Ayurveda Educational Guides BC | Constitution, Seasonal Living & Mind-Body Balance

Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda, often called the "science of life," is a comprehensive system of natural healing that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. This ancient wisdom focuses on achieving balance between mind, body, and spirit through personalized approaches to health and wellness.

Core Principles

• Individual constitution (Prakriti)
• Three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
• Five elements theory
• Mind-body connection

Treatment Methods

• Dietary guidance
• Herbal medicine
• Lifestyle counseling
• Detoxification therapies

The Three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha Constitutional Types

Understanding Your Constitution

Your unique Ayurvedic constitution, known as Prakriti, is determined at conception and remains constant throughout your life. Understanding your constitution is the foundation of personalized Ayurvedic health care.

Vata Dosha

Elements: Air and Ether

Vata governs all movement in the body, including breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses.

Physical Characteristics:

• Light, thin frame
• Dry skin and hair
• Quick movements
• Variable appetite
• Light, interrupted sleep

Mental-Emotional Traits:

• Creative and enthusiastic
• Quick to learn, quick to forget
• Prone to worry and anxiety
• Changeable moods

Pitta Dosha

Elements: Fire and Water

Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation in the body and mind.

Physical Characteristics:

• Medium build and frame
• Warm body temperature
• Strong appetite and thirst
• Oily skin, prone to rashes
• Moderate, sound sleep

Mental-Emotional Traits:

• Sharp intellect and focus
• Natural leadership qualities
• Prone to anger and frustration
• Competitive and ambitious

Kapha Dosha

Elements: Water and Earth

Kapha provides structure, stability, and lubrication to the body.

Physical Characteristics:

• Solid, heavy build
• Cool, smooth, oily skin
• Steady energy levels
• Slow, steady appetite
• Deep, prolonged sleep

Mental-Emotional Traits:

• Calm and steady temperament
• Slow to learn, excellent memory
• Prone to attachment and lethargy
• Compassionate and patient

Assessing Your Prakriti

Your Prakriti is typically a unique combination of all three doshas, with one or two being predominant. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can help determine your constitution through detailed assessment of:

Physical Assessment

• Body frame and weight patterns
• Skin type and complexion
• Hair texture and quantity
• Digestion and elimination patterns
• Sleep quality and quantity
• Energy levels throughout the day

Mental-Emotional Assessment

• Learning and memory patterns
• Emotional tendencies and responses
• Stress management style
• Decision-making approach
• Communication patterns
• Relationship dynamics

Important Note:

While self-assessment tools can provide insights, a comprehensive constitutional assessment by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended for accurate determination and personalized health recommendations. Visit our practitioner directory to find an AABC member near you.

Seasonal Living (Ritucharya)

Ayurveda recognizes that our bodies are intimately connected to nature's rhythms. Ritucharya, or seasonal living, teaches us to adjust our diet, lifestyle, and daily routines according to the changing seasons to maintain optimal health.

Spring (Kapha Season)

March - May

Spring's wet, heavy qualities naturally increase Kapha dosha.

Recommended Practices:

• Favor light, dry, warm foods
• Increase physical activity
• Wake up earlier (before sunrise)
• Practice vigorous exercise
• Reduce sweet, sour, and salty tastes

Foods to Favor:

Bitter greens, asparagus, barley, light grains, honey, ginger, black pepper

Summer (Pitta Season)

June - August

Summer's heat naturally aggravates Pitta dosha.

Recommended Practices:

• Choose cool, refreshing foods
• Avoid excessive heat and sun
• Practice moderate exercise
• Stay well-hydrated
• Reduce spicy, sour, and salty foods

Foods to Favor:

Sweet fruits, cucumber, coconut, mint, cilantro, cooling herbs, basmati rice

Fall (Vata Season)

September - October

Fall's dry, windy, cool qualities increase Vata dosha.

