Characteristics of Kapha

A thick, broad, well-developed frame and large, long limbs go well with a pleasant, deep and resonant voice with low, slow, rhythmic speech. The skin is usually thick, oily, pale or white and cold. Plentiful, thick, wavy, lusterous and generally brown hair is set on a large, rounded and full face. The neck is solid, with a near tree-trunk quality. A large, rounded nose and large, attractive, blue or light brown in color eyes are found in a mouth that is large with big, full lips. Teeth too are big and white and set in strong gums.

Caring * Centeredness * Compassion * Contentment * Faith * Fulfillment * Groundedness * Patience * Sense of being nourished * Stability * Support * Tenderness

Kapha predominated people are calm, steady, considerate - stable, patient personalities they are slow to anger. Not easily provoked, once angry they do not calm down easily. They are honourable, true to their word and avoid lies. Loyal, forgiving and understanding, they can be lethargic, even lazy, if not driven by others. Learning may be slow but memory will be strong. Excellent in logical analysis, they take time before reaching conclusions. Long hours of deep sleep and a strong, enduring sex drive come naturally. While they do save money, it does get spent on food. And there can at times be an element of dullness, given that a kapha mind is usually too content to seek fresh mental stimulation.

Decreased quantities of warm food.Pungent, bitter and astringent tastes.To be taken earlier than 10 am and not later than 6 pm. Healthy Kapha types should observe fast one day per week.

Oil Massage

With stimulating oils such as punarnavadi oil and srigopal oil.

Exercise

Regular and vigorous.

Herbal Dietary supplements

Guggul, sitopladi churan, trikatu, chyavanprash, Kapha Tea.

Factors that increase kapha

1.    Exposure to cold , eating too much sweet ,meat ,fats, cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, fried food, excessive use of salt. Excessive intake of water

2.    Taking naps after meals.

3.    Doing nothing .Sedative and tranquilizers.

4.    Doubts, greed, and possessiveness.

5.    Lack of comapation

(See also: KAPHA , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACCUPRESSURE:

·      Based on the principle of manipulation of crucial pressure points in the body, accupressure cures difficult and chronic aches and pains - backaches, spondylitis, abdominal cramps, neurological disorders, arthritis etc. These pressure points, over a 1000 of them are actually small nerves about a centimeter in diameter and varying in depth between a quarter of an inch to several inches. - are often embedded in or near a muscle or tendon.

·      Adds life to those limbs that have been partially disabled.

·      Safe and effective, it involves no pin-pricks, no heat fomentations, nor any chemical or electric stimulations. However, it is a very exact art and should be carried out by a trained practitioner, absolutely sure about the pressure points to be tapped and the correct pressure to be applied.

The fundamental difference between these two systems being:

ACUPRESSURE

·      A form of physiotherapy that indulges in massage and stimulation of precise points of the body.

·      To ease all kinds of aches and pains and provide relief from tension, exhaustion and disease.

ACUPUNCTURE

·      A form of surgery where needles are penetrated into specific points of your body.

·      To cure chronic aches and pain.

(See also: ACCUPRESSURE , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shape Of The Site

Symmetrical shapes like square or rectangular, circular & hexagonal promote overall growth, increases mental capabilities and generates prosperity.

Asymmetrical shapes like oval, triangular, parallelogram, star & trident are deemed inauspicious.

SHAPE & EFFECTS

Rectangular = Overall Growth

Hexagonal = Prosperity

See also: Vastu Shastra

(See also: Vastu Shastra , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Inner Planning of an Office

·  The shape of the cabin should be a regular square or a perfect rectangle.

·  The opening for the door should be free from any obstacle.

·  Doors should open inwards while entering a cabin.

·  The master chamber should either be in the south-west or nearest to south- west direction.

·  Chambers of directors / managers / senior staff should be in the southern & western zones. While that of the junior staff should be in the north-west, north, north-east, east and south-east.

• Pantry and toilets must be in north-eastern, central & south-western sections.

While making the interior of an office the following guidelines have to kept in mind.

