CHAPTER 5 On The Road To Abundant Health

CHAPTER 5   on The Road To Abundant Health
"The ultimate cause of human disease is the consequence
of our transgression of the universal laws of life."
~ Paracelsus
The Wonders Of Our Biological Rhythms
• The sleep-inducing hormone melatonin is secreted in response to the darkness of the night.
Although it may not be apparent to a layperson, the human body is largely run by “biological rhythms.”
All organs, systems, and cells are controlled by exact, cyclic patterns of rest and activity which we can
aptly call the “universal laws of life.” The following are a few examples of the biological rhythms that
follow these laws:
• Normal menstrual cycles repeat themselves every 27 ½ days.
• The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are naturally released into the blood stream at the
early morning hours to promote physical activity.
• Immunity and iron concentrations in the blood reach low levels in women during menstruation
and high levels during ovulation.
• The liver is more active during the night than it is during the day.
• Red bone marrow produces more blood cells during the night.
• Most digestive enzymes are secreted during the day.
• Bile secretions peak at midday.
• The large bowel is most active and efficient in the early morning hours.
• Different types of cells have different life-spans and are turned over at specific intervals.
• The happiness-producing brain hormone serotonin is produced in response to natural daylight.
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It is estimated that over 1,000 of these biological rhythms operate in and control the human body.
forms require sunlight or sun
energy for their existence, and so do all human beings. The movements of the Earth around its axis and
around the sun create the precise cycles of day and night, as well as the seasonal changes. These rhythmic,
repetitive patterns of the forces in nature, in turn, program our DNA to conduct all physical activities with
p
ays travel to the body’s
m
hes peak levels between 1a.m. and
3a.m. and drops to its lowest levels at midday. The pineal gland secretes this hormone directly into the
blood stream, which makes it instantly available to all the cells in the body and tells them “what time it is”
in nature, meaning, in what position the Earth is in relation to the sun.
ds, therefore, on the degree to which we allow
the body to be in synchrony and harmony with the cycles of day and night.
the circadian rhythm causes abnormal secretions of the brain hormones melatonin
a . This hormonal imbalance, in turn, leads to erratic biological rhythms, which can
s
The Human Body Clock
Each biological timer dictates a specific rhythm or cyclic behavior to a group of cells, an organ or an
endocrine gland. All the different individual timers or clocks are intrinsically linked to a common master
clock. The master clock coordinates the individual clocks with one another and makes certain that
everything in the body is carried out according to its master plan. This master plan consists of nothing but
the body’s constant effort to maintain perfect equilibrium or balance.
The body’s master clock is controlled by nature’s most influential cycle, known as the circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm prompts us to become active in the morning and to wind down in the evening. The
sun is the main giver of life on the planet. Both organic and inorganic life
erfect precision and accurate timing.
All external events occurring in the natural world are linked with similar events inside the body. A
sunrise in nature, for example, triggers a “sunrise” in your body. It wakes you up and gets you going. The
morning light enters your eyes as soon as you open them. First, the light is broken down into its full color
spectrum (seven colors) by the lenses of your eyes. After that, the individual light r
aster gland, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, which controls the body’s biological clock, then
dispatches light-encoded messages to the pineal gland, which is often referred to as the “third eye.” These
messages contain specific instructions for the pineal gland to secrete hormones.
One of the pineal gland's most powerful hormones is the neurotransmitter melatonin. The secretion of
melatonin follows a regular 24-hour rhythm. Melatonin production reac
The brain synthesizes another important neurotransmitter, serotonin, which relates to our state of well
being. It has a powerful influence on day and night rhythms, sexual behavior, memory, appetite,
impulsiveness, fear, and even suicidal tendencies. Unlike melatonin, serotonin increases with the light of
the day, and also through physical exercise and sugar. The increasing and decreasing levels of melatonin
and serotonin indicate to the cells whether it is dark or light outside and whether they should be more
active or slow down their activities. This intricate mechanism ensures that all physical functions are
synchronized with the rhythmic changes that occur in the natural environment. This is knows as
“entrainment.” The health of each cell in the body depen
Any deviation from
nd serotonin
ubsequently disrupt the harmonious functioning of the entire organism, including metabolism and
hormonal balance. Suddenly, we may feel “out of sync” or shaky, and become susceptible to developing
an illness, which could include a simple head cold, headache, depression or even a cancerous tumor. The
pineal gland controls reproduction, sleep and motor activity, blood pressure, the immune system, the
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pituitary and thyroid glands, cellular growth, body temperature, and many other vital functions. All of
these depend on the regular melatonin cycle which, yet again, is controlled by our body’s ability to be in
synchrony with nature’s rhythms. The amount of melatonin made available to the body in response to the
darkness of the night depends on the concentration of serotonin secreted in response to the amount of
natural light we are exposed to during the day. As daylight diminishes, serotonin is automatically broken
d
egenerate and rejuvenate
itself. This sustains good health, vitality and longevity. The cycles of melatonin and serotonin totally
depend on each other and are precisely controlled by our changing environment. By disregarding these
ythmic changes in nature and living against these unspoken laws, the body and mind surely move out of
sync with one another. This is a leadin lness.
ne of the greatest secrets of good health lies in the discovery of our intimate relationship with the
u
is no longer a just mythological conviction that the moon exhibits a strong influence on both human
being and nature as a whole. The ebb and flow of the tides, sleep walking, and the female menstrual
cycles are but a few of the countless phenom
• Animals synchronize their activities, i.e., searching for food, eating, mating, etc., with the position of
•
own into melatonin.
If your body makes a good amount of serotonin from natural light, it will also produce sufficient
amounts of melatonin during nighttime, provided your eyes are closed (when exposed to light, the pineal
gland does not secrete melatonin in sufficient amounts). The pineal gland starts secreting melatonin
between 9.30pm and 10.30pm (depending on age). Unless you use stimulants such as caffeine or food at
that time, melatonin naturally induces sleepiness or drowsiness.
With sufficiently high levels of melatonin in the blood, the body is able to r
rh
g cause of physical and mental il
O
niverse. Any sense of separateness between nature and us can only exist in the mind, not in the body.
The body has formed an essential link with the external world. All its efforts are directed towards staying
synchronized with our immediate and distant environment, including the moon.
Secrets of the Lunar Cycles
It
ena that are stimulated and regulated by this powerful cosmic
force. We are meant to use this force for our health, gardening, agriculture, and almost every other area of
human concern. once you have discovered the secrets of the lunar cycles and synchronized your life and
activities with them, you will greatly benefit from this newly created harmony with the natural world.
Human beings, other mammals, and most birds and insects are subjected to this mysterious force of
nature. All natural processes like pregnancy, the growth of plants and their ripeness, as well as the
duration of various diseases, depend on the cycles of the moon. Our ancestors were masters of “right
timing.” Their heightened sensory abilities, perceptiveness, and exact observations of the phenomena in
the natural world made them aware of the following points:
• Many events in nature – ebb and flow of the tides, birth, weather, and menstrual cycles in women –
occur in direct relationship with the movements of the moon.
the moon.
Effectiveness and success of daily activities such as the cutting of wood, cooking, eating, cutting of
hair, gardening, applying manure, etc. are subject to the cycles of the moon.
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• Certain operations and use of medication may be successful on some days, but outright useless or
medication and the skills of the
attending doctor.
• Plants and healing herbs are exposed to different kinds of energy on different days and contain
e ingredients at certain times than at other times.
uced to the clock as a means to know the
tim and the changes in the positions of the moon
an portant” to the modern man. The clock had
“successfully” replaced the profound knowledge about these natural cosmic events and their effects on all
lif ient wisdom that had of living throughout the
centuries and had been passed on from generation to generation, quickly turned into superstition. Yet
today, there is a sudden and renewed interest in discovering our relationship to the lunar cycles. In
relation to the Earth, the moon passes through the following major phases:
harmful on others – often independent of dose and quality of the
considerably more activ
At the end of the 19th century, mankind at large was introd
e. The knowledge of the natural cycles of day and night
d the stars were gradually discarded as “no longer im
e forms on Earth. The anc upheld the natural ways
New Moon
The moon revolves around the Earth almost every 28 days. While the moon is positioned between the
Earth and the sun, we can no longer see it. This is called new moon. New moon can be likened to the
phase of exhalation in breathing, when we eliminate toxic gases and waste products from the body. You
can prevent many diseases by fasting for a day at this time because the body is more than ready to purify
itself from accumulated toxins. This makes it also a good day for liver cleansing.
