PRAKRITI TYPE

VATA : PITTA

MRP-Rs.499 available on vedix.com

 Index

What are Ayurvedic Doshas? 1

What is Prakriti? 3

Tridosha Dominance In The Circadian Rhythm 4

Tridoshas and Age 6

Tridoshas and Yearly Cycle 6

Tridoshas and Tastes 8

Vata-Pitta Prakriti 9

Exercise for Vata-Pitta 11

Food and Diet for Vata-Pitta 12

What to avoid for Vata-Pitta? 13

Routine for Vata-Pitta 13

Home remedies for Vata-Pitta 14

 Our Ayurvedic Expert

Dr. Zeel Gandhi

BAMS, Ayurveda Doctor, 7 Years Experience Overall.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor and passionately believes in ancient

Indian science to maintain good health, cure and prevent diseases. Dr. Gandhi
graduated as a top ranker from Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Ayurveda and Research
Centre, Navi Mumbai, and is a specialist in Panchakarma therapies

A strong proponent of holistic solutions and treating diseases from the root, Dr.
Gandhi is our in-house expert for internal medicine, Panchakarma therapies,
Yoga and Ayurvedic nutrition. She has finely curated this customized book to
help everyone experience the enriching feel of Ayurveda and savor the natural
balance of their body, mind, and soul.

“ The knowledge of your prakriti and attuning to it your lifestyle, food, profession
and relationships is a very simple way of complying with the modern era edict,
“Embrace yourself”. Ayurveda believes your unique identity deserves a unique
consideration. Knowing yourself helps you build on your strengths and work on
what holds you back from living your life to your full potential.

Ayurveda believes our aspirations in life our unique and good health is a freeway
to pursue Dharma: Knowledge of the right and wrong, Artha: Materialism, Kama:
Desires, Moksha: Fulfillment. Aligning our choices in life with our prakriti is an

“
effortless way to achieve health and happiness.
 Our Ayurvedic Expert

Dr. Varsha
MD, Ayurveda Doctor.

Dr.Varsha is an Ayurveda doctor with a degree in the Indian system of medicine

and MD in the field of Ayurveda Pharmacology (Dravyaguna). She earned her
bachelor's degree in Ayurvedic medicine from Rajiv Gandhi University of health
sciences and MD from NTR University of health sciences. She has a diverse work
experience as a Senior consultant for Government of India health projects in
the North eastern and Southern parts of India, under CCRAS (Central Council
for research in Ayurveda sciences) and as a physician at clinics and
rehabilitation centers.Dr. Varsha Prabala also has a seamless record of expert
research & development in ayurvedic formulations for skin and hair

“ Ayurveda is not just the application of herbs to treat various ailments. It is a

science that teaches us to appreciate our prakruti or innate constitution and
understand how unique we are.
“
 Our Ayurvedic Expert

Dr. Sridevi gaddam

Ayurveda Guru, 20 years of clinical expertise.

Dr. Sridevi gaddam is an award-winning ayurvedic practitioner with over 20

years of clinical expertise. She mastered the art of formulations and
panchakarma from some of the most respected gurus of ayurveda in Kerala.
She is the brains behind Vedix, as well as the lead formulator.

“ Ayurveda is the only medicine which encompasses not only the physical and energetic body, but the
emotions, the mind, and the spirit. Hence, it is called Holistic Medicine.

Ayurveda goes deeper and has a highly developed logical system to support its understanding of the
different natures of individuals (Prakriti) and, hence, their treatment. This is called the Tridosha theory
that forms the basis for the Ayurvedic system. Tridosha not only allows you to choose the herbal
remedies that are correct for you, with great accuracy, it also allows you to structure your diet on a
more profound level than the biochemical nutritional model.

In summary, the most fundamental aspect of human anatomy is the Tridosha, or Three Humor theory.
These humors function through five sub-humors (Pancha Mahabhutas- Agni, Jala, Vayu, Aakasha,
pruthvi). The humors move through the seven tissue levels (Sapta Dhatus- Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa,
Medho, Asthi, Majja, Shukra), either nourishing them in a healthy body or accumulating and resting in
them as disease. The normal health of the body is maintained by the seven tissue levels and they are
supplied by the channels. These channels outnumber the tissues and also support the organs and
other mechanical functions of the body. The Kalas or membranes act as protection to the tissues and
also are directly responsible for absorption and diffusion of nutrients. In a nutshell, health is the result
of these systems functioning together in harmony. Disease is the result of disturbance of the natural
rhythm of these systems. This is where Ayurveda specializes in finding out the root cause of this
disturbance (disease) rather than concentrating on the symptomatic treatment.

