Understanding our Mind with Ayurvedic Psychology

The tapestry of life grows more complex as time gains momentum. In an age such as this, having a schedule that demands more than we can give might not sound all that unfamiliar to you. But it is in waves of this kind that reverting back to our essence is more important than ever. Ayurvedic psychology embraces the parts of our makeup that are unique to us, addressing them in ways that are holistic and impactful.

What is Ayurvedic Psychology?

Drawing its concepts from ancient Indian scripts, Ayurvedic Psychology is, in all sense of manner, a contour between both the mental and physical forms of healing. Essentially, it toes the line of being both a therapeutic approach and a physical treatment rolled into one. You might be wondering how an approach that stems from spiritual text could help bring harmony to your life, so driven by progress, so shaped by modernity. The answer is quite simple. The Ayurvedic philosophy simply asks you to look inside yourself. The substance that makes
you, and how your outsides manoeuvre it to produce the varying reactions that we call illnesses, emotions, or even temperaments.

The three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Ayurvedic Psychology is deeply mindful of the metaphysical matter that is believed to be involved in the creation of every physical thing; namely, the five fundamental elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Imprints of these entities are present in the entirety of our mind, body, and spirit. These elemental energies come together in differing quantities and pairings to give rise to the patterns of every trait, illness, growth, and the bodily activity that we are meant to possess. You can think of doshas as blueprints of your being that dictate every lineation that you’ll ever experience.

The first dosha, identified as Vata, is a blend between the elements of air and ether. It is essential in the commanding of your physical movements, the activity of your mind, and even the functioning of your nervous system. Pitta, on the other hand, merges fire and water, reigning over digestive, metabolic activities, and our vision. Lastly, Kapha pairs earth and water, ruling structure and lubrication within the body. You must have noticed by now that each dosha governs functions that align the most with the characteristics of the elements that constitute it.

The doshas and self-care:

While intrigued, you still might be a bit perplexed as to how the doshas fit into your attempt to create a more balanced self-care regimen for yourself. Now that you’re aware of the doshas and their respective domains, here’s how you can put that knowledge to use and integrate these manageable practices in your seemingly unmanageable schedule for a more balanced lifestyle:

Seasonal nutrition:

By the virtues of each dosha, Vata commands the lifeless wintery cold, Pitta takes on the summer heat, while Khapa fits into the blooming folds of spring. The best guide to balanced eating is to reach for foods that counter the natural characteristics of each dosha. For instance, warmer foods in the fall are just what your body needs in this Vata-dictated season!

Yoga:

An interesting fact about yoga is that it is often deemed as a sister science to the Ayurvedic approach. A number of yoga exercises are particularly crafted to balance each dosha, enhancing the bodily functions that they sustain and rejuvenating the mind. If you’re already fond of yoga, a dosha-inspired approach will be all the more enjoyable to you.

Breathing Exercises:

Breathing exercises are already very effective for psychological unwinding when needed. The fact that controlled and mindful breathing strengthens the dosha functions as well, makes regularly practicing these techniques a treat for both the mind and the body. Absorbing more oxygen into the bloodstream feeds the embers of the pitta fire that sustains digestion. Breathing, the very act of living itself, breathes life into the body, and strengthens
the doshas.