1. The shape of the cabin should be regular ie square, or Perfect rectangle etc.

2. There should not be any obstacle ( Dvar-Vedh) in front of the door opening

3. The door leaves should pushed inside while entering into the cabin.

4. The master chamber should be in the south west or nearest to the south west zone.

5. The directors/managers/senior staff should be in the south & west zones.

6. The junior staff and other activities should be in the North-West, North, North-East, East and South East Zones.

7. The facing of the Directors/Managers/Officers should be towards East or North.

8. Pantry and Toilets should not be in North-East, Center & South-west Zones

See also: Vastu Shastra

(See also: Vastu Shastra , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

According to Ayurveda everything in life is composed of the Panchamahabhutas – Akash (Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) and Prithvi (Earth). Omnipresent, they are mixed in an infinite variety of relative proportions such that each form of matter is distinctly unique. Although each element has a range of attributes, only some get evident in particular situations. Constantly changing and interacting with each other, they create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps the world going.

Within a simple, single living cell for example the earth element predominates by giving structure to the cell. The water element is present in the cytoplasm or the liquid within the cell membrane. The fire element regulates the metabolic processes regulating the cell. While the air element predominates the gases therein. The space occupied by the cell denoting the last of the elements.

In the case of a complex, multi-cellular organism as a human being for instance, akash corresponds to spaces within the body (mouth, nostrils, abdomen etc.); vayu denotes the movement (essentially muscular); agni controls the functioning of enzymes (intelligence, digestive system, metabolism); jal is in all body fluids (as plasma, saliva, digestive juices); and prithvi manifests itself in the solid structure of the body (bones, teeth, flesh, hair et al).

The Panchmahabhutas therefore serve as the foundation of all diagnosis & treatment modalities in Ayurveda and has served as a most valuable theory for physicians to detect and treat illness of the body and mind successfully.

(See also: Panchamahabhutas , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

PITTA-KAPHA

Pitta-Kapha people probably adjust best of any constitution to the confusions,irregularityand constant change which characterizes today’s world because they combine kapha’s stability and pitta's adaptability. many of the people who achieve all – round success in life are pitta-kapha. Pitta’s active metabolism balances kapha’s powerful physique to promote good health, and pitta’s anger is well tempered, by kapha’s cautiousness to encourage good mental balance.

The ease with which they succeed in the world promotes pitta’s arrogance and overconfidence and kapha’s smug self satisfaction which can insulate the personality totally and efficiently from all realisties other than the real

Bitter and Astringent are their best tastes.

(See also: Double dosha body types   , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

AURA THERAPY

Every substance in the universe, both living and dead tissue, emits energy and has therefore a radiation pattern. This radiation, termed 'aura', thus forms distinctly different force fields in the case of each item, in the same manner as a fingerprint. The individual auras are in contact with a universal field of spiritual energy from which they draw their power.

Artists and mystics have from ancient times seen and portrayed this effect all over the world. Aura therapists say that although we are usually not aware of it consciously, auras, rather the effect of interacting auras, determine our first responses to people and situations. Developed and understood properly, it is a quicker and more sensitive gauge than more rational faculties. The unease or elation that one feels immediately on meeting another person is thus caused by the auras being in harmony or without it.

The auras of plants, animals and minerals are said to communicate and interact with one another as part of a single living system. Each person's aura is thought to be made up of the radiation from all the cells and chemicals within the body and their interaction. The visible aura, which is much in evidence in all religious texts, is said to be an oval extending from a few centimeters to a meter around the body, sometimes more at the head. The light being composed of seven coloured rays, each associated with particular organs of the body and conveying a distinct message. The variations in shape, colour & strength a reflection of each individual's uniqueness.

Therapists believe that personality and emotions too can be interpreted from auras. One with soft, fringed edges for instance is likely to indicate a person too susceptible to the influence of others. Firm but fluid boundaries would indicate openness but not vulnerability. And a hard, distinct outline belonging to one who is defensive and insecure. Similarly, lots of red within the aura would indicate anger while a predominance of blue would stand for idealism.

