An Introduction to Ayurveda Detox

Regain the balance and reach a deeper clarity. Take a break from the stresses and habits of daily life and focus on your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Ayurveda is a system of medicine dating back over 5,000 years to the Vedic high culture of Ancient India that is built upon the idea of the wholeness of life. There is no distinction between the body and soul, nor people and their surroundings – it is the idea that everything is connected and interdependent. According to Ayurveda all aspects of life need to be considered when diagnosing and treating someone, that is, their mind, body, and soul, as well as the external factors that affect us such as the seasons and weather. It is the combination of all these things that make us who we are, and therefore also contribute towards any feelings of ill health.

Ayurveda is built upon the doctrine of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurevda, Doshas are the energy forces at work within every human that govern all the physical and mental functions of the body. Each of the Doshas has its own purpose and characteristics that are derived from two of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth.

Vata

Vata is derived from the elements ether and air and is considered to be the absolute life energy. The function of Vata is to control both voluntary and autonomic movement, influence the muscle skeleton, regulate the internal organs, circulation, respiratory system, and all excretion processes. It is also said to affect spiritual receptiveness, clarity, and alertness.

Pitta

Pitta combines the elements of fire and water and is considered the metabolic principle. The function of Pitta is to regulate body temperature, digestion, metabolism, blood formation, skin, eyesight, intellect, and emotional expression.

Kapha

Kapha is encompassed of the elements earth and water and influences the body’s immune system. Kapha is responsible for body structures and fluid balance; it also regulates mental stability and harmony as well as memory functions.

While everyone has all three of the Doshas, usually one of them will be dominant and result in your Ayurvedic constitution type. Your physical and mental characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, and reactions to foods, sensations, climate, and living conditions are all thought to be dependent on your constitution type.

Vata Types

Vata types are characterised physically as having dry skin and a light frame. They tend to have irregular eating patterns and digestion. Vata types are usually enthusiastic, fast thinkers, quick-witted, and have good short-term memory. These types can also be prone to worrying and sleep disorders. 

Pitta Types

Physically, Pitta types tend to have normal skin and a medium to heavy build; they also often have red hair, freckles and moles. They generally have a good appetite and digestive system. They are thought to prefer cold food and drinks and have an aversion to heat. Pitta types often work in a systematic and organised fashion, and while their perception and memory are thought to be fairly average, they are good speakers and have a sharp intellect. They also have a courageous and adventurous character that is prone to impatience.

Kapha Types

Those with a Kapha constitution often have smooth and oily skin and strong, rather dark hair. They don’t often experience hunger and have a slow digestive system. Kapha types tend to be slow learners and approach things slowly and methodically. They’re known for their strength and endurance, as well as their calm and balanced personality which makes them difficult to get worked up. They have good long-term memory and are generally heavy sleepers.

According to Ayurveda, if all three of the Doshas are in harmony with one another and functioning correctly, a person should experience good health, however, it is when they fall out of balance that treatment may be required to prevent or cure an illness.