New moon also signifies a new beginning. If you wish to give up old habits like smoking or drinking
alcohol, this is the best time for it. You may try as hard as you want to change such habits at other times
of the m old saying, “well begun is half done”
a n can regain its health and vitality.
L healing.
onth, but be disappointed about your inability to do so. The
pplies to new moon. A sick tree when cut back during new moo
ikewise, a treatment started on new moon can lead to quick
The Waxing Moon
Only a few hours after new moon, we begin to see the appearance of its crescent in the sky. The journey
to full moon takes about 13 days. Whatever goodness and nourishment is given to the body during this
time will be much more beneficial than at other times of the month. This also explains why fertility is
much more pronounced and more children are conceived and born during this phase of the moon and at
full moon. on the other hand, it is very useful to know that when the moon increases, the body’s ability to
heal after an injury or an operation decreases. Tooth fillings, crowns, or bridges are less likely to last if
they are given during the waxing phase of the moon. Even the washing of clothes is less successful during
this phase despite using the same amounts of detergents.
Full Moon
After having completed half its journey around the Earth, the moon is full, i.e. visible to us at night, and
sometimes even during parts of the day. This is the time when the moon exhibits a strong influence on all
planetary life forms. Sleep walking, excessive bleeding of wounds, greater potency of herbs collected
during full moon night, an increase in the number of accidents and violent crime, and a higher birth rate,
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are all effects of increased lunar influence. Cutting trees during full moon can destroy them. Since the
body has a tendency to hold back fluids during full moon, it is also best to avoid doing liver cleanses or
other cleanses at that time. Also avoid having operations, including dental work, on full moon, as you
may suffer complications or infections.
The Waning Moon
During the following 13 days, the moon is gradually overshadowed again. The ancient civilizations
knew that this is a good time to have an operation (if needed), as the healing capacity of the body is at its
most powerful. If possible, book your visit to the dentist during this phase, or on new moon. Also pulling
a
Man’s Biological Routine
se that sustain the
u
tooth should only be performed during the waning moon. In addition, at this time physical activity
requires less energy and meets with greater success. The digestive system also works more efficiently,
even to the point that eating a little more than usual will not cause weight gain.
Ayurveda, which literally means “Science of Life,” claims, “the microcosm is as is the macrocosm.”
Likewise, our body is the mirror of the universe. At every moment, the body undergoes profound changes
by adjusting to the continually changing environment and recurring cyclic patterns. Ayurveda has a
unique understanding of these cycles. It knows of three principal forces, or energies, each of which emits
a powerful influence on the body and mind for a period of four hours, twice in a 24-hour day. These
forces of nature that conduct all the complex activities in the human body, as well as tho
niverse, are known as the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. So let us take a closer look at what
happens in our body during a 24-hour cycle (see illustration 7).
The First Kapha Cycle
The first cycle begins with the “birth” of a new day. Let’s assume that sunrise occurs at 6am. At around
4.30-5.00am, nature starts to awaken. It becomes increasingly active as the sun rises to higher positions.
Ayurveda calls the period between 6am and 10am “Kapha time,” which means that your body is still a bit
slow. This allows the body to gather strength and stamina. Whether or not you wake with an alarm clock,
a glands secrete the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline to get your body
g
t around 6am the kidney
oing, similar to a battery starting an engine. This is also the time when the sex hormones in the body
reach their peak levels. And, provided your eyes actually see the natural light of the day, the brain
increases its production of the powerful hormone serotonin, which helps you generate enough happiness
and enthusiasm to experience a stress-free, joyful day. Since Kapha is composed of the heavier elements
of earth and water, we exhibit more of the qualities of “earthiness” and “liquidity” in our mind and body
during the early morning hours than, for example, during the afternoon.
The First Pitta Cycle
At 10am, the heat of the sun begins to increase considerably due to its higher position. The distribution
of sun energy reaches peak levels at noon. Between 10am and noon, we are at our most alert and
cognitive best. The Pitta period lasts from 10am until 2pm. At noontime, AGNI, the digestive fire, is most
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Illustration 7: The Biological Clock
Ideal Daily Routine:
1. Rise between 6am and 7am
2. Eat a light breakfast (optional) between 7am and 8am.
3. Eat the main meal of the day between 12am and 1pm.
4. Eat a light evening meal between 6pm and 7pm.
5. Go to sleep before 10pm
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efficient, that is, the digestive juices (bile, hydrochloric acid, enzymes, etc.) are most profuse and
concentrated. For this reason, Ayurveda advises you to eat your main meal of the day between 12pm and
1pm.
Provided the food is wholesome and nourishing, the digestive process will provide you with the energy
and vitality you need during the rest of the day. If you feel tired and sleepy after the meal, this indicates
that your AGNI is too weak to digest the food properly. Instead of being energized and revitalized from
eating your meal, the body has to tap into its energy reserves to process the food. Consequently, there
rem
sleep during the night.
3
ains only little energy for other forms of physical or mental activity. Overall, sleepiness after a meal
may be due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Your meal is too heavy or consists of ill-combined food items.
2. You are not getting enough
. You are eating your lunch much later than one o’clock.
The First Vata Cycle
Vata or “movement” controls the hours between 2pm and 6pm. Vata conducts the physical transport of
food through the intestinal tract and is responsible for absorbing the nutrients as well as taking them to the
various tissues of the body. Vata can only perform well and on time if Pitta, which also means bile, is
allowed to act on the food early enough. If you eat your lunch, for example, as late as 2pm or 3pm, Pitta
becomes disturbed. The lack of enough bile and other digestive juices leads to poor absorption –one of the
main causes for nutritional deficiencies.
The Vata period in the afternoon is conducive to efficient mental performance and study due to
inc
lso be useful to know that going to the dentist in the afternoon is less painful than in the
m
that the body suffers from
digestive problems and malnourishment.
reased nerve and nerve cell activity. This makes it a good time to absorb and retain information.
Studies conducted at the University of Wales showed that students who had afternoon or early-evening
classes performed better in exams than those who had morning classes.
It may a
orning due to better neural performance. Existing problems of poor intestinal absorption and unbalanced
metabolism, on the other hand, become more pronounced at this time. The Vata imbalance may show up
as increased irritability, nervousness, flatulence, and cravings for sugary foods or other stimulants such as
tea, coffee, cokes, chocolate or cigarettes. Most alcoholics will start looking for their first drink during the
end of the Vata period. Cravings, especially during the afternoon, indicate
The Second Kapha Cycle
Sunlight-energy drops considerably after 6pm and so does Vata activity. This also is the beginning of
the evening Kapha phase, which slows down digestion, metabolism and other physiological activities.
Those who are in tune with their body cycles feel inclined to take it easy when the Kapha qualities begin
to dominate.
The digestive fire AGNI, which closely follows the moving positions of the sun, sharply declines with
the onset of darkness. For this reason, Ayurveda recommends to eat only a light dinner, preferably at
around 6pm. This gives you still enough time to digest your food before bedtime. Research has found that
the most important digestive enzymes are no longer produced after 8pm. A late evening meal (after 7pm)
will, therefore, not be properly digested and decomposes while it is still in the stomach. Everyone knows
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th
o
e feeling of having a “rock” in the stomach, or the pain of acid shooting up into the mouth – both being
signs of indigestion. .
During the Kapha period (6pm-10pm) the body and mind adopt more heavy and slow qualities. This is
conducive to falling asleep. In fact, is highly beneficial to go to bed and sleep before Kapha’s influence
actually stops (at 10pm). Most people feel sleepy or drowsy between 9pm and 10pm. The sleepiness or
drowsiness results from the secretion of a natural tranquillizer that the brain makes when it wants you to
go to sleep. According to researchers from Harvard Medical School, during sleep most of the brain cells
are “turned off” by some chemical signal sent out by a group of cells located in the hypothalamus, which
is considered to be the brain’s brain. This “turning off the lights” allows us go to sleep.
It seems that melatonin has a considerable influence over sleep induction, too, since the more we secrete
f it during the night the more tired we get. Those individuals who no longer feel sleepy at around 9.30-
10pm already suffer from a disturbed melatonin cycle.
At around 9pm, the level of immunity begins to decrease, as indicated by a sudden drop in the levels of
endorphins and corticosteroids – the body’s weapons against inflammation. During the Kapha period, the
body tries to save as much energy and physical resources as possible, for a very good reason, as is
explained next.