“
Complete health is achieved only by balancing the body, mind and soul (prana). Ayurveda is the
science which acts as a catalyst to help one achieve this balance.
Introduction INTRODUCTION
What Are What
Ayurvedic Doshas? Doshas?
Are Ayurvedic
To understand your Prakriti, it’s important to start from the basics.
Ayurveda, simplifies the body physiology ascribing each function to a
particular dosha. Doshas are the three fundamentals to understand
Ayurveda and your Prakriti.

Ayurveda believes the Universe is composed of the Panchamahabhuta, or

the five great elements - Akasha (space), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Jala (water),
and Prithvi (earth)

AYURVEDIC DOSHAS
Five Basic Elements

air ether

fire water earth

Like everything else in the universe, the body and its three doshas are also
composed of the five great elements. These panchamahabhutas have
their own qualities, and are present in all matter in varying degrees of
proportion. The most dominant mahabhuta imparts its qualities to the
respective matter.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 1

 Mahabhuta Properties
Akash Empty area of cosmos, frictionless, sound

Vayu Light, subtle, touch

Agni Energy, transformation, ageing, warmth, vision

Jala Fluidity, motion, taste

Prithvi Solidity, grounding forces, smell.

Tridoshas are the three forces of the body, which bring health when in
balance, and produce diseases when out of balance. The three doshas are
called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

These are forces or energies that work through the body to maintain
homeostasis.

Vata is the force that holds together Akasha and Vayu mahabhuta.

Pitta is the force that holds together Agni and Jala mahabhuta.

Kapha is the force that holds together Prithvi and Jala mahabhuta.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 2

 What is Prakriti?

Prakriti, literally translated to nature, is the innate balance of doshas that

one acquires at the time of conception. Your prakriti is dependent on the
following factors:

Quality of the parent’s sperm

Quality of the parent’s ovum
Health of parents
Season (explained further in the article)
Diet of mother during the months of pregnancy
Dosha dominance of each parent
Geographical location (Desha)

These factors govern how vata, pitta and kapha will express themselves in
your physique and your psyche throughout your life.

A prakriti once defined cannot be changed. Although age, time and

seasons exert their effects, the basic prakriti remains constant. It’s very
much like your DNA, very unique but also a crossover of your parent’s
prakritis.

There are a total of 8 Prakritis based on the three doshas:

1. Vata dominant
2. Pitta dominant
3. Kapha dominant
4. Vata-Kapha dominant
5. Kapha-Pitta dominant
6. Pitta-Vata dominant
7. Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance
8. Vata-Pitta-Kapha imbalance

Note: All doshas are present in all prakritis. The dominant Dosha that
expresses apparent characteristics, physical and mental, is considered the
dominant prakriti.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 3

 Tridosha Sites In Your Body
Broadly, Kapha is dominant in the chest, Pitta around the navel, and Vata
below the navel.

The chest, heart, thymus (lymphatics) and stomach all are dominant in
Kapha dosha. Small intestines, pancreas, liver and all the intestinal
digestive glands are dominant in Pitta dosha. Bladder, uterus, ceacum,
rectum and the body sphincters that open downward are all governed by
Vata Dosha.

KAPHA
PITTA

VATA

Tridosha Dominance In The Circadian Rhythm

Ayurveda believes the diurnal rhythms govern the Vata, Pitta and
Kapha doshas.

PITTA
Day 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM

Circadian
Night 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM
KAPHA

Rhythm
Day 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM

Night 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM

VATA
Day 2.00 PM to 6.00 PM

Night 2.00 AM to 6.00 AM

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 4

Vata is active before sunrise, thus it is ideal to wake up at this time of
morning. This way, the nervous system is active, brain functions strongest
and is also the best time to evacuate bowels and urine.

The nervous energy should be channelized for positive thoughts and

hence, quiet deep breathing with meditation can do wonders at this time
of the diurnal rhythm.
This balances the entire system.

The period before sunset (in the day time) signifies plenty of energy to get
the day’s work done and put the tasks to completion. The mind and body
are active, creative and excited. Communication and socialization are two
activities that are best done during this time.

