Benefits, Treatments And Limitations – Forbes Health

“Ayurveda looks at the world as made up of certain elements,” says Garivaltis. “Each of these elements have characteristics and qualities that influence the weather, your climate and individual body.”

The five elements, according to Ayurveda—ether (space), air, fire, water and earth—make up the three primary doshas, or energies—Vata, Pitta and Kapha—which are present in everything and everyone. These doshas influence several aspects of the world depending on when they are most prominent, from the four seasons to the time of day to the human body, which, in turn, interact with one another. All three doshas are present in humans, with one typically more dominant than the others.

Vata

Vata consists of ether and air and is likened to the wind and kinetic energy. Vata influences bodily movements, such as the movement of limbs and blood flow. The other doshas are able to move through the body, the seasons and each day due to the impulses of the Vata dosha.

Individuals with a predominance of Vata tend to be creative, petite and prone to illness. An excess of Vata results in anxiety, trouble sleeping, brittle hair, dry skin, constipation, an erratic appetite and moodiness, says Tracy Adkins, a NAMA-certified Ayurvedic practitioner and nurse practitioner. Restlessness and excessive movement is also a sign of predominant Vata energy.

Vata is more prominent from autumn into winter when it’s colder and drier, in the early morning before the sun rises and mid-afternoon, says Garivaltis. At these times, Vata brings its light and uplifting nature to help energize the body and the mind.

Pitta

Pitta consists of fire and water and, according to Ayurvedic theory, is responsible for digestion, metabolism and body temperature regulation.

“When in balance, Pitta gives us radiance and glow, proper heat, appetite and regular bowel movements,” says Adkins. “When it’s out of balance, we can experience burning [heartburn], indigestion, diarrhea, hives, acne, inflammation, anger and jealousy.”

Pitta excess causes you to “burn through material too quickly.” For example, you might notice an increased appetite or that you’re overworking yourself or lacking the ability to enforce boundaries for work/life balance. Pitta deficiency leads to mental and/or physical sluggishness.

Pitta is more prominent in the summer when the weather is hot and humid, during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) when the sun is at its highest point and late at night before sunrise, at which point pitta energy can keep you awake.

Kapha

Kapha consists of water and earth and is responsible for moistening the body—lubricating the joint spaces, for example. Combining water and earth creates mud, making Kapha the “glue” that binds things together, says Adkins.

Balanced Kapha results in a strong immune system, as well as loyalty, patience, endurance and steadiness. Excess Kapha causes feelings of lethargy and congestion as well as physical weight gain: You may crave sweets, retain water and feel depressed, jealous or greedy.

Kapha is most prominent in the spring, from sunrise to mid-morning and from evening into nighttime. Morning Kapha time is best for exercise when Kapha brings strength to the muscles, Garivaltis says, while Kapha nighttime energy brings heaviness to the body and mind, leading into sleep.