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Body Constitution

As per Ayurveda, every individual is unique with a unique body constitution.

Every Living and non Living things in this universe is composed of 5 elements - Ether, Air, Fire, Water & Earth.

Ayurveda classifies individuals as Vata(Ether & Air), Pitta(Fire & Water), Kapha(Water & Earth) based on the dominant composition of the above 5 elements in each person. It takes into consideration the body, mind and soul when determining the constitution.

Vata is associated with movement. It governs breathing, pulsation of the heart, muscle and tissue movement, blinking of the eye and all the movements in the cell membranes. When in balance, it enhances our creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, vata gives rise to fear, anxiety and abnormal movements.

Pitta is associated with the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, metabolism, nutrition, assimilation, body temperature and all transformations. When in balance it enhances our intelligence and understanding. Out of balance, it gives rise to jealousy, anger, hatred and inflammatory conditions.

Kapha is assoociated with the body structure and provides the bonding between the cells. It provides the liquid component to all body parts, lubricates the joints, maintains immunity and moisturizes the skin. When in balance it helps us be calm, loving and forgives. Out of balance, it leads to greed, possessiveness, over attachment and congestive conditions.

Each person is born with a particular constitution, but with our exposure to unhealthy habits wrong lifestyle and diet, we vitiate the original constitution. With correct diet and lifestyle practice we can bring our body and mind back to its original healthy state.

"Samah Dosha, Sama Agni, Sama Dhatu Mala Kriya Prasannatma indriya Svastha Ithyabhidhiyate"

A health Individual is someone who has a balanced dosha(Vata, Pitta, Kapha), balanced Agni(digestive fire), Balanced channels(all body channels and mind) with proper elimination of waste materials, and whose mind soul and senses are full of bliss.

Factors that affect our health:

Ayurveda considers a holistic approach and works towards "Maintaining the health of a healthy individual and help the diseased attain a healthy state".

Most people find that diet is the first place to start an Ayurvedic lifestyle. There are 10 important rules to avoid when considering a persons diet.

1. Overeating

2. Eating without real hunger

3. Emotional eating

4. Drinking excess liquid during a meal.

5. Drinking ice cold water

6. Eating when constipated, due to cravings or emotionally disturbed.

7. Eating before sunrise or after sunset.

8. Snacking between meals except for fruits

9. Eating too much or too less.

10. Incompatible food combinations.

Skin Health:

Skin is the largest organ and did you know, long term abuse to your body, shows on your skin, and this becomes difficult to cure. One such example is use of wrong food combinations. Ayurveda considers some great healthy food, when combined becomes poisonous. Some examples are:

Dairy+Fruits/Meat - A recent health trend in consumption of milkshakes is actually harmful to your body in the long run. Similary, yoghurt is added to meat to make it more tender/tasty, but this is actually not good for your body. you can swap yoghurt with coconut milk for the same effect. Instead of Fruit milkshakes, opt for fresh fruit juices. Yoghurt/milk is best on its own. NO- Fruits in a bowl of yoghurt for breakfast is not Ayurvedic, Instead have a warm porridge. The exception is dates. you can make a date milkshake...

Heated honey- There is a recent trend to include honey in baking, this may sound healthy, again, its not. Honey heated is AMA, in ayurveda... you may drizzle honey over warm porridge, but not heated!

These wrong food combinations cause skin issues, so make the right food choices.

Keep your skin clean, hydrated. Do not over do it. Drink enough water, Keep a clean diet and maintain hygiene... This will help keep your skin glowing.