SAMATVA
YOGALAYA

How to Balance Your Dosha

Ayurveda has divided the constitution types into three segments or Dosha called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. While Vata is a combination of space and air elements, Pitta is a combination of water and fire and Kapha earth and water. We all have bits of the three Dosha though one or two could predominate. It is rare for the Dosha to be balanced. If the Doshas are too out of sorts it can result in poor health and disease. Hatha yoga should be practiced according to Dosha which helps to maximize the benefits.

A person with a predominant Vata Dosha needs to be grounded and so standing postures that ground and balance will be more beneficial to a Vata constitution. Asanas that concentrate on the lower body, below the abdomen like Pachimottanasana, Pavanmuktasana and Marjaryasana are also very favourable for people with the Vata Dosha and so are stretching and warming asanas. Meditation that promotes tranquility and peace are good.

Yoga Can Help Balance Your Dosha

Those who have Pitta Dosha will find it beneficial to practice asanas and pranayama that have a cooling, calming and grounding effect. They need to find the balance between the mind and the heart as they can get overly ambitious. Asanas that affect mid abdomen like Ardha Matsyendrasana, backbends like Chakraasana and Ustrasana which calm the mind will benefit them and also restorative asanas like Yoga NIdra. Shitali and Nadi Shodan pranayama will cool them down. During meditation they should practice self inquiry.

Yoga Types to Balance Your Dosha

People with Kapha Dosha are slow and tend to put on weight easily. For them asana practice should stimulate metabolism and increase the fire and air elements. Standing postures like Tikonasana, back bends like Setubandhasana will be energizing. Bhujangasana and Rajakapotasana that concentrate on the upper stomach and chest are beneficial. Pranayama like Bhrastika, Ujjayi and Kapalbhati should be practiced.