Pitta means fire, and fire means aggression and passion. Similarly, Pitta people are consistent. Kapha For Kapha, Earth element is predominant. Kapha people are sluggish, slow, lazy and lethargic. Nobody has one single Dosha. Everybody is a combination of two or sometimes even a combination of all the Doshas together. There are tons of Dosha and Prakriti quizzes online to identify your personality type. But most of them are not accurate. The best way to identfy your Prakriti or Dosha predominance is by consulting an Ayurvedic doctor. Personality Types Based on Dosha Predominance Your personality can vary based on your Dosha predominance. Vata Person If you are a creative visionary who is artistic, inspirational, with a naturally thin body type, dry skin and often having difficulties sleeping well, you are a Vata person. Think Steve Jobs, Sundar Pichai, Amitabh Bachchan! Vatas have their mind all over the place. Their mind hovers around 100 different thoughts at a time. They are restless and find it difficult to focus on a single task and lose interest and focus easily. Vatas always face a ‘this or that’ situation in their mind when it comes to making decisions. If you ask me, I am a Vata person – super creative and super unorganized with a super wandering mind. I keep changing my mind, constantly wondering, ‘should I do this or that?’ Vata is a mixture of elements Air and Ether. It is free-flowing, light-spirited, ever moving. A balanced Vata makes you a visionary, creative, dreamer who is full of ideas. The downside is you start a million projects and leave them unfinished because your mind is always wandering, moving from one job to another. Change drives you, while routine and regularity bring you boredom. And that’s why your motivation is easy come, easy go. However, this is not a problem, but this is who you are! So, the best thing to do is to not be fixated on doing just one thing for a long period. Instead, split your time to do different kinds of things and then rotate the same set of things. Just like how your motivation comes and goes easily, it isn’t hard for you to be excited again about something. Also, you can organise your day by giving yourself a deadline. Pitta Person Pittas in Ayurveda are the passionate bosses we all have had. They are ambitious, sharp, disciplined, determined and powerful, yet impatient, irritable, angry, and fierce with a strong drive to accomplish whatever they set their mind to. They have a fire in them to win, to accomplish and be successful. Also, they are steady and consistent. Think Beyonce. She is not bossy; she is the boss in her own words. That’s perfect Pitta. P️ittas are highly motivated people and their ambitions can sometimes go beyond their capabilities, leading to burnout. So, like I said for Pittas, embrace who you are. The truth is that society is designed in a way to help Pitta people succeed. So, you can tone down your righteousness and emotions which can save you from conflicts with other people who do not match your motivation style. You can then focus on your ultimate goal without experiencing burn out. Kapha Person A Kapha person is slow, steady and resilient like the earth. They are the ever-flowing love and care we all yearn to receive. I like to call it the “mom energy.” Kaphas are the most nurturing and supportive that you just want to give them a hug and tell them all your life’s problems. Think Oprah! About their motivation style, Kaphas are slow to start but are powerful once engaged. However, being very self-critical, they get anxious when their progress is slow. The best thing to do is to accept that this is who you are – you may start slow, but as you progress, you gain speed and can be at your productive best. All you have to do is to be patient. Whether you resonate with the airy whims of Vata, the fiery ambition of Pitta, or the steadfast resolve of Kapha, remember that true motivation springs from a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit. Embrace your innate nature, honour your unique journey and let Ayurveda lead you to a fulfilling life. So, which dosha personality type are you? If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries,… Continue reading Dosha Personality Types in Ayurveda

