One of the first things we learned about in Yoga Teacher Training was Ayurveda. It became the foundation for an improvement in my routine, a way to incorporate mindfulness and a form of home practice I could do when I couldn't do yoga.
Based in ancient Vedic culture, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healing science. Western healing systems such as Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy have their roots in Ayurveda (1). Ayurveda is based on the idea that each person has a particular pattern of energy: physical, mental and emotional. As yoga is to the physical body, Ayurveda is to the internal: digestion and maintenance of health. There are three dosha within Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You can think of these doshas as personality types, but not only does our dosha explain our personality, but our physique, tendencies, likes and dislikes, physiology and imbalances. Each of us has a “constitution” we are born with that is a ratio between all three, but each of us also have a dosha that is most predominant among the others (2). Though at different times in our life and times of the year, you may represent a different dosha more so than others. Generally speaking, however, the constitution you are born with is constant.
I’ve gathered some information on personality traits, but as stated there are many other aspects of the dosha that play a part. You can find out your dosha by taking the free quiz: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/dosha-quiz/ . Along with finding out about your dosha, you can find out more about how to balance the doshas that may be currently imbalanced.
Our teacher's challenge to us was to create a morning and evening routine that integrates our dosha and balancing any imbalances. I have incorporated several things (including tongue scraping and oil massages) and am still working to bring more mindfulness of my dosha into my day. I created these to give you some ideas of what you might want to experiment with, but the list is truly endless. If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda, I’d love to know! The links below were some I used as resources and would be a great place to start if you’re curious. Talk to me about your dosha: @upsidedown_physio on instagram, @dpt_klee on twitter or send me an email at kayleevd@gmail.com.
With Gratitude,
Kaylee
Kaylee, PT, DPT
Kaylee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in the Bay Area of California. She received her degree in 2020 from The University of Miami and is currently practicing in Sub-Acute Rehab. Kaylee is passionate about all things yoga, neuro-rehab, and limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation demonstrated through practice, student education and advocacy.https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/learning-ayurveda/understanding-your-constitution/vata/
Follow along at @upsidedown_physio on instagram and @DPT_Klee on twitter.
Kaylee, PT, DPT
Kaylee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in the Bay Area of California. She received her degree in 2020 from The University of Miami and is currently practicing in an Assisted Living Facility. Kaylee is passionate about all things yoga, neuro-rehab, and limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation demonstrated through practice, student education and advocacy.