The Second Pitta Cycle
The body “tempts” you to go to sleep before Pitta time resumes its second round in 24 hours. Pitta’s
influence begins at 10pm and lasts until 2am. During this time, the Pitta- energy is mostly used for
cleansing, rebuilding and rejuvenating the body. The liver – a typical Pitta organ – receives most of the
body’s energy at this time and conducts an astonishing range of activities, totaling over 500 different
functions. They include supply of vital nutrients and energy to all parts of the body, breaking down of
noxious substances and ke oduce bile at this time,
which is needed to digest food, particularly fats, during the following day. one of the most important of
th
eping the blood clean. In addition, the liver cells pr
e liver’s functions is to synthesize proteins, which serve as the main building blocks of cells, hormones
and blood constituents. Because the liver is such an active organ, it uses a considerable amount of energy.
It has a high metabolic rate and produces a great deal of heat. This makes the liver the main heatproducing
organ in the body.
WHY PROPER SLEEP IS SO IMPORTANT FOR YOU!
The liver requires all the energy it can get to fulfill all these and many other responsibilities. This can
only happen sufficiently, though, if you sleep during this time. If you use up the night-time Pitta energy
for eating or mental/physical activities, the liver is left with too little energy to do its extremely vital work.
Most of the available Pitta-energy should be directed to the liver and also, to some extent, to the kidneys.
This helps the kidneys to filter the blood plasma, to keep the body fluids balanced and blood pressure
normal.
Although the brain makes up merely one fiftieth of the body mass, it generally contains more than one
quarter of the body’s entire blood content. However, during the Pitta period at night, most of the blood
located at the back of the brain moves into the liver for storage and purification. If you are mentally or
physically active at this time, the liver does not receive enough blood to work with. It also cannot cleanse
the blood sufficiently. This results in the accumulation of toxic material in the liver and blood stream. If
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toxins keep circulating in the blood, they will settle in the interstitial fluid (connective tissues) of organs
and systems, thereby raising acidity and damaging them, including the liver itself. High blood toxicity can
lead to secretions of stress hormones, brain fog, injured capillaries, arteries and heart muscles. Most heart
diseases are the result of a poorly performing liver that is unable to remove all toxic, noxious substances
from the blood on a daily basis. If we do not give the liver the energy it needs to conduct the most basic
physiological activities, we sow the seeds of illness throughout the body.
Sleep can be divided into two main parts – before-midnight and after-midnight. Among adults, the most
important processes of purification and renewal occur during the two hours sleep before midnight. This
period involves deep sleep, often referred to as “Beauty Sleep.” It lasts for about an hour from 11pm to
midnight. During this period, you enter a dreamless state of sleep where oxygen consumption in the body
drops by about eight percent. This results in profound physical rest and relaxation. The physiological rest,
which you gain during this hour of dreamless sleep, is at least three times deeper than what you get during
th
e
fa
l the cells that make up your
h
body at its lowest
le
f California, San Diego, have found that losing a few hours of sleep not
o
e sleep after midnight, when oxygen consumption in the body rises again by 5-6%.
Growth factors, commonly known as growth hormones, are secreted profusely during the hour of deep
sleep. These powerful hormones are responsible for cellular growth, repair and rejuvenation. People ag
ster if they don’t produce enough growth hormones. The latest “fashion” in the beauty market is to
consume synthetic growth hormones, which create “fantastic” rejuvenating results, but can also have
devastating side effects, including heart disease and cancer. on the other hand, if the body makes them, at
the right time and in the correct amounts, as happens during deep sleep, they can keep the body vital and
youthful at every age.
Deep sleep never occurs after midnight and it comes only if you go to sleep at least two hours before
midnight. If you miss out on deep sleep regularly, your body and mind become overtired. This triggers
abnormal stress responses in the form of constant secretions of stress hormones such as adrenaline,
cortisol or cholesterol (yes, cholesterol is a stress hormone that rises with stress!). To keep these
artificially derived energy bursts going, at least for a while, you may have to take recourse with such
stimulants as cigarettes, coffee, tea, candy, cokes, alcohol, etc. once the body’s energy reserves have been
depleted, chronic fatigue results.
Fatigue can be considered to be a major causal or contributing factor of today’s health problems. When
you feel tired, it is not just your mind that is tired. In fact, when fatigued, al
eart, lungs, digestive organs, kidneys, etc., suffer from low energy and are unable to function properly.
When you are tired, your brain no longer receives adequate amounts of water, glucose, oxygen and amino
acids – its most essential nutrients. The short supply of brain nutrients can lead to innumerable problems
in a person's mind, body and behavior. When you drive a car during the night, for example, your body has
to keep fighting the “sleepy” hormone melatonin, which naturally tries to keep your
vel of performance and activity. According to research in the field of chronobiology, attention span after
midnight drops considerably. This dramatically raises your risk for making mistakes and having an
accident. Most one-way road accidents occur during nighttimes, and accidents in factories are 20 percent
more likely to occur on the night shift.
Doctors at the University o
nly makes you feel tired during the following day but can also affect the immune system, possibly
impairing the body’s ability to fight infection. Since immunity diminishes with tiredness, your body is
unable to defend itself against bacteria, microbes, and viruses and cannot cope with the build-up of
harmful substances in the body.
Frequent tiredness and low energy precedes any type of chronic disease and most acute illnesses,
including cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, the common cold and
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the flu. An ever- increasing number of children are the victims of sleep deprivation, and its consequences.
The critical role of sleep and sleep disturbances in child development has been repeatedly demonstrated.
According to published research, psychopathology in children could result from or be exacerbated by
insufficient sleep and consequent fatigue and sleepiness. There exists a particularly strong relationship
between sleep prob tions have often
been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, because sleep deprivation
a
r have snacks during Pitta (night) time. Consequently, Pitta will be disrupted also during
fo
lems and neuropsychological functioning in children. Sleep disrup
nd the resultant sleepiness could lead to ADHD-like symptoms. There are clear indications that learning
and attention skills could be significantly compromised by insufficient sleep or sleep disruption. This is
no way is limited to children only.
Most tiredness results from missing out on the two hours of sleep before-midnight. Any treatment of
disease that does not include natural “deep sleep therapy” cannot lead to lasting success, since the body’s
healing system itself, the immune system, depends on proper, healthy sleeping cycles to be vital and
efficient.
Pitta, which controls AGNI, the digestive fire, also becomes disturbed when you regularly eat your
dinner late o
llowing lunchtime, which causes disturbances in the liver, spleen, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas.
The main principle at work here is, that whenever you disturb or use up Pitta energy during the night, you
also disrupt all the Pitta functions and Pitta organs during the following day.
The Second Vata Cycle
The time from 2am to 6am is controlled by Vata. Its early morning cycle is responsible for moving the
body’s waste products from the liver, the cells, the intestines and all other areas of the body towards the
organs and systems of detoxification and elimination. The lymphatic system neutralizes harmful
microbes, metabolic wastes, cellular debris, worn out cells and cells damaged by disease. While the
rectum forms fecal matter, which triggers a bowel movement, the kidneys pass urine to the bladder, which
causes urination. The skin also receives waste products that begin to surface at this time. Hence, the
importance of washing or showering in the morning. The entire body is geared towards excretion of
useless waste material (about 70% of the body’s waste is eliminated through the lungs, 20% through the
s
n,
but not after sunrise. Since the times of sunrise vary from season to season and country to country, Vata
also undergoes certain fluctuations. Still, six o’clock is the most applicable and recommended time to rise
for most people (with the exception en adolescents whose melatonin
cycle is slightly different and who m p in the morning and evening).
kin, 7% through urine, and 3% through feces).
At the end of the Pitta period, which marks the beginning of Vata time, the body temperature begins to
drop and phase out at about 4am (peak of Vata time). After that, it gradually rises again. Towards the end
of Vata time, when nature starts becoming active, both body temperature and stress hormone levels
(adrenaline and cortisol, etc.,) will have risen high enough to jumpstart the day with a thorough clean out.
