Ayurveda heals by treating the mind, body, and spirit, says writer

• Ayurveda has been in use in India since centuries.
• It's found to be 5000 years old.
• It is based on three different personality types, and seeks to treat an individual from a holistic perspective.
• Ayurveda seeks to treat the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual.
• In Ayurveda the sages state that life, or energy, is alive and intelligent.
• Understanding the essential nature of reality allows the person to change their own state of health or emotional well being.
• Everyone is a mixture of these three doshas, and usually has characteristics that make one predominant.
• 1. The Vata person is creative, quick thinking and resourceful.
• Vata energy is based in the colon and is prone to flatulence, twitches, joint problems, nervous disorders, and constipation.
• People with the predominate Vata dosha should avoid sugar, alcohol, drugs, most raw foods, and ice cream.
• 2. The Pitta person is strong-willed, impassioned, and determined.
• People who have red hair, freckles, premature gray hair, and blond hair are said to have some Pitta qualities.
• These people can be impetuous and flighty, getting over-involved in projects and quickly burning out.
• The best diet for a Pitta individual would emphasize foods such as cottage cheese, ice cream, sweet fruits, oatmeal, and grains.
• They should avoid spicy and hot foods.
• The Pitta individual would do best in cooler climates that have distinct seasonal changes.
• 3. The Kapha individual is sensitive, sedate, strong, and forgiving.
• Kaphas have the greatest struggle with weight.
• These people are connected to the earth element, and at their best are wise, tolerant, and loyal.
• It is important to keep these doshas in balance through the day.
• The best way to have healthy vikruti is to keep the doshas in balance through diet.