Ayurvedic Doshas Guide: Vata, Pitta, Kapha

According to Ayurveda teachings, at birth, each person receives unique combinations of Doshas. Due to the qualitative level of life, the genetic Dosha remains unchanged. When there is the domination of one of the energies and insufficient accumulation of the other, an imbalance may occur. As a result, a person may fall ill or take a job he or she does not like. To influence the qualitative functioning of Dosha, one needs to regulate his or her life, eat well and maintain inner harmony.

What are Doshas in Ayurveda?

Dosha is a special source of energy, which arises as a result of connections of 5 basic elements according to Ayurveda teachings. As in nature, there are certain combinations of these elements within each person, which form the basic principle of Dosha emergence. These Doshas control all processes, both biological and physiological. Through interactions between the Doshas, you can achieve good health and well-being.

Relationship between Chakras and Doshas

Ayurveda is the science of life. All its principles are based on Buddhist philosophy. So it’s not surprising that Doshas and Chakras are similar concepts for some people. They are different, but they can influence each other. 

Their main similarity is that both Doshas and Chakras are related to the basic elements that form the universe. By identifying element deficiencies you can help improve Chakra functioning. It is possible to use Doshas to achieve these goals.

For example, the root Chakra depends on the earth element. If there is an excess of air and ether, one feels unnecessarily anxious and depressed. To correct this, one needs to work with the root Chakra to help increase confidence. To do this, dinacharya rituals are performed in the morning.

The solar plexus Chakras are directly dependent on the element of fire. When it is deficient, one has to practice Agni. This means adjusting your diet and normalizing your digestion.

Vata Dosha

Each of the Doshas has its characteristics and differences. Vata Dosha is considered fundamental, and a lot depends on its balance. Let’s consider it in more detail.

What is Vata Dosha?

Vata Dosha is one of the types of Doshas considered the driving force in Ayurveda. It is the one that makes the other Doshas move. With its help, one can balance energy and equilibrium. It also improves thinking and willpower, makes one want to move, and has no difficulty with the respiratory tract.

Vata Body Type

Vata is practically isolated from material values and daily life. It is the foundation of solidity and may seem contradictory and inconsistent. People who of all Dosha body types have Vata body type often move around a lot and change the flow of their thoughts and the routes of their movements. To others, they are like wandering foreigners, but appearances can deceive.

Vata Mind

Vata Dosha manifests itself in altered thoughts and behavior, as well as unconventional reactions to the world around us. This is due to the broad outlook on life on the part of a person and the functioning of his brain and nervous system. Therefore, people with predominant Vata Dosha often think a lot and are generators of ideas. 

These people who have such symptoms of Vata Dosha are capable of learning new things quickly, but can very quickly forget the material they have just learned. They are very nervous and have problems falling asleep quickly. It is also extremely difficult for them to wake up in the morning, as a rule, they do not get up after the first alarm clock.

Vata: Out-of-Balance Symptoms

If the balance of Vata is out, various troubles may appear both physically and emotionally. In case of excessive Vata Dosha, the person gets aggravated with flatulence, hypertension, and problems with the nervous system. As a result, the person becomes nervous, overly restless, and suffers from insomnia

If Vata is in deficit, stagnation, constipation, loss of sensitivity, and decreased activity of thought processes are manifested. In such a situation, a person moves very slowly and cannot make quick and correct decisions.

How to Balance Vata?

If there is an imbalance of Vata Dosha, you should try to balance it out. To do this, you should follow certain recommendations:

  • Spend more time on rest – this is extremely important because if the balance of Vata Dosha is disturbed, it is associated with overwork. If one has this feeling, one should stop and just take a rest. A night’s rest in this case is invaluable, otherwise, insomnia can occur, which is extremely bad.
  • Don’t forget to meditate – it is a meditation that is most beneficial for Vata’s problems. With its help, you will be able to restore the mind and body and bring back the natural cycle of the body.
  • Eat regularly and of good quality – meals should be three times a day with good food. 

For example, breakfast should consist of hot meals. Fresh ginger can improve digestion, but it should be eaten in small amounts.

Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha also has its characteristics, which are important to understand and be aware of how to stabilize it.

Pitta Dosha is the symbiosis of fire and water. With its help all metabolic processes of the body are regulated. It also maintains comfortable body temperature and hormone levels. Feelings of hunger, thirst and thought processes are directly related to an imbalance in Pitta Dosha.

Pitta Body Type

For Pitta Dosha, the most classic are those of medium build, who are neither overweight nor thin. Such people like physical training, they are industrious and are constantly in motion. That’s why they don’t accumulate extra pounds. Even if they show up at a certain stage, such people can lose the extra weight quickly. 

Most people with Pitta Dosha look spectacular and the constriction of the body is visually pleasing. Their gait is always confident, they will not slouch and keep their back straight. Their sleep is quite sensitive, but they fall asleep very quickly.

Pitta Mind

Symptoms of Pitta Dosha: 

  • can navigate quickly; 
  • structures everything;
  • can control/manage processes. 

