Category: Ayurveda

5 easy ayurvedic nutrition tips

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„What in the world should I eat?!”

With all the tips from nutritionists and social media, it can get difficult and frustrating to answer this question. All the time, there’s a new diet trend and THE epiphany about what makes you stay fit and healthy.

The bad news: Ayurveda won’t tell you exactly what to eat. Ayurveda invites you to get to know yourself and your body better and then eat according to your very own constitution.

Unfortunately, many people think ayurvedic nutrition is complicated and that they would need to buy exotic ingredients and cook complex meals if they wanted to try it. Most of them don’t even try because of that – and that’s really a pity. Because – and that’s the good news – ayurvedic nutrition guidelines are very simple and can support your overall wellbeing.

Here are five easy ayurvedic nutrition tips that you can try anytime – even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen and if you don’t have a lot of time.

Learn to listen to your body

This tip alone goes to show how undogmatic ayurvedic guidelines are. In Ayurveda, we think that there’s not only one solution for everyone, and that something that’s good for Person A doesn’t automatically have to be good for Person B as well.

The challenge: nowadays, we often have forgotten to listen to our body and its needs. Usually it tells you what it wants and what feels good – you just need to listen!

This skill is called somatic intelligence. To cultivate it, you need to be mindful: When are you really hungry? What do you really crave? How do you feel after a meal? Click here to read more about somatic intelligence and how to increase it.

Pay attention to mealtimes

The times of day are also under the influence of the Doshas. In certain timeframes of the day and the night, one dosha is dominant, which is then especially present in our body.

From 10 am to 2 pm, Pitta is very active. This means that our digestion is the most active during this time, so meals and nutrients can be absorbed in the best possible way. Therefore, it’s ideal to have your main meal during this time. No worries if you’re working shifts: There’s another Pitta timeframe from 10 pm to 2 am.

Pay attention to hunger, not appetite

Again, the somatic intelligence comes into play with this one. It’s way too often that we eat just because the cafeteria is open or because our colleagues are going and we want to join.

Once we’re eating, we often don’t realize when we’re full. When we’re stressed while eating or do something else at the same time, we miss our body’s signals. Furthermore, we’ve been taught that it’s proper behavior to clear the plate, so we feel bad if we leave something.

Try to eat only if you’re really hungry and stop when you’re full. To achieve this, eat slower and more mindfully so that you notice when a feeling of satiety arrives.

No snacks

This tip sounds like a mean diet rule, but it has a very understandable background: We want to give our body enough time to digest the previous meal before we eat the next one. Usually, that takes about 3-5 hours. If we don’t give it that time, metabolic waste, also called Ama, can remain in the body that can make us sluggish and lead to ailments.

Get to know the flavors

“Get to know flavors? I already know what my food tastes like!”, is what you might be thinking now. In Ayurveda, it’s a little more complex than that.

From an ayurvedic point of view, there are six flavors: sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent. It’s ideal when a meal includes all six of them. That’s how we balance the doshas and cover important nutrients.

Here are some examples which foods belong to which flavor category:

Sweet: grains, dairy, most fruits

Sour: lemon, rose hip

Salty: sea salt, rock salt, saline salt

Pungent: chili, ginger, horseradish

Bitter: cacao, wormwood, fresh turmeric

Astringent: rhubarb, black tea, lingonberries

Feel free to experiment with the flavors and maybe use ingredients you wouldn’t normally use. Don’t put pressure on yourself, but make it playful. That way, it’s fun and you might discover some delicious new dishes.

Do you still think trying out ayurvedic nutrition guidelines is complicated? I hope I could convince you otherwise!

Coconut – the ayurvedic star of summer

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One of the many things I love about Ayurveda is its simplicity. The principle of “like reinforces like” and “opposites cancel out” applies. So the plan for the hot summer is actually quite clear:

Summer is Pitta time, dominated by the fiery dosha. So it is obvious that we need cooling down, be it through cooling yoga exercises, pranayamas or even food. Especially with the latter, coconut is indispensable.

Coconut is wonderful for balancing Pitta, making it the ideal companion for the hot season. The beauty of it? Coconut doesn’t just offer us welcome cooling on the plate. It’s versatile, so you can benefit from its Pitta-relieving properties even if you’re not a fan of the flavor.

Coconut milk

Most people are familiar with coconut milk. This is pureed coconut meat mixed with water, with a correspondingly creamy consistency. Thus, it is perfect for creamy curries and soups. But also coffee fans, who can’t survive without their favorite drink even during the Pitta period, should give coconut milk a chance. Mixed with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, coffee, which is actually not really recommended in summer, gets a summery touch and perhaps pushes Pitta a little less.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is no longer as exotic as it once was. It now sits among other cooking oils on supermarket shelves. It’s wonderful for frying and cooking because it can be heated to high temperatures, but it’s much more versatile than that. You can use it for oil pulling, for example, to do something good for your gums – Pitta types in particular are prone to inflammation in hot temperatures.

