Ayurveda for Instant Energy Overview

Tip of the Month  
 
What is your body type?
In Ayurveda everyone is made up of a combination of the three doshas (elements), vata (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (water) – most people have a predominance of one or two.
Do the following sample test to figure out your dosha:

What’s does your skin look like?
a)Dry and rough
b)Normal, combination
c)Oily

How would you describe your bones and joints?
a)Very prominent
b)Medium prominence, not as much as some people you know
c)Not visible or prominent.

Describe your strength and endurance?
a)Little – tire easily
b)Medium
c)Great

What’s your temperament?
a)Indecisive
b)Fiery
c)Slow and methodical

How would you describe your frame size?
a)Thin, angular
b)Athletic, medium frame
c)Big-boned, powerful frame

What’s your complexion usually like?
a)Darker, gray bluish color
b)Pinkish or reddish
c)Pale, light

How would you best describe your mind?
a)Quick and restless
b)Sharp and aggressive
c)Calm, steady, and stable

How would you best describe your thoughts?
a)constantly changing
b)fairly steady
c)steady

What are your moods like?
a)They change quickly
b)They change slowly
c)They remain steady

How do you consider your confidence?
a)Timid
b)Outwardly self-confident
c)Inwardly confident

What kind of weather do you like the least?
a)cold
b)heat
c)damp, cold

When threatened, how do you respond?
a)run
b)fight
c)make peace

If you answered mostly a’s, you’re a vata type; mostly b’s, you’re a pitta type; mostly c’s, you’re a kapha type.
What does this mean to you?

Vata types are ruled by air.Vatas are usually thin and angular, with brown eyes and dry skin, vatas are strong, flexible, sensitive, and spiritually attuned – when in balance.When tired or stressed, vatas can be flightly, impatient, erratic and easily distracted.Their skin becomes dry, hands and feet get cold, and they are prone to constipation, insomnia and arthritis.So what are you to do?

Set up a routine.Focus on Consistency to help conserve energy.Waking up, going to bed, eating meals around the same time each day can help flighty vatas.

Eat warm foods.Warm moist and nourishing foods like hearty soups, oatmeal, cooked grain, and stewed fruits can counter vata’s cold tendencies.Vata balancing herbs include cinnamon, ginger, cumin and fenugreek.

Before going to sleep, eat a snack.It is recommended that Vatas eat something with protein like dal or a half cup of war milk before going to bed.This helps calm vatas high energy and promotes healing, since the repair of tissue happens when you go to sleep, the body needs proper nutrition when it goes into a state of healing.

Skip fast foods.Make a commitment to sit down at every meal and you will more likely choose whole foods, eat more mindfully, and digest foods properly all of which can boost your energy.

Vata time of day is between 2 and 6 am and pm for mental clarity and mental activity.Seasons:Fall and winter (windy, dry and cold).

Pitta types are ruled by fire.They typically have an athletic build, broad shoulders and slim hips.When in balance Pittas have a strong mental focus and tend to be successful, decisive, courageous and practical. When thrown off balance, they become volatile, irritable and aggressive.Pittas are prone to sweating a lot and can suffer from diarrhea and skin rashes.Irritability is one of the first signs of fatigue.How can you feel more energy?

Take a walk rather than run.Pittas have a lot of energy and tend to overdo.They are very competitive as well.Instead of running or taking an intense aerobic class, go for a walk. Do a few calming yoga poses, meditate, or do t’ai chi. If strenuous exercise is a must, save it for the morning or evening when the weather is coolest.

Slow down before bed.Pittas have a hard time slowing down and in fact can shift into overdrive mode on a dime.Pittas tend to get zapped of energy when they overwork.Most people think that when you can’t sleep at night you have too much energy, however it is really due to too little energy.Experts say that it is best to balance your nervous system first and then go to bed you will have a better chance of going to sleep and staying asleep.It is recommended that you do some deep breathing until you feel relaxed and refreshed, then go to sleep.

Surround yourself with Nature and Music.To not allow their anger and impatience get the better of them, Pittas need to stay calm and connected to their feelings and emotions. It is a good thing for Pittas to spend time with Nature or by a soothing stream.Peaceful music, especially music with slow regular rhythms is especially beneficial to a Pitta type.

Pitta time of day is between 10:00 am to 2:00PM, when hunger increases the mind is alert and lively.10:00 pm to 2:00 am is when the body is digesting the day’s food and rejuvenating.Season is summer (hot and humid).

Kapha types are ruled by earth and water and have a bigger build, thick hair, and long eyelashes.When in balance kaphas are stable calm, patient and nurturing.When thrown off balance they can be lethargic, prone to depression, and overly attached.Kaphas also tend to be susceptible to colds, coughs, allergies and weight gain.These six tips can help you find more energy.

Sleep moderately.Conventional wisdom says the more hours of sleep you get, the better, however not if you are a kapha. Too much bed time will not work for your constitution.Seven to eight hours is plenty.Resist he urge to nap during the day or stay on the couch.

Rise really early.Ideally Kaphas should wake up at 5:00 to 5:30am, before the heavy, sluggish time that starts at 6:00 am.If Kaphas sleep past 6:00am they can fall into a heavy, deep sleep that will only make them feel more lethargic.

Eat light meals.Kaphas energy is stable, however too much stability causes inertia and fatigue.If you are a kapha do not eat too many cooked and heavy foods.These foods tend to leave you more sluggish and possibly depressed.For kaphas eating wholesome fresh and light foods are best.Foods to avoid are oily, sweet, excessively sour or salty foods.You should eat a light breakfast and light dinner (after 6:00 pm) because digestion is sluggishearly in the morning and after 6:00pm.

Get your body going.It may feel like torture, yet kaphas should vow to exercise to counter their tendency toward lethargy.Walking vigorously for 20 minutes while breathing deeply through the nose to get circulation going.Taking a group exercise class will help motivate you to exercise.Try not to knap during the day, avoid the couch potato urge during the evening.

Aromatherapy for kaphas with stagnant energy works beautifully.Try blending energizing scents like marjoram, frankincense, rose oil, and ylang-ylang.These strong scents tend to grab the attention of a sleepy kapha.

Boost your energy through Breathe. A powerful breathing exercise to pump up your energy first thing in the morning using Ujjay breath (three part breathe) would increase your energy.Breath deeply through your nose filling your abdomen, diaphragm and your lungs, constrict the back of your throat and slowly with an open mouth make the “haaa” sound while exhaling.Do this for two full minutes in the morning and before going to bed with a full minute of normal breathing.

Kapha time of day is between 6 am and 10 am, when the body is fresh yet digestion is slower.6:00 pm and 10:00 pm is when the body and mind feel drowsy.Season is Spring when it is wet and cool.