Ayurveda is the traditional therapeutic system from India, beautifully blending a refined understanding of cause and effect on the mind and body. It uses practical methods for regulating physiological functioning to support both detoxification and nourishment.

Ayurveda focuses on preventing disease before tissues become damaged, by intervening at early signs of imbalance. Ayurveda’s holistic approach identifies the root causes of imbalance, and strategizes individualized plans for restoring balance.

In Ayurveda the doshas are a simple yet vast concept.

In simple terms, the doshas are considered three bio- or body-types responsible for our physiological functions. They are seen as three main forces in the body that govern our physiological, structural, metabolic, even mental/ emotional activities.

The three overarching functions each dosha corresponds to are: vata has to do with all movement/ communication, Pitta is concerned with transformation, and Kapha is responsible for our bodily structures and cohesion in the tissues.

Ayurveda utilizes a five element theory, where each dosha is governing the combination of two elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth).

Everyone has all three doshas, because our optimal functioning depends on them! Yet we have them in different proportions. Your “Ayurvedic constitution” is your individual combination of the doshas which represents your unique blueprint of health.

Ayurveda emphasizes a personalized approach of healthcare because what works for one cannot work for all.

(Ether +Air)

Vata types tend to be sensitive and creative. When balanced they are quite the hype-men — enthusiastically offering their wellspring of energy to any situation. They can start strong and be amazing initiators, but sometimes lose steam and may not have enough energy to complete things.

Caring for their sensitive nervous and digestive systems is paramount, so they can sustain the energy to bring their creative ideas to fruition. Vatas tend to run cold, can be spacey or flighty, move around a lot, and can be unpredictable due to the ether + air elements (space + wind).

Imbalances tend to show up as irregular digestion, dry skin, difficulty putting on weight, constipation, anxiety, spasms, tremors, joint pain, nervous system disorders, hyperactivity, etc.

Warm cooked food and nourishing warm oil massage are some of the best antidotes to Vata’s high energy output. Vata does well with more regularity as the “flighty” nature can create erratic or “ungrounded” tendencies.

(Fire+Water)

Pitta types tend to have a fiery spark in their bellies and intellect. Sharp witted, funny, courageous, and potentially prone to anger and frustration. Although they can be on the competitive side, they make good leaders if they can cultivate patience with others and themselves. They tend to have strong digestions and appetite— for food and a lust for life!

Pitta imbalances tend to show up as inflammation, blood or bleeding disorders, skin issues such as acne or hives, loose stools, anger/ frustration, photophobia, sensitivity to heat, heartburn, acid reflux, allergies, and so on. 

Pittas have to be careful not to “burn” themselves out by overworking and pushing themselves (and others) too hard. Eating more cooling and sweet foods (as in grains or sweet potatoes), tend to be a good counterpoint for Pittas. Pittas also need to eat enough because the high heat will eat away tissues if not utilized.

(Earth+ Water)

Kapha types tend to have more earth and solidity to them. This can show up as a more calm and steady personality, or more structure and weight in their bodies. They can be slow to get going, but once they do, have a strong endurance. They tend to have thicker bone density, wider frames, big round eyes, and a penchant for sweets!

Kaphas have to exercise a little more willpower to stay motivated and moving, as their earthen nature can be stubborn or lazy at times. Kapha imbalances tend to show up as mucus and congestive issues, weight-gain, sluggishness, emotional attachment, stubbornness, slow digestion, growths, and so on. 

Kapha-types usually do well with eating more warming and more-spiced foods, to minimize the potential for congestion and stagnation. Again, more movement and exercise are indicated for kapha-types to help with lymphatic and vascular circulation.

Pancha Karma is Ayurveda’s system for detoxification and rejuvenation of the body and mind. Pancha means “five” and karma means “actions,” which refer to five particular therapies that purify disturbances and toxins out of the body. The doshas have 2 natural cycles of dominance throughout the day where they rise and fall. If a dosha does not go into a waning phase, and instead keeps dominating, then it can create imbalances in the person.

Excess kapha (principle of cohesion) may look like an excess of mucus or density in the body. Excess pitta (principle of transformation), inflammation, irritated skin, or migraines. Excess vata (principle of movement) may look like spasms, emaciation, joint degeneration.

Pancha Karma is a method for sytematically directing and pulling accumulations out of the body. It is traditionally done for 5-21 days and has specific features to its approach. It is very important to transition in and out of the deeper therapies, as too much change too fast can be a shock for the system.

There is a preparatory phase, main-treatment, and post-treatment phase. This helps to direct what is trying to be eliminated to the digestive tract and lessen the burden of any accumulated wastes. There are additional therapies that can be used to prepare the body for the deeper “actions” such as abhyanga (oil massage) and swedhana (steam box). It can be used as a preventative program to maintain health, as well as remediate imbalances and repair tissues.

Pancha Karma is a specific program that is highly tailored to each individual. There are varying degrees of scope of practice, and potential contraindications for some therapies. Depending on the doshic imbalance, there are particular times of year that are more appropriate to recieve this treatment. That being said, Springtime is a beautiful time of year to cleanse as it is a time when the body naturally goes into a cleansing phase.

I offer a modified approach to Pancha Karma through the Ayurvedic Sacred Revival offerings, and work with clients based on their needs and windows of time they have available. This modality is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. I do not assume responsibility for the treatment, diagnosis, or cure of any particular health problem or disease.