In Ayurveda, the entire universe is made of five elements—earth, water, air, fire and space. These elements combine to form three doshas, pitta, vatta and kapha. These determine how our body and mind function, and how we react to food, lifestyle and the environment.
Everyone has all three doshas, but in unique proportions. One or two doshas are usually more prominent in each individual, making it their natural constitution (Prakriti). However, if there is an imbalance, it is called vikriti and shows up as health/skin/hair issues.
How to identify Dosha imbalance in body?
- Kapha imbalance leads to oily skin, clogged pores, acne, puffiness, water retention, lethargy and dullness.
- Pitta imbalance leads to inflammation, acne, rashes, redness, hair fall and premature greying.
- Vatta imbalance leads to dryness, rough skin, wrinkles, dark circles, brittle nails or hair and dandruff.
So, what should be done to balance these doshas?
The Vedic diet for each enhances their natural charm, balances imbalances and prevents premature aging.
Vedic Diet for Kapha Balance:
Those with kapha imbalance should have light, warm, freshly cooked foods. They should avoid heavy, oily, fried foods, sweet and cold foods. They should have spices and bitter foods to detoxify the skin. Light, warm foods like millets, barley, leafy greens and sprouts should be included in diet. Fruits like apples, pears, papaya and cherries and spices like black pepper and cinnamon also help. Best foods to get glowing skin and hair are amla to strengthen hair and purify skin, turmeric in warm water to detoxify, triphala at night to improve digestion. Tulsi, neem and giloy tea help to purify the blood and reduce acne.
Ayurvedic Diet for Pitta Balance:
Amla prevents greying of hair, coconut water and coconut oil help to cool the Pitta heat. Aloe Vera juice and coriander water help to balance skin inflammation and turmeric milk helps for natural glow. Foods like cucumber, melons, lotus seeds, ghee, mango, pomegranate, figs, grapes, rice, wheat, oats and saffron milk also help. Spices like coriander, fennel, cardamom should be included in diet and too much chili, fried foods, sour pickles and excess alcohol should be avoided.
Ayurvedic Diet for Vatta Balance:
Sesame seeds and sesame oil help to strengthen bones and hair. Soaked black raisins have anti-aging properties and help for hydration. Dates with warm milk bring healthy glow and turmeric with ghee helps in hydrating the skin. Foods like soups, khichdi with ghee, stews, bananas, peaches, oranges, berries, almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds also help.Dry snacks, fasting, excessive caffeine and cold salads should be avoided.
Consuming light, fresh and home cooked meals at regulated meal timings and including amla, tulsi, neem, saffron milk, turmeric and ghee in the diet help to balance all doshas. Balanced dosha reflects as glowing skin, strong hair, clear eyes, and vibrant aura.