Hello all! My name is Alexandra “Alex” White. I am currently on my journey to becoming a 200 RYT with your founder and owner, Angela Hammond. During this training, I was introduced to Ayurvedic pulse reading and the doshas. I was smitten! So, for the next few weeks we will explore this wholistic approach to medicine and begin to understand ourselves better. By gaining knowledge about ourselves, we can create an even better plan to conquer goals as well as continue our journey to wholeness!
What exactly is a dosha and where does it come from? Thanks for asking, yogi! A dosha, aka life force, is a concept from Ayurveda. Ayurveda is defined as, “A system of healing that examines physical constitution, emotional nature, and spiritual outlook in the context of the universe.” This practiced philosophy of wholistic medicine is originated from the belief that all beings are made from three main energy forces. All are a combination of pitta, kapha, and vata, but the ratios and the way they come together vary from one being to another. In Ayurveda, we are all truly unique. Knowing how the doshas combine in you specifically provides enlightenment to your deepest nature including your physical form, personality, mental and emotional tendencies, the forms of exercise you favor and need, and the foods one is drawn to or should be consuming.
To discover the dosha that reigns above the rest, a test can be taken and or you/someone can read your pulse. The test consists of questions about how your body is built such as eye color, frame, skin, hair, height, and how/where you gain or lose weight. To take the test follow the link: https://www.mapi.com/doshas/dosha-test/index.html
The second way to attain the type of dosha you are is by taking your pulse. The directions are as follows, “To take your pulse, gently put your right arm out in front of you in a comfortable position, palm facing you, and wrap your left hand around your wrist so that your fingers fall about an inch away from the bottom of your right thumb. Your primary pulse will be on your left wrist, so do the opposite placing your right fingers below your left thumb. The goal here is to feel the pulse without much pressure. Keeping the little finger raised, the remaining three fingers should be close together and aligned—they act as your pulse sensors.” If a pulse is felt more in the pointer/index finger you tend toward Vata. When the pulse is strongest at the middle finger you are Pitta. Lastly, if the heartbeat is most prevalent in the ring finger your dosha is Kapha.
So now what? Let’s take a brief look at vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata is defined by the elements of space and wind. The literal translation is “wind,” or “that which moves things.” Because vata moves the other doshas, it can also be referred to as the King of Doshas. Many vatas lean towards creative tendencies. When vata dosha is primary, one normally is cold, light, and changeable. Vatas are generally flexible, spontaneous, and possess precise agility. They tend to enjoy cuddling and being immersed in warmth.
Pitta is defined as, “that which digests things.” The elements it consists of are fire and water. When pitta dosha is dominant one tends to be hot and acidic. Many are great teachers and speakers and possess the ability to concentrate well but can also have fun. They are known for their laughter.
The last dosha is kapha. This last energy is made of earth and water. The definition is “that which binds things.” When kapha dosha is dominant, one tends to be dense, soft, and oily. They are the “mom” of every group and love a nice routine. A kapha always lends a helping hand and is very rarely in an unkind mood. Did your quiz or pulse reading get it right? If not, you should retake the quiz or ask a friend to read your pulse.
Stay tuned to take a deeper look into YOUR unique dosha!
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