Your skin will also benefit from some cooling – and fragrant! – coconut oil. Use it as a balance after sunbathing, for example, or simply to moisturize your skin. If you’re going for a massage in the summer, you can also choose coconut oil for that.

If your hair is dry from the sun, leave some coconut oil on for a few hours and then wash your hair – you’ll be surprised how smooth it is afterwards.

Coconut water

The liquid from inside the unripe, still green nut is perfect for dehydration. With its isotonic yet cooling effect, it awakens your spirits on hot days and balances your pitta. You can just drink it straight, but you can also get creative and mix summery mocktails with fresh fruit juices. If you like to eat chia pudding, you can mix it with it for a change.

Coconut yogurt

Dairy products also have a balancing effect on Pitta, but why not give the plant-based alternative a chance? If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you may have already discovered coconut yogurt. Or maybe you simply appreciate the summery taste or the fluffy consistency.

What’s best: combining fruit with cow’s milk is not good for our digestive tract and can lead to discomfort, especially in summer when our digestion is on the back burner. But if you like to combine fruit with yogurt, you’re on the safe side with coconut products.

Coconut blossom sugar

In Ayurveda, foods with the flavor “sweet” are considered to balance Pitta. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should stuff yourself with chocolate during summer. There are also healthy sweeteners, such as dates.

If you want to sweeten drinks or perhaps bake, try coconut blossom sugar. Unlike industrial sugar, it causes blood sugar levels to rise slowly and steadily – a real plus, even for diabetics.

Essential oil

We can also use scents to affect the doshas. If you like the smell, get a good coconut essential oil for your diffuser. There will be a Caribbean feeling in your home and by the way, it will be very good for your Pitta.

Are you already a coconut fan or are you not (yet) comfortable with it? Which of the summer coconut tips will you try first? Share it with me in the comments!

Stay cool! Ayurvedic tips for the summer

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Summertime is Pitta time!

The fiery dosha ensures warm temperatures and lots of sunshine, inviting us to spend days by the pool or the sea, to wear airy clothes and to sit outside for long evenings.

But be careful: if the reading on the thermometer climbs too high, it can also have a stressful effect on us, especially if we have a constitution with a lot of Pitta. This can easily be thrown out of balance by heat and increased sunlight.

Whether you’re one of those people who love summer or prefer a different time of year, here’s how to keep your cool no matter what.

What does Pitta time mean for us?

Pitta, the dosha formed mainly from the element of fire, is dominant during this season. You already know that this makes the weather summery hot and sunny. But what does that do to our bodies?

Since people with dominant Pitta Dosha have the best digestion, the assumption is that during this time of year the Agni, the digestive fire, burns stronger in everyone. However, this is not the case. Why? Our body needs a constant core temperature to function well. If it gets particularly warm outside, our body tries to compensate by sweating. The skin gets more blood flow, which means that the digestive organs get less blood flow. So our digestion doesn’t necessarily run at full speed during hot periods – you may notice this by feeling less hungry.

Nutrition

So what foods are good for us when our Agni is on the back burner?

The bad news: the salad that is so popular in summer is rather unsuitable. Raw foods, as healthy as they are, are not necessarily easy to digest and thus only give our leisurely digestive tract more work – which costs energy.

The good news is that if you just can’t pass up a crunchy salad, you can choose a yogurt dressing to go with it, as dairy is good at making the raw ingredients a little easier to digest. If you want to boost your Agni, drink a glass of ginger water about half an hour before eating.

Generally, you need cooling foods during this time to balance pitta. These include sweet fruits such as mangoes and melons, but also rice, ghee, coconut, and herbs such as lemon balm, fennel, and mint.

Cooling does not mean “chilled,” however! Drinks fresh from the fridge, possibly even with ice cubes, will only dim your digestive fire even more and rob you of energy, because the body works at full speed again to balance its core temperature when it is supplied with iced foods. So it’s better to choose drinks at room temperature and only treat yourself to a tasty ice cream every now and then – even though you might feel tempted.

 

Daily routine

I probably don’t need to tell you that you should avoid the midday heat. Maybe you feel a bit tired during this time and long for rest. In that case, deep relaxation or a round of Yoga Nidra is better for your body than a nap.

Exercise should be scheduled for the cooler hours of the morning. If you are usually an athlete, Pitta time invites you to cut back a bit and perhaps meditate more instead. Or maybe you can take your exercise to or even into the water?

To ensure a good night’s sleep, don’t eat too much in the evening so your body isn’t too busy digesting and can relax. Try to keep your bedroom windows open when the temperature drops a bit in the evening to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.

 

Yoga

Your yoga practice can also be wonderfully adapted to the warm season. Just like everything else in our lives, the asanas affect the doshas and, when practiced accordingly, can provide a pleasant cooling effect.