To be able to support complete and efficient waste removal, though, the body needs to be awake and in a
vertical position. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends that we get up preferably before sunrise or at daw
of young children, teenagers and ev
ay require at least one hour extra slee
The use of an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning abruptly cuts down the gradual phasing out of
the various, subsequently occurring sleep patterns and can cause irritability, headaches and nervousness
throughout the day. You may feel as if you haven’t really woken up yet. The easiest way of controlling
the waking times is to adjust the bedtimes in the evening. For example, if you generally need 8 hours of
sleep to feel refreshed and rested in the morning, you would greatly benefit from going to sleep at around
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10 pm. If you need more hours to feel refreshed, then go to bed even earlier. Should you only require 7
hours of sleep (although most adults need about 8 hours) then go to bed at 10 pm and get up at 5 am, an
e
and rising early in the morning is one of
th
d in the morning can
cause severe congestion, leading to respiratory and circulatory problems. Both of these are Kapha
disorders. Sleeping during the ind, general heaviness and
lethargy. Not being exposed tonin secretions low. This
may cause lack of happiness and enthusiasm, and eventually end up as chronic depression. The desire to
ven better time for Vata to be effective. The bowel movement is the strongest type of movement in the
body and requires a large portion of the body’s energy. To support the body in this effort, we need to be
up and about bright and early. Going to sleep early in the night
e most important health recommendations you can get.
Risks Of Deviating From Nature’s Routine
Deviating from any of the natural rhythms on a regular basis may disrupt the balance of your body and
mind. For example, let us presume that you sleep until 8 am, which is 2 hours into the slow Kapha period.
This means that the eliminative functions/movements of Vata are not able to complete the removal waste
during Vata’s final phase at around 6am. However, since Vata’s influence is still very strong at this time,
its movement becomes reversed, similar to the course of a river that is held up by the wall of a dam.
Hence, part of the waste is being forced back into the body, instead of being taken out of the body. This
situation also applies to the urinary system. Some portion of the urine backs up and returns to the kidneys,
which upsets fluid balance in the body and leads to swelling of face, eyes and abdomen. In addition, waste
materials that the skin tries to eliminate begin to enter the lymph and blood stream. As fecal matter starts
backing up in the colon, congestion occurs throughout the gastro-intestinal tract. Lymph ducts become
obstructed, leading to edema in the intestines and other parts of the body. Such lymphatic swellings can
be felt, for example, as hard lumps above or around the belly button area. These knots, which can become
as big as a fist, are sensitive to the touch (detectable when lying on the back).
The occurrence of lymph congestion greatly stresses the heart and undermines its effort to maintain
proper circulation. The misdirected Vata pressure may reach all the way to the respiratory system, mouth,
sinuses, ears and brain, leaving toxic deposits in these areas. Among other symptoms, this can cause
heaviness, dullness and swelling of eyes and face. These symptoms of discomfort involve fluids such as
mucus and lymph, which makes them Kapha-related problems. Since there are more fluids in the body
during the Kapha period (6am to 10am), it stands to reason to avoid anything that could have congesting
effects at that this time. Ayurveda points out that sleeping during the Kapha perio
Kapha period can also result in dullness of m
to sunlight during the morning hours keeps sero
sleep on and not wanting to get up in the morning are beginning signs of depression.
A recent German study confirmed that rising late in the morning might even be a major risk factor for
heart attacks. It has been known for quite some time that more people die from heart attacks at 9 o’clock
on Monday mornings than at any other time and day of the week. The study found that most of the attack
victims get up at around 7.30am, which is the Ayurvedic “danger time.” If “oversleeping” becomes
habitual, the body cannot efficiently remove waste via the lungs and other organs of elimination, leading
to congestion and exhaustion of the heart.
Remember a weekend when you slept late and woke up late. Did you feel poorly, as if you were
drugged? Or sluggish enough to spoil the rest of the day? This is due to the fact that the liver was unable
to remove toxins from the blood, further aggravated by the sluggish circulation during the Kapha time.
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Another side effect that arises from sleeping into the Kapha period is that AGNI gets subdued, causing
digestive problems. AGNI naturally increases with rising serotonin levels in the morning. It is for this
reason that we need to see the light of the sun when it rises. Since serotonin is closely linked to happiness,
a
g
y
’s rhythms will reflect the
d
ellular
fu
rupting the body’s natural links with nature’s rhythms. This in
itself may be one of the most energy-depleting influences of our time. I urge every person who suffers a
health issue to start living in harmony with all the natural rhythms of the body, to whatever extent
possible. This will greatly aid the healing process and prevent illness from arising in the future. Being in
tune with the natural rhythms of life licies for healthy people to remain
healthy. All it requires is to listen to an s your body is sending you.
nd happiness is the most essential prerequisite of good health, it is obvious that exposure to natural light
from dawn to dusk is one of the most important health-promoting factors.
There is an old saying that aptly summarizes the reasons why all the ancient cultures in the world have
always adhered to the circadian rhythms: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy
and wise.” I might add to that, “Early lunch and early dinner makes you a winner.” Simply by adjustin
our daily routine to the timing of natural law, you will establish the most essential preconditions for
healing, health and happiness to occur in your life. Since the cycles of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are fixed by
the circadian rhythms, you cannot create your own individual rhythms without having to put up a struggle
against the powerful stream of natural law. The degree of deviation from nature
egree of struggle in the body, that is, the discomfort or disease in body and mind. Disease is a measure to
force a person to once again, or for the first time ever, follow nature’s laws.
You may have experienced the phenomenon of jet lag when you traveled to far away places that are
located in different time zones. Sunrise and sunset occurred at different times and upset your biological
clock for several days before the cells and organs of your body were able to adjust themselves to the new
day and night cycle in that country. Before being your old self again, you might have felt hungry in the
middle of the night, tired in the morning, and totally awake in the early morning hours.
There is one basic rule that applies to the experience of jet lag: For every hour of time difference, you
require one day for adjusting your biological rhythms to the circadian rhythm in that particular part of the
world to which you travel. After a maximum of ten days (for a 10-hour time difference), the c
nctions in your body will return to normal, provided you adhere to the natural cycles of day and night
prevalent at the new location.
Many people in the developed world create an “artificial” jet lag in their lives on a daily basis. They
allow other factors such as working conditions, television or social commitments to dictate to them when
they should eat, sleep and wake up, thus dis
is one of the best insurance po
d act upon the constant message
Listen To Your Body, and It Will Keep You Healthy !
Like a switched-on radio receiver, your body continuously receives a vast amount of data and
information from the external world. The earth, stars, sun and all life forms constantly emit radiation,
which your body registers and processes to ensure balanced functioning and a harmonious relationship
with the environment. Everything radiates, including light, warmth, air, earth-electric fields, microwaves,
magnetic fields, radioactivity, etc. In response to all these visible and invisible influences, your body
produces concrete messages, which try to tell you what to do at any given moment. Sleep, hunger, thirst,
and any other natural urges or occurrences in your body indicate that your “radio” is switched on and you
are “in tune” with the natural world. All of us are constantly challenged to listen and act on the messages
we receive.
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When we are no longer in tune with the outer forces, such as the cycles of the sun and moon, we begin
to feel out of balance, and perhaps fall ill. This means we need to take more self-responsibility, which
requires commitment to self, self-appreciation and self-love. These are the very same qualities that an
illness may possibly help reinforce in us (the main purpose behind the disease-process). Instead of just
dealing with the symptoms of a disease, we may greatly benefit from locating its origin(s) because it can
teach us much about ourselves.
It is much more convenient to blame a virus for the cold you catch than to acknowledge that irregular
sleeping habits or eating a lot of junk food, and the reasons behind this behavior, may have something to
do with it. In truth, everything negative has a positive opposite hidden within it. Given the circumstances
that you have created for yourself, it actually is not a bad stroke of luck or a form of punishment that
m
rt to be able to listen to and follow the rules that nature has laid out for
th
tial, normal meal, you are likely to suffer indigestion.
nd other disturbances in the digestive system.
hen your body feels tired and sleepy you have the natural urge to lie down and sleep. However, a cup
o ide you with enough adrenaline to keep you awake. If you ignore the
body's sleep signals as a matter of routine, the over-secretion of adrenaline and other stress hormones may
e eractive, and unable to relax or sleep properly.
akes you fall ill. All forms of ill health serve as opportunities to learn more about yourself, your body,
your past, and the way you choose to live your life right now. Illness can lead you to a heightened state of
awareness if you start seeing it as a challenge to move forward in your life rather than it being just a
nuisance.
It requires an open mind and hea
e smooth and effortless functioning of the body. To insist that everything needs to be explained
scientifically before it is valid and worthy of consideration is not only impractical, but also shows lack of
self-confidence and poor sense of judgment. The messages that we can receive from nature are direct and
need no intellectual interpretation. In fact, trying to figure out everything to know it intellectually can
actually steer you away from the ability to listen to the inner wisdom bestowed to you by nature itself.
