World Ayurveda Day 2023: Know Practical Tips To Balance Doshas For Achieving Inner Harmony

Balancing doshas isn't a one-time effort; it requires mindfulness, self-observation, and adjustments to your lifestyle as the seasons change or as life circumstances evolve.

Practical Tips For Achieving Inner Harmony

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Balancing doshas isn't a one-time effort; it's an ongoing journey. It requires mindfulness, self-observation, and adjustments to your lifestyle as the seasons change or as life circumstances evolve. By embracing these principles of Ayurveda, you empower yourself to proactively manage your health and well-being, promoting a state of equilibrium.

In this regard, Dr Sonia Mandal, who is a BAMS MD, at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurvedic College Hospital and Research centre, Maharashtra, said, "Understanding your unique constitution and dosha imbalances is the first step towards achieving physical and mental harmony. In Ayurveda, we believe that each person has a unique constitution, known as their 'Prakriti,' which is a combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. By knowing your Prakriti and any current imbalances, you gain valuable insights into your health and can make informed lifestyle choices. Achieving balance involves more than just addressing symptoms; it's about aligning your daily routines, diet, and activities with your Prakriti. 

Giving an example, Dr Mandal added, If you have a predominant Vata dosha, you may benefit from warm, nourishing foods and a regular routine to calm the inherent qualities of Vata, such as dryness and restlessness.

Balancing your doshas and achieving inner harmony is a holistic approach deeply rooted in Ayurveda, the ancient science of life.

Tips To Achieve Inner Harmony:

Here are some practical tips, inspired by Ayurveda, to help you achieve inner harmony suggested by Dr. Mohit Agarwal, who is the Co-founder, of Healthmug (a health e-commerce platform offering Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, and Unani medicine).

• Understanding Your Dosha: The first step in achieving inner harmony is to understand your dosha. There are three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has its unique characteristics and tendencies. Knowing your dominant dosha can guide you in making lifestyle and dietary choices that support balance.
• Balanced Diet: Ayurveda emphasises the importance of eating a balanced diet that suits your dosha. For example, if you have a Pitta constitution, you should favour cooling foods like cucumbers and mint, while Vata individuals may benefit from warming, grounding foods like cooked grains and root vegetables. A Kapha person might thrive on lighter, spicier foods to balance their natural heaviness.
• Mindful Eating: Ayurveda places great importance on how you eat, not just what you eat. Practice mindful eating by savouring your food, chewing it thoroughly, and eating in a calm and peaceful environment. Avoid distractions like television or smartphones during meals.
• Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Establishing a daily routine that aligns with your dosha can promote inner harmony. This routine includes activities like waking up early, practising yoga or meditation, and maintaining regular meal times. Vata types may benefit from a more structured routine, while Kapha types might need to incorporate more movement and variety.
• Yoga and Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for balancing your doshas. Choose exercise routines that suit your dosha's tendencies. For example, Vata individuals may benefit from gentle, grounding yoga poses, while Pitta types might enjoy more vigorous activities to release excess energy. Kapha individuals should focus on activities that boost their metabolism and circulation.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help calm the mind and reduce stress, which is essential for achieving inner harmony. Choose meditation techniques that resonate with your dosha, such as calming breathwork for Vata, or cooling meditation for Pitta.
• Herbal Support: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Tulsi are known for their ability to balance the doshas and promote inner harmony. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine which herbs are best for your constitution.
• Detoxification: Regular detoxification is vital in Ayurveda to remove toxins (ama) from the body and maintain balance. This can be achieved through practices like Panchakarma, fasting, or incorporating detoxifying herbs into your diet.
• Self-Care: Taking time for self-care is essential for achieving inner harmony. This includes practices like self-massage (Abhyanga), spending time in nature, and nurturing your emotional well-being.

How To Achieve Inner Harmony And Maintain A Balance Between Doshas:

Dr. Shailendra Chaubey, who is the Head of Ayurveda at Traya said that one can balance the Doshas by maintaining these 5 crucial rhythms:

• Food Ingestion: It is very important to maintain proper portions, adhere to regular meal timings, and consider food combinations. Avoid eating when not hungry, consuming stale or over-processed food, and having small meals with large time gaps. Additionally, it's essential to establish a suitable eating and fasting window. Drinking excessive water during meals can lead to indigestion and disrupt nutrient absorption.
• Activity: It is extremely important to follow an exercise routine. However, if you are feeling extremely tired, experiencing high stress and fatigue levels, or have had inadequate sleep, opt for lighter workouts. Different constitutions require different types of exercises. Vata constitutions benefit from longer durations of high mobility exercises, while ​Pitta constitutions find grace in movements like Yoga. Kapha constitutions benefit from high-intensity functional training.
• Breathing: This is often the most overlooked aspect. Everyone should learn to pay attention to the two crucial components of breath: inhaling and exhaling. It is advisable to practice deep breathing exercises at least once or twice a day. Lengthening the exhale helps release more carbon dioxide from the body, making it available for a deeper inhale.
• Bowel Movements: Several aspects of bowel movements are important, including their regularity and completeness. Some individuals may experience erratic bowel movement timings, which can be acceptable as long as the motions are clear. To improve gut motility and enhance absorption, incorporate high-fibre fruits, leafy vegetables, and grains into your diet. Additionally, consider consuming lime juice, herbal teas, and warm water to aid in this process.
• Sleep: Maximum brain recharge occurs during deep sleep, making it the most restorative of all healing tools. Therefore, anyone who maintains a healthy sleep ritual will experience higher metabolism, immunity, and hormonal balance. To maintain healthy sleep cycles, one should avoid sleeping very late.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]