Treatment comes in the form of adding extra colours to improve a dull or depleted aura or using complimentary colours to offset to help balance one that is too strong. The therapists only acting as conduits for transferring the universal spiritual energy into the auras of patients, by touching the latter's auras or by using visualisation to transmit energy. However, active patient in the entire process is extremely crucial which involves their becoming more self-aware of their spiritual nature.

(See also: AURA THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

(See also: LAUGHTER THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Characteristics of PITTA

A moderately well developed physique with mascular limbs and a purposeful, stable gait of medium speed. With a loud, strong voice and precise, convincing speech. The skin is fair, soft, lusterous, warm, and tends to burn easily in the sun – has freckles, many moles, and a tendency to rashes. And the bodies are hot and sweaty. Characterised by fine and soft, either fair or reddish hair that tends to gray soon. Face is heart-shaped, often with a pointed chin. While the neck is proportionate and of average size. A neat, pointed, and average sized nose matches the average sized eyes that are either light blue, light gray or hazel in color, with an intense luster which get red in summer or after bathing. The mouth being medium, with average lips and medium-sized, yellowish teeth.

Ambition * Concentration * Confidence * Courage * Enthusiasm for knowledge * Happiness * Intelligence

Pittas have an intellectual and precise disposition due to a very alert, focussed mind. Sharp and knife-like in anger, they are irritable, jealous and aggressive by nature. Discriminating and judgemental, they are articulate, learned and proud. With a developed sense of responsibility, they can take decisions and organise affairs well. Argumentative, but with a sense of humour, their selectively excellent memory makes them fast learners. Moderately passionate in their sexual pursuits, they spend moderately, usually on luxuries.

Warm to cool rather than steaming hot.Sweet ,bitter and astringent tastes.

Oil Massage

With cooling oils such as chandanbala Laxadi oil

Exercise

Moderate exercise which may include jogging, swimming, Yoga, cycling and weight lifting

Herbal Dietary supplements

Haritaki, Bhumiamla, Chyavanprash, surakta, sitopladi churan,pitta Tea.

Factors that increase pitta

1.    Exposure to heat, eating too much red meat, salt, spicy or sour foods.

2.    Indigestion and irregularity of meals. Exercising at midday, Drugs especially antibiotics.

3. Too much intellectual work/thinking. Alcohol, Fatigue.Anger,Hate fear, emotion.

(See also: PITTA , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Role of Taste

It is as important to realise that every food's unique combination of attributes will influence its taste and the action it causes in the body. With every taste having a different action – as detailed below. Astanga Hrdayam clearly describes the characteristics of each of the six tastes and problems that might be experienced from its habitual over-consumption. Most foods being a combination of two or more of these tastes e.g. coffee is bitter and pungent.

Sour

Comprised of the elements earth & fire, it increases pitta and kapha and is good for heart and digestion. Stimulates agni, moves inactive Vata energy down the pelvic cavity, sets the teeth on edge and increases salivation. Excess use may cause looseness and flabbiness, loss of strength, giddiness, itching, irritation, a whitish yellow pallor, herpetiform lesions, swelling thirsts and fever, and diseases arising from excess pitta and kapha.

Sweet

Related to earth & water, it mitigates pitta and vata, producing greater strength in the tissues and of value to the aged, wounded, emaciated and children. Universally liked, it often adheres to the inside of the mouth, giving a feeling of pleasure, contentment and comfort. Good for the complexion, hair, senses and ojas, it also increases breast milk and helps unite broke parts like bones. By its virtue it prolongs life and helps life activities. In excess however it may cause diseases arising from fat and excess kapha e.g. obesity, dyspepsia, unconsciousness, diabetes, enlargement of neck glands or malignant tumors.

Salt

The water & fire in salty taste increases pitta and kapha. It clears obstruction of channels and pores and increases the digestive activity and salivation. Also responsible for lubrication and sweating, it penetrates the tissues. An excess of it may cause baldness and graying of the hair, wrinkles, thirst, skin diseases, blood disorders, herpetiform leisons and loss of body strength

Pungent

Fire & air in pungent increases vata and pitta and mitigates kapha. Increases hunger, is digestive, causes irritation, brings secretion from the eyes, nose & mouth, and gives a burning sensation to the mouth. Dilating the channels and breaking up the hard masses. But an excess use of it may cause thirst, depletion of reproductive tissue and strength, fainting, contracture, tremors, pain in the waist and back, and other disorders related to excess of pitta and kapha.

