Ayurveda was first practised around 5000 to 10,000 years ago, but it was only in 1500 BC that it was first recorded on paper. Since then a detailed knowledge of the human body, mind and spirit has been built up based on years of observing and practising this ancient system. War and religion played a large part in dissipating this knowledge, and it was mainly thanks to the intervention of Mahatma Gandhi, who in 1921 opened the first Ayurvedic college in Delhi, that its' appeal has grown again.
According to Ayurveda, the human lifespan should be about 100 years - all in total health, both physically and mentally. The main thing standing in the way of this is dis-ease, caused by an enormous range of factors, like constant stress, irregular meals or even bad posture.
Since Ayurveda looks at the root of a problem rather than its' symptom, it works on a very deep level. The basic premise is that the human body is composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. An excess of one of more of these elements causes imbalance and is hence the reason for illness. The Ayurvedic practitioner seeks to balance the body using a combination of lifestyle advice, diet, exercise, herbal medicines and massage.
What's in a colour?
Some Ayurvedic practitioners also use colour to treat a wide range of mental and physical inbalances. They believe the colours of the rainbow (which also relate to the chakras) have innate healing energies, or vibrations, which can help to establish equilibrium of mind and body.
For instance, the colour indigo stimulates our third eye, promoting awareness and intuition. Blue enhances communication and stimulates the elimination of toxin. Green, the colour of the heart chakra, is associated with equilibrium. Yellow is a sensory stimulant associated with wisdom and clarity. It is thought to have decongestant and antibacterial properties. Orange promotes pleasure, enthusiasm, and is a sexual stimulant. Red is thought to improve circulation and stimulate red blood cell production.
What body type are you?
When the five elements are joined in different combinations, they make up the three doshas, or body types, which directly reflect the nature of an individual. Every individual is a mixture of these doshas, although in most instances, we have a tendency toward one type.
Vata = air + ether Pitta = fire + water Kapha = earth + water
1st Body Type: Vata
A Vata's frame is generally thin and low in weight, with prominent bones and joints. The skin may be rough and dry, with a tendency to tan easily and be cold to touch. Generally Vatas have curly, coarse, dry and darkish coloured hair.
Vata people can be hyperactive and restless, but they are also creative and artistic in nature. They can be erratic and unpredictable. They tend to sleep lightly, and are easily woken by the smallest noise. Vatas speak fast and may have high pitched voices. Great thinkers but not always good at putting thought to action.
Vatas like sweet, salty and sour foods and should steer clear of too many salads and too much caffeine. They can be susceptible to digestive problems.
2nd Body Type: Pita
Pita people are generally of medium build, height and bone structure, with soft, oily skin, that's warm to the touch. They usually have fair complexions, that burn easily. Their hair is often reddish or yellow-blonde and their eyes are green or hazel, with a sharp, penetrating, lustrous look, set below a large forehead.
If you have a Pita disposition you may find yourself to be focused, self confident and entreprenneurial at your best but aggressive and stubborn when out of balance. Pita people have strong management and leadership skills.
Pitas have strong appetites and need large meals to be satisfied. They like sweet, bitter and astringent foods, like candy, green salads and bananas. They need to avoid hot and spicy foods, red meat, fish, vinegar and cheese.
3rd Body Type: Kapha
Kaphas are large, thick, big boned and strong. They have a tendency to be overweight with thick, smooth, oily skin that may be pale. Their hair is thick, wavy, oily, dark black or light blonde.
Kaphas are not very active and must study repeatedly to understand, but will never forget something once it's learned. They are good with money, but can become overly greedy and attached. They are also extremely compassionate, forgiving and patient.
Kaphas have small appetites and eat slowly. Light warming food like soups are good for Kaphas who need to steer clear of having too much salt, sugar or dairy products in their diet.
The Next Step
The right type of exercise for your body type can enhance your digestive system, stimulate your immune system, banish fatigue and even slow down the ageing process.
What exercise is good for your type?
Vata types need less exercise, so lighter activities such as walking and pilates are ideal. Pita types need moderate amounts, swimming and hatha yoga, for example, while Kapha types need more intense exercise, such as running or ashtanga yoga, in order to stay in balance.
What yoga is good for your type?
As Vatas are prone to fluctuating energy levels and their moods are very changeable, they need asanas to help calm the mind and allow them to enter easily into meditation. As Vata is dominated by the element air, this type of person may experience arthritis in later life and so asanas can help prevent bone and flexibility problems. Spinal twists are good because they keep the spinal column flexible.
The more fiery Pitas need to surrender to yoga and not allow their natural competitiveness and aggression to let them be more focused on performance than observing what is going on inside themselves. Cooling breathwork and relaxation between yoga postures will be good for a Pita person and bow pose, cobra, boat and fish pose are all excellent for channelling excess pita heat through the digestive system.
Kaphas will be the most reluctant to do exercise and he or she will need a strong workout to get them out of lethargy, to boost their metabolism and improve circulation. Constant flowing movements like sun salutations are good for Kaphas and backbends that open the chest and will address the Kapha tendency to suffer from mucus or phlegm related problems.
Debi Hall lives in the rolling scapes of Taupo, New Zealand with her partner, two children, dog and cat. She teaches yoga and writes on her little white laptop called Sparkalina.