The arrival of summer brings with it a plethora of delights – long days, outdoor adventures, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, for some, the sweltering heat of summer can also bring discomfort, especially if you’re prone to imbalances in your Doshas, particularly Pitta Dosha. In Ayurveda, Doshas are the three elemental forces that govern our physical and mental well-being. With summer health in mind, let’s explore a few Ayurvedic tips to stay cool and balanced in summer according to your Dosha. Understanding the Three Doshas Before delving into specific strategies for staying cool in summer, it’s essential to understand the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each Dosha is composed of a combination of the five elements – ether, air, fire, water and earth and is responsible for various physiological and psychological functions in the body. Vata Dosha: Governed by the elements of air and ether, Vata is characterized by qualities such as cold, dry, light and mobile. Imbalances in Vata Dosha can manifest as anxiety, dry skin, and digestive issues. Pitta Dosha: Associated with the elements of fire and water, Pitta is characterized by qualities such as hot, sharp, oily and intense. Imbalances in Pitta Dosha may lead to irritability, inflammation, and digestive disturbances. Kapha Dosha: Composed of the elements of water and earth, Kapha is characterized by qualities such as heavy, slow, cold, and stable. Imbalances in Kapha Dosha can result in lethargy, congestion, and weight gain. Pitta Dosha and Summer: A Recipe for Imbalance Summer is considered the Pitta season in Ayurveda, as the intensity of the sun’s rays mirrors the qualities of Pitta Dosha – hot, fiery, and intense. During this time, individuals with a predominance of Pitta Dosha may experience a worsening of Pitta-related imbalances, such as excessive heat, inflammation and irritability. Common symptoms of Pitta imbalance in summer may include: Skin rashes or irritation Digestive issues such as acidity or heartburn Increased sensitivity to heat Emotional irritability or frustration To maintain a balance during the summer months, Pitta-dominant individuals need to adopt practices that help pacify Pitta Dosha and stay cool both internally and externally. Staying Cool in summer According to Your Dosha Here are few ways to say cool during summer according to your Dosha: Pitta-Pacifying Diet One of the most effective ways to balance Pitta Dosha in summer is through diet. Pitta-pacifying foods are cooling, hydrating and nourishing, helping to offset the intensity of the season. Here are some dietary tips for each Dosha: For Pitta Dosha: Focus on incorporating sweet, bitter and astringent tastes into your meals. Opt for cooling foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, coconut, leafy greens and sweet fruits like grapes and pears. Avoid spicy, oily and overly salty foods, which can aggravate Pitta. For Vata Dosha: Emphasize warm, grounding foods that provide stability and nourishment. Cooked grains, root vegetables, ghee and warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom can help balance Vata’s cold and dry qualities. For Kapha Dosha: Choose lighter, stimulating foods that counteract Kapha’s heaviness and congestion. Incorporate pungent, bitter and astringent tastes, such as green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils and spicy herbs like ginger and black pepper. Cooling Lifestyle Practices for summer In addition to dietary modifications, adopting cooling lifestyle practices can further support your efforts to stay balanced in summer: Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and help regulate body temperature. Opt for cool beverages like coconut water, cucumber-infused water or herbal teas with cooling herbs like mint and coriander. Furthermore, avoid consuming carbonated drinks as they can inhibit your digestion. Fresh fruit juices and nectar that are not chilled are nutritious, satisfying and delicious. Some revitalizing choices include grapes, tasty pineapple and succulent watermelon. Protect Yourself from the Sun Limit exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day (typically between 10 am and 4 pm). Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and use natural sunscreens to protect your skin from sun damage. Practice Mindful Movement Engage in gentle, cooling forms of exercise such as swimming, yoga, or walking in shaded areas. Avoid strenuous activities during the peak heat of the day to prevent overheating. Cooling Breathwork Practice pranayama techniques such as Sheetali and Sheetkari to cool the body and calm the mind. These breathing exercises involve inhaling through the mouth with the tongue curled or teeth clenched, respectively, to draw in cool air and release excess heat. Take Regular Breaks Listen to your body’s signals and take breaks when needed to rest and rejuvenate. Incorporate moments of stillness and relaxation into your daily routine to help soothe Pitta-related stress and tension. In hot weather, it’s best to wear loose and soft clothing to remain comfortable and cool. Refrain from wearing clothes that are tight or cause itchiness. It is beneficial to assist your body in removing excess heat through activities such as dry brushing, consuming ample water and herbal teas, and adopting a light, fresh, and colorful diet to aid in liver detoxification. It is recommended to avoid outdoor exercise and excessive sun exposure at this time. Conversely, numerous children participate in tennis camps and sports events, where their bodies become more active due to the sun and physical activities. It’s not the right time to be traveling to different shrines or holiday destinations, or to be moving from one relative’s house to another. In the summer months, it’s ideal to remain indoors, consume light meals, and steer clear of direct sunlight. Conclusion As we navigate the heat and intensity of summer, it’s essential to honor our unique constitution and adapt our lifestyle accordingly. By understanding the interplay of the Doshas and implementing Pitta-pacifying strategies, we can stay cool, balanced, and vibrant throughout the summer months. Whether you’re a Pitta-dominant individual seeking relief from summer’s heat or simply looking to… Continue reading Summer Heat How to Stay Cool with Ayurveda