For example, instead of sun salutations, you can practice moon salutations to (gently!) warm up, bringing the cooling, flowing moon energy to the mat.

Backbends have a strong heating effect and should therefore only be practiced gently. For heart opening, choose asanas like the sphinx or cobra instead of the wheel. Rebalance afterwards with yummy forward folds. You may even notice that they come easier to you than usual, since you are more stretchable due to the heat.

In addition to the cooling effect of the forward folds, the digestive effect of twists is also very welcome in the summer. Support your Agni by doing Ardha Matsyendrasana or the crocodile twist.

Balances balance all three doshas. So tree, standing balance & co. also fit wonderfully into your summer practice.

A cooling pranayama exercise for in between is Sitali. Roll your tongue lengthwise and stick it out of your mouth. When you inhale, you will feel a cooling draught on your tongue. Breathe out through your nose in a relaxed manner and repeat this process as often as you like.

What about you? Are you a fan of summer or does the heat get to you? How do you take care of your well-being during this time? Share it with me in the comments!

What is somatic intelligence – and what does Ayurveda have to do with it?

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You’ve probably heard of emotional intelligence, but do you know about “somatic intelligence”? It’s a concept that can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and feel better in general. And it can also be linked to Ayurveda.

So, what is somatic intelligence?

This term describes our body’s ability to tell us what foods it needs and doesn’t need. It does this in a variety of ways. For example, do you know when you feel downright repulsed by some things? That could be your somatic intelligence kicking in. The body signals us with disgust, intolerances or the like that some foods are not good for us – in general or simply at the current moment. In turn, somatic intelligence also makes itself known with cravings, for example for salty food.

What is somatic intelligence good for?

Centuries ago, our ancestors’ survival depended on somatic intelligence. They relied on their basic needs and signals from their bodies to protect them from foods that were not good for them and to eat nourishing foods that gave them energy instead. This also ensured continued development. In animals, somatic intelligence is also important for survival.

Nowadays, it’s not necessarily a matter of life and death or the advancement of the human species, but of our well-being, because as mentioned earlier, our bodies can signal us when something is not good for us. For example, children are rarely fans of spinach. There’s a reason for that: spinach contains oxalic acid, and that’s not tolerated by most kids, can even cause kidney stones. So it’s not so much about being a “difficult eater” as it is about paying attention to the body’s signals – if you don’t, malaise, blemished skin or digestive problems can result. Unfortunately, most of us have forgotten how to do just that.

Why is our somatic intelligence impaired?

Let’s take another look back at our ancestors, who absolutely relied on their somatic intelligence: What was different back then?

Unlike today, our ancestors were not constantly influenced – no one told them what to eat. We, on the other hand, are virtually bombarded: Nutrition guides, trendy diets, beauty ideals and moral codes around food determine what we think we want.

In addition, we have become comfortable. We no longer have to hunt or gather our own food, but can simply get something in the canteen or at the bakery around the corner. The problem: processed food often contains additives that artificially impair our somatic intelligence. What’s more, we often eat only when we have a window of opportunity and not when we really feel hungry. Convenience ensures that we eat what is available at the moment or what goes quickly and not what our body is really asking for. In this way, we have forgotten to really listen to the body’s signals.

What does somatic intelligence have to do with Ayurveda?

All these nutrition guides and diet trends have one thing in common: they sell a “one size fits all” solution, a principle of what should work for each of us. But that’s not how it works with nutrition. Every body is different, every person is different, and so their needs are very different from one another. This is exactly where Ayurveda comes in.

Ayurvedic nutrition principles are based on the concept that each person is individual. Thus, not every type of diet is equally healthy for all of us. So, an Ayurvedic consultant will first determine your very own constitution and look closely at your circumstances before he or she gives you any advice. Also, a good consultant will encourage you to ask yourself the following questions: What effects does food XY have on me? What is good for me and what is not?

How can I improve my somatic intelligence?

Even if stress, social media, additives & co. have taken you away from it, you can reconnect with your somatic intelligence. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:

  1. Mindfulness
    Cultivate mindfulness when eating. Don’t eat “on the side,” eat at your leisure. Take time to eat comfortably, paying close attention to the taste and texture of your food. Also, pay attention to when you feel full and don’t continue eating beyond that point. Ask yourself: Am I really hungry right now or am I just taking advantage of a free moment? What kind of food do I feel like eating – regardless of what is conveniently available or what I think I “should” be eating? After eating, reflect on how you feel now. Do you feel nourished, energized, or more in a “food coma”?

  2. Food diary
    Support your newly cultivated mindfulness with a journal in which you document what you ate and when, how much you ate, and how you felt afterwards. Also describe the circumstances of the meal: did you settle down comfortably and really enjoy the meal, perhaps in nice company? Or did you grab something “on the go” and devour it on the go while looking at your phone? Pick up this book again and again. After a while, you’ll be able to see patterns.