Bitter

Air & space being its elements, it mitigates pitta and kapha. Drying up moisture from fat, muscles, faeces and urine. It cleans the mouth and destroys the perception of taste. It is said to cure anorexia, worms, bacteria, parasites, thirst, skin diseases, loss of consciousness, fever, nausea, burning sensation. But in excess, it increases vata, causing diseases of vata origin and depletion of tissues.

Astringent

Air & earth increases vata and mitigates increased pitta and kapha. It cleans the blood and causes healing of ulcers. Like bitter, it too dries up moisture from fat. It absorbs water, causing constipation and hindering digestion of undigested food. Its excess use causes stasis of food without digestion, flatulance, pain in the cardiac region, emaciation, loss of virility, obstruction of channels and constipation.

(See also: Diet , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Panchakarma: Fomentation Therapy

Fomentation, or sweating, necessarily follows oleation. Induced by heat from different sources it brings sweat on the skin through hair follicles by opening the pores of the skin. Due to fomentation the agni is increased and the fatty tissue gets mobilised. While throwing out waste as ama (toxins) through the skin it also helps liquify aggravated doshas, dilating all body channels for the cleansing.

It is divided into two main types, Agni Sweda wherein heat is applied directly as steam and Anagni Sweda where no external heat source is necessary e.g exercises, fighting, walking, lifting heavy loads, exposure to sunlight, stay in centrally heated rooms, putting heavy blankets over the body etc.

Charaka has described about thirteen types of fomentation of which some are in practice now.

Upanaha Sweda - fomentation by poultice

Ushma Sweda - steam fomentation

Nadi Sweda - local steam fomentation (steam/vapour of medicated decoction of leaves)

Avagah Sweda - tub bath in warm decoction of medicated water.

Pizichili - pouring of oil on the body.

After this therapy patients are advised to go for rest, avoid cold, take warm baths and get adequate fresh air. Nasal therapy, enema or bloodletting can be undertaken immediately after fomentation. Purgation should be done only after two days of fomentation. However, care should be taken to ensure that no part of the treatment is missed out on as that would not only reduce efficacy but may even prove detrimental.

Once the body has been correctly and suitably prepared, under supervision of a qualified doctor only should the administering of Panchakarma happen. It is best to depend on a reputed Ayurvedic nursing home and experienced Ayurvedic doctors.

(See also: Fomentation Therapy , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Clothing

In shielding from extreme temperatures, it tends to reflect the temperament of the wearer in a society showing growing preponderance of the same. Should always be light & airy, and made of natural fibres as cotton, wool, linen or silk. Always wear clean, and never anyone else's except that of a saint. Since energy is brought into the body through the crown of the head and exits from the soles of the feet – extracting abnormal heat from the system – the polluted energy usually collects in the footwear. So avoid wearing other's footwear, try not to take shoes into the house and walk barefoot whenever possible. And wooden sandals are more healthy than animal skin or rubber shoes.

(See also: Clothing , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Characteristics of Vata

Physically such people are either very tall or very short, non- muscular, with thin and bony limbs and have a quick gait with short fast steps. Skin is generally thin, darkish and cool. The hair is thin, dark, coarse and either kinky or curly. The face is usually long and angular, often with an underdeveloped chin. The neck is thin and scrawny. Nose is small and narrow. May be long, crooked or asymmetrical also. Eyes tend to be small, narrow or sunken, dark brown or gray in color, with dull luster. The mouth being small, with thin, narrow or tight lips. Teeth are irregular, protruding, or broken, set in receding gums. And while the voice is weak, low or cracked, speech is fast with interruptions.

