What is Ayurvedic?

Ayurvedic translated means “Knowledge of Life”.  Can you imagine having a greater understanding of the journey we are all on, from the perspective of mind, body and spirit, in harmony and balance? Could you imagine a life well lived in health and peace?

At Oriaum, we can…

To have the “Knowledge of Life” is to hold  the keys to the kingdom of Good Health; Mind, Body and Spirit.  This is the basic principle of Ayurvedic practices.  Dating back more than 5000 years in Sanskrit, the Ayurvedic system of healing takes into consideration every part of human experience. We are complex creatures and worth more than a band aide when it comes to a quality of life we all deserve. 

Examining the physical composition, emotional disposition and spiritual considerations of the person, Ayurvedic philosophy is based on the three principals, mind, body and spirit, that manifest different energies. These energies are known as “Doshas”. The basic principle states that everyone is a bit of all of them, in some unique combination that is specific to our own being. These three energies are known as “ Vata”, “Pitta” and “Kapha”.

Ayurvedic principles instill that we are each a “Map” of some, if not all the energies, and the map we hold is unique to our own journey. It is believed that most people have greater abundance of one or two over a third, but like that of our DNA, so too is our energy profile distinct to our makeup.  It is further believed that the makeup of the volumes of our Dosha is determined at the moment we are conceived and is a personal blueprint for the life journey ahead. This is called “Prakriti” (nature).  The principle suggests that as we take the journey of our lives, the Dosha adapts its energy depending on how and what we eat (diet), the climate and associated season, age and development, as well as outside influences. All of these factor into the effect of the Dosha, for our health, wellness, mood, energy and general being. 

The Ayurvedic principles lend itself to the idea that if we utilize earth’s natural resources for our adaptation to the physical environment, we will move energies toward better health and wellness in balance and harmony. 

Three energies lend themselves to the DOSHA principles. These are Kapha, Pitta and Vata and each is distinctly different from the other.

Kapha

You and I recognize this energy, as it is the athlete. Strong body frames and naturally athletic, the Kapha uses exercise to control their body composition. The influence of the earth and water elements makes the Kappa stable, compassionate, and loyal. Kappa energy is methodical, and strategic, step by step, and gravitates to routines for consistency and stability. Kappa out of balance grows weary, lacks motivation, is often stubborn and complacent in the face of change. The kappa metabolism is slow, and so too is their appetite for food or stimulation by comparison to their counterparts in Pitta or Vata. They excel in fasting principles and there is benefit in their exposure to new, such as people, places and experiences. 

Pitta

Strong, intense, and irritable, Pitta is ruled by fire. Literally. The Pitta is a different body type than that of the Kapha, as the Pitta possesses a medium build and exercises endurance. Despite the smaller frame, the Pitta has  powerful musculature. The Pitta exhibits emotions through their skin, highlighted by freckles, skin that may easily burn in the sun, or glows red under physical stress like exercise. Pitta energy suggests being strong willed and they tend to be very principled when doing what they think is right. Pitta comes to work with the same energy with which they play, and exhibit intense competition in their nature in both environments. Pitta are  naturally born leaders and quick to  master new skills and concepts in learning environments. The Pitta ability to master the topic quickly and with assurance   can make them critical of others and  impatient toward those who are  less focused than themselves.  Pitta have intense appetites for flavors, food and the challenges that come with the life experience. A Pitta that misses a meal becomes “Hangry” more often than not.   A Pitta is more likely to suffer from health conditions such as inflammation, skin irritants and irritable bowel conditions. Balance is needed to manage their explosive personalities while learning to channel the energy in productive ways so as not to burn the bridges along the way.

Vata

“She is a tall glass of water” likely makes her Vata. as this type tends to be thin and lanky. Vata types  are very mentally and physically active, excel in creative endeavors, are highly social beings and their energy is  heightened by meeting new people, and traveling to new places.  A Vata, when balanced, is highly adaptable to the environment they are in,  have limitless capacity to imagine, and are innovators. Conversely when the Vata is not balanced, they grow anxious, are often ungrounded, lack dependability and cannot follow through.  Because the air element is considerable in their makeup, like that of wind,  Vata energy, mood, and appetite can fluctuate dramatically. Vata energy can seem manic, as they tend to fail to eat and sleep regularly, choose influencing foods for moods, and have greater tendency to use stimulants like coffee and sugar to sustain intense physical or mental activity. 

What does it mean to be bi-doshic?

We imagine, by now, you have likely identified with one or two characteristics of the Doshas, but did you know that we are a composite of a total, not just a one? 

To be Bi-doshic implies shared qualities with two doshic types, and is in fact, more accurate a composite.  People with dual energy composition  (vata-pitta, pitta-kapha, and vata-kapha) are theoretically split.  In any given situation of energy, one dosha will dominate.  The theory in management of the duality of the Dosha, is by season.  Autumn, for example, is Vata Season. If you have a vata-pitta or vata-kapha prakriti, during this time,, vata-decreasing regimen would be called for, while in the seasons of warmer weather, the regimen might be a pitta-decreasing protocol. 

Can a person be tri-doshic?

The tri-doshic person can be very strong, stable, and adaptable when in balance, that is the good news, however when out of balance, it all falls apart. The tri-doshic personality requires a heightened ability to recognize potential imbalances that may arise from the environment or from dietary or emotional changes while adopting practices that will counterbalance these potentially harmful influences.  Similar to the example before,  in autumn, a tri-doshic person would choose life balances as if they were a person with a vata constitution while employing  a vata-balancing lifestyle and diet. Employing the right balance in energies for the season and influence is key to the wellness of the tri-doshic personality.