Ayurveda emphasizes that balancing of the three Doshas; Vata, Pita and Kapha, is crucial for a healthy mind and body. Ayurveda also teaches us that the five fundamental elements that make up the universe also make up the human physiology. The Vata dosha is made up of Ether or Akasha, and Air or Vayu. The Pitta dosha is made up of Fire or Agni and Water or Apu, while the Kapha dosha is a combination of Water and Earth or Prithvi.
Once you have determined which dosha or combination of doshas your body reflects, you can control the equilibrium of the dosha to a certain extent through your diet. These dietary guidelines can be used for mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution.
It might be difficult for patrons to follow a purely Ayurveda-inspired diet in their everyday lives, but within a spa context, it becomes doable. With more and more people opting for Ayurveda-inspired detoxification and rejuvenation packages in spas, the importance of Ayurvedic cuisine is being realized. Since diet is as important as other aspects of treatment/therapy, spas and wellness resorts are offering their clients diets customized according to their doshas. We take a look at the there doshas and the diet that is conducive to those constitutions.
Vata Dosha: Vata influences the movement of our thoughts and feelings, the manner in which Prana flows, nerve impulses and fluids in the body.
Food types that have a positive influence on Vata dosha
- Soothing foods that are served warm with medium to heavy textures such as milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, freshly baked bread.
- Foods that contain some added fat such as butter or ghee.
- Spicy foods of Indian, Mexican and Thai origin that are cooked in oil.
- Foods with salty, sour and sweet notes.
- Warm breakfast cereals based on rice, oats or wheat served with warm milk sugar or honey.
- Hot herbal teas and warm water instead of cold drinks.
- Sweet fruits instead of unripe astringent fruits.
- Salty snacks with oil rather than dry salty snacks.
Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during the colder months. Including the above types of food during this period would assist in balancing Vata Dosha.
Menus – with a vegetarian option for the main course.
Sample menu for Vata Dosha
Cumin scented pumpkin soup with toasted almonds
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Chicken and asparagus risotto
Thai green curry of vegetables with red rice pilaf
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Warm berry crumble
Pitta Dosha: Pitta influences in digestion and metabolism, body temperature hgh human growth hormone injectable hgh and biological transformations.
Food types that have a positive influence on Pitta dosha
- Foods eaten cool or warm but not steaming hot.
- Foods with or cooked with less butter and added fat.
- Those with moderate to heavy textures, with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.
- Foods with less salt and medium spice and sour notes. Avoid fast foods with extra salt.
- Eat cool and refreshing foods in the hot summer months. Avoid or reduce egg yolks, hot spices, nuts and honey
- Cool salads, ice creams and milk will help maintain Pitta.
- Vegetarian foods are the best for Pitta dosha. Consume starchy vegetables and grains as much as possible. Avoid red and fatty meats.
- For breakfast, cold fruit and cereals. Avoid coffee as it contains acids.
Sample menu for Pitta dosha (Vegetarian)
Chilled Gazpacho of cucumber, peppers and mint
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Free form saffron lasagna, seasonal vegetables and coriander salsa
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Fresh fruit platter of pineapple with coconut sorbet
Kapha Dosha: Kapha influences the heavy and moist aspects of the body.
Food types that have a positive influence on Kapha dosha
- Food that is served warm and are light in texture.
- Dry foods that are cooked with minimum quantities of liquid, butter, oil and sugar.
- Select hot food over cold food whenever feasible. Dry cooking methods (baking, broiling, grilling, sautéing) are preferable for kaphas over moist cooking such as steaming, boiling or poaching.
- Stimulating foods with bitter, pungent / spicy and astringent tastes. Spicy foods are good especially in winter.
- Raw foods; vegetables, salads and fruits.
- Eat light breakfasts and dinners.
- Ginger tea and spices such as fenugreek, cumin, sesame and turmeric.
For those with Kapha dosha, the main meal should be at the middle of the day. A light, dry meal is recommended for the evening. Kapha dosha is aggravated and increased in the spring of the year. During this season, eat less and choose dry, fibrous foods.
Sample menu for Kapha dosha
Salad of assorted greens, peppers topped with warm grilled pears
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Roasted eggplant, mushroom, broccoli with silken tofu
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Rice payasam with dry fruits
With consultation from an Ayurveda physician and a chef who knows his Ayurvedic cuisine, your clients will get the most benefits out of a wellness program. The best thing about Ayurvedic cooking is that it offers a wide range of options and can be customized to suit different kinds of people and even those with lifestyle diseases. With the help of the right foods and therapies, a balance of the doshas can be easily achieved and the way to good health, unlocked.
Tags: Ayurveda, Kapha Dosha, Pitta Dosha, spa soul, Vata Dosha