Recommended Practices:

• Eat grounding, nourishing foods
• Establish regular routines
• Practice oil massage (Abhyanga)
• Stay warm and moisturized
• Favor sweet, sour, and salty tastes

Foods to Favor:

Root vegetables, warm soups, healthy oils, cooked grains, nuts, warming spices

Winter (Vata-Kapha Season)

November - February

Winter's cold, dry qualities increase Vata, while the heavy, damp qualities increase Kapha.

Recommended Practices:

• Eat warm, nourishing foods
• Maintain regular routines
• Practice gentle, grounding exercise
• Keep warm and well-oiled
• Favor sweet, sour, and salty tastes

Foods to Favor:

Root vegetables, soups, stews, healthy oils, nuts, warm spices, cooked grains

Adjusting Your Daily Routine by Season

Morning Routine Variations

Spring: Wake before sunrise, practice dry brushing, vigorous exercise, lighter breakfast
Summer: Wake at sunrise, practice cooling pranayama, moderate exercise, avoid skipping breakfast
Fall: Wake at sunrise, oil massage, moderate grounding exercise, warm breakfast
Winter: Wake at sunrise or slightly after, self-massage with warm oil, gentle exercise, hearty breakfast

Exercise and Activity

Spring: High-intensity activities, outdoor sports, running, dancing
Summer: Swimming, early morning or evening walks, gentle yoga
Fall: Moderate activities, hiking, yoga, tai chi, grounding exercises
Winter: Indoor activities, strength training, restorative yoga, tai chi

Sleep and Rest

Spring: Need less sleep, wake earlier, avoid daytime napping
Summer: Light, cool sleeping environment, moderate sleep duration
Fall: Regular sleep schedule, consistent bedtime, warm sleeping environment
Winter: May need more sleep, maintain warmth, regular sleep schedule

Mind-Body Balance

Ayurveda recognizes that mental and emotional health are inseparable from physical well-being. The mind influences the body, and the body influences the mind. Maintaining this delicate balance is essential for holistic health.

The Three Gunas: Qualities of Mind

Just as the doshas govern the body, the three gunas (qualities) govern the mind and consciousness:

Sattva (Purity)

The quality of clarity, harmony, and balance

• Mental clarity
• Contentment
• Compassion
• Wisdom
• Peace

Rajas (Activity)

The quality of activity, passion, and movement

• Restlessness
• Desire
• Ambition
• Agitation
• Distraction

Tamas (Inertia)

The quality of darkness, resistance, and heaviness

• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Depression
• Delusion
• Ignorance

Stress Management Techniques

Pranayama (Breath Control)

Breathing practices to calm the nervous system:

• Nadi Shodhana: Alternate nostril breathing for balance
• Bhramari: Humming bee breath for anxiety
• Sheetali: Cooling breath for anger and heat
• Ujjayi: Ocean breath for focus and calm

Meditation Practices

• Mindfulness meditation (5-20 minutes daily)
• Mantra meditation (repeating sacred sounds)
• Yoga Nidra (conscious relaxation)
• Trataka (candle gazing for focus)

Emotional Well-being Practices

Dosha-Specific Approaches

Vata imbalance (anxiety, fear): Grounding practices, warm oil massage, routine, calming music
Pitta imbalance (anger, frustration): Cooling activities, nature walks, forgiveness practices, moderate pace
Kapha imbalance (depression, attachment): Stimulating activities, social engagement, new experiences, uplifting music

Daily Practices for Mental Clarity

• Morning gratitude practice
• Journaling emotions and thoughts
• Spending time in nature
• Limiting sensory overstimulation
• Cultivating positive relationships

Cultivating a Sattvic Lifestyle

To promote mental clarity and emotional balance, Ayurveda recommends cultivating sattva through:

Dietary Choices

• Fresh, organic, whole foods
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Fresh dairy in moderation
• Herbs like tulsi, brahmi, and ashwagandha
• Avoid processed, old, or stale foods

Lifestyle Practices

• Regular sleep-wake cycle
• Practice of yoga and meditation
• Spending time in nature
• Positive, uplifting environments
• Selfless service (seva)
• Study of spiritual texts

Ready to Learn More?

Connect with qualified Ayurvedic practitioners who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique constitution.

Find a Practitioner Explore More Resources