Creativity * Enthusiasm * Freedom * Generosity * Joy * Vitality

Vata people have restless minds and weak memories. They avoid confrontation. Have active and sensitive natures and express themselves through sport and creative pursuits. Likely to be artistic and creative with a good imagination, they will sometimes overindulge in pleasures. And are sexually the most active. Fearful, worrisome and anxious they are into questioning, theorising and over-analysis. Often dissatisfied with and unable to sustain friendships, they spend money quickly, often on trifles. With light, interrupted sleep of 5-7 hours a day.

Warm, well cooked food. Sweet, sour and salty tastes

Oil Massage

With calming and warming oils such as Mahanarayan Oil.

Exercise

Moderate exercise such as yoga, walking and light weights

Herbal Dietary supplements

Ashwagandha, shatavari, haritaki, Guggul, Trikatu ,Vata tea, Calming Tea.

Factors that increase vata

1.    Explosure to cold , no routine in yur life, eating to much dry, frozen or leftover food, or food with bitter, pungent or astringents taste.

2.    Fasting, too much traveling, too much or inappropriate exercise, suppressing natural urges, abdominal surgery.

3. Not oiling the skin.

(See also: VATA , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Doshic Imbalances

Any imbalance in the doshas is likely to have a negative effect on your mind and emotions. If in excess you are more likely to display negative energy of a quality associated with it. The predominant dosha of your constitution becoming in excess more easily than the others, you will tend to experience its negative aspects more than the others.

Negative emotions aggravate the dosha associated with them. For example, high kapha may mean you are more possessive; but possessiveness in turn increases kapha even more. The way to break this vicious circle is to pacify the aggravated dosha.

Increased consciousness of Ayurveda and your personal constitution will now enable you to rate the qualities of your moods as V, P, and / or K. Checked as frequently as on a daily basis, this is a very useful way to monitor even small changes in a dosha, and take steps to restore the balance sooner than later. Relate the qualities of your moods to the qualities in other aspects of your life. Since "like increases like" if you are impatient or critical (pitta), check if you have eaten pitta-genic foods or been exposed to pitta-provoking experiences.

Excess Vata leads to:

·  Nervousness

·  Moodiness

·  Anxiety

·  Loss of consciousness

·  Fear

·  Impairment of sensory functions

·  Confusion

·  Tremors in Limbs

·  Grief

·  Constipation

·  Sadness

·  Insomnia

·  Insecurity

·  Dry & rough skin

·  Lack of integrity

·  Low vitality

·  Loss of creativity

·  Lack of communication

With decreased Vata giving rise to:

·  Lethargy

·  Nausea

·  Depression

·  Irregularity in gastric activity

In case of excess Pitta one suffers from:

·  Ambition

·  Hate

·  Anger

·  Jealously

·  Envy

·  Judgemental or critical tendencies

·  Fear of Failure

·  Lack of discernment

·  Snappy speech and actions

·  Pride

·  Skepticism

·  Burning sensations

·  Excessive thirst

·  Craving for cold

·  Loss of sleep

·  Fever

·  Frustration

While decreased Pitta results in:

·  Indigestion

·  Loss of luster in the skin

·  Abnormal loss of body heat

·  Irregular bowel movements.

Aggravated Kapha in turn causes:

·  Boredom

·  Lack of interest

·  Carelessness

·  Secretions from the mouth

·  Lack of compassion

·  Lethargy

·  Greed

·  Excessive sleep

·  Feeling lack of support or love

·  Improper digestive function

·  Obsessive behavior

·  Obesity

·  Unkindness

·  Nausea

And decreased Kapha gives way to:

·  Thirst

·  Cramps

·  Giddiness

·  Body aches

·  Dryness of mouth

(See also: Doshic Imbalances , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

KAPHA-VATA

Vata–Kapha people tend to be tall but are average in build and most other physical qualities are just as pitta type. Vata and kapha are united in their coldness. Though they do not suffer as intensely from physical cold as do pure vata types because of the strength and insulation of kapha. They Have a double emotional need for heat.

Their lack of heat usually manifests physically as digestive disturbances, especillay constipation, respiratory disease with much mucus production is also common. They may be wary of jumping to conclutions without proper preliminary investigation.

They should use sour, salty and pungent taste foods.

