4. Prakriti - our basic nature or constitution
Vikriti- differentiation or degeneration
from our constitution
5. 5 Elements
Ether - nuclear energy
Air - electrical energy
Fire - radiant energy
Water - chemical energy
Earth- mechanical energy
6. 3 Gunas
SATTVA: equips the individual with the
ability for clarity, contentment & quiet
(NATURAL STATE)
TAMAS: responsible for periods of
confusion and deep sleep as well as
inertia, cloudiness & sloth
RAJAS: causes movement, agitation &
emotions. Driven by desire or
discontent
13. Seasons
Dosha Accumulates Aggravates Alleviates
Kapha late winter
spring
summer
Pitta
late spring
summer
fall
Vata
late summer
fall/winter
spring
14. Stages of life
Kapha - birth to onset of puberty
Pitta - puberty to age 50
Vata - 50 to death
15. AGNI
“FIRE IN THE BELLY”
Digests food but also sense
impressions, experience and
emotions
Basis of health
16. AMA
The residue of improperly digested food
Becomes a toxin - “am” in Sanskrit
means to harm or to weaken.
Accumulation of ama is the root cause
of disease
Diagnosis: based on
observation of pulse,
tongue, feet, hands, eyes
and nails.-no lab!
18. 7 Factors which Disrupt
Harmony
Genetic
Congenital (to constitution)
Internal (prana intake)
External trauma
Seasonal (time of day as well)
Natural tendencies of habits (vasana)
Magnetic influences (planets-astrology)
19. Treatments
Pancha Karma: fasting, herbal
medicines & steam saunas, massagescleanse body of toxins
Dietary Changes based on properties of
foods we eat
Kitchen Pharmacy: Herbs & Spices
Lifestyle Changes : routine, profession, hygiene
Yoga & other exercise
Abhyanaga: Self Massage Daily
20. Putting it together, how to stay
healthy
Lifestyle
MORNING
Wake early, preferably with the sun
Drink some warm water upon arising
Clean the teeth and the tongue
Use a Neti Pot to rinse the sinuses and apply oil
Meditate for at least 10 minutes
Yoga practice for at least 30 minutes
Pranayama (breath)
Abhayanga (self massage with oil)
Bathe with warm water, natural soap
21. More…..
EVENING
Yoga or a walk for 20 -30 minutes before
dinner
Do not eat for 3 hrs before bed
Avoid tv, computer etc in bed
Take warm milk with nutmeg to help you
sleep
22. General Eating Guidelines
Eat in a quiet environment
Eat sitting down
Eat only when hungry
Do not eat when emotionally upset or angry
Take a moment to acknowledge the source of
the food and express gratitude
TASTE is an important quality of food
because it can be used to judge its effect on
the body.
23. Taste
TASTE & THE QUALITIES OF
FOOD
(rasa)
Elements Qualities Post-Digestive*
Sweet
earth, water
oily, heavy, cold
<VP>K
Sour
earth, fire
oily, heavy, hot
<V>PK
Salty
water, fire
oily, light, hot
<V>PK
Pungent
fire, air
dry, light, hot
>VK>P
Bitter
air, space
dry, light, cold
>V<PK
Astringent
air, earth
dry, heavy, cold
>V<PK
*post-digestive tastes as a result of contact with the agni (VIPAK)
6 Tastes become 3 through this process: rasa, Virya (hot/cold in stomach), Vipak, Prabhav (action)
• Sweet & Salty (Kapha)
• Sour (pitta)
• Pungent/bitter/astringent (vata)
24. Eating…continued
Eat the freshest, purest food you can
get.
Chew slowly and mindfully
Eat till 3/4 full
Drink warm beverages
Drink Cumin-Coriander-Fennel tea with
meals and between meals to aid
digestion
25. LIVING WITH YOUR DOSHA
VATA
keyword : grounding
Gentle, repetitive,non-competitive exercise
Routine and discipline and pacing
Maintain a warm and calm environment at
work and at home
Limit travel and excitement, get adequate
rest
Eat warm, cooked foods, avoid a lot of raw
foods
26. Vata, continued
Use sesame oil for massage, avoid
dryness!!
Ginger tea
Restorative yoga postures
27. LIVING WITH YOUR DOSHA
PITTA
keyword : surrender
Moderately vigorous exercise, non-competitive, in
the cooler part of the day. Swimming is great for
Pitta
Work in a cool, soothing environment, avoid
excess heat
Work should be challenging but non-competitive,
allowing for autonomy
Eat at regular scheduled mealtimes
Avoid excessive oily foods and salt
Take regular vacations that are relaxing
Massage with coconut oil
28. LIVING WITH YOUR DOSHA
KAPHA keyword : stimulate
Vigorous,competitive,aerobic exercise
Challenging job with long hours
Limited sleep no more than 7-8 hrs, no naps
Travel is beneficial
More spontaneous and adventurous behavior
Avoid cold food and drinks, fried food and dairy
Deep massage with sesame or mustard oil
29. Getting started
Pay attention to the qualities (gunas) in
your environment, time of day, season.
Check in with yourself - what qualities
are manifested in you right now?
Take the time to do what is needed to
bring yourself back to balance
Small changes practiced regularly can
make a big difference