  3. Movement
    Movement promotes body awareness, which in turn helps you to perceive more clearly what is good for you and what is not. This is not about high-performance sports, but about gentle, regular exercise – there are no limits to your imagination!

How well do you know your body and its needs? Can you distinguish these needs from cravings? And if not – what steps do you want to take now to change that? Share your experiences in the comments!

Always Follow Your Nose – Balancing the Doshas with Scents

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Phrases of our daily speech like “Always follow your nose” or “I have a nose for that” underline the importance of our sense of smell. Interestingly, it tends to take a back seat among our other senses. Usually, we attach much more importance to sight in particular. And it is true: Without being able to smell, we would be much less impaired in everyday life than without being able to see.

Nevertheless, we should not underestimate the sense of smell!

There are olfactory mucous membranes on both sides of the nasal septum. These are equipped with olfactory sensory cells, which have receptors for about 350 different odorants. Our nose distinguishes more than 10,000 different scents. By comparison, the tongue can only recognize five tastes!

Scent stimuli are transmitted to the olfactory brain via nerve pathways. From there, they travel directly to the hypothalamus and the limbic system. In the limbic system is responsible for controlling our emotions and ensures that we learn things and store memories in our mind. This is where all incoming sensory information is coordinated and a response is triggered, which is transmitted to the autonomic nervous system. This in turn is responsible for digestion, metabolism and respiration.

Smells are not monitored by the cerebrum, but are transmitted directly to the limbic system. Our sense of smell is therefore the most immediate of our senses, and closely linked to memories and feelings.

We have all experienced this at one time or another: we smell the scent of a food that we associate with a great vacation; a perfume that reminds us of a loved one, and immediately images come to life in our minds.

But now that we know that smells can do much more than make us nostalgic, the conclusion is obvious that one can also influence the doshas through the sense of smell. And it’s true! Since scents affect our autonomic nervous system and every reaction has the characteristics of one or more doshas, we can respond to imbalances accordingly.

Kapha

If you feel tired, weary, lethargic, or even melancholy, it may well be that your kapha dosha has taken over. The “cozy” of the doshas wants to be brought into swing! This works especially well with citrus aromas. Bergamot, lemon, orange and lemongrass have a mood-lifting effect and give you a little kick. Rosemary, camphor and juniper have a stimulating effect and are therefore ideally suited for Kapha balancing. Rosewood is also a good addition, as it is said to promote activity.

Pitta

If the Pitta fire is burning so strongly that you are irritable, impatient and tense, cooling down is needed. All floral scents have a calming effect on Pitta. Also cooling are the aromas of mint, cypress, orange and geranium.

Vata

With Vata excess, we are often nervous, jumpy or even anxious. What we need in such situations is a balance that centers us again somewhat. If we would like to achieve this with fragrances, we can rely on the calming effect of roses, incense and vetiver. Lavender has a positive effect on the nervous system, while orange is not only calming, but also refreshing.

The fragrances can be used in a variety of ways: light an incense stick, vaporize essential oils in a diffuser or mix your own personal perfume from the oils, which you can apply whenever you need it. Aroma roll-ons are also a nice way to put scents to use.

With this topic, trial and error is especially fun – dare to experiment with the different aromas! Which variation will you try first?

The Doshas at the office – organizing the working day with the Dosha clock

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You have probably already heard that the Doshas affect us in all situations of life. But do you already know about the dosha clock?

Just like our life phases, the times of day are also assigned to a certain Dosha, which dominates at this phase and then has a special effect on us. If you know when which dosha is active, you can not only make your day healthier in general, but also make the most of your workday. How? I’ll tell you now, using the example of a classic office day.

The start of the day

From 6 to 10 a.m. is the first Kapha phase of the day. As a reminder, Kapha Dosha stands for grounding, stability and building. However, it also represents inertia and stagnation – these qualities can make it difficult for us to get out of bed. Before 6 a.m., the active, flighty vata dosha is still active, which is why it is recommended to get up before 6 a.m. This way you use the movement affinity of Vata to start the day instead of struggling out of bed during the lethargic Kapha phase.

Since Kapha also stands for building, you lay the foundation for your day during these hours by eating a good breakfast. At this time your digestive fire is not yet very active, so breakfast should be warm, light and easily digestible. This way, your organism will save valuable energy that you can better use during work.

First appointments

Do you sometimes miss patience and composure in everyday life? These are typical Kapha traits that are usually more present during the Kapha phase. Take advantage of this by doing annoying busywork or having conversations with people that can be difficult during this time. Also, work that requires a lot of concentration and perseverance, but rather little creativity, you can do well in the Kapha time.