The wisdom of how to live a healthy, happy life is intrinsic to the body, mind and spirit of every person
The Body’s Many Messages
To give a simple example, you don’t really have to understand the exact mechanisms behind the hunger
signal that the body is giving you when it needs food. All you need to do is to eat and experience how the
hunger subsides. By habitually ignoring the natural urge to eat, your stomach, pancreas and small
intestines may get “upset” and start adjusting to the new rule of living by keeping their production of
digestive juices low, so as not to waste the body’s precious resources. So when you suddenly eat a
substan
On the other hand, if your stomach tells you that you are not hungry, i.e., that you don’t require any
food at the moment, but you still eat out of politeness or curiosity, the digestive system won’t be able to
process the food properly. This is another cause of indigestion.
If you feel the natural urge to have a bowel movement, the body sends you in the direction of a
bathroom. But by disregarding this signal because it comes at an inconvenient time, your body has no
other choice but to hold on to the waste. Eventually, the urge to defecate subsides, and more and more
water is withdrawn from the feces until it is too dry and hard to be eliminated. This condition is known as
constipation. Or, destructive bacteria begin to break down some of the waste, leading to toxic gases and
other noxious substances. This may cause blood poisoning a
W
f coffee or a cigarette will prov
nd up making you hyp
98
Ignoring the natural messages of the body lies at the basis of most illnesses today. To add to the already
existing confusion about health matters, books, radio, television and especially magazines bombard you
with an overwhelming amount of advice and information on the latest slimming diets, routines and
li t are supposed to be “so good for you.” For example, not so long ago we were told
th ing foods, then nutritionists considered them good for
slimming, and the latest low carb craze dismisses them as junk food. Torn between various health
d perfect answers to our problems. At the end, when your body is exhausted while
tr ou may begin to realize that your requirements are totally
u rom one day to the next.
you are a sensitive person you must have noticed that at certain days of the month or times of day you
a asily than at other days or times. The same food can make
you feel vital and energetic on one day and cause you an upset stomach, bloating or cramping on another
day. You may find that the same pasta dish may leave your stomach quickly after one meal whereas two
w rock and make you feel congested and even add weight to
y cles of change, the answer to this mysterious behavior of
the body lies in the continuous movement of the planets and their various positions.
trigger corresponding activities, responses and transformations within your body.
As a result of receiving these outer stimulations, your body starts sending subtle signals or intuitive
m ssages to tell you that its requirements for f rmth, coolness, etc., have
changed. This, however, requires sensitivi ur part. Both these qualities are absent,
if you suppress your body’s natural urges (hunger, thirst, defecation, urination, sleep, etc.), overload your
digestive system with food and waste, or even yourself dependent on other people’s advice,
however useful it may appear to be.
hes you how to listen to your
t in knowing what is useful for you at every moment in time. In
nd out what works for you and what doesn’t. A theory alone does
ur body's subtle messages, you will find that its
or coincidental.
is exactly
e beginning of life. Many of our natural instincts were
vertising. They dictate to us our
ts, the mind begins to look for substitutes, which causes
mulants, sex, etc. By giving a little extra
alanced and an unbalanced message.
festyle programs tha
at potatoes and pasta were among the most fatten
octrines, we look for
ying to adjust to one diet after another, y
nique and undergo constant changes, often f
If
re able to digest a particular food item more e
eeks later the same dish will sit there like a
our body. Apart from the daily and seasonal cy
Good Health Requires Natural Instinct
In 1984, Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia proved that the human body is composed of mostly energy and
only very little matter. To be exact, for each particle of matter there are 974.600.000 units of energy
(photons). In other words, only one billionth of your body consists of matter, the rest is vibrational
energy. All matter that comprises your physical body, the chair you are sitting on and the planet you are
living on behaves essentially in a quantum-mechanical way. Since all external influences, such as solar
storms, climate changes and the moon’s passage through a particular zodiac represent different energy
states, they can instantly
e ood, water, rest, exercise, wa
ty and wakefulness on yo
make
Any good system of health care can be recognized by one attribute: It teac
body and how to become self-dependen
any case, let experience guide you and fi
not make you healthy. As you begin to listen to yo
behavior, activities, natural urges, and symptoms of disease are far from being random
Health trouble begins when we doubt our body’s ability to make the right choices, and this
what we have learned to do, almost right from th
discouraged or subdued by man-made rules, beliefs, manipulation, and ad
lifestyle, eating habits and times of eating, sleeping, and elimination of wastes.
If we keep ignoring the body’s basic instinc
(legitimate) cravings or addictions to foods, beverages, sti
attention to your body, it will soon tell you the difference between a b
99
If, for example, your stomach is still full and you want to eat something, you will find that it is not your
craving the body is trying to tell you that it is
uently suffering from malnutrition.
el hungry, ask your
utritional and emotional requirements shift from day
ent. A set dietary plan would,
it is trying to convey to you.
rtain principle forces that are common to every part of physical
creation. The unique representation of these forces in your body ultimately determines your natural
inclinations and instincts. It is responsible for the specific characteristics of your body type. To restore
your body’s natural instincts, which is essential for regaining lasting health and vitality, you may first
need to discover your personal body type.
e Healthy
st, to find out what body type you are and,
etc., in a unique and specific way. No two people can
and Kapha – are each
ht) that are constantly
eam. All existing
five elements or
and within us, the more we tend to
harm spontaneous result of harmony between the natural
w
, Pitta, and Kapha are the main principle f trol of all life in the universe. At present,
they are greatly disturbed and cause havoc and , both within us and in our environment. By
restoring balance of the three doshas in our body we automatically pacify the great elements that
ment in
stomach that wants more food. Through the message of food
no longer able to digest and assimilate foods properly and is conseq
This cellular famine leads to the cravings. If your stomach is empty and you fe
stomach what it really would like to eat. The body’s n
to day in direct response to changes occurring in the near and far environm
therefore, confuse the body’s specific needs, and distort the messages
The body’s natural instincts follow ce
Learning To B
What Is My Body type?
One very important step in the pursuit of good health is, fir
second, what you can do to help your body recover its natural state of balance and vitality. Ayurveda
recognizes that every person has a unique psycho-physiological body type that responds to foods,
medicine, climate, seasons, stress, colors, smells,
exactly be the same because the three bodily humors, or doshas, – Vata, Pitta,
represented in varied degrees in every person living on the planet. Along with the genetic make-up, this
creates the individualistic qualities of looks and behavior and different instinctive choices concerning the
types of foods, colors, climate and environment. So before we can restore balance in the body and mind,
we may need to find out who we are in a psycho-physiological sense.
When we identify ourselves as Vata, Pitta, Kapha body types, we should keep in mind that no one
constitution is better than another. The three doshas are composed of the great elements of nature, earth,
water, fire, air, and space. These five elements are proto-elements, which means that they are energies
vibrating at different frequencies. For example, the photons (particles of lig
generated in the air that surrounds you have a different characteristic pattern of energy than the energy
that is created by the particles sitting in a piece of clay or the water that flows in a str
matter, no matter how dense, is but a process of a constant intermingling of these
vibrational energies. In the body, these elemental energies are grouped together and represented as the
three doshas, thereby forming an inseparable link with the environment. The forces of nature work inside
outside and the more we recognize and realize their great powers
onize with the outer world. Good health is the
orld and us.
Vata orces in con
turbulence
constitute our world. This is very necessary now since we also need to create a healthy environ
order to become and stay healthy.
100
When Vata goes out of balance in nature, it causes earthquakes, droughts, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
fires. Irritated Kapha leads to
dryness, shaking, and nervousness. If Pitta dosha is disturbed, the body overheats, acidifies, or suffers
est and
u gain, not much different to similar phenomena in the
e external ones will also begin to
you
tion of your environment and derive all the benefits that nature
or dynamic forces of nature. Human
urpose
spir t degree possible. Knowledge of the three doshas and their respective
r body, mind and
sam st of all body types and manifests only when all the three
influenced by one dosha alone. The most common types are the dual-doshas. Each dual-dosha can
-Pitta type exhibits more air energy
ominated by water energy
with fire energy being the subordinate force. A Vata-Kapha type is mostly controlled by air energy, with
water and earth energies being secondary. And a Kapha-Vata type exhibits more water and earth
principles, with Vata’s air energy as the subordinate force.
