Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced for more than 1,000 years and originated in India. It's main aim is to promote health and well being by balancing the mind, body and spirit. It is based on the belief that the ideal diet is one that considers and balances all three doshas or body types, says the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. There are three main doshas or body types. They are vata, pitta and kapha. Qualities such as ambition, confidence, spontaneity, and warmth are predominant in pitta-vata personality types, says the La'Vanya Ayurveda Healing and Wellness Spa website. Discovering your particular dosha type will help you learn to balance your health by eating foods that support your dosh.
Function
Balancing the doshas is about eating foods that support your health. When unbalanced, pitta and vata types can be prone to digestive problems, neurological conditions, hypertension, heart disease and insomnia, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. When balanced, pitta types generally are kind natured, enthusiastic and have a strong and healthy digestion. When out of balance they can become short tempered, over critical and are prone to diarrhea. Vata can become introverted and depressed with a tendency toward constipation when imbalanced is more likely to exhibit such traits as cheerfulness and enthusiasm when balanced, according to La'Vanya Ayurveda Healing and Wellness Spa website.
Pitta Type Food
The pitta-vata diet should contain equal amounts of pacifying foods for each dosha type. Pitta has a fiery constitution and can be hot-headed. Pitta needs foods that are cool but not ice cold. Sweet fruits and vegetables suit the pitta temperament. Such herbs as coriander and mint help cool the fiery belly of pitta. Fats, oils and salt should be kept at a minimum. Moderate amounts of dairy are acceptable but avoid sour cultured dairy products. Sweet, bitter or astringent foods are best for pitta says the Yoga Journal website.
Vata Type Foods
Vata types can be prone to worry and should eat foods that soothe and calm. According to the Yoga Journal website, warm, cooked foods work well, including risotto, warm berry cobbler and heavy fruits such as avocados and bananas. Milk, cream and butter are good for vata types along with all vegetables, particularly those that are sweet and sour. Unlike pitta, vata is balanced by salt or salty foods but needs to avoid hot and spicy foods.
Function
When a pitta-vata pacifying diet is followed, harmony and balance become evident as the more positive qualities of each dosha type emerge. This may such qualities as friendliness, warmth, spontaneity and cheerfulness as opposed to depression, introversion and aggression. There may be improvement in physical health, including good digestion, a bright glowing complexion, good energy and restful sleep for pitta types. For vata types the physical signs may be a general improvement in digestive function and improved sleep.
Lifestyle Changes
The pitta-vata diet should be high in nutrients and easily digested. Just balancing the doshas using diet is not enough. Lifestyle behavior must also be considered and pitta-vata types should keep to regular mealtimes. Doing things in moderation and taking part in such exercises as yoga or meditation will also help balance the mind, body and spirit. Listening to soothing music or taking time to be with nature will help to keep pitta and vata doshas in balance.