Kapha is active in the morning and immediately after sunrise. Sleeping at

these times is not advisable, because sleep further promotes Kapha and
makes the system sluggish, weight loss journey difficult and dulls the
mind and senses.

Since immediately after sunset is when most people choose to eat, it is

advisable to keep the meals light. Heavy meals produce more kapha and
result in sluggishness. It is apparent that exercise in this time greatly
benefits the body.

Planning the day in the morning and analyzing the day in the evening are
best done in the Kapha periods. Kapha periods should be introspective.

Pitta is at peak at noon. It's the best time to eat. Lunch should invariably
be the biggest meal of the day. Pitta is also at peak around midnight and
people who want to avoid overheating their body system should avoid
keeping awake between 10.00 PM and 2.00 AM.

One should not eat around midnight, though it is the time of Pitta. This
Pitta energy is mainly for the tissue level digestion. Scientifically, the liver
is most active at this time of the diurnal cycle . To not overburden the
system, food should never be consumed beyond 10.00 PM.

Pitta time during the day is best for eating, organizing and taking definite
action for difficult tasks. At night, one should ideally be sleeping
peacefully for the body’s energy to clear up the toxins and metabolites at
the cellular level.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 5

 Tridoshas And Age
In spite of your prakriti, the doshas are dominant at the different
stages of life.

Kapha is dominant in the young age, from birth to adolescence, The body
tissues are soft, and the mind is contemplative. Time to learn, and prepare.

Pitta governs from adolescence to the fifties. The bones now start to ossify
(harden) and so does the mental conviction. One has drive and zest for life.

Vata is perceivably dominant in old age. The body is afflicted with

musculoskeletal derangement, weakening of sense organs and fatigue.

Tridoshas And Yearly Cycle

Spring Summer
KAPHA MILD VATA

Late winter Seasonal Moonsoon

MILD KAPHA Influences VATA

Winter Autumn
TRIDOSHA PITTA
BALANCE

Just as the day and night cycles affect the rhythm of tridoshas, yearly, the
sun cycle also exerts its effect on the tridoshas in the body.

All of us have experienced the Spring Flu season that Kapha domination
triggers, or the aggravated pains in the Monsoon. The Autumn brings heat
in the body and triggers herpes, malaria and dengue infections that
primarily affect the blood.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 6

Ayurveda recommends following different seasonal routines to balance
the effects of the doshas and maintain health throughout the year.

Vamana is the best detox treatment for Kapha in the spring season. This
involves medically induced vomiting and helps prevent allergies, viral
infections and manages one’s weight issues. Vamana helps expel Kapha
from its site, stomach and lungs.

Basti is the best detox treatment for Vata and is advised when vata
derangement is at its highest in the monsoon. Basti is a series of
medicated enemas that helps balance the Vata dosha. Large intestine is
the site of Vata dosha, and enema treatments are thus very potent to
balance Vata.

Pitta aggravation in the Autumn is managed with Purgation treatment

called Virechana. This expels Pitta deranged in the small intestines. This
normalizes the Pita functions through the year.

Apart from the Detox prescriptions, every season has dietary

recommendations to protect one’s agni (Digestive fire) and thus prevent
diseases.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 7

 Tridoshas And Tastes
Food is what makes us who we are. Food has a direct effect on the Vata,
Pitta, Kapha of the body. Ayurveda, very clearly states, “You are what your
food is.” The panch bhautik food that we consume, becomes a part of our
body. Food plays a major role in governing our inclinations, likes and
tendencies .

Taste Translation Mahabhuta Effect on dosha Example

Increase: Kapha,
Madhur Sweet Earth + water Sugar
Decrease: Vata, Pitta
Increase: Kapha, Pitta
Amla Sour Earth + fire Lemon
Decrease: Vata
Increase: Kapha, Pitta
Lavana Salty Water + fire Sea salt
Decrease: Vata
Increase: Pitta, Vata
Katu Pungent Air + fire Pepper
Decrease: Kapha
Increase: Vata
Tikta Bitter Air + ether Bitter herbs
Decrease: Kapha, Pitta
Increase: Vata
Kashaya Astringent Air + earth Green tea
Decrease: Kapha, Pitta

This means, if a person is a Vata Prakriti, foods that are sweet, salty and
sour are best suited for his health and they should avoid eating foods that
are dry, pungent and bitter.

