Ayurvedic doshas how do they affect your health

Ayurveda suggests that three central energies, or doshas, make up everything in the universe – Vata (Wind), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Earth). It also believes that these three doshas make up every individual’s bodily energy and are responsible for the characteristics of the mind and body. Each individual has a unique proportion of all the three doshas, but one dosha is always dominant and dictates your nature.

How does the tri-dosha work?

Each dosha is responsible for certain body functions. Vata governs all the movements in the body. It controls the blood flow, elimination of waste, breathing, and the thought process. Pitta looks after all the heat- transformation and metabolism in the body. It controls digestion, sensory perceptions and how you discriminate between right and wrong. Kapha takes care of all structure and lubrication in the mind and body. It controls the formation of tissues, lubrication of the joints, weight and growth.

The central theory of Ayurvedic medicine believes that a person is healthy when there is a balance in their doshas. Each dosha has a balanced and an imbalanced expression, each reflected through the health of your mind and body.

Vata – Qualities reflecting the elements of air and space

If your predominant constitution is Vata, and it is in balance, you’ll usually be:

· Quick thinking

• Enthusiastic
• Energetic
• Lively
• Creative

When the movement inside the body is disturbed due to things like stress, insufficient sleep, exposure to cold climate, Vata becomes imbalanced and you’ll experience:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Difficulty in focusing

Pitta - Qualities reflecting the elements of fire and water

If your predominant constitution is Pitta, and it is in balance, you’ll usually be:

• Warm and friendly
• Goal-oriented
• Disciplined
• Sharp (intellectually)
• Courageous

##When the digestion is not orderly, Pitta becomes imbalanced and you’ll experience:

• Irritation
• Anger
• Indigestion
• Inflammatory conditions
• Rashes and ulcers

Kapha - Qualities reflecting the elements of earth and water

If your predominant constitution is Kapha, and it is in balance, you’ll usually be:

• Easy-going
• Methodical
• Nurturing
• Patient
• A sound sleeper

##When there is not enough stimulation of the mind and body, Kapha becomes imbalanced and you’ll experience:

• Sluggishness
• Stubbornness
• Weight gain
• Sinus congestion
• Depression

How TATA AIG takes care of you through Ayurveda

You might think something so ancient and traditional might not get covered under your regular health insurance plan but at Tata AIG, your health comes first. So, whether you need Ayurveda or western allopath, we will take care of you.

Tata AIG MediCare covers not only Ayurveda but also other traditional medicine systems such as Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy under its AYUSH benefit. Though make sure you receive the treatment at a government hospital or an institution accredited by the Quality Council of India. So #ThinkAhead and explore the best options when it comes to your health.

Know your dosha with this simple quiz
Answer YES or NO to the following questions based on what rings true for you.

Section A

• I have always been thin and gangly.
• I lose weight easily and I have difficulty gaining it.
• I prefer a warm climate and don’t like wind and cold.
• My hair tends to be curly and dry.
• My skin tends to be rough and dry.
• When under stress I tend to become anxious and/or fearful.

**Section B **

• I have a medium build with the medium bone structure.

• I enjoy competitive activities and enjoy physical or intellectual challenges.

• I prefer a cool climate to a warm one.

• I dislike heat, especially humid heat and feel easily fatigued by it.

• I have a sharp, aggressive mind.

• My digestion and appetite tend to be strong and I get irritable when I'm hungry.

• When under stress I tend to become easily frustrated, impatient, or angry.

• **Section C **

• I have a sturdy constitution and a large bone structure.

• I have always been a little overweight.

• I gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it.

• I tend to have excess mucus.

• My hair is thick and lustrous.

• My energy and stamina are consistent.

• When under stress I become withdrawn, unmotivated, and resistant to change.

**Result **

• If you answer YES to three or more statements in section A, you have a primarily vata constitution.
• If you answer YES to three or more statements in section B, you have a primarily pitta constitution.
• If you answer YES to three or more statements in section C, you may have a primarily kapha constitution.