Individual approach towards health according to Ayurvedic medicine
The Ayervedic model of understanding health and illnesses differs from the model of the allopathic medicine.
While western medicine observes the body and its functions from mechanistic perspective, the Ayurvedic medicine approaches it holistic, i.e. defines the health as bodily, emotional, psychological and spiritual balance.
This balance is measured in correlation to the original constitution of man – prakriti, which is given to them at birth and which should be maintained throughout the entire life, so that their health state remains undisturbed.
The prakriti is different for different people, and it depends on the ratio of three basic biophysical energies (doshas): vata, pitta and kapha.
Each of them has its functions and characteristics.
Bio-physiological energy and diagnosis of health issues
All people have characteristics of all three doshas, but in different ratios.
These ratios are the thing that determines your physical and psychological features.
We can say that the prakriti is the only energetic signature of an individual, which is characteristic only for them, just like fingerprints.
The ayurvedic doctor determines the prakriti by a method called pulse diagnostics. He also determines the level of imbalance of the doshas, called vikriti.
The doctor can determine which constitutional type you are and which dosha or doshas are the prominent one/ones in your physiology by your pulse.
That is the first step in the diagnosis of health issues and in the prescription of the adequate therapy.
With further analysis of the dosha, the sub-types of dosha and the level of imbalance, you can get to the complete picture of someone’s health state.
The ayurveda is familiar with all dosha characteristics and their influence on people, so once the prakriti of a person is determined, their physiological and psychological advantages and disadvantages are also revealed, as well as the illnesses they are prone to.
That has a major role in the identification of the diagnosis, the therapy, and the prevention of numerous complex illnesses.
Health issues typical for the vata types:
- Migraines
- Digestive problems – constipation, bloating
- Pain in the joints
- Dry or rough skin
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Increased heart rate
- General weakness
- Memory loss
- Feelings of distress and predispositions to anxiety
Health issues typical for pitta types:
- Heartburn
- Skin diseases – eczema, psoriasis, acne and so on
- Liability to inflammation and infection
- Liver issues
- Sleeping issues
- Problems with the eyesight
- Premature gray hair
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Problems with the control of emotions – liability to anger
Health issues typical for kapha types:
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- Diet disorders – anorexia, bulimia
- Liability to obesity and overweight
- Poor digestion
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Pain in the lower back
Taking in consideration the fact that the prakriti is connected to certain tendencies which determine the liability to some illnesses, the ancient ayurvedic texts establish some rules about the lifestyle of each of the constitutional types, which serve for health maintenance.
These rules include various recommendations, like examples of daily and seasonal routines, adequate diets, and even advices on the choice of the appropriate profession.
Here we present the general recommendations for each type. Do not forget that each person’s physiology is different and everyone should consult an ayurvedic doctor for the right therapy.
Vata – recommendations
Vata types are recommended to consume warm, fatty and spicy food.
The appropriate tastes for these people are sweet, sour and salty.
These people should avoid green leafy vegetables, and they should only consume raw vegetables if they are marinated or moistened with a proper dressing.
Food that influences these people especially bad is beans, and when it comes to oil consumption, they are recommended to consume sesame oil.
Vata people can be calmed down by consuming huge amounts of water, easy physical efforts such as walking, warm food, drinks and clothes, as well as active interaction with other people.
Pitta – recommendations
People who are of pitta dosha type need to consume cold, raw food that includes a lot of green vegetables.
The recommended tastes for these people are sweet, bitter and astringent.
Grains, fruits and dairy products can also be of great help, while too much salt, oil, alcohol and red meat can lead pitta people to imbalance.
Pitta type of people is recommended to exercise regularly, in nature, if possible.
These people should eat slowly; they should fast from time to time, and avoid pungent food.
They should drink cold beverages that calm the fire down.
Pitta people should spend more time with their family, which makes them calmed.
The best and the recommended job position for these people is the leader position, which is good for their mental health.
Kapha – recommendations
The kapha type of people should pay most attention to proper diet. This is especially due to the fact that they have good appetite, but slow metabolism.
Everyday, active exercising is of crucial importance for the kapha type of people, and they should especially avoid afternoon napping, as it can result in diabetes.
These people should not consume citrus fruits, dairy products and red meat.
Kapha type of people is the only type that is allowed to consume all types of raw fruits and vegetables.
Generally, these people should eat moderately, almost ascetically.
They are recommended to drink warm beverages, to fast regularly and to often practice going to the sauna.