Ayurveda
Lens: HEALTH — Ancient medicine for modern life
Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद) = "Science of Life." 5,000-year-old healing system. Everything starts with knowing your Dosha (body constitution) — Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
3 Doshas — At a Glance
| Aspect | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elements | Air + Space | Fire + Water | Water + Earth |
| Body Type | Thin, light frame, difficulty gaining weight, dry skin, prominent joints | Medium build, muscular, warm body, strong appetite, sharp features | Heavy, stocky build, gains weight easily, soft skin, large eyes |
| Skin | Dry, rough, thin, cool, dark | Warm, oily, sensitive, prone to rashes, moles, freckles | Thick, oily, smooth, cool, pale |
| Digestion | Irregular, variable appetite, gas/bloating prone, tends toward constipation | Strong, sharp hunger, cannot skip meals, acidic tendency, loose stools if imbalanced | Slow but steady, can skip meals, mild hunger, weight gain tendency, mucus |
| Sleep | Light, disturbed, difficulty falling asleep, less hours needed | Moderate, sound sleep but light, 6-7 hours, vivid dreams | Deep, heavy, long sleep needed (8+ hrs), difficulty waking, loves sleep |
| Personality | Creative, enthusiastic, quick learner, flexible, talkative, imaginative | Focused, ambitious, leader, sharp intellect, competitive, organized, passionate | Calm, steady, loyal, compassionate, patient, loving, forgiving, grounded |
| Strengths | Quick mind, adaptable, creative, enthusiastic, fast learner, spiritual | Sharp intellect, decisive, strong digestion, courageous, good speaker, natural leader | Loyal, patient, compassionate, strong immunity, steady energy, good memory, nurturing |
| Imbalance Signs | Anxiety, dry skin, constipation, joint pain, insomnia, restlessness, weight loss | Inflammation, acid reflux, skin rashes, anger, burning sensation, ulcers, criticism | Weight gain, congestion, lethargy, depression, attachment, possessiveness, diabetes, edema |
| Best Season | Summer | Winter | Summer/Spring |
| Best Exercise | Gentle yoga, walking, swimming, tai chi — avoid intense exercise | Moderate exercise, swimming, cycling, moonlight walks — avoid competitive sports in heat | Vigorous exercise, running, weight training, cycling, hot yoga — sweat daily |
Diet Summary
| Dosha | Eat | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Vata | Warm, cooked foods, soups, ghee, warm milk, nuts, sweet fruits, root vegetables, warm spices | Raw salads, cold drinks, caffeine, dry crackers, frozen foods, beans (excess) |
| Pitta | Cool foods, sweet fruits, cucumber, coconut, mint, coriander, bitter greens, milk, ghee | Spicy food, fermented food, alcohol, red meat, sour fruits, vinegar, excess salt |
| Kapha | Light, warm, spicy foods, honey, ginger, pepper, bitter greens, legumes, light fruits | Dairy, sweets, fried food, wheat (excess), cold foods, heavy meats, excess oil |
Top Herbs — Quick Reference
| Herb | Hindi | Dosha Effect | Key Benefits | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amla | आंवला | Balances all three doshas. Best for Pitta. | Vitamin C powerhouse, immunity, hair growth, skin health, digestion, eye health, anti-aging | Fresh: eat 1 daily. Juice: 20ml morning. Powder: 1 tsp with honey. |
| Ashwagandha | अश्वगंधा | Reduces Vata & Kapha, may increase Pitta | Stress relief, strength, immunity, stamina, sleep improvement, anti-inflammatory, thyroid support | Powder: 1/2 tsp in warm milk before bed. Capsule: 500mg twice daily. |
| Brahmi | ब्राह्मी | Reduces Vata & Kapha, cools Pitta | Memory, focus, anxiety relief, cognitive function, hair growth, skin healing | Powder: 1/2 tsp with honey. Oil: massage on scalp for hair and memory. |
| Giloy | गिलोय | Balances all three doshas | Immunity (called Amrita/nectar), fever, dengue, diabetes, liver health, arthritis | Juice: 20ml morning. Kadha: boil stem in water. Tablet: 500mg twice daily. |
| Shatavari | शतावरी | Reduces Vata & Pitta, may increase Kapha | Women health, fertility, lactation, hormonal balance, immunity, anti-aging, digestive health | Powder: 1/2 tsp in milk twice daily. Capsule: 500mg twice daily. |
| Triphala | त्रिफला | Balances all three doshas | Digestion, detox, constipation relief, immunity, eye health, weight management | 1/2 tsp powder in warm water before bed. Or 2 tablets after dinner. |
| Tulsi | तुलसी | Reduces Kapha & Vata, balances Pitta | Immunity, respiratory health, stress relief, blood sugar, anti-bacterial, anti-viral | Tea: 5-6 leaves in hot water. Chew 2-3 leaves morning on empty stomach. |
| Turmeric | हल्दी | Balances all doshas. Especially reduces Kapha. | Anti-inflammatory, immunity, skin health, joint pain, liver detox, wound healing | Golden milk: 1/2 tsp in warm milk with pepper. Cooking: use daily in food. |
Dinacharya — Ideal Daily Routine
| Time | Activity | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Wake up (Brahma Muhurta) | Vata time — mind is clearest |
| 5:45 AM | Oil pulling + tongue scraping | Removes ama (toxins) overnight |
| 6:00 AM | Warm water with lemon | Stimulates Agni (digestive fire) |
| 6:30 AM | Yoga/Exercise (per dosha) | Vata=gentle, Pitta=moderate, Kapha=vigorous |
| 7:30 AM | Abhyanga (self-massage with warm oil) | Nourishes skin, calms nervous system |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast (warm, cooked) | Light for Kapha, moderate for all |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch — LARGEST meal | Agni strongest at midday (Pitta time) |
| 6:00 PM | Light dinner | 3 hours before sleep. Warm soups, dal. |
| 9:00 PM | Wind down — no screens | Warm milk with turmeric (golden milk) |
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | Kapha time begins — natural sleepiness |