(See also: Double dosha body types , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

VATA-PITTA

Their characteristics show a combination of vata & pitta, for example they often have wavy hair, caused by a combination of vata’s curliness and pitta’s straightness. They generally have the poor circulation , though they love to eat but they will have trouble digesting large meals.

A healthy balanced vata - pitta person have a capacity for original thought, a vata’s characteristic, and also expertise at application of theory, a pitta’s characteristic. As lightness and intensity are the common qualities of vata & pitta. Proper direction of this intensity calls for harnessing the lightness for intensive self development. When a person having imbalanced vata & pitta fear alternates with anger as a response to stress.

(See also: Double dosha body types , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

VATA-PITTA

Their characteristics show a combination of vata & pitta, for example they often have wavy hair, caused by a combination of vata’s curliness and pitta’s straightness. They generally have the poor circulation , though they love to eat but they will have trouble digesting large meals.

A healthy balanced vata - pitta person have a capacity for original thought, a vata’s characteristic, and also expertise at application of theory, a pitta’s characteristic. As lightness and intensity are the common qualities of vata & pitta. Proper direction of this intensity calls for harnessing the lightness for intensive self development. When a person having imbalanced vata & pitta fear alternates with anger as a response to stress.

PITTA-KAPHA

Pitta-Kapha people probably adjust best of any constitution to the confusions,irregularityand constant change which characterizes today’s world because they combine kapha’s stability and pitta's adaptability. many of the people who achieve all – round success in life are pitta-kapha. Pitta’s active metabolism balances kapha’s powerful physique to promote good health, and pitta’s anger is well tempered, by kapha’s cautiousness to encourage good mental balance.

The ease with which they succeed in the world promotes pitta’s arrogance and overconfidence and kapha’s smug self satisfaction which can insulate the personality totally and efficiently from all realisties other than the real

Bitter and Astringent are their best tastes.

KAPHA-VATA

Vata–Kapha people tend to be tall but are average in build and most other physical qualities are just as pitta type. Vata and kapha are united in their coldness. Though they do not suffer as intensely from physical cold as do pure vata types because of the strength and insulation of kapha. They Have a double emotional need for heat.

Their lack of heat usually manifests physically as digestive disturbances, especillay constipation, respiratory disease with much mucus production is also common. They may be wary of jumping to conclutions without proper preliminary investigation.

They should use sour, salty and pungent taste foods.

(See also: Body Characteristics , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Sour

Comprised of the elements earth & fire, it increases pitta and kapha and is good for heart and digestion. Stimulates agni, moves inactive Vata energy down the pelvic cavity, sets the teeth on edge and increases salivation. Excess use may cause looseness and flabbiness, loss of strength, giddiness, itching, irritation, a whitish yellow pallor, herpetiform lesions, swelling thirsts and fever, and diseases arising from excess pitta and kapha.

(See also: Sour , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Pungent

Fire & air in pungent increases vata and pitta and mitigates kapha. Increases hunger, is digestive, causes irritation, brings secretion from the eyes, nose & mouth, and gives a burning sensation to the mouth. Dilating the channels and breaking up the hard masses. But an excess use of it may cause thirst, depletion of reproductive tissue and strength, fainting, contracture, tremors, pain in the waist and back, and other disorders related to excess of pitta and kapha.

(See also: Pungent , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Bitter

Air & space being its elements, it mitigates pitta and kapha. Drying up moisture from fat, muscles, faeces and urine. It cleans the mouth and destroys the perception of taste. It is said to cure anorexia, worms, bacteria, parasites, thirst, skin diseases, loss of consciousness, fever, nausea, burning sensation. But in excess, it increases vata, causing diseases of vata origin and depletion of tissues.

(See also: Bitter , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Astringent

Air & earth increases vata and mitigates increased pitta and kapha. It cleans the blood and causes healing of ulcers. Like bitter, it too dries up moisture from fat. It absorbs water, causing constipation and hindering digestion of undigested food. Its excess use causes stasis of food without digestion, flatulance, pain in the cardiac region, emaciation, loss of virility, obstruction of channels and constipation.

(See also: Astringent , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)