Disturbed Pitta generates heat waves and great destruction through
excessive cold, rain and flooding. In the body, an unbalanced Vata dosha causes gas, pressure, pain,
from inflammatory diseases. An imbalanced Kapha dosha leads to congestion in the stomach, ch
sin ses, as well as water retention and weight
environment. As you begin to create balance in your internal spaces, th
shine more bright and become vital and fresh. The knowledge of your constitutional makeup will help
build a harmonious link with the constitu
can provide you with on your journey to living a healthy, fruitful and fulfilling life.
The human constitution is composed of all three doshas
consciousness chooses a unique combination of the three doshas to carry out and fulfill its unique p
in life. Working together in harmony, the doshas allow the individual to grow mentally, physically and
itually to the highes
concentrations in the body can hence be very beneficial for self-improvement of you
spirit.
There are ten basic body types. Ayurveda defines them as single-dosha types, dual-dosha types, and
a-dosha types. Sama-dosha is the rare
doshas are present in equal proportions. Single-dosha types are also relatively rare as only few people are
contain various proportions of the two components. Thus, a Vata
whereas a Pitta-Vata type has more fire energy in him. A Kapha-Pitta type is d
THE TEN BODY TYPES
Single-dosha types:
Vata Air/Space
Pitta Fire/Water
Kapha Water/Earth
Sama-dosha type
Vata-Pitta-Kapha all elements equally present
Dual-dosha types:
Vata-Pitta 1. Air/Space 2. Fire/water
Pitta-Vata 1. Fire/Water 2. Air/Space
Pitta-Kapha 1. Fire/Water 2. Water/Earth
Kapha Pitta 1. Water/Earth 2. Fire/Water
Kapha-Vata 1. Water/Earth 2. Air/Space
Vata-Kapha 1. Air/Space 2. Water/Earth
101
The following question characteristics and the
possible imbalances in mind and body. From there onwards you will be able to understand why each one
of us has special needs and requirements and what w can do to meet all of them. Begin by answering all
the questions for all the three doshas. After bers for each section, and then study the
characteristics of the body type that scored t p in mind that your current diet, lifestyle,
and physic accurate results
when answ h issues that may
have devel to repeat the assessment after six months
of implem ext evaluation will be more in line with
your true c
naire will give you an idea of your particular traits and
e
that, add up the num
he most points. Kee
al problems may somewhat influence your evaluation. So to give you more
ering the questions, take into account the habits, and characteristics and healt
oped during the past 10-20 years. You may also want
enting the Ayurvedic programs. The results of your n
onstitution.
BODY TYPE QUIZ
Vata
1. I am ge ick.
2. My me
3. I am ve
4. I am naturally enthusiastic, vibrant, and vivacious.
5. I am very tall (or very short), very thin, and I have difficulties putting on weight.
e calm, happy and relaxed.
20. I make a good counselor or teacher.
Vata score_____
Pitta
nerally a very active person, and my body movements are qu
mory retention is quite poor.
ry quick to learn new things.
6. My joints protrude and the tendons and veins in my hands and forearms are clearly visible.
7. My hair is generally dry, wiry, thin and dull.
8. I tend to be indecisive and hesitant when it comes to making choices.
9. I get easily constipated and cannot tolerate gas-forming foods such as beans.
10. I worry a lot even when there is no reason.
11. Under stress, I am nervous, agitated, restless or paranoid.
12. I tend to have cold hands and cold feet, even in the summertime.
13. I love hot weather and sunbathing.
14. My skin is generally dry, dark, cold, leathery and rough.
15. My eyes are narrow, small, and dull and tend to be dry and itchy.
16. My sleep is often disturbed and interrupted and I have difficulties falling asleep.
17. I speak quickly and others may call me talkative.
18. If left on my own, I tend to skip meals and sleep at irregular times.
19. Being in the midst of nature makes m
1. I am generally a very efficient, precise and organized person.
2. I tend to perspire profusely and, sometimes, have a strong, unpleasant body odor.
102
3. I prefer cool foods and beverages; heat irritates me.
4. I may retain water and have a puffy face or swollen eyes.
5. I am quick to lose my temper and can be irritable, cynical, and sharp.
6. I can get angry very easily, but calm down quickly again.
7. I have a strong appetite and I often eat more than I need.
8. I feel uncomfortable when I skip a meal or if it is delayed.
9. I have very regular bowel movements and it is more likely for me to have loose stools than to be
constipated.
10. Impatience is one of my greatest weaknesses.
11. My body is medium built, athletically toned and of medium height.
12. My skin is yellowish/reddish, and is prone to freckles, moles, rashes, pimples and sunburn.
13. I generally cannot tolerate foods that are hot and spicy but under stress I crave them, as well as other
intoxicating foods and beverages.
14. I am susceptible to early graying and baldness; my hair is thin, fine and straight, and is red, blond or
sandy colored.
15. My eyes are almond shaped, green, light brown, or hazel. My sclera (white of the eye) are sometimes
yellow and/or bloodshed.
16. I am very competitive, success-oriented and somewhat forceful.
17. I sleep for about six to eight hours and my dreams can be of violent contents.
18. Under stress, I have the tendency tow ea, and weight loss.
19. l of others and myself.
2 o be endowed with intelligence, charisma, reliability, and even brilliance. I feel very
ard ulcers, insomnia, diarrh
I tend to be critica
0. I believe myself t
comfortable in the role of leadership and I think am quite good at it.
Pitta score_____
Kapha
1. My body build is large, compact and wide. My thighs, arms, buttocks, chest and hips are big.
2. I prefer doing thinks slowly and methodically.
3. Although I have a soft, gentle and mellifluous voice, it is often congested with mucus.
4. Friends refer to me as calm, placid, easygoing, or even “laid-back.”
5. My sleep is deep, uninterrupted and profound and I need to sleep eight to twelve hours to feel
comfortable during the next day.
6. My skin is thick, oily, soft, smooth, clear, gleaming, cool; it has a somewhat pale complexion.
7. I feel better when I skip a meal occasionally.
8. I love hot weather and sunny days. Cold, damp weather bothers me.
9. My eyes are round, large and clear with thick eyelashes. They are sensual pools of black or blue.
10. I walk slowly, with a measured gait.
11. I am a sweet-natured, affectionate and forgiving person.
12. My hair is abundant, thick, blond or black, and curly.
13. I am physically strong, have good stamina, long endurance and a steady level of energy.
14. When I am under stress, I tend to overeat, oversleep, feel groggy upon awakening, and am slow to get
going in the morning.
15. My digestion and metabolism seem to be slow and I tend to feel heavy after eating.
103
16. I have a tendency toward mucus aggravation, phlegm, chronic congestion, asthma and sinus problems.
17. I do not learn as quickly and as easily as some people, but whatever I have learnt and understood is
retained in my memory for a long time.
18. When I feel unhappy or stressed, I become narrow-minded, stubborn, neglectful, possessive or
attached.
1
e the total scores for
4, then your body
type is Va
9. I would love to do nothing and be lazy, but I am hard working.
20. I hold on to many things, including money, relationships and body weight.
Kapha score ____
After adding up the numbers for all the applicable attributes in each section, compar
Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If, for example, your totals are Vata 15, Pitta 12, and Kapha
ta-P Vata be 3, Pitta be , ou can
consider yo s Vata t and for
Kapha 10; t et clear. Treat yo ke the test
again six m t er Vata or Kapha has taken a clearer position due to the
clearing of at your scores are someth 14 and Kapha
14, then your body type is SAMA.
It is good to know that no one particular body type is more adv t or
Kapha type m titution, which seems to be more favorable, but he doesn’t usually
realize whe h e line. When out of balance, he is slo r contrast,
those with a type are prevented from making too many mistakes because
aches, pain n f discomfort won’t let him.
he emphasis lies on making each body type perfectly balanced and bringing out all its inherent strong
and healthy characteristics. The different percentages and associations of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in each
person are responsible for structuring a unique individual. To give you an idea of the main characteristics
of a Vata ee the corresponding lists below. Try to
remember, ation of all three doshas.