Morning – the fire is blazing

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the first Pitta phase of the day. The element fire is assigned to this dosha. It gives us energy, passion and assertiveness. You become more ambitious and sell yourself better. Thus, the Pitta time is ideal for introductions or sales talks and presentations. You need a lot of energy or enthusiasm for a task? No problem under Pitta influence! Now you are especially structured and organized and can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Time for a break

With all the Pitta-typical ambition, don’t forget to take care of yourself! During this phase, Agni, our digestive fire, is especially active. Therefore, this is the time for the main meal of the day. Your body can use food very well now, but make sure that your lunch is not too rich, so that you do not suffer a drop in energy in the afternoon. Many like to reach for a “light” salad, but our bodies need a lot of energy to digest raw foods. That doesn’t mean you have to give it up, though. If possible, combine it with something warm to make it easier to digest. Creamy dressings can also help.

Afternoon – ideas are bubbling up

From 2 to 6 p.m., the vata dosha is active. It stands for movement, creativity and communication. Therefore, it’s quite possible that you’ll have your best ideas now. Need to create something? Now is the perfect time to do it. However, you may find it harder to concentrate now. Use the rather fluttery Vata energy for brainstorming – you’re sure to come up with many ideas. You can still organize them later!

If you finish work at this time, use the movement phase for a little sport. The second Kapha phase is already approaching and provides a need for rest.

Evening – time to switch off

From 6 p.m. the next Kapha-dominated phase of the day begins and lasts until 10 pm. If you haven’t already done so, you should call it a day now, because Kapha dosha triggers the desire for rest, regeneration and relaxation. Exactly such activities are now also ideal to prepare you for the upcoming sleep. Take advantage of the rest that this phase brings to go to bed, because from 10 p.m. Pitta dominates once again. This could make you hungry or give you another energy boost – good if you want to work a night shift; not so good if you want to wake up fresh and rested the next day.

Learning to read the doshas in the office

When in balance, all three doshas give us great qualities that we can all use in the office. From Vata we get creativity, mental flexibility and communication skills. Pitta gives us passion, discipline, and competitive drive. Kapha provides the patience, composure and stamina we need. However, if the doshas are out of balance, this also manifests itself in professional life – often quite independently of the time of day.

Do you find it terribly difficult to concentrate? You catch yourself starting a task only to abandon it shortly afterwards and turn to another one? You would like to jump up from your chair because you can hardly stand sitting anymore? Then Vata has taken over. In this case, drop everything for a moment and find a quiet place. Take five minutes there to do a little meditation or just breathe calmly. If your urge to move is particularly strong, a walking meditation is also great to calm the Vata energy a bit. A warm drink can also help balance Vata, but don’t go for stimulating options like coffee or black tea.

Every word that others say in the office annoys or irritates you or even makes you angry? You can’t get on with a task, but you keep at it doggedly instead of turning to something else? Your patience is stretched to breaking point? Sounds like an excess of Pitta. If fire dominates, cooling down is the order of the day, for example with sweet fruits or even a fruit tea. Just as with Vata dominance, however, a short break, perhaps with meditation, does you good in this situation as well.

You have the feeling that you could fall asleep right at your desk? You don’t really feel like doing anything? You lack the drive to start a new task? A classic case of excess Kapha. Rip yourself out of lethargy by ventilating well and getting some exercise – ideally outside in the fresh air, but a few small exercises right at your desk will do the trick. Make yourself a lukewarm water with ginger and some cayenne pepper. The warmth and slight spiciness of this drink will gently rekindle your inner fire without making you jittery.

I invite you to observe yourself more often in your daily life – can you feel the effects of the dosha clock? In which form? Try to adjust your daily schedule accordingly and try to create balance in case of imbalances. I wish you a lot of fun and success!

What suits whom? The doshas in professional life

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What criteria do you consider when you are looking for a job? Of course, things like salary, working hours and location play a role, but probably the most important thing is the job itself: Do the activities described match your qualifications and skills and – most importantly! – would you enjoy the task? What we find easy is not always what we enjoy. What kind of tasks we feel comfortable with depends strongly on our personality.

This is where your ayurvedic constitution comes into play!

Our constitution, our very own mix of the three doshas, determines not only our physical characteristics, but also our character traits. Put simply, Vata types are the creative artists, Pitta people are the ambitious organizational talents, and Kapha types are the empathetic social ones. However, it’s certainly clear that it’s not quite so black and white – few of us have just one dominant dosha and fully match its characteristics. If you want to learn more about the doshas and the concept of constitution, take a look here.

So, what does constitution have to do with my professional life?

The personality traits that are determined by your constitution also determine what is important to you and what brings you joy. Thus, it becomes clear with time whether you rather find pleasure in creative or in scientific activities; whether you prefer to work with people or for yourself alone, which subject areas interest you, etc. In addition, your constitution also determines which working conditions are good for you: Hectic, hot industrial kitchen or quiet, well-tempered office, for example. The way you work is also determined by your constitution, i.e., whether you tend to work in a structured way or whether you tend to work in creative chaos. Depending on these factors, you will either feel enthusiasm or think “hell no” when reading a job ad.