A Pitta prakriti person will benefit from sweet foods, bitters from the gourd
family, leafy vegetables, and astringents (like green tea). Spices, salt and
sour foods put pitta out of balance.

A Kapha should avoid foods that are sweet, salty and sour. They benefit a
lot from grains that are sufficiently spiced and accompanied with
boiled/raw vegetables that are astringent (cabbage) and bitter with
minimum cooking oils.

Vata, Pitta, Kapha govern the body functions when healthy and cause
diseases when out of harmony. For every person, this state of harmony is
unique which is their very own Prakriti. Only monozygotic twins have the
same prakriti.

Vata, Pitta, Kapha are sensitive to the rhythm of sun, day and night and
seasons. Hence, one has to adapt and change their routines likewise to
stay healthy.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 8

 Vata-Pitta Prakriti

VATA-PITTA DOSHA

Vata Pitta

These people have the air of vata and fire of Pitta. They love action in their
lives. They are impulsive and like to say things out loud without much
consideration of its implication.

They are fast paced, competitive, but often lack energy due to burn out.
They love to try different cuisines and get bored easily. Vata-pittas are
pure energies and when employed positively, can be very good at
executing difficult tasks.

Nature and Temperament

Vata Pitta prakriti are dominant in Fire and Air. If anything they need most
in their lives are the grounding energies of Earth and water. They are
creative, Quick learners and highly self motivated ( the fast moving
abilities of fire and air). Fire needs fuel and air needs control. Thus, Vata
Pitta individuals find fulfilment in life when they have enough energy and
can practice healthy self control over their thoughts and actions. They are
extroverted and often love to talk.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 9

Vata Pitta individuals are driven, competitive, but frequently suffer from
over work and resultant burn outs. Thus their food, daily routine should
help them replenish and nourish their bodies, minds and souls. Their
thoughts often manifest as pictures and words, much like cinema. They
have quick memory recall, but tend to easily forget things over time.

Body Type

Vata and Pitta have light to moderate body build. They are seldom
overweight. They can put on weight if they do not check on impulsive
binging. Their bodies are athletic and possess plenty of nervous energy
and drive. When unhealthy Vata Pittas suffer from exhaustion easily. Their
skins are radiant red and hair can be wavy or curly. They walk quickly,
speak quickly but authoritatively. Vata pitta bodies remind one of
Athletes.

Profession

Trailblazers, this prakriti loves action and enjoys doing work that puts
them in limelight like Journalism, Modelling, Cinema, Blogging, Media and
Advertising.

Seasonal Effect

The cusp of summer and monsoon ( May second half to July First half) is a
period when the body is weakest for these individuals. Water sports, foods
that are nourishing and cooling help Viz. Cool rice with curds, and staying
indoors helps. Autumn may trigger allergies, and Skin troubles and thus
salt consumption should be reduced during this time. Seasonal detoxes
are advisable to this individual in these periods to help maintain health.

While one may escape without repercussions of following an unhealthy

diet through the other times of the year, one must exercise caution and
should follow all the do's and don'ts during the seasons that affect their
respective doshas.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 10

 Exercise for Vata-Pitta
Exercises that increase the core strength are best suited for this prakriti.
Seldom overweight, these individuals need exercise that keep their high
energies up throughout the day. It is important to create a balance in Agni
(digestive fires) which can be either too high or low, regular exercises will
help balance it

To pacify this dosha type, having slow gentle form of yoga can be
relaxing

Meditation in the morning can help keep the mind calm, These
individuals are often impulsive and overthink things. Mindful
meditation is often difficult for such individuals. The best way to
contemplate the day and past is to write. Writing helps detangle the
rush of thoughts these individuals frequently experience, and helps the
mind focus on one thing at a time.

Practice pranayamas that can be very relaxing. Mild pranayam helps

control the vata, but it is highly recommended to not tire the lungs with
excess pranayam for this prakriti type.

Exercises that help strengthen the core are good for this prakriti.
Rhythmic exercise helps balance the Vata and pitta. Planks, push ups,
Lunges, Sit ups, etc. help build strength in the muscles.

