The art and science of tuning the body into balance, Ayurveda, harnesses the natural intelligence of the body to bring people into optimal health. Effective for centuries, this sister science of yoga is increasing in popularity — and we couldn’t be happier!
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is balance between the three-fundamental bodily dosha’s. These dosha’s are built around five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. Physiologically, these elements function as three bio-dynamic forces, called vata, pitta, and kapha. For each element (dosha), there is a balanced and imbalanced expression. An important goal of Ayurveda is to identify a person’s ideal state of balance, determine where they are out of balance, and offer interventions using diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage treatments, music, and meditation. The three dosha’s are as follows:
Vata (air and space) When Vata is balanced a person is lively and creative. When there is too much movement in the system, a person tends to experience anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation, and difficulty focusing. Generally, a Vata person will be very thin, more talkative, and often restless. They typically have a lower body weight, dry skin, brittle nails, thin hair, and small, slightly sunken eyes. While walking, their joints may make sounds. In terms of climate, they tend to prefer warm or hot weather, while they may have trouble tolerating the cold. They have a hard time gaining weight, so they tend to be thin.
Pitta (fire with a little water) When Pitta is functioning in a balanced manner, this person is warm, friendly, disciplined, a good leader, and a good speaker. When Pitta is out of balance, a person tends to be compulsive and irritable and may suffer from indigestion or an inflammatory condition. Pitta people are those who are born with hotter constitutions, containing more of the fire element. A Pitta person is generally active, good looking, a perfectionist, dynamic, intelligent and also short-tempered. They may have leadership qualities, a moderate build, a smart personality, a sharp nose, and their eyes will also be sharp, sometimes offset with a slight pinkish tint. Due to the unfortunate ease with which a pitta person gets imbalanced, hair loss and early graying are common. They are generally slightly warm to the touch with rosy lips and pink nails with a slight curve.
Kapha (earth and water) When Kapha is balanced, a person is sweet, supportive and stable. When Kapha is out of balance, a person may experience sluggishness, weight gain, and sinus congestion. Kapha indicates a preponderance of the water and earth element. People with this kapha constitution are generally cool, calm, cheerful, stocky (if not overweight). If assigned a task, they never complete the task on time. Actually, Ayurveda says that because a kapha person is the least bothered, happiest type of person on the whole planet, the best constitution is kapha. They’re cheerful all the time! Other qualities include a thick build, thick, dark hair, big eyes with very white sclera (whites), and prominent, shiny, white teeth. The skin may also be thick, moist, and a little cool to the touch. As a personality type, while they tend to accumulate possessions, but they also have a sharing streak that moves them to service for society.
Ayurveda embraces the whole person. It is determined by the seasons of the year, the time of day, and a person’s physical structure and activities. Identifying your dominant dosha will help you realize your own individual comfort zone and needs. Each person has characteristics that determine their dominant dosha. You are at your best when your dosha is in balance. Imbalance can happen but can be adjusted with treatments such as the ones offered at Shibui Spa. By identifying the triggers of imbalance and following some suggested solutions, we can help you improve your overall balance and well being.
All Ayurvedic treatments at Shibui Spa are prepared with authentic Ayurvedic oils. The choice of oils used is based upon a dosha consultation and answers to a simple “Determine Your dosha Questionnaire”. With your results, your therapist will choose Ayurvedic oils specific for your dominant dosha. We welcome you to Shibui and invite you to explore some of our amazing Ayurvedic Treatments.