Which activities fit the individual Doshas?

Kapha

The Kapha dosha represents reliability, loyalty, and caring. Kapha employees often stay loyal to a company for a very long time and appreciate a predictable routine. They are well suited as managers and generally as leaders, as they are very resistant to stress and difficult to upset. They often keep a cool head even in difficult situations. Because of their empathy and caring nature, they do well in professions in nursing and therapy, and as social workers. Here they can be caring and loving, which suits their personality. Kapha people can also feel comfortable in coaching and teaching professions, because they can help and teach others here as well. The patience that is typical of Kapha benefits them here.

Pitta

Typical Pitta people are characterized by passion, drive, and determination. They work very precisely and attentively and have a good eye for details. Therefore, professions in engineering, as a programmer, or even as a proofreader are well suited for them – accuracy is required here. Professional athletes are also often Pitta people. This field combines physical activity and competitive orientation – both typical Pitta attributes. Kapha people may be particularly well suited as managers due to their rather calm and level-headed nature, but Pitta people are often found in these positions, as they climb the career ladder more quickly with their ambition and diligence. Without any Pitta traits at all, Kapha leaders would not last long in such a position.

Vata

People with a lot of Vata are creative, communicative, and enthusiastic. They flourish in professions where they can live out their artistic streak. Sales and marketing are well-suited, as they often have to juggle different projects at the same time – so the often volatile Vatas don’t get bored. However, teaching professions also suit them. Vata people are good with words and language and can thus transfer their enthusiasm for a subject well to others. Typical artistic professions such as painter or writer are classic Vata activities, because here the creativity characteristic of this Dosha can be fully lived out, but at the same time such activities often bring one into a meditative flow, which is good for Vata restlessness.

Professional life tips for the doshas

Kapha

Kapha people appreciate familiar things and routines. In professional life, they run the risk of their constancy turning into stagnation. Listlessness and a feeling of being “stuck” can be the result. It is important for them to try something new more often – this does not have to be a new job, but can also be something smaller like a new working method – and to venture out of their comfort zone. Because high-Kapha individuals are very good-natured and like to take care of others, they could be taken advantage of if they don’t learn to set clear boundaries and say no sometimes. The ideal Kapha workplace offers security and clear tasks or responsibilities, but also a break in routine every now and then.

Pitta

Pitta people would love to power through the whole day – but they should definitely pay attention to managing their energy and strength and take regular breaks so that they do not burn out. They are very competitive, so it’s good for them not to compare themselves with others all the time and in every situation. Patience and openness to other ways of working is also something worth learning for Pitta types, because with the nitpicking typical of Pitta, they often find it difficult to accept mistakes and methods that are different to their own. Patience also helps if you’re a Pitta colleague who gets irritated quickly. Jobs where there is heat should rather be avoided by Pittas – as cooks or construction workers in the summer sun they quickly get out of balance.

Vata

Vata people know flexibility inside out – but they have to learn consistency and structure and consciously integrate them into their daily routine. To-do lists and calendars are helpful for them. Notifications from e-mails should rather be turned off for concentrated work, because Vatas are very easily distracted. They run the risk of falling into a hectic state due to too little routine and breaks. It’s good to schedule lunch as a fixed appointment and always have enough water on hand. You should also be careful not to complete tasks too close to any deadlines in order to avoid the aforementioned hectic pace. Often, Vatas suffer from unstable immune systems. A work environment that requires to be outside in wind and weather is therefore rather unsuitable for them.

If you don’t feel comfortable in your job right now, you might ask yourself if you are really in an environment that is good for you. Maybe you’re in a noisy open-plan office, although lots of people and increased volume make you nervous? Or you have to make regular sales calls even though you’re more of an introvert? Question honestly whether your field of activity really matches your preferences and talents and whether the working conditions meet your needs. It can help to know your ayurvedic constitution. I wish you much fun and success!

Seven tips on how you can easily integrate Ayurveda into your everyday life.

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An ancient Indian healing science and our modern hectic everyday life – sounds almost incompatible? It’s not! What I like most about Ayurveda is its simplicity and individuality. Ayurveda starts exactly where you are and with its huge range of methods it really offers something suitable for everyone.

Here are seven simple tips on how you can easily integrate Ayurveda into your daily life.

Incorporate Ayurvedic routines into your daily life

In Ayurveda, there are several body care rituals which you can add to your morning routine without much effort.

Tongue scraping: You may have noticed a whitish coating on your tongue in the morning. Not only in Ayurvedic, but also in Western medicine, this coating is considered a waste product of nocturnal detoxification processes. If you remove this coating with a tongue scraper, you remove bacteria particularly thoroughly. This can prevent bad breath in the long term and improve gum health. Reason enough to give it a try, right? It’s easy, too: stick out your tongue and drag a tongue scraper (available at any drugstore) over it from back to front. Rinse the scraper and repeat the process until the coating is almost or completely gone. Do not squeeze too hard. Perform tongue scraping every morning before brushing your teeth – soon it will become a habit!