Ragi (finger millet) has my heart for so many awesome reasons! This little grain is not just popular in many corners of the world, but is also a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with essentials like calcium, magnesium, iron, and dietary fibre. This is a superfood with amazing health benefits. It is often used to make flour, which can be used for making various dishes like roti (flatbread) or porridge. It is a great choice for those looking to incorporate a healthy and gluten-free grain into their diet, as it provides energy, aids digestion and supports overall well-being. Properties of Ragi It is super light and digestive. It is also known for its anti-Pitta and aphrodisiac properties. Having this, helps balance all Doshas, purifies blood and rejuvenates your body. We often advise it for pregnant women and lactating moms to help improve breast milk production and for children to gain strength. Downsides Even it is great for your health, it has some downsides. It is slightly Vata increasing. So, always cook it with ghee and spices. You cannot use ragi as a replacement for rice. You can have rice every day. But it is better to have it twice or thrice a week as millets are called “Kudhanya” or unwholesome grains in Ayurveda. Millets are goitrogens and this includes ragi. Therefore, do not consume it if you have thyroid issues. However, despite the downsides, I still love my Ragi dosas with coconut chutney every week. Ragi porridge recipe Now, for those looking to add some variety to your menu, let me introduce you to the delightful Ragi porridge. It is a superfood fit for both babies and adults, including expectant mothers. Ingredients Ragi Ghee Cumin Cardamom Palm sugar Water Method of preparation Sieve ragi and roast 2 tablespoons of it in 2 teaspoons of ghee Add water to make a paste and add a pinch of powdered cumin and cardamom to it Add water in a saucepan and add washed palm sugar to it When it boils, add ragi paste and mix Your ragi porridge is ready! This recipe is a traditional first food introduced to infants, as early as 6 months. Skip the store-bought baby food loaded with unknown XYZ and give your baby ragi porridge. Start with a small amount so that your baby gets used to the new flavour and texture. For adults, ragi porridge can be a great replacement for your oatmeal for breakfast! To make it interesting, you can add almond milk, top it up with stewed fruits and a scoop of some peanut butter. Having ragi gives nutritious and satisfying start to the day, not to forget its great health benefits! You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit.

Vata Dosha comprises elements of air and space and is responsible for movement, communication and creativity. When it is in balance, it promotes mental clarity, agility and vitality. However, when it becomes excessive or imbalanced, it can cause a range of physical and mental symptoms. Here are five signs that your Vata is high and your body needs help according to Ayurveda. Dry skin and hair Vata Dosha governs the moisture balance in the body. When it is high, it can cause dryness in the skin, lips and hair. You may notice flakiness, roughness and itching in your skin, as well as split ends and brittle hair. To balance Vata, Ayurveda suggests using warm oils, such as sesame or coconut oil, to moisturize the skin and hair. Avoid using harsh soaps and shampoos, as they can strip away natural oils and aggravate Vata Dosha. Irregular digestion Vata Dosha is responsible for the movement of food through the digestive tract. When it is high, it can lead to irregular bowel movements, bloating, gas and constipation. You may also experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating. For balancing, Ayurveda recommends eating warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, stews and cooked vegetables. Avoid cold, raw and processed foods, as they can aggravate you Vata. Anxiety and nervousness Vata Dosha is associated with the nervous system and the mind. When it is high, it can lead to anxiety, nervousness and racing thoughts. You may feel overwhelmed, scattered and unable to focus. To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends practicing grounding and calming activities, such as walking in nature, taking warm baths and using aromatherapy oils, such as lavender or sandalwood. Cold intolerance If you have low tolerance to cold, that may be the result of high Vata. For balancing it protect yourself from cold, reduce long showers. You have to avoid cold showers completely. Use only warm water for the body. Wear a footwear on cold surfaces, keep your feet always warm, use socks in the night and cover yourself well when exposed to cold breeze, winds or even A/c. Joint pain and stiffness Vata Dosha governs the movement of the body, including the joints. When it is high, it can cause joint pain, stiffness and cracking sounds. You may also experience muscle tension and spasms. To have a perfect balance, it is better to do some gentle stretching exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, as well as using warm compresses and massage oils to soothe the joints and muscles. High Vata Dosha can manifest in a variety of physical and mental symptoms. To balance it, Ayurveda suggests adopting a warm, nourishing and grounding lifestyle, including a diet rich in warm, cooked foods, regular exercise, relaxation techniques and self-care practices that promote relaxation and inner calm. You can consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for advice regarding diet and lifestyle that helps balance your Vata. or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit

According to Ayurveda, there are three biophysical energies based on which every human being is classified into a specific Prakriti (unique constitution and identity of an individual). The energies are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everyone and everything in this world is made of energy. This energy is comprised of five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. Vata is a combination of space and air elements. Pitta is a combination of fire and water elements, whereas Kapha is a combination of earth and water elements. Do you have a Vata mind? Imagine driving a car. You know where you are going, but 1000 other things are running in your mind, like the stove you forgot to switch off, the email you have to reply to, the dress you wanted to buy, the lunch plan, and 996 others. Your mind is all over the place and it lingers around 100 different thoughts at a time. You feel restless and alert at the same time, which confuses people. You find it difficult to concentrate on a single task and lose interest and focus easily. Confusion is your other name; you always face a, this or that situation in your mind, when it comes to making decisions. If this is you, you have a Vata mind. How to tackle a Vata mind? First of all, having a Vata mind is not a bad thing at all. You are the energy that lights up the whole room! You are the enthu bomb!!! No Pitta or Kapha mind can beat your zest for life, energy, and optimism. Like Beyonce says, ‚ÄúI am not bossy, I am the boss,‚Äù we, Vata minds, rule the world. However, things can go wrong when Vata gets out of balance and it is necessary to tackle it. Here are a few tips to be the master of your own Vata mind. Oil Massage Vata is dry (Ruksha). The opposite of dry is oily. The best way to tackle Vata is to do daily oil massage (abhyanga) using organic black sesame oil. Do a five-minute foot massage before going to bed. This will help you to calm your mind. Earthing Practices Vata is light. The opposite of light is heavy, which equals Earth. Doing earthing or grounding practices can help you to tackle your Vata mind. Get outdoors and connect with nature. Get out of concrete and get your feet on the soil, grass, sand, or any natural surface. But, walking barefoot on a cold surface may increase Vata. Warm Practices Vata is cold (Sheeta) and the opposite of cold is warm. Doing warm practices can be of great help. Cover yourself from everything cold and do not expose yourself to cold conditions, cold food, or cold people. Eat warm food, like warm spiced soups, porridges, khichdi, etc. You can also spend time with warm people and stay in warm places, and notice your Vata mind being pacified. Yoga and Meditation Vata is moving (chala). One of the best ways to tackle an always-moving mind is Yoga and meditation. Do real Yoga – the satwik kind, not the exercise one. You might find it difficult in the beginning to concentrate. But slowly, you will get used to it, as Kapha takes over and keeps you grounded. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox and If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also follow me on Instagram.

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Tag: vata

What are Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas in Ayurveda?

Dosha Personality Types in Ayurveda

Summer Heat How to Stay Cool with Ayurveda

Ragi Power – Why This Ancient Grain is a Superfood

Vata Dosha – 5 Signs which shows your body needs help

Having a Vata Mind and Ways to Tackle It.

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