Do you know your Dosha?

Hello Vata! You are a creative free spirited type that lives life to your own tune. You are made up of a significant portion of space and air which allows ideas and impressions to flow easily through you. You are less attached to physical items and maybe even relationships than the other doshas. You thrive in independent work. Maybe you're a free lancer, scientist, dancer, musician, designer or chef. Grounding activities like gardening or meditating in nature will help get you out of your own head and into your body to find the perfect balance of life.

Vata is the dosha that falls out of balance most easily. It is made up of air and space after all. Some things that increase vata are screen time, travel, the season of Autumn, light dry airy foods like crackers, popcorn or crisps, caffeine, dehydration, and multi-tasking. Feeling scattered is a symptom of excess vata as are dry chapped lips, random pains that move around your body, restlessness and poor circulation. You can balance vata by choosing warm cooked foods, doing one thing at a time, creating a calm, organised home and work place, and sticking with a regular schedule for sleeping and eating. Try a barefoot walk in the grass to ground yourself.

Hello Pitta! You are a natural born leader whether you are a teacher, small business owner or department head. You are made up of a significant portion of fire and water and you know how to transform and make things happen. You have ambition, a sharp memory and a love of learning. The water element keeps you from burning out, however you will have to respect that flow and practice of staying calm and flexible when things don't go your way. Spending time near natural bodies of water will help you honor that part of your soul. So will soothing activities like Yin Yoga or listening to relaxing music. Being with children or animals might help you enjoy the lighter side of life.

Pitta is made up of fire and water. Pitta escalates during warm weather, your 20’s and 30’s when you’re building a family or an empire, and when you’re passionate about life. None of these things are bad, they just need balance. Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, competitive activities, mid-day sun and even a hot shower elevate pitta. Signs of excess pitta include inflammation, irritability, a receding hairline and powerful body odor. Spicy food + marathon + wine = heat, heat, heat. Cool off your fire with a soothing mint tea, relax in the shade and focus on eating mild foods. Tame your fire with coconut water, cucumber, watermelon and coriander.

It Hello Kapha! You are a loving, supportive, compassionate being. You are made up of primarily water and earth which means you are strong and stable. Kaphas are loyal to their friends and devoted to their family. Who wouldn't want a kapha for a parent? You might be a therapist, nurse practitioner or massage therapist. Kaphas are amazing at working one on one with clients or patients. The grounding nature of your dosha means you will have to break a daily sweat to stay balanced. Try switching things up with a dance class, power Yoga class or a jog in nature to keep things fresh and fun.

Kapha is made up of water and earth. Kapha increases during the spring when it’s cool and wet outside. Excess kapha can build up from from sleeping in, napping, living a sedentary lifestyle, and eating sugary or fried foods. Symptoms of elevated kapha dosha are low motivation, stagnation, mucus, congestion and sugar cravings. French fries + an afternoon nap = sludge. Perk yourself up with stimulating spices, waking with the sun or a spontaneous dance party. Try something new!