Because of their skills, they are good leaders and can help others.  Many of them realize themselves as teachers or mentors. They spend their finances carefully and systematically.

Most of these people prefer to spend time in nature, doing sports outdoors. They prefer bright and ventilated rooms for work. They also have a competitive spirit and often compare themselves with other people. In clothing, they prefer freedom and natural materials.

Pitta: Out-of-Balance Symptoms

Almost all diseases for people with Pitta Dosha are related to loss of harmony. The easiest ones pass as emotional outbursts. This is due to an imbalance towards the fire which can suppress other Doshas. In such moments, infections or inflammations can occur in the body. 

Also, people with imbalanced Doshas may notice deterioration in vision and digestive problems that lead to emotional discomfort. Women experience such disharmony during menstruation or menopause.

How to Balance Pitta?

When Pitta Dosha is properly balanced, a person shows tremendous energy, which is used for ordinary work. In case Pitta is not balanced, a person easily gets out of temper and shows strong discontent and desire to show power. Such people should immediately determine that the lack of even emotions pisses them off. 

To balance the Dosha one needs to have an active rest. Their dinner should be light at such times. One can also turn off the phone and not take work home. In a calm environment, the Dosha is balanced and the next day the person no longer experiences such emotions. 

One can also meditate to calm down and engage in self-discovery. One should not give in to the urge to eat a big and heavy dinner, because this only destroys Dosha. Also, artificial stimulants and alcohol will have a detrimental effect on it.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha Dosha is the last fundamental Dosha in Ayurvedic teaching. It has its structure and features.

What is Kapha Dosha?

Kapha Dosha consists of a symbiosis of water and earth elements. This type of Dosha can support the body’s resistance to negative factors and is responsible for nutrition. People with predominant Kapha Dosha are thoughtful, calm, and stress-resistant.

Kapha Body Type

People with this Dosha have a large build. You may usually notice the following symptoms of Kapha Dosha:

  • their muscles are usually smooth and dense;
  • their joints are rounded;
  • their skin is soft and greasy;
  • their hair is thick. 

Everyone with Kapha Dosha has smooth and white teeth.

Also, such a person can be recognized by their conversation. They speak slowly and ponder over their words. They tend to gain weight quickly and are very strong. If you work on yourself properly, people with Kapha Dosha can develop unprecedented stamina.

Kapha Mind

People with the Dosha Kapha type are considered devoted and loving friends. They are often referred to as philosophers. This Dosha encourages the perception of new knowledge and develops long-term memory. People with such Dosha will scrupulously study any information. 

Such people are most comfortable in a cold and humid environment. To restore Dosha, they need to rest in warm and tropical places.

Kapha: Out-of-Balance Symptoms

When Kapha is imbalanced, negative processes occur in the physical and emotional state. People with Kapha Dosha can catch a cold or infection. They also have a tendency to gain weight regardless of doing sports is manifested. Due to this, there is a decrease in motivation and drowsiness. 

Depression and hyperlipidemia may appear during the cold season. Diabetes, cataracts, kidney stones, and hypothyroidism can also be diagnosed in people with Kapha Dosha imbalance.

How to Balance Kapha?

To balance Kapha Dosha, one needs to move more actively. This can be done by dancing or exercising. For those who are not very fond of such activities, one can start walking every day. Don’t forget to drink liquids regularly to avoid blocking Doshas.

Oil Pulling in Ayurveda: Guide for Newbies and TOP 7 Questions

In the teachings of Ayurveda, there are such concepts as Kavala and Gundusha. In simple terms, it is rinsing the teeth and mouth with oil. For many people, such actions are not quite clear and it is necessary to clarify what they are and why such procedures are carried out, as well as to determine whether they are useful or not.

What Is Oil Pulling?

An oil rinse is a special process in which oil is used to rinse the ayurvedic medicine for teeth and gums. This process can be of two types: Kavala and Gundusha. In Kavala, the procedure is aimed at cleansing the mouth. To do this, the oil is held in the mouth and rinsed by drawing in through the teeth and around the gums. 

In Gundush, the mouth is filled with oil and held. These methods help ensure a clean mouth and strengthen the muscles of the mouth and jaw. Therefore, they have the effect of improving overall health and well-being.

How Does Oil Pulling Work?

The Ayurveda is considered a major diagnostic tool where oral health is directly related to a person’s overall health. Oil pulling for cavities is even a necessity because there are many different bacteria in the mouth and the oral cavity is adjacent to the esophagus, ear cavities, nasopharynx, etc. The occurrence of harmful bacteria in the mouth can have detrimental effects on the entire body.

Because bacteria are attracted to the lipid structure of the oil, they can be pulled out of the mouth with the oil’s fatty molecules. As a result, they are “flushed out by the oil” and the person feels better. This method has been proven over the years and improves oral hygiene. It is approved not only by Ayurveda teachings but also by dentists.

Oil Pulling Benefits

There are quite a few benefits of oil pulling. They include:

  • whiter cleaner teeth;
  • stronger gums, jaw, and teeth;
  • cavity and gingivitis prevention;
  • fresher breath;
  • improved sleep quality;
  • headache and migraine relief.

