MEET YOUR MOOD
Balance the Mood
Should You Ignore it, Put it Aside as Something You Just Have to Live With?
Our mental health is essential; it forms the foundation of our inner home and shapes the way we perceive the world around us. When our minds are out of balance, it affects our entire being. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers profound insights into understanding what we need to restore harmony.
Ayurveda, often called the sister science of yoga, delves into the subtle interplay between the body and mind. It recognises that no symptom exists in isolation—what happens in the body mirrors the mind, and vice versa. Through the lens of Ayurveda, we learn that the five natural elements—fire, water, earth, air, and ether—are integrated into the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of us carries a unique blend of these doshas and imbalances within them can manifest as physical and mental disturbances. Your dosha isn’t inherently positive or negative; it represents your individual traits. Recognising your predisposition to build up specific elements will allow you to stay in harmony and promote well-being.
Consequences of Dosha Imbalance
The imbalance of doshas can impact the body and mind in various ways. Here are some common effects:
Physical Symptoms: When the doshas are imbalanced, it can lead to issues like digestive problems, skin conditions, hormonal disruptions, and a weakened immune system.
Mental and Emotional Disturbances: Dosha imbalances affect our mental and emotional health, leading to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and trouble focusing.
Energy Imbalance: Out-of-balance doshas can result in fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, or a lack of motivation, making it difficult to maintain steady energy levels.
Chronic Illness: If left unresolved, long-term dosha imbalances can contribute to the onset of chronic diseases and other health conditions.
Are you curious to know your dominant Dosha's and work towards Balance and Harmony? Take our quiz here.
Vata Imbalance: Anxiety& Overwhelm
When Vata is imbalanced, you may feel disconnected, disoriented, or overwhelmed by racing thoughts, described in a colour as emotionally grey.
An excess of Vata energy can lead to anxiety, causing you to worry about the future and lose touch with the present moment. In severe cases, this imbalance may even feel like a panic attack, leaving you breathless and out of sync with your body and surroundings.
When the Vata dosha accumulates excessively, it often manifests as various physical ailments. Individuals may suffer from persistent headaches, migraines, and eye problems. Digestive issues like constipation and dehydration are also common. Additionally, their skin and hair tend to be rough and lack moisture, reflecting the dryness associated with a Vata imbalance. Recognizing these physical symptoms is crucial for restoring harmony.
Ayurvedic Tip: Get Grounded
To counteract this airy imbalance, grounding practices are essential. Lie down and feel the earth beneath you, reconnecting with your body. Massage yourself with oil, paying attention to the sensations under your fingers. Focus on your surroundings—breathe in the scents, listen to the sounds, and fully immerse yourself in the present.
Grounding yoga poses such as deep squats or any position where you are lying down(Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra) can also help.
Remind yourself that you are safe, supported, and connected to Mother Earth.
Pitta Imbalance: Anger, Frustration, Irritability
When Pitta is out of balance, it can manifest as anger, frustration, or irritability, perhaps as a colour would be described as emotionally crimson.
You may feel as though you're on the verge of exploding, with physical sensations of heat and tension coursing through your body. Left unchecked, this fiery energy can erupt and be misdirected at those closest to you, leaving a trail of unresolved anger or resentment.
When the Pitta dosha is in excess, it often manifests through digestive issues and heat-related ailments. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, fevers, and infections. Pitta individuals are also prone to skin irritations such as rashes and inflammation, reflecting the internal heat. Their skin tends to be soft, warm, and oily, while their hair is soft and silky but can grey prematurely. Burnout is another common sign of a Pitta imbalance, often due to their intense and driven nature. Recognizing these symptoms early can help in maintaining balance and overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Tip: Take a Cool Shower
In Ayurveda, "like attracts like," so to soothe an overheated Pitta, you need to embrace its opposite element—water. Cool yourself down with a refreshing shower, bath, or swim to calm your inner fire. Engage in Yin or Restorative Yoga to allow your body to soften and relax. Spending time in nature and walking are excellent ways to release built-up Pitta energy. As you cool down, sit with your emotions and identify any underlying sadness or grief that may be fuelling your anger. Return to your breath and practice meditation to reconnect with your true self, beyond the ego's defences.
Kapha Imbalance: Lethargic, Heavy, Unmotivated
A Kapha imbalance can leave you feeling heavy, lethargic, and stuck in a rut, described in a colour as emotionally blue.
When this earth energy dominates, you may find it difficult to muster the motivation to complete daily tasks or care for yourself. Left unchecked, this imbalance may lead to feelings of depression and a sense of hopelessness.
When the Kapha dosha accumulates, health problems tend to develop slowly and may remain unnoticed for a long time. Common signs of a Kapha imbalance include dehydration, sluggish digestion, slow bowel movements, and an excess of mucus, often leading to congestion and a sore throat. Fatigue and a general sense of heaviness are also frequent. Kapha individuals typically have thick, oily skin that feels cool to the touch, and their hair, though initially thick, can thin quickly with age, making them more prone to balding patterns. Identifying these symptoms early can prevent further imbalance and support overall vitality.
Ayurvedic Tip: Take Up a New Hobby
To reignite your Kapha energy, try something new that stimulates your mind and body. Engage in creative activities like weaving, solving puzzles, or reading a captivating novel.
Physical movement is also vital—try Vinyasa yoga, Kundalini Yoga or a fun, energetic activity like belly dancing. These practices will get your heart rate up and help release stagnant energy.
Reconnect with your spirit by reading books that inspire and uplift you. Celebrate small achievements and let these victories guide you towards your life purpose. Practices like journaling, yoga, visualisation, breath work and meditation will help activate your chakras and align you with your true path.
How to
achieve a
Balanced Happy You
Achieving a truly balanced and fulfilling life involves more than just treating physical symptoms—it demands care for your entire being, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. While your body may cope with stress, poor lifestyle choices, and negative thoughts for a while, over time, these pressures will manifest as disruptions in your health, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing. A holistic approach is key to preventing this from happening.
Ayurveda and Yoga teach us to go beyond the surface and address the root causes of imbalance. Instead of only focusing on the symptoms, these ancient practices encourage us to explore the underlying factors contributing to disharmony.
The food you eat, the quality of your thoughts, how kindly you speak to yourself, and your dedication to self-care, including movement, are all crucial aspects of restoring balance in your life.
Each of these elements works together to support the body’s natural equilibrium. By aligning them, you not only promote physical health but also nurture inner peace and mental clarity. This harmonious state helps you reconnect with your true self and experience genuine happiness from within.
Balancing your doshas and nourishing both your body and mind isn’t just about feeling better today—it's about creating a sustainable, long-term path to wellness. When you invest in this process, you build a foundation for vibrant health, emotional resilience, and a life full of purpose and joy. Take the step today to nurture yourself holistically and embrace a more balanced, radiant life.
By committing to this journey of self-care and balance, you empower yourself to live a life of greater vitality, inner peace, and true fulfilment.
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