TICS OF THE BODY TYPES
ata Type
frame; bent or irregularly shaped nose
leep, insomnia
usness, imagination, perceptiveness, spiritually inclined
ng moods, unpredictable
itta (Vata-dominating). Should
ur elf a Kapha type. It may be that your score for
4 and Kapha be 11, then y
urns out to be 10, for Pitta 19,
in his case your second dosha is not y and ta
on h later; you will then find that eith
In the rare case th
urself as a Pitta type
impurities. ing like, Vata 13, Pitta
an ageous than another. A SAMA
ay have a stronger cons
n e steps over th we to restore his health. By
a weaker constitution like the Vat
s a d other forms o
T
, Pitta or Kapha-dominated body type, please s
though, that you are always a combin
CHARACTERIS
The V
? Light, thin physique, narrow body
? Moves and performs activity quickly
? Tendency toward dry, rough, cold, and dark skin
? Aversion to cold weather
? Irregular hunger and digestion
? Light, interrupted s
? Enthusiasm, vivacio
? Excitability, changi
104
? Quick to grasp information, but also quick to forget
Tendency toward worry, anxiety, restlessness
s
why
m
?
? Tendency toward bloating and constipation
? Tires easily, tendency to overexertion and hyperactivity
? Mental and physical energy comes in bursts
? Low tolerance to pain, noise, bright light
The basic theme of the Vata-type is “changeable.” Since Vata is composed of the elements of air and
space, movement and changeability are natural characteristics of this body type. Vatas dislike any form of
tatus quo. They love excitement and constant change but if that is not available to them, they create an
irregular lifestyle, e.g., having different bedtimes each day, skipping meals, etc. Their unpredictable
nature makes them among the least stereotyped people.
Vata types often feel isolated and awkward when they have to stand up against the earthy Kapha type or
the intensive Pitta type. But their “airy” flair, mobility and vivacious nature inspire particularly Pittas and
Kaphas who lack these qualities. Vatas look elegant when they are dressed-up. Clothes fill their need for
insulation and confidence; their dry, lean and almost “hungry” look is ideal for modeling, a reason
ost high-fashion models are Vatas. Physically, Vatas are the thinnest of all the body types; their
shoulders and hips are narrow and often rounded. Some Vatas are chronically underweight, and despite
eating large amounts of food, they rarely put on any weight. Other Vata types are thin during their youth
and become overweight in middle age.
Illustration 8: The Vata Type
105
Among all the body types, Vatas are the most likely to have physical irregularities. Some Vata types
have hands or feet that are too large for their petite body, or they may be too small. Their teeth may be
c
ar mind and
e
atured Kapha-Pitta or Pitta-Kapha types to give
th
ear spontaneously.
selves, which can lead to chronic fatigue and any of the above mental
or physical problems. The main key to balancing Vata is “regularity.”
The following factors are the most irritating for the Vata type:
rooked, protruding or undersized. Vatas may be well shaped, but under stress and when constipated they
are prone to develop spinal deformity (scoliosis) or other skeletal problems. Some Vatas come with very
light bones, others with very heavy, but elongated bones. You can recognize a Vata by his visible joints,
tendons and veins. This is due to low fat content under their skin. Another typical indication of a Vata
physiology is the audible cracking of joints.
A balanced Vata type is enthusiastic, energetic and uplifting in spirit. His generally cle
xalted sense of awareness makes him the best candidate for spiritual development. Vatas are ruled by
their heightened sense of touch and hearing. They feel and hear the world more than they see it, a reason
why they need frequent cuddles and words of encouragement. Sex in itself is not so important to the
Vatas, but the feeling of being loved and cared for is. They have no difficulties in going for long stretches
without sex but once they have found a partner who truly accepts and loves them for who they are, they
are very fulfilling sexual partners. Vata types need m
eir best in a relationship.
Since Vata is the principal force of movement in the body, it regulates bowel activities, absorption of
food, breathing, speaking, transport of blood, lymph and nerve impulses. It is also in charge of the
movement of the muscles and the body as a whole. Vata is very pronounced in the nervous system.
Therefore, Vata imbalances are likely to show up as nervous disorders, including tremors, spasms,
seizures, anxiety, depression, and clinical mental disorders. once Vata has returned to balance, such
disorders, which otherwise may defy conventional treatment, often disapp
Vatas who are out of balance tend to worry a lot even when there is really nothing to worry about. This
may end up as insomnia as well as constant restlessness and fearfulness. Fear, which is the Vata type's
most typical emotion, affects his digestion and, particularly, the elimination of body waste. Vata’s main
seat is in the colon. When disturbed there, it causes constipation and gas which, in turn, leads to increased
restlessness and nervousness. Also, when Vata is deranged, the stomach and intestines may cramp due to
trapped air putting strong pressure on the gastro-intestinal and abdominal structures. Irregular menstrual
cycles, PMT and menstrual cramps are also more often found among Vata types.
Vatas easily get unbalanced when they don’t get enough rest and sleep, and particularly, when they miss
out on the two hours sleep before midnight. By pushing themselves too hard and having an irregular
lifestyle, they easily overexert them
ve exercise and physical
Sleep deprivation (especially lack
)
es
• Sitting for many hours
• Tuberculosis
• Suppression of natural urges
d climate
ld foods and beverages
Stimulants of any kind
Excessive noise
• Pungent, astringent and bitter
foods
• Late autumn and winter
• Excessi
strain
•
of before-midnight sleep
• Falling
• Irregular mealtim
• Col
• Co
•
•
• Fear and grief
• Fasting
106
The Pitta Type
? Medium build, well-shaped, athletically toned
? Medium strength and endurance
? Sharp hunger and thirst, strong digestion
? Tendency toward anger and irritability when under stress
? Can be arrogant, self-centere
? Adaptable, intelligent, bright
air, moles, freckles, skin problems
/or grey
organizer
eaker
The them y the fire element
and its va d is responsible for all
ination
of what is useful and suitable, and what isn’t. It likely leads to excessive use of stimulants such as alcohol,
tobacco, drugs, as well as power and influence. Any of these alter the proper proportion of bile
constituents in the liver’s bile ducts and thereby generate intrahepatic stones. Pitta also means bile.
Upsetting Pitta dosha in the above way leads to the bilious personality this body type is known for.
We all need the Pitta energy to translate ideas into concrete realities. Since it is most profusely available
in the Pitta type, he exhibits a very dynamic, ambitious and, perhaps, even aggressive personality. Pittas
get things done. Their great vision and foresight is due to the fire element that gives them a clear inner
and outer vision. However, if a Pitta person abuses his power and upsets his balance, he is the first one to
develop eye problems and difficulties with his inner vision, too.
d
? Tendency toward reddish skin and h
? If out of balance, prematurely bald and
? Pointed, reddish nose
? Piercing, sometimes bloodshot eyes
? Aversion to sun, hot weather
? Prefers cool foods and beverages
? Enterprising character, likes challenges, good
? Sharp intellect
? Good, precise, articulate sp
? Can’t skip meals
? Medium memory
? Successful leader
e that describes the Pitta type best is “intense.” He is mostly dominated b
rious qualities. Fire represents the dynamic force of nature an
transforma onal processes in the body and mind. The mental body, which is comprised of thoughts,
feelings and emotions, is a function of Pitta. The Pitta energies are located in the central region of the
body which is the area generally referred to as the solar plexus. The solar plexus acts like a “switchboard”
for both psychological and physiological activities. The “gut feeling” that we sometimes have about a
certain person or situation is locked into the Pitta force. It gives us the natural instinct to search for pure
foods, clean air, fresh water, etc., so that we are able to remain
ti
in physical, mental and emotional balance.
Pitta dosha also helps us to be moderate in eating, drinking, sexual activity, and other needs. This
instinctive quality is highly developed in the balanced Pitta type, which makes him a symbol of “Sattva,”
that is, one who has purity of mind. A disturbance of Pitta, however, results in the loss of discrim
107
Illustration 9: The Pitta Type
Pitta dosha, being located in the most central position in the body, keeps Vata and Kapha in check. This
also is represented in the Pitta's personality; he is one who always wants to be in control in every
situation. When his Pitta dosha is balanced, he is indeed the most successful of all body types. His onepointed
focus and brilliance nearly always finds a solution to every problem and he excels at almost
anything. His real expertise lies in the mental field where he exerts his true power and skills. He makes an
eloquent and articulate speaker and a good leader of society.
Because of Pitta's strategic position in the body, Pitta types are excellent at playing central roles in life.
The solar plexus is related to sun energy, which controls all life on the planet. Pittas are aware of their
solar plexus power and are, therefore, naturally self-confident. If they are able to transmute the excesses,
indulgence and arrogance, which they may have acquired in their life, they are likely to have access to the
most profound knowledge of Self. Pittas are also very good in passing on what they have learned through
their often amazing insights and experiences.
