Do you know your dosha?

“Ayurveda is India’s ancient system of health and healing. The word Ayurveda has been translated in many different ways including: “knowledge of life,” “science of longevity” or “art of living.” Ayurveda is very complex but many of us associate Ayurveda with the doshas, Pitta, Vata and Kapha. Ayurveda teaches that each individual possesses certain characteristic physical and mental traits that are fixed at the moment of conception and persist throughout that individual’s existence. One’s constitution is expressed in terms of these three doshas. Most of us are bi-doshic: the one dosha that influences us most strongly is followed closely by a second dosha whose affect is almost as pronounced. The constitutional type is an expression of the organism’s energy-flow strategy, in all realms of existence.” ~ Dr. Robert E. Svoboda

Along with diet and lifestyle, the practice of yoga asana can help bring balance to the doshas. Ashtanga brings warmth and fire to the Kapha constitution to increase energy and reduce lethargy. It brings heat and sweat to the Vata constitution to allow the release of toxins through the skin and foster stability of mind. Ashtanga brings breath awareness to the Pitta constitution to cool the raging fire and bring peace to the mind. For all doshas, asana practice compliments the positive aspect of each dosha, while at the same time, teaches us what we need to do to come into balance: breath awareness, stoking the fire, slowing down, getting stronger, getting more flexible, doing more, doing less, realizing we are all the same, and that there is no difference…

The Yoga Comics

Awesome Editor: Jessica Walden

Cartoon guy: Boonchu Tanti,  Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

Relephant:

It’s More than What We Eat: 12 Ayurvedic Tips for Healthy Eating

Ayurveda: Another Reason to be Happy & Healthy

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Ed: Kate Bartolotta