The Basics of Ayurvedic Nutrition
Feb 6, 2022
The Basics of Ayurvedic Nutrition
Ayurveda is an ancient food technology of health, nutrition and healing practices that is originally rooted in the Indian subcontinent and tradition. The word Ayurveda originates from two Sanskrit words: ayur meaning “life” and veda meaning “knowledge.” It dates back more than 5,000 years and is founded upon the primary wholistic belief that health, wellness and longevity require a symbiotic balance between the mind, body and spirit alike.
Within this system, we maintain health by aligning our mind, body and spirit with the Universe. We will become sick if one of these essential pillars is disrupted. Disruption can be caused by genes, poor diet, injury, emotional state or even our environment. We can become toxic from negative mind loops, from unhealthy relationships, stressful jobs, polluted air, contaminated water or food supply, among so many other factors.
In Ayurvedic medicine, digestion is the key to health. After all, you are only as healthy as what you absorb. If you are not absorbing your food as a result of food intolerance, internal or external toxicity, or other issues, you will most assuredly be out of balance, which can cause ailment or illness. Not to mention, our physical body is also capable of absorbing emotions, experiences and sensory input. Inundating our system with unhealthy emotional states, stressful or harmful environments or toxic input through our senses, will cause imbalance as well.
As a wholistic practitioner, Ayurvedic medicine is especially powerful and intuitive to me because we are not only interconnected within ourselves (mind, body, spirit), but we are also connected to the Earth and all the species that live here, as well as within our communities and with the world as a whole too. In order to treat our individual health, we must look at everything about our daily lives and consumption: food, relationships, air, water, job, exercise, extracurriculars, etc. And simultaneously, by working to heal ourselves, we are playing a necessary part in healing the collective planet too.
According to Ayurveda, there are five primary elements that make up the Universe: earth (prithvi), fire (teja), water (jala), air (vayu) and space (akash). These elements (which also live inside of us) form three specific types of life force energies which are called “doshas.” These doshas are responsible for a variety of physiological, psychological, emotional and energetic functions inside our body. And in order to obtain optimal health, the three doshas need to be in balance.
The first dosha is Vata, which is a combination of space and air. The bodily functions associated with Vata include cell division, brain function, breathing, blood flow, heart health and the ability to eliminate via digestion. A person whose life force is Vata-dominant will be creative, energetic and lively. When off-balance they could be “flighty” or forgetful. They are usually (but not always) thin with a small frame. When a Vata-dominant person is out of balance, they may experience anxiety, digestive issues, fatigue, asthma, heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
The second dosha is Pitta which is a combination between fire and water. Pitta controls digestion, metabolism and the actual breakdown of food inside our body, as well as certain hormones and appetite. Those who are Pitta-dominant are likely smart, driven, a decisive. They can also be short-tempered, impatient or agitated when imbalanced. Physically, Pittas are usually (but not always) of medium, athletic build with moderate muscle mass. Pittas who are out of balance may suffer from Crohn’s disease, high blood pressure or infections. They may also experience excessive thirst, skin rashes or acne, loose stools, strong body odor, or sensitivity to heat.
The third dosha is Kapha which is a combination of earth and water. Kapha controls muscle growth, body strength and stability, weight management as well as immune function. Kapha-dominant people have a sturdier frame, and sometimes (but not always) gain weight easily. When in balance, Kaphas are naturally calm and grounded. However, they can also be slower to become motivated and stuck in their ways. When out of balance, a Kapha-dominant person might experience asthma or other breathing disorders, depression, obesity or diabetes.
When beginning on your own, personal Ayurvedic journey, you must first understand what your dominant dosha is, both in body and mind. You may be a combination of two of them; but more often than not, you’ll have a primary dosha. When you know this and understand the qualities and characteristics associated with your dosha, you can then dive deeper into the types of foods and lifestyle habits that will balance naturally.
Ayurvedic medicine is far more intuitive than it may seem. And, as I use in my practice as well, is about finding your own unique equilibrium. Taking the time to get to know your own nuances and natural inclinations takes time and mindfulness, but it is a necessary step in finding your optimal health. Our body is a highly refined machine that, when in balance, intuitively knows how to heal itself. Learning how to listen to it and having the skills and tools to maintain our unique compilation is, quite simply, freedom.
To learn more about Ayurvedic nutrition and whether this lifestyle is right for you, please reach out or schedule an appointment with me.
References:
https://qatoqi.com/ayurveda/blog/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayurvedic-diet#the-diet