AYURVEDA: A BACKGROUND
Ayurveda is a Hindu system of medicine whose focus lies, as with many holistic practices, on balance. Over 5000 years old, Ayurveda postulates on a broad scope of theories, from the origin of life, to the creation of matter and energy. Whilst opting for slightly more poetic terminology, there are indisputable correlations between its theories and those of modern Western science. Ayurveda schools in India have consistently maintained the discipline’s strong scientific rooting, however the correlation between Ayurveda and modern Western science has come as more of a surprise to some who’ve found its poetic, ambiguous narrative harder to take seriously. Across the past few decades due to progressive thinking and positive attitudes the West has seen a generation more receptive to Eastern healthcare philosophy, and a call for deeper exploration into its scientific validity.THE DOSHAS vs WESTERN SOMOTYPES
In fitness, we often refer to the different body types ‘Mesomorphic’, ‘Endomorphic’, and ‘Ectomorphic’. These three alternate ‘Somotypes’ are defined by characteristics like body shape, ability to build muscle and tendencies to storing fat. As you might expect they are also reflective of your body’s much more complex inner workings and genetic makeup, and a means of illustrating complex scientific theories like metabolic pathways into practical, usable, and understandable formats for their application to human health. In Ayurveda, the theory of Tridosha forms the basis of all Ayurvedic philosophy and clinical application. The three Dosha ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’ define sets of traits and nuances describing a person’s constitution that strongly resemble those found under Western body type classifications, as well as being applied to their external environment and the seasons. Whilst Ayurvedic Dosha take a more qualitative, subjective approach, cross comparisons show strong correlations between these and the Western Somatypes that are based on quantitative research.
VATA |
ECTOMORPH |
PITTA |
MESOMORPH |
KAPHA |
ENDOMORPH |
|
TRAITS |
Vatas are described as long-limbed, tall, delicate and bony. They have visible veins, muscles and tendons, poor muscle growth and are the lightest of the three body types. The Vata personality is described as flighty, with oscillating bursts of energy. They find it hard to initially connect but are fully committed to a task when their concentration is engaged. | Linear, Tall, Thin Fragile Lightly Muscled Higher Type I Muscle Ratio Slow Muscle Growth Fast Metabolism Slow to warm up Good Endurance Respond well to high intensity interval training. Less inclined for strength & power | Pittas are described as having a balanced build with good muscular composition, prone to good (but not excessive) muscle growth. They are strong and agile, with strong digestion and a good appetite, but not prone to holding excess weight. Pittas are known as fiery, focused, and competitive. | Rectangular Athletic Medium Sized Bone-Structure Well-Defined Muscles Higher Type II Muscle Ratio Gains Muscle Easily Strong, Balanced Metabolism Good functional strength, speed and agility. Well suited to a range of athletic pursuits. | Kapha are the heaviest of the three Dosha known for their broad and stocky build. They have thick hair and healthy skin. Whilst slower to learn and Kapha are known for committing to tasks, decisions and movement alike. They build muscle and store fat easily, have regular appetites but slow digestive systems. | Soft, Round Bodies Shorter, Stocky Build Gains Muscle & Fat Easily Higher Type I Muscle Ratio Slow, Metabolism In spite of good musculature, likely to be less defined due to adipose tissue. Suited to weight training and powerlifting. |
HOW OUR BODIES ARE AFFECTED BY OUR ENVIRONMENT
The prevailing idea across both systems is to adapt the approach toward health and fitness to suit the body type of the individual. What sets Ayurveda apart from Western systems is that it is applicable not just to the subject, but the subject’s environment also. This, in Western science, overlaps with theories not commonly applied to fitness and nutrition: thermodynamics. Don’t close the window and run away screaming whist we quickly revisit some high school science (I promise to make it brief) because the correlation is really fascinating. The laws of thermodynamics teach us a few things about energy which, in a nutshell are: 1 - that energy comes in the form of heat and movement and 2- energy between us and our environment can be transferred. Weather (changes in temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind velocity, etc.) are in fact simply changes to heat and movement, or energy, of the environment. Though we automatically may change up our routine depending on the weather, the correlation between our bodies and the seasons aren’t something we automatically consider to be a key affecting factor to our health and fitness - at least, not in the way we consider our body types and genetic makeup - yet in actual fact the two are intrinsically linked. Ayurveda, on the other hand, applies the same familiar narrative of Tridosha to the various seasons and their energetic constitution, as they do to physical and emotional character of an individual.
SEASONAL QUALITIES |
AYURVEDIC QUALITIES |
POSITIVE EFFECTS ON THE BODY |
POTENTIAL IMBALANCES |
|
KAPHA |
Late Winter / Early Spring Low temperatures dampness, rain, snow, clouds, storms, fog, shorter days (less sunlight) | Cold Heavy Wet Static Dull Dense | Strengthening and fortifying, boosting digestion. Deeply nourishing. Lubricates internal systems increasing fluid production. Encourages rest, patience & reflection | Issues with congestion and sinus problems. Susceptibility to illness. Lethargy, depression Potential to gain excessive weight. |
PITTA |
Summer Higher temperatures, extreme weather conditions (drought or monsoon), longer days (more sunlight) | Hot Sharp Oily Light Mobile Smooth | Stimulates metabolism Improves circulation Energizing, encourages movement and activity | Dehydration Nausea, MigrainesExcessive acidityStress and hypertension.Adrenal fatigue |
VATA |
Autumn / Early Winter Cool temperatures, mists, wind, dryness, shedding of leaves (movement) | Dry Dry Cold Light Rough Mobile Subtle | Improved circulation and blood flow. Stimulates nerve impulses and emotional responsiveness. Encourages creativity, action and reaction. | Anxiety, stress, hyperactivity. Dry skin Digestive complaints: gas & constipation. Arthritis, joint pain, osteoporosis. |