Oil pulling: Craving even more oral hygiene? Oil pulling has numerous benefits, including healthier gums, less plaque, whiter teeth. After you’ve already removed bacteria from your tongue with tongue scraping, oil pulling removes more waste products from your mouth. To do this, simply move a tablespoonful of oil around in your mouth for a few minutes, “pulling” it through your teeth, so to speak, and then spit it out – preferably into a paper towel, which you dispose of in the trash. While you are doing this, you can wonderfully do other things – make your bed, pick out your clothes for the day, put on water for your morning drink. There are several oils that are suitable, such as high-quality sesame oil, but also special oils for oil pulling that make it a little easier for beginners to get started due to their milder taste.

Dry brushing: this routine really gets your circulation going, wakes you up, and also aids in detoxification. Grab a massage brush and give yourself a loving self-massage. Start at the legs and gradually work your way up. Always stroke towards the heart, applying gentle pressure at first. If you wish, you can of course intensify this. Just two to three minutes are enough to unfold the positive effect. Afterwards, take a refreshing shower and you are ready for the day!

Lemon water: A lukewarm water with the juice of half a lemon is not only good for the immune system, but it also boosts your metabolism if you drink it directly in the morning. Of course, you still don’t have to give up your coffee!

Incorporating one of these four tips into your morning routine will only take you a few minutes.

Ayurvedic water

Ayurvedic water is water that has been boiled for several minutes. What does it do? By boiling the water, it changes its structure, it becomes chemically thinner. Digestive residues, called ama in Ayurveda, can be better “flushed away” by Ayurvedic water. Simply boil a larger quantity of water directly in the morning, which you can then fill into a thermos and drink throughout the day.

Find out your own constitution and try out appropriate tips

It will be much more specific if you don’t just try “anything Ayurvedic”, but really deal with yourself and your constitution. This is not only fun, but also helps you personally, because you can now apply tailored tips that fit you exactly. Take an online quiz directly or book an Ayurvedic consultation to find out what kind of Ayurvedic type you are and what is good for you.

Ayurveda based on the seasons

Your skin is rough and dry in winter? You suffer from the heat in summer? Then try season-specific Ayurvedic tips! You can find some good ideas here and here.

Experiment with spices

Hot spices like black pepper or chili really heat you up and get the metabolism going. Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the immune system. Cardamom balances all three doshas. Spices play a major role in Ayurveda, as they all have an effect on the doshas and can therefore help with a wide variety of ailments caused by imbalances. Try incorporating different spices into your cooking and observe how it makes you feel.

Try Chyavanprash

Ayurvedic amla mash is a true immune miracle. Pure or with warm milk, it not only tastes delicious, but boosts your immune system, balances all the doshas, and is considered an antioxidant. I personally also feel it gives me a boost when I have an afternoon slump.

Indulge in massages

Massages play a big role in Ayurveda – not so much to loosen muscles, but rather to massage the healing powers of the herbs contained in the oils into the skin. Depending on what your constitution is, whether you’re currently experiencing discomfort, or what time of year it is, certain types of massage or specific oils will help you. Vata types in particular benefit from regular massages with soothing, warming sesame oil. Treat yourself to this kind of self-care once in a while!

Those were my seven tips for a very simple integration of Ayurveda into your everyday life. Sounds really easy and not intimidating at all, right? Which tip will you try first? I hope you have fun experimenting!

Vata time – ayurvedic and yogic tips for fall season

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Fall is here – and with it colorful leaves, windy weather and seasonal treats like pumpkins. In Ayurveda, the period between October and February is considered Vata time, with Kapha influences from the end of November on. Many are not a fan of this phase as the days get shorter and colder. Also, if you are one of them, there are some tips to get through the Vata time well. Here’s how.

The Vata Dosha

Vata is the “airy” of the three doshas. In our organism it is responsible for breathing, heartbeat, cell division, enthusiasm and creativity. As characteristics one assigns to Vata attributes such as dry, rough, cold, mobile, clear and light. People with high levels of Vata are thus typically creative and communicative, but also erratic and absent-minded. Typical complaints of excess Vata are stress, pain, anxiety, nervousness, dry skin, or cracking joints.  

Vata in fall

Autumn weather has typical Vata characteristics: windy, changeable, cool. When we are affected by Vata characteristics from the outside, our Vata dosha can get out of control. So how can we calm our Vata?

Nutrition

Time for comfort food! Enjoy warm stews, soups and kitcharis. Anything warming and moisturizing increases kapha and calms vata. Feel free to season your food spicy, but not too spicy. Tea is also great, but black is best avoided.

Self-care

Treat yourself to cozy evenings on the couch, soothing massages with oil and extensive rest periods. Also with your favorite people, if you like!

