MASSAGE - POSTURAL ALIGNMENT - RELEASING THE mYOfASCIA

Qualities: dry, light, quick, mobile, erratic, hard, contracting, cold

Vata-types are typically skim, with prominent joints and delicate, dry skin and hair. They can have a tendency to speak and think quickly and are generally more sensitive than most, due to Vata being the primary influence in the nervous system.

Vata types are prone to feeling the cold more easily than most as they literally have less sub-cutaneous fat. This also makes their finely tuned nervous system closer to the skin, increasing that sensitivity. When out of balance they may exhibit erratic eating patterns, dry skin, tight muscles, become ungrounded easily & have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. Vata has a quick, moving quality that influences the mind and can make it more difficult to quieten.

They need warmth, regularity, nurturing and a warming, slightly heavier, grounding and nourishing diet with healthy oils to counter Vata’s drying and light, airy tendency.

Vata types can be eccentric, and impulsive due to the erratic nature of the moving wind element. Their natural creativity can express itself in any area of life, as long as they maintain focus which they do best in a regulated and supported environment. They are best suited to working in a free-form style with a dependable support system that recognises their unique gifts. This enables them to bring forth their delicate and subtle creativity and vision,  to draw things “out of the Ether” or Space element that combines with the Air element to create Vata energy.

They tend to “follow their own drum”. Vata types especially need to develop pastimes that bring them into their body as they are more likely to drift of into their minds as the mind is so strongly connected with the nervous system and this system is primarily the domain of Vata.

***Anyone can have a Vata imbalance as Vata controls the nervous system and the movement of the two other doshas. Our world is highly overstimulated so Vata can easily go out of whack with most of us these days, regardless of our Ayurvedic Birth Profile. This imbalance will affect different Ayurvedic profiles in different ways. Being the most easily unbalanced of the three doshas and is implicated in most health issues.

An Ayurvedic consultation is recommended to understand the different effects of any imbalance as we are all different and are affected differently.

Qualities: Hot, light, penetrating, light, sharp,  slightly oily, soft, intense, passionate

Pitta-types are typically of medium athletic build, speaking clearly & confidently. They tend to be warm, inspiring, adventurous,  naturally ambitious and competitive,  appear confident, often with natural leadership qualities. They “consume” life and this fiery energy rules the digestive “fire” along with many other transformative processes in the body including the endocrine system.

As Pitta rules the digestive enzymes, when Pitta types are hungry they need to eat….NOW!

When out of balance, Pitta types are prone to inflammatory diseases of the skin or digestion and can become easily “heated” or feel compelled to “blow off steam”. If insecure or anxious they can become controlling or irritable.

Pitta types may have very high expectations, and need to guard against being overly critical of themselves and others. They can be impatient as they tend to “get things” more quickly than others due to their penetrating mind.

They thrive in cooler environments, with cooling foods that emphasise sweet, bitter and astringent qualities, plus adequate hydration, a balanced approach to competing and a realistic idea of their capacities,

Ruled buy the Sun, Pitta types should avoid outdoor activities when the hot sun is high. Enjoying Moon bathing is particularly beneficial.

Qualities: Cold, wet, heavy, slow, soft, static, dense, slippery, heavy, stable, solid, oily,  unctuous

Kapha types are typically of a heavier, stronger build, move & speak slowly and calmly, love to nurture, have excellent stamina and memory are loyal and difficult to ruffle. They often have beautiful limpid eyes, thicker hair and long lashes. They “tear up” easily due to their natural heart centredness and the predominance of the water element.

Kapha energy is often the quintessential “salt of the earth” type, dependable, loyal and nurturing energy. They are attractive to children due to their kind and stable natures. Needy adults may also be attracted, so Kapha types in particular may need to learn to guard against being drained by “energy vampires”. They tend to “hold on” to things and often relationships beyond their use by date due to excessive loyalty, due to a need to feel needed. Ruled by the Moon, Kapha is a feminine energy that likes to approach activities intuitively and not be rushed. This is the most deficient dosha in the world these days!

If out of balance, Kapha types feel heavy, are prone to congestion of mucus, congested facial skin, sluggish, slow digestion due to a lack of fire element, swelling/water retention, lethargy and heavy, unmotivated type of depression, often linked to congestion in the head that dulls the senses.  They thrive best with stimulation, activity and a warm, dry, light diet. Kapha is responsible for the structure, moisture and cohesiveness of the body and it’s processes.

Kapha has a sweet, sour and salty tendency in the body and is balanced by bitter, pungent and astringent foods. Their sweet nature can be reflected in  a sweet tooth, but unfortunately, sugar is particularly unsuitable for them as is salt (water element retaining). 

The three main combinations are Vata/Pitta | Pitta/Kapha | Vata Kapha

Vata/Pitta types will be dynamic, creative, impulsive types, the race horses of the Ayurvedic spectrum who are often brilliant due to the penetrating Pitta mind combined with the wide open receptivity of Vata. They, in particular need to guard against burn-out, due to Vata’s sensitivity and Pitta’s often overriding drive. They are particularly prone to a hot dryness and will particularly dislike hot, dry wind.  The water component of Pitta can be denuded by Vata’s drying quality and this can lead to an array of health issues including wiry, tight muscles, unpredictable digestive fire, and inflammatory osteo- arthritis.

Pitta/Kapha combines to make an excellent, worldly combination of fiery drive and Kapha stamina and compassion, making for excellent managerial skills and practical pursuits generally. They also combine Pitta’s athleticism with power and endurance, so they can be physically formidable! They are used to having stamina, but may realise later in life that even they can overdo things as they are used to being pretty invincible! They may develop health issues involving Kapha’s static tendency to block energy, leading to an unhealthy build up of heat in the body, that may create a feeling of not being able to release energies both physical and emotional.

Kapha/Vata types are more rare, although they can be easily mistaken for Pitta as their build “cancels out” with the combining of the ethereal type body and the more stocky Kapha body type appearing as a medium build, traditionally a Pitta quality. Unlike Pitta though, they will feel the cold, and especially need to change their habits in subtle ways with the changing temperatures of the seasons. They are often almost angelic due to their Vata ethereal sensitivity combining with Kapha’s sweet and compassionate nature.

Of course, understanding the variations in temperament and personality with Ayurvedic insights is hugely beneficial in understanding our loved ones. Issani also offers Relationship Consultations to understand just where two people compliment each other, and where the possible clashes may arise.