This is the phrase of my dosha – my test result:
YOU ARE PITTA-KAPHA FIRE ALONG WITH THE EARTH COMPONENT. YOU ARE QUITE A FORCE OF NATURE. PASSIONATE AND HOT-HEADED WITH THE ABILITY TO PERSUADE PEOPLE TO DO ANYTHING YOU WANT. THESE TWO DOSHAS BRING STRENGTH AND A SMOOTH WAY OF HANDLING PEOPLE.
What Is “Pitta-Kapha?”
Pitta-Kapha is your dosha type. Well, in your case you are a mix of two doshas. Pitta and Kapha. What is a dosha? It’s simply the Ayurvedic definition for your bio-individuality. In other words it’s your body type, which includes your metabolic constitution, your personality, and your physical characteristics. By understanding what makes us unique, we can make better decisions as they relate to our diet, our lifestyle, and our mental health.
So I’m Pitta-Kapha. What Does This Mean?
Pitta–Kapha types often have Pitta physical characteristics with Kapha mental attributes. This means that you have great physical stamina and health along with a high capacity for exercise and athletic pursuits. In addition, you probably have a good memory and a strong capability for learning new information. You tend towards balanced emotions and excellent physical health. The Kapha dosha lends stability while Pitta dosha gives adaptability. This is quite the dynamic combination! On the down side, you can be prone to respiratory infections, skin infections, and premature graying. You can also be arrogant, overconfident, and a bit on the smug side.
EMBODIED BY FIRE AND EARTH, YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE MOUNTAINS, AND ARE PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS—MAYBE A LITTLE TOO PROUD. YOU CAN ALSO BE A BIT REMOVED FROM THE REALITY OF THOSE AROUND YOU. YOU CAN BE AGGRESSIVE AND EMOTIONAL WITH SHARP INTELLECTUAL POWERS SO IT’S WISE TO AVOID ANY KIND OF VERBAL ARGUMENT WITH YOU AS YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO ARGUE YOUR POINT OF VIEW WITH CLARITY, SINGLE-MINDEDNESS AND PRECISION.
TYPICAL PITTA-KAPHA CHARACTERISTICS:
• Heavier, dense, structure (Kapha)
• Moderate body (Pitta)
• Red, full face (Pitta)
• Moderate facial features (Pitta)
• Well developed musculature (Pitta)
• A tendency to add weight (Kapha)
Examples of Famous Pitta-Kaphas:
Oprah
Matt Damon
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE:
The common water element between Pittas and Kaphas means that there is an excess of wateriness or oiliness. This shows up in excess watery tissues of the body (phlegm, mucus) and in a tendency to have oily skin and hair. Thus, Pitta–Kaphas do well by eating foods that are astringent and drying. Likewise, Kaphas tendency towards stability and sometimes, immobility means that you can get stuck in a rut. Doing something spontaneous will keep things interesting for you and help balance you out! Additionally, for balance you could benefit from active exercises such as yoga, walking, gymnastics, aerobics, bike riding and running during the early part of the day.
LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO GET YOU BACK IN BALANCE:
• Being a kapha-pitta type means that these two dosha’s are predominant in your constitution. It is usually best to manage a dual dosha according to the season. In general, as a pitta-kapha, follow a pitta-pacifying regimen during the late spring and summer seasons especially when the weather is hot. Follow a kapha-pacifying regimen during the cooler times of year like fall, winter and early spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
• Do not skip meals, do not fast and do not wait to eat until you are ravenously hungry. Although you can get so absorbed that you do not eat – this can increaseacidity and make you irritable Start your day with cooked fruit, followed by some cereal. Eat a sustaining meal at lunch, and a lighter meal for dinner. For snacking, choose sweet juicy fruit–fully ripe mangoes, sweet pears and sweet juicy grapes are excellent Pitta-pacifying choices. Delaying meals can cause excess acidity, so eat on time every day. The Amalaki herb helps enhance digestion without aggravating Pitta dosha. It also helps balance stomach acid and studies show that it functions as an antioxidant and supports the liver in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Daily elimination is very important to prevent digestive toxins from accumulating in the body. Triphala (a mixture of fruits) helps promote regularity as well as toning the digestive system. Triphala is made up of three fruits and is most commonly purchased as a powder: Triphala has the following effects:
- Assists natural internal cleansing
- Gently maintains regularity
- Nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues
- Supports healthy digestion and absorption
- Natural antioxidant
Triphala is most commonly known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic, being helpful in digestion, and supporting regular bowel movements. The combination of the three fruits has a synergistic effect to bolster many other systems as well. In addition to the GI tract, Ayurveda uses triphala to support healthy respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive, and nervous systems. Triphala has also been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. The three fruits involved in making triphala are also known for their individual effects:
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Has a cooling effect that manages pitta, supporting the natural functions of the liver and the immune system.
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica): Is particularly good for kapha, supporting the respiratory system as well as kapha accumulations in all systems.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Though having a heating nature, it is still good for all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). Is known for its “scraping” effect, which removes toxins and helps maintain healthy levels of weight.
• To soothe sensitive skin, to balance the emotions and to nourish and tone muscles and nerves, indulge in an ayurvedic massage every morning before you bathe or shower. Use coconut oil for your massage because coconut cools the skin. If you like, you can add 3-4 drops of a pure essential oil such as lavender or sandalwood to 2 oz. of massage oil. Mix well before use. After your shower or bath, spray your skin with pure rose or sandalwood water to keep your skin feeling cool all day long.
• Protect yourself from the heat. Stay cool in warm weather by wearing loose cotton clothing. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and for Pittas – they need to wear natural fibers like silk, cotton, and linen. Synthetic material can heat the skin up too much. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes when you go out. Drink lots of room temperature water.
• Water-based activities are ideal exercise for Pitta-dominant people. Try swimming or aqua- aerobics to stay fit but cool. Strolling after sunset, especially along a waterfront, is also a soothing way to fit some leisurely activity into your day. Being next to water is soothing to Pittas who find the coolness of water calming for their intensity, however the Kapha in you will prefer a dryer environment especially when the humidity starts souring.
• Balance work and play. Set aside some time for R&R everyday, and do not get so absorbed in a project that you are unable to detach from it.
• Set aside about 30 minutes each day for meditation, to help balance the heart and emotions and to enhance body-mind-spirit coordination.
Take the quiz and find out what your dosha is: http://www.moderndosha.com/
Photo credits: http://www.theholistichighway.com/
Information from: http://www.theholistichighway.com/kapha-pitta/
Yoga Bitch 