Yoga

The airy Vata dosha needs grounding. Strengthening, grounding asanas are therefore well suited. Incorporate some standing postures into your flow. Sitting and lying asanas are also good for grounding. You may also want to try Yin Yoga – the calm, relaxing style is balm for agitated Vata. Keep incorporating meditations and calming pranayamas like Bhramari, too.

Vata influences in winter

Once the weather becomes less changeable and temperatures are consistently cold, we experience a significant Kapha influence in addition to Vata. Winter has typical Kapha characteristics: Nature and animals are in a slumbering phase, it is cold and often wet, and we feel a need to retreat and reflect. The cold means the body needs more fuel to stay warm and healthy. So the fire element in us is amplified, thus Agni, our digestive fire is also very strong during this time. The good news: Christmas classics like dumplings & co. can be digested well. The not so good news: excessively heavy or sweet foods increase Kapha and can therefore lead to sluggishness and lethargy. Go for warming vegetables, hot spices and a balance between the different flavors.

As always, experiment!

Feel into yourself and ask yourself what you really need for your well-being. Even during the Vata period, you may be dominated by a completely different dosha, and the autumn tips may not suit your current situation. You know yourself best!

I wish you a wonderful fall time.

Hello spring: Salute the sun with Ayurveda and yoga

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Yogic and ayurvedic tips to kiss the winter goodbye

Spring is the season of new beginnings. The winter season’s coldness is slowly fading away, bursting buds are all around us and the air has that special spring scent to it. Mother Nature is taking a deep breath after hibernating for so long, and a lot of people do that too – I should know, I’m one of them. Even though there is no season that I totally dislike, I tend to get the winter blues. That’s why every single year I get really excited about the days getting longer and the birds starting so sing.

Spring and the Doshas

This season is influenced by two Doshas. Kapha-Dosha is still very present due to the previous winter, but Pitta is slowly starting to claim its space: The increasing warmth and the longer, brighter days make Pitta’s influence grow gradually as spring is moving forward. The two elements that Kapha is made of are earth and water, which means everything that’s stable or liquid in our bodies, for example bones and blood. Let’s take a look at the elements in the simplest way. Maybe this will bring back some childhood memories. Did you also love to form little figurines with mud? And what is mud made of? Exactly: water and earth. So if you think of the qualities of mud – gooey, heavy – then it’s pretty easy to see the influence that Kapha has on us during springtime. The famous „spring fever“ is one of them. We feel tired, a little sluggish, and our digestion is a little weak. Kapha also stands for growth and stability. This can be observed pretty well if we take a look at the nature around us and watch flowers start blossoming.

What to do when Kapha is dominant

In order to avoid Kapha-imbalances such as bronchitis, snuffles or weight gain, it’s important for us to wake up from our hibernation and get going. An active start into the day is helpful. How about a few sun salutations to kick-start your circulation right after you get up? In general, we should reduce our sleeping time a little. The popular power nap in the afternoon can’t be recommended for spring, as it might further push our lethargy. The goal is to reduce Kapha and to push Pitta a bit, in order to get our digestion going. Not only movement can do this, but also nutrition. Vata-types can eat sweet stuff and also use oil when preparing their food. People with dominant Pitta or Kapha should avoid that, as sweet food reduces Pitta and therefore our digestion, and oil enhances Kapha. Dishes like soups and stews, that are easily digestible can be recommended. The flavors bitter, herb and spicy are suitable to stimulate the digestive system and to support the body with the detox processes – a benefit after the heavy winter food. Spices like chili and ginger can always be used. Ginger supports the digestion while chili enhances Pitta and releases mucus that might accumulate when Kapha is dominant. If you want to give your body a bigger break after dumplings, cookies & co, you can do some fasting. Spring is the perfect time for that. However, depending on your constitution and previous illnesses, you should talk to your doctor first, to determine if fasting is for you and if so, what kind of fasting.

Asanas for your spring flow

Especially if you were a bit lazier during winter, now it’s time to get back on the mat! Dynamic flows, which can also make us sweat, drive away the cobwebs and get us fit for the new season. As with food, the same applies here: Kapha-reducing exercises are well suited. If you are a Kapha type anyway, you can really let off steam now, and Pitta types can also exercise in more demanding ways than would otherwise be favorable for them. Those with a dominant Vata dosha will generally feel more grounded and can switch off on the mat better than usual. Twists are good for all three doshas: they balance Kapha as well as Pitta and Vata. The twisting seat or lying twists are suitable for this. While backbends are recommended now, forward bends should be reduced or kept shorter, as they are relaxing and could thus promote Kapha-related sluggishness. Backbends, on the other hand, promote blood circulation and can also loosen phlegm. To strengthen and warm the entire body, standing postures are optimal. There are hardly any limits to your imagination here: warrior variations, stretched side angle and the tree are all suitable for your personal spring flow. 

Have fun with your spring awakening! Enjoy the first rays of sunshine 🙂