And of course the whole body detox. But before using it, you should be familiar with the instructions for oil pulling.

Possible Side Effect of Oil Pulling

Scientists have not yet identified any known side effects of Oil Pulling. However, some may experience pain in the jaw or a headache with sudden movements. If oil is swallowed, diarrhea or upset stomach may occur. 

This procedure is not a substitute for brushing or flossing. This method helps as a supplement to the usual and recommended variations of dental care by dentists. But there is never much care, so Oil Pulling can improve the effect of brushing.

Detox Symptoms from Oil Pulling

In the teachings of Ayurveda, rinsing the mouth with oil will help level out the onset of 30 different diseases. Even representatives of traditional medicine claim that this procedure helps activate salivary enzymes to absorb toxins. 

In this case, the oil helps to detoxify the chemical and bacterial toxins from the blood. It can be used to fight sore mouths, sores, tooth decay, and gum damage. Even swelling goes away thanks to Oil Pulling.

How to Do Oil Pulling?

For this procedure it is necessary:

  • place a tablespoon of oil in your mouth;
  • rinse your mouth by actively pressing on your teeth and gums, it is important to make sure that the oil gets into all corners of the mouth because many microorganisms live in the oral cavity;
  • repeat the procedure without spitting the oil for 5 to 20 minutes in the morning;
  • spit the oil out into the trash immediately, do not spit it out into the sink (in this case, there is a risk of clogging the drain);
  • never swallow the oil.

To restore your teeth faster, the Ayurvedic teachings suggest this procedure before every meal.

For convenience, all the steps of how to properly perform an oil mouthwash are illustrated below. Each of the steps is detailed so that those who are new to the practice will not have any additional questions:

  1. Prepare a tablespoon of coconut oil once you are in the bathroom first thing in the morning.
  2. Swish the contents of the tablespoon in your mouth for around 15 minutes.

Once done, spit everything out and rinse your mouth with warm water.

Best Oils for Oil Pulling

A variety of cold-pressed oils are suitable for this procedure. The most commonly used oils for pulling are coconut oil, sesame oil, and ghee oil. Each of these can have a different effect on improving a person’s oral cavity.

Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling

Coconut oil is considered to be the most effective oil for mouthwash procedures. Its composition is very viscous and can draw unwanted bacteria out of the human body as much as possible. That is why it is most often recommended for use in Ayurvedic teachings. 

Through its use, you can successfully fight not only bacteria but also plaque. Also gargling with coconut oil helps to get rid of bad breath. But before using it, you must be sure that there is no danger of coconut oil pulling for you. That you have no individual intolerance, etc.

Sesame Oil for Oil Pulling

Sesame oil can have an additional effect. Because it contains chlorosammon, rinsing the mouth with this type of oil helps to counteract antifungal growths. Sesame oil also has a lot of fatty acids that successfully fight bacteria. 

In addition, this type of oil can help in detoxification of the body. Because of this, sesame oil is considered the best alternative to coconut oil.

Ghee Oil Pulling

Using ghee oil for this procedure is also considered a good option for dental care. This method helps to clean the mouth as well as previous options. It removes plaque and calculus from the teeth. This is extremely important because a toothbrush or floss will not do the job. In Ayurvedic teachings, ghee is referred to as an elixir. Its main difference is the composition. The fact is that ghee can be ingested without any deterioration of one’s health. This distinguishes it from other types of oil. However, you should not forget that when Oil Pulling you must spit out the oil because it is saturated with harmful bacteria.

Sunflower Oil for Oil Pulling

Sunflower oil for Oil Pulling is considered a relatively good option. It’s great for dealing with tough plaque and tartar buildup. That said, not all oils can help remove thick plaque and large tartar. But to achieve a similar effect, you need to rinse your mouth with oil properly.

Palm Oil for Oil Pulling

Palm oil also has certain advantages. It is used less often than coconut or sesame oil for mouthwash, but it is also widely used. It can help in treating gums and in preventing tooth decay. But like other types of oil, palm oil should be used carefully and never swallowed.

TOP 7 Questions about Oil Pulling

What is Oil Pulling for?

Oil Pulling is a special oral care treatment using a variety of oils. It can pull harmful bacteria from the body and help clean your mouth, teeth, and gums.

What Oil Can Be Used for Oil Pulling?

A variety of unrefined, cold-pressed oils can be used for this procedure.

Is Oil Pulling Effective?

This procedure is effective and helps to improve the digestive tract and minimize damage from harmful bacteria.

Can You Use Olive Oil for Oil Pulling?

Yes, you can use cold-pressed olive oil.

Do You Oil Pull Before or After Brushing?

It is recommended to oil pulling after brushing teeth. After teeth pulling oil, you shouldn’t brush your teeth, otherwise, you won’t get any effect from the procedure.

Does Oil Pulling Help Gums?

Yes, there are a lot of health benefits of oil pulling. Oil Pulling will help improve the overall health of both your teeth and gums.

How Long to Do Oil Pulling?

For the best effect, the procedure should be done regularly. Perfect oil pulling time is before meals, three times a day for 28 days.