What are Doshas?
In Ayurveda, the universe is made up of 5 elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Space. From the combination of these elements, Ayurveda recognizes 3 doshas (or energies) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – that describe everyone’s biological, physical and mental states and tendencies.
While you may have a dominant dosha, everyone has a particular combination of all 3. This is our balance – it’s what makes us unique. While we’re each born with a specific combination of doshas, they can become imbalanced due to changes in season, daily weather, food choices, lifestyle, relationships, pollution and time of day and if unresolved this can cause stress.
There are certain practices that can help you achieve balance, such as:
- herbs & spices in food & drink
- diet with a focus on the right choice with their inherent qualities, including the 6 tastes – sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent
- music
- yoga
- meditation
- aromatherapy
- lifestyle
The three Doshas?
VATA
Those with a dominant Vata composition will have physical and mental qualities that reflect Space and Air. They tend to be quick thinkers, sensitive, fast movers and thin with cold hands and feet. When in balance, they’re creative, expressive, active, flexible and quick learners. When out of balance, they can be indecisive, worried or nervous.
According to Debra Eklove*, Ayurvedic Practictioner: A Vata imbalance can appear in anyone, as Vata works through our nervous system and is the force responsible for all movement and expression. In addition to enjoying our Ayurvedic Balance Teas, Vatas can find balance through:
Food – Reduce excess Vata through warm, moist foods, such as soups, purees, sweet grains, nuts, seeds and root vegetables. Avoid excess of cold foods and too many light salads, packaged foods and legumes.
Activities – Reduce excess Vata through exercises that slow and calm the body and remove stiffness from joints and muscles. Avoid drafts and windy places.
Lifestyle – Getting enough rest, about 8-10 hours of sleep, is crucial to Vata. Calm, cozy, warm environments at home and work are helpful. After lunch, sit quietly or lie down on the left side for 5 or 10 minutes and then go for a walk.
Yoga – The gentle, slow, soothing and massaging action of yoga helps release nervous tension and balance the whole system. Good digestion, clarity and calmness are signs of successful yoga practice.
Meditation – Nature walks and guided meditation help Vatas relax their body and mind. Breathing deeply into the lower abdomen helps with focus and greater calmness throughout the day.
What's my Dosha?
PITTA
A Pitta type will have qualities that reflect Fire and Water, such as fiery personalities and warm body temperatures, along with a medium size and weight. When in balance, they’re warm, friendly, sharp, intelligent, perceptive, ambitious, inspiring and organized. When out of balance, they can be stiff, angry, arrogant and judgmental.
According to Debra Eklove*, Ayurvedic Practictioner: A Pitta imbalance can appear in anyone, as it’s the force governing body temperature, sight, perception and metabolism. Pitta works primarily through our digestive system and blood. In addition to enjoying our Ayurvedic Balance Teas, Pittas can find balance through:
Food – Reduce excess Pitta through cooling foods and herbs, such as cucumber, sweet fruits, coriander and fennel. Avoid excess of spicy or fermented foods, like pickles, yogurt and wine.
Activities – Reduce excess Pitta through exercises and movement that calm and reduce intensity. Choose activities that include healthy teamwork, remove excess heat and allow a sense of accomplishment.
Lifestyle – Work with people in areas that are challenging and provide stimulation, while giving care to balance the intensity with sensitivity to others, teamwork and realistic goals. Sleep is also important –get 6-8 hours of sleep in a cool environment.
Yoga – Yoga helps cool down the fiery nature of Pittas. Choose a practice that calms the heart and promotes feelings of openness and patience – one that, while challenging, isn’t rigorous and results in relaxation and release.
Meditation – Heat and tension can be released by observing thoughts without judgment and through focusing with relaxing breaths into the stomach.
What's my Dosha?
KAPHA
A Kapha type will have qualities that reflect Earth and Water. They tend to be calm with solid body frames and high endurance. In balance, they’re stable, compassionate, affectionate, patient and forgiving. Out of balance, they tend to be lethargic, complacent, possessive and insensitive.
According to Debra Eklove*, Ayurvedic Practictioner: A Kapha imbalance can appear in anyone, as Kapha is the sustaining and conserving force in nature responsible for support and protection. In addition to enjoying our Ayurvedic Balance Teas, Kaphas can find balance through:
Food – Balance excess Kapha and stimulate the body with warming, spicy, light and dry foods i.e. light fruits, most vegetables, and spices like pepper, and cloves. Avoid excess of heavier foods, like oils, nuts, grains and cooling dairy.
Activities – Reduce excess Kapha with exercises that move and energize the body. Wake up early, before 6 a.m., and avoid napping during the day.
Lifestyle – Varied and energizing activities are important. Once started, Kaphas have the best stamina and physical strength of all doshas to keep going all day. Daily walks to balance the heaviness and sluggishness also help.
Yoga – Practices that push Kaphas, so the body gets moving and the energy moves up and out, are best. A successful yoga practice results in a normal body weight and having a loving lightness and sense of detachment.
Meditation – Meditation helps Kaphas be open to the joy of the flow of life, bringing peace, lightness and inner calmness to the outer world. Breathing fully into the upper chest and stimulating the body are important.
What's my Dosha?*Debra Eklove is a paid endorser for Tata Global Beverages
Top 10 Tetley Ayurvedic Balance Tips*
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1.Eat the right amount of the right food at the right times of the day.
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2.Drink water and stay hydrated. Sip tea choosing the tea with the appropriate herbs for you.
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3.Sleep before 10pm and get at least 6-8 hours a night, depending on your dosha.
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4.Exercise the body and mind daily. Yoga is good for everyone and is a sister science to Ayurveda.
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5.Develop a routine and a rhythm to your day that supports your needs and keeps you in balance.
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6.Smile as often as possible. Its many benefits help you and those around you.
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7.Spend time in uplifting environments with nature, good music and positive friends.
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8.Take time alone to recharge your batteries. Meditation helps remove stress.
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9.Breath work can change your mood and mind. Pay attention to your breathing.
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10.Be of service to people in your family and in your community. Share.
Find Your Balance Videos
Our Ayurvedic Experts
Debra Joy Eklove
Debra has over 13 years of experience practicing and teaching Ayurveda and over 25 years in alternative and complementary wellness practices. She qualified as an Ayurvedic practitioner with Sri Sri Ayurveda and the American Institute of Vedic Studies. In addition to a private practice consulting with individuals and companies, she teaches Ayurveda at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, the prestigious TLEX Institute and courses in meditation, yoga and breathing with the Art of Living Foundation.
Debra also received a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Masters of Economics from the London School of Economics in England. She is a member of the Canadian Society of Association Executives and The Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors and Psychometrists, and the Yoga Alliance.
Nitin Shah M.D. (Ayu.)
Vaidya Shah has been a practitioner, philosopher, nutraceutical consultant and teacher of Ayurveda and Yoga for over 25 years.
His credentials include M.D.(Ayurved) from the reputed Gujarat Ayurved University-Jamnagar, India.
He’s registered with the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America and the Alliance of Professional Naturopaths and Naturotherapists. Dr. Shah is also a member of the Ontario Herbalist Association and has received his accreditation as Doctor of Natural Medicine.
At present, he is a faculty member to teach Ayurvedic nutrition program at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, Toronto and also shares knowledge of Ayurveda at various places across North America.
Find Your Balance
Inspired by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Tetley Ayurvedic Balance Teas have been expertly crafted to help you find balance in your life. Take this short quiz to discover your dosha and how our teas can help you find balance.
What's my Dosha?