Asanas that require holding the positions for long or challenges the
course of Air in their bodies are highly recommended such as
Sarvangasana, Santolanasana, Tiryak Santolanasana, Tada asana,
Trikonasana, Chakrasana, Kandharasana Dhanurasana and Balasana

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 11

 Food and Diet for Vata-Pitta

Pitta vata individuals love novelty in life and get bored easily with the daily
drudge. They are playful with spices. They often have impulsive hunger
patterns and experience satiety with small amounts of food. They are easy
to addictions, and often resort to chemicals that help them keep up their
zest and drive especially caffeine, Sugar and nicotine. ( It is important to
create a balance in Agni (digestive fires) which can be either too high or
low, regular exercises will help balance it.

Have sweet fruits like bananas, apples grapes, oranges and pineapples

Spices such as cardamom, cilantro, cumin, fennel and turmeric.Their

bodies naturally are in less need of spices. Carbohydrates and fats help
these bodies, proteins should not be the major part of diet.

Dairy consumption can be good like ghee, milk, butter.

For protein having white meats, moong dal and lentils can be beneficial

Coconut is an extremely healthy addition to balance both the doshas

Having boiled soups prepared from Gourds (especially bottle gourd),

pumpkins and squashes, with a healthy drizzle of fats is excellent for this
prakriti

They are very quick to addictions and hence alcohol and all other
stimulant drugs are best avoided by them.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 12

 What to avoid for Vata-Pitta?

Caffeine, Sugar and nicotine especially in the afternoons.

Impulse eating

Excessive use of spices, sours (that extra dash of lemon or tomatoes)

Keep in mind to avoid cold dairy products and minimize in consumption

of sour like sour yogurt or sour cream

Avoid foods that are extreme in taste or temperature( too cold or too hot
consumption of food). Consume food at moderate temperatures and
spice level.

Yoga routines that are too strenuous

Raw vegetables can be problematic for the one's with vata dominant

Routine for Vata-Pitta

Avoiding acting on an impulse - let the day's task be well contemplated
before action

Over Thinking - Proper communication, trust, and logical analysis helps.

Most creative period for work and new ideas is from 12 noon to 5 pm

These prakriti people should avoid staying awake late at night, which they
are often tempted to do .

The digestive fires are strongest at about 10a.m to 2 p.m, It is the best time
to have your main meal

Salty and bitter foods should be taken in moderation

Eat small quantities of food, instead of big meals

Keep breakfast and dinner light

It is great to have a daily routine and timing your meals

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 13

 Home remedies for Vata-Pitta

Neem And Amla taken regularly early morning with warm water, helps
balance vata pitta doshas and prevent diseases.

Common Health Issues

Cough- Warm milk with dry ginger, Black pepper and Long pepper
powder helps.

Cold- Steam with eucalyptus oil or menthol helps

Headache- A paste of sandalwood and Camphor provides relief from a

headache, Chew a spoonful of fennel seeds and follow it with milk, for
relief from headache.

Loose motions- Buttermilk with Turmeric, Cumin and Dry ginger

powder helps

Mouth Ulcers- Applying Honey Relieves ulcers

Sucking on acacia gum (Gond) helps relieve mouth ulcers

Urine troubles- Sherbet made with soaking crushed fennel seeds and
cardamom powder with or without sugar helps relieve urine troubles.

Weight Management- Amla juice taken in the morning helps one to

maintain good body weight.

Joint Pains- Massage with castor oil and warm fomentation helps relieve
pains recipe- 1/2 tsp Methi powder + 1/4 tsp dry ginger powder + pod of
ginger made into a tea and taken with a spoon castor oil helps relieve joint
pains

Hair Growth- 1 spoon of Amla powder licked with honey at night helps
improve hair health regular massage is a sure way to grow healthy hair4

Constipation- Fennel seeds and psyllium husk 1 spoon each taken at

bedtime aids bowel movement.

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 14

Dark spots on skin- Turmeric powder with Aloe juice helps

Gas Troubles- Tea made with a spoon of crushed, Cumin (jeera and
Carom (ajwain) seeds boiled in water helps. Putting a hot water bag on the
abdomen also helps

Dandruff- Coconut oil with Lemon applied before hair wash helps control
dandruff

Burning Eyes- 2 drops of Pure Rose water, dropped in eyes, helps relieve
tired eyes

Hiccups- Cardamom powder and Mishri (Sugar candy ) taken

together helps

Prakriti Type VATA : PITTA 14