Ayurveda and exercise - part 3
Whether you believe in astrology or not, there is a certain magic about knowing your star sign. And journey through their galaxies like a skeptic traveler or an enthusiastic well-weathered one.
Much like star signs, we are made up of certain elements. According to the ancient seers who constituted the vast annals of Ayurvedic texts, the human body has three doshas. Usually, every individual has two doshas (bi-doshic), one of them being more prevalent than the other. Pitta, kapha and vata doshas are simply constitutional elements not imbalances, which define the characteristics of an individual. Each dosha has its strengths and when imbalanced could create certain ‘symptoms’ in the mind and body. It is a beautiful science which gently guides you towards understanding yourself and living life with full potential.
The passionate pitta
The positive, passionate and fiery pitta prakruti, too, has its own characteristics. Here are a few pitta-pacifying exercise guidelines:
1. A pitta person is ambitious, likes a challenge, and loves a competition. Their slightly aggressive nature finds vent in adrenalin-pumping and competitive exercises. However, their perfectionist side sometimes get carried away in exercise and such people might strain themselves physically. It’s best to recognize that and to choose an exercise which is moderate.
A pitta person can be sharp and intense. The emphasis during exercise is on a relaxed effort where the physical challenge is combined with a sense of mental relaxation and fun. This will add in the required softness to the fire.
2. The day is divided into different phases that resound with the doshas. The pitta time of the natural cycle is between 10 am-2 pm and 10 pm - 2 am. It’s best to avoid exercising at that time, since it will elevate the pitta in you. Embrace the kapha time of the day (6-10 am/pm) and you will experience the effects of exercise much more.
3. Pitta people like to multi-task, and be on the move. Their high energies are electric. Since their daily life will be a combination of all of these elements, it's best that the exercise time includes some moments of stability. Connection with the earth element is very useful and can give that much-required stability. It could be by walking in nature, exercising outdoors or doing yoga barefeet. It’s also a good idea to end your exercise session with savasana.
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Pitta-pacifying exercise |
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| Type of exercise |
Moderate exertion only. Some examples: Hockey |
| Suryanamskara | Moderately rhythmic suryanamskara |
| Yoga rules |
The pitta region is around the navel, and hence the asanas that help balance pitta are those that place pressure on the naval and solar plexus region. |
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These asanas give pressure on liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines and thus helps to improve and maintain the agni (digestive fire). |
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The best asanas for pitta are those that are calming and not overly heating. |
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| Yoga postures |
Ustrasana, |
| Prayanamas |
Seethali, |
4. Continuing with the idea of rest and stability, a pitta person will enjoy meditation. Embrace this practice in your daily regime. The auto drive, ambition, inherent desire to win will find a comforting contrast in the quiet of meditation. That quiet and comfort will calm the nervousness and worry that comes with burgeoning zeal, while energizing you.
5. Spend time warming up gently before exercise and stretching a little after your workout. The idea is to release the tension in the body, and the mind. Keep your awareness on the breath while doing so. It’s also a good idea to have breath awareness while practicing forms of exercise that encourage gentle, fluid movements like swimming, yoga asanas or tai chi.
The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much, even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts, and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.
— Charaka Samhita: Sutrasthana: V: 88-89
6. Ensure that you schedule a rest day or a break in the week, if you follow a dedicated exercise regime. That will help to give your system a break. A pitta person loves perfection and will work hard to achieve that state in every aspect of life. Thus, it’s also a good idea to include some pitta-pacifying activities in your day:
- self-massage with oil before a bath
- use epsom salts in your bath
- eat healthy, nourishing foods
- nurture yourself by following your interests
- take time out for yourself
It is said that no two pitta people are the same, though they will have common characteristics. Pitta people are smart, positive, energetic, determined and focused. Understanding one’s prakruti is a process of understanding yourself. So go ahead, celebrate and design your exercise regime to resonate with who you are.
With inputs from Dr. Sharika Menon, Ayurvadiya, Sri Sri Ayurveda
This is the second part in the series on Ayurveda and exercise. You can read the first, second and fourth parts here.
It’s always best to consult a certified Ayurveda doctor for detailed advice based on your body type. You could connect with the Sri Sri Ayurveda team to get a full body profile and avail of the Panchakarma facilities. Combine Ayurveda with the Sri Sri Yoga program and learn more about your body and mind.
