How The Doshas Respond To Stress

Ayurveda states our Doshas can dictate our life from our behaviors to our responses to different situations. The way we react to stress is often governed by our dominant Dosha. Stress reactions are more extreme when there is a Vata or Pitta imbalance, whereas a Kapha imbalance can lead to depression. By identifying your dominant Dosha you can learn how to deal with stress better. Not sure what your Dosha is? Take our Dosha Quiz

Vata

• Try self-body and foot massages to help balance Vata.
• Include plant-based milk, dairy milk, ghee, olive oil, and coconut oil in your cooking.
• Herbs like blue peas, nutmeg, Brahmi, and Ashwagandha can help balance insomnia and anxiety.
• Avoid caffeine as much as possible.
• Do Yoga Nidra and sound healing meditations.
• Practice child’s pose, Viparati Karani (legs up the wall), or a spinal twist to help improve brain functions.
• Do some affirmations that can increase self-confidence.
• Make a priority list so that you can finish tasks one by one rather than overlapping and multitasking.

Pitta

• Do a self-analysis of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Journal your ideas as you may have many planning thoughts.
• Make time for fun-oriented games or activities.
• Enjoy time at the beach.
• Stop comparing yourself with others.
• Try cooling breathing exercises such as Seethali and Seetkari breath.
• Drink herbal teas with lemongrass, cardamom, and vetiver roots.

Kapha

• Wake up by 7 am and go to sleep by 9:30/10 pm.
• Do regular exercises in the morning and evening which helps to activate and motivate yourself.
• Try eating at regular times.
• Accept that change happens in life.
• Talk with your trustworthy friends and share any struggles that you’re facing.
• Identify over-attachment and toxic relationships—work to avoid these as much as possible.
• Go for nature walks regularly.
• Spend time with friends rather than spending time in isolation.

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Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal, BAMS, MS (Ayurveda Gynec), PGDYN

Dr. Resmi is a versatile Ayurvedic physician from Kerala, India, specializing in women’s health and pregnancy care, therapeutic yoga, and nutrition.

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