The situation changes, through, when the Pitta energies move outside the solar plexus into other parts
of the body. The Pitta type suddenly becomes fiery, jealous, cynical, angry and egotistic. He rapidly
begins to lose control, like a forest fire that is quickly spread by strong winds. If his sense of “I-ness”
becomes exaggerated, he may try to subdue his Vata and Kapha counterparts, especially in the area of
sexuality. Pitta’s overwhelming passion for always wanting to be a winner in every area of life may leave
very little room for a wholesome sexual interplay. He may not have the necessary patience and humility
that is required during the most intimate moments of sharing and equality. The unbalanced Pitta type also
tries to use every means to avoid admitting defeat. The most suitable partners for Pittas are the strong
Kapha types, or otherwise, the Kapha-Vata or Vata-Kapha types.
In physical terms, the dispersion of excessive Pitta energy can lead to heartburn, stomach ulcers,
burning sensations in the intestines, and hemorrhoids. The then destructive Pitta energy may also affect
his skin, which becomes prone to rashes, pimples, inflammation and acne. The skin, particularly in the
face and chest, may easily redden and become hot. Rosacea is not uncommon among Pittas. Hot flushes
108
and profuse perspiration of the upper half of the body are also a typical sign of Pitta imbalance.
Unbalanced Pitta women who go through menopause frequently experience such symptoms.
The Pitta’s eyes can easily become bloodshot and blurry and are often oversensitive to sunlight. This
sensitivity to sunlight and watering eyes are the main reasons why Pittas, whose doshas are out of
balance, insist on wearing sunglasses. Their natural internal heat makes them the worst candidates for
s
first among the body types to have grey hair or go bald. Pittas rarely feel cold, even during the
w
pped hands full at one meal gets
th
ing factors are the most irritating for the Pitta type:
unbathing. They prefer the cool and shady places, and they love taking cold showers when outside
temperatures begin to rise. If they don’t follow their natural instincts regarding exposure to sun and heat,
they quickly burn their skin and develop heat fatigue.
Physically, Pittas are well proportioned, athletically built and of medium size. The same applies to their
face. Their eyes are of medium size with a sometimes penetrating glance. You can easily recognize a
Caucasian white Pitta type from far away, as he is likely to have red, blond or sandy-colored hair. He is
also the
inter. When the sun comes out, they are the first to complain that is it too warm. Their skin is fair, warm
and soft, and is most likely marked by freckles and moles or other skin blemishes (note: some of these
Pitta characteristics do not apply to races with dark hair and dark skins).
Pitta types have only medium physical energy, which prevents them from over-exercising or going
beyond their limits. Their stamina is moderate, but their digestive energy is abundant. However,
overeating can lead to sudden intestinal problems. For this reason, they greatly benefit from moderate
food intake and a balanced lifestyle. Eating more than what equals two cu
em into intestinal trouble. Impure foods, polluted water and air, alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, soft drinks
etc., are particularly upsetting to Pitta types, and often cause very uncomfortable cleansing reactions, such
as skin eruptions, stomach problems or emotional distress. Pittas also get affected by wearing clothes that
are made from synthetic materials. Pitta’s main warning signal that he is out of balance is anger, which
may fuel his fire energy to the extent that his body becomes toxic and diseased. The main key to
balancing Pitta is “moderation.”
The follow
• Anger
••
• Fasting
• Sesame ts
• Wine and other alcoholic beverages,
• Cof
• Vinegar
• Linseed
• Yog r
• Pun n ds
• Lat u autumn
Insufficient sleep
Strong sunshine
• Impure foods
• Unripe fruits
seeds and sesame produc
fee and other stimulants
hu t
ge t, salty and sour foo
e s mmer and
109
The Kapha Type
? Compact, strong and heavier build
? Well developed and lubricate
? Great physical strength and endurance
? Hair may be black, blond, dark brown, thick, wavy, oily
? Stable and reliable perso
? Steady energy; slow and
? Tranquil, relaxed personality, slow to anger
? Cool, smooth, pale, often oily skin
? Hidden veins and tendons
? Slow to grasp new information, slow to forget
? Heavy, prolonged sleep
? Tendency to excessive weight, obesity
? Slow digestion, mild hunger
? Excessive need for sleep
lining and joints plays a
m
d joints
nality
graceful in action
? Calm, affectionate, complacent, tolerant, forgiving, nurturing, maternal
? Tendency to be possessive, stubborn, attached, narrow-minded.
The Kapha type is controlled by the elements of earth and water, which makes him the most grounded
and stable of all the body-types. one word that describes him most is “slow.” The force of Kapha
pervades the food element and in the body it is mainly located in the upper thoracic cavity. Both stomach
and lungs are central areas of Kapha activity. Proper lubrication of the mucus
ajor role in keeping his body strong and resistant to disease.
Since Kapha types imbibe the material elements of earth and water, they are the most attuned to the
pace of earthly survival. It is, therefore, not surprising that they have the longest life spans of all three
types. In a way, they represent Mother Earth and her qualities of nurturing, vitality, and stability.
Illustration 10: The Kapha Type
110
een them. A Kapha person is affectionate, sensual, calm and
rgiving. He makes an excellent parent because he is naturally tolerant and does not become irritable
nd him. Kapha types exist mainly on the physical and
Vatas.
ina. Most weight lifters are Kaphas who can access and
joints are heavy and well-built, but are hidden under a fat
ips and broad shoulders, as often found among rugby players and
are very willing to perform strenuous physical labor because they feel so much more alive
rate. A sedentary lifestyle predisposes them to putting on weight very easily; this
g gives them the most pleasure. In this sense, food is their temporary
ght.
es.
ite sclera, which makes them very attractive. A typical Kapha trait is their skin, which is
silky smooth, soft, cool, thick, and pale, without a sign of freckles or moles. Even at an advanced age,
they love peaceful environments. They are the most relaxed and
the most romantic of all body-types, and a romantic dinner for two is one of the most exciting things for
rarely feel obstructed in their flow of sexual energy and they have plenty of it. Kapha types
and antagonism can
lop Kapha imbalances; hence they are more prone to develop cancers than other bodyls
the moist tissues of the body, the mucus lining is the first one to show
food, energy, and relationships. He would prefer everything to remain as it is. And to keep
Kaphas, who represent the food force, are the complete opposites of the Vatas, who represent the mobile
force. Pitta is the dynamic force betw
fo
even when there is a lot of noise or turbulence arou
astral planes. They feel more at home on planet earth than Vatas or Pittas do, since the earth and water
elements are most concentrated in their bodies. Their dominating senses are smell and taste, which makes
food one of their favorite things. This naturally makes them good cooks, a characteristic that is rarely
found among
Physically, Kaphas have great strength and stam
utilize vast energy reserves. Their bones and
protective skin. They have wide h
heavyweight boxers. Their compact and heavy bodies thrive on athletic performance and physical
activities. They
afterwards.
Too much sitting or sleeping, on the other hand, can make Kaphas lethargic and lazy, which slows their
already low metabolic
may sometimes even happen by merely looking at food. They tend to deal with unresolved emotional
issues through eating, because eatin
way out of an unpleasant situation. Unbalanced Kaphas can be recognized by their excessive wei
They often become obese if “things don’t move” in their liv
Kaphas have the biggest eyes of all the body-types. Their dark or blue pupils stand in clear contrast to
the milky wh
their skin tends to be clear and without wrinkles. Its natural oiliness gives the skin a shiny glow.
Kapha types do everything slowly, including eating, walking, and talking. They are slow to anger and
slow to react. Calm and self-contained,
them. Kaphas tend to flirt innocently with everyone and rely on bodily feelings, which makes them ideal
lovers. They
make wonderful partners for all body-types, especially for those who have vital sexual prowess and a
need for many offspring. Kaphas find fulfillment in caring for a family.
When Kapha types are unable to deal with inner conflicts they tend to keep them inside the body, unlike
Vata types who spurt out whatever they think and feel. This is when stored unrest
disturb the Kapha’s basic metabolism and cause congestion, stagnation, and a heavy form of depression.
Depression and melancholia are the vibrations that transform the Kapha’s most precious assets into very
destructive forces. Most cancers are caused by an imbalance of Kapha dosha and Kapha types are the
most likely to deve
types.