It is said that Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine on Earth.  The final aim of Ayurveda is to balance body and mind. To achieve that, this medicine focuses on prevention. Healthy food and lifestyle are considered the most important medicines. Also, this philosophy believes in that every individual is unique, and therefore, the remedies will be different for each person. In concrete, Ayurveda is based on the principles of three doshas, which are the energies that make up every individual. The three dosha types are: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every person has the three doshas, but one or two are more predominant than the others. Your predominant dosha can be identified by certain physical and emotional characteristics:

‘Vata’ people are normally thin, agile and fast- walker.  They are quick-thinkers, quick to learn and quick to forget. They have tendency toward cold hands and feet and feel discomfort in cold climates. They are restless, excitable and lively. Also, they have irregular daily routines. They generally have dry skin and dry hair and don’t perspire much.

‘Pitta’ people tend to be medium build, strong and well- built. They are competitive, organised, focused, assertive, self- confident, focused and good leaders. They love challenges. They have a strong appetite. They feel uncomfortable in hot weather. They perspire a lot and have fair or reddish skin.

‘Kapha’ people are larger framed and physically strong, with tendency toward overweight. They are easy going and relaxed. They are slow to learn. Kapha people have soft hair and skin. They are prone to depression.

In the Internet you can find multiple tests to find out what your predominant dosha is.

Ayurveda seeks to balance the doshas, and therefore, the body.

For example, ‘Vata’ people need regularity in their lives. They need to eat meals regularly, go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. They need to slow down, stop listening loud music, and try calm activities such as yoga and tai chi. They need to keep warm in all senses (physical and spiritual), therefore saunas and steam rooms are wonderful for them. Regarding food, they should avoid dry food, frozen foods or leftovers. They need to express their feelings and get enough sleep.

‘Pitta’ people should keep cool and avoid extreme heat. They could introduce a little spontaneity into their lives. Also, they shouldn’t challenge themselves too much. They could do non-competitive activities such as yoga, walking or Pilates. Regarding the diet, they should avoid oily and greasy foods, caffeine, salt, red meat, alcohol and highly spiced foods.

‘Kapha’ people should ‘let go’ and allow themselves to trust a little. Also, they should allow change, unpredictability and excitement into their lives. To balance their doshas, they need to get their body moving (aerobics, go to the gym, jogging, etc.), not to sit doing nothing. They should avoid iced food and drinks, cut down on sweet things and make sure that they don’t eat too much bread, dairy , wheat and starchy foods.

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