chakras!

Yoga is a Holistic System!

Yoga is a holistic system of purifying techniques for the body and mind. Those who sincerely practice it regularly and with devotion, develop greater sensitivity. They can attest to the existence of their inner Spirit and a better understanding of human nature. This phenomenon can be subtle or dramatic. But, it enables the yogi to objectively view himself and gracefully react to the challenges in his life. Not all students reap the full benefits of this ancient tradition, which includes philosophical study and adherence to a humbling moral code of ethics. Some simply practice the anatomically aligning postures as a sort of cross training and a way to gain some much needed flexibility. But, even these individuals will experience an improved sense of well being during the time that they are practicing the yoga postures. Many will also find the poses help to combat the effects of aging, especially when they incorporate some of yoga’s breathing techniques.

A yoga practice consists of physical postures, pranayama, and meditation. Certain postures should be practiced every day, particularly the ones that affect the spine, systems and glands of the body. These fundamental poses are maintenance exercises that keep the spine and joints supple, the ductless glands secreting their chemicals properly, and the body calm, yet, energized. There is a certain calm confidence that regular asana practice brings to the mind. A basic regime is enough to improve the immune system by simply tuning up the body. Removing toxins is paramount to the purifying aspects of yoga. There are soucha, cleansing practices, that a dedicated yogi uses to clean his eyes, ears, intestines, stomach, and sinuses. Deep breathing stretches and tones the entire respiratory system. It rids the body of toxic gases and brings oxygen into the body, building healthy tissues.

Asanas are divided into groups which exhibit certain characteristics and affect the practitioner in a certain way. A series of asanas can open up new movement patterns that a yogi had never experienced before. A new pose can find some strength or flexibility that he has never had, too. Generally speaking, standing poses build strength and flexibility. Inversions and backbends are invigorating, while forward bends and prone poses are introspective. Twists keep the spine healthy and sitting poses strengthen the lower back and open the hips. Prone and supportive poses are restorative. Traditionally speaking, the reason that all yoga poses are practiced is, so, the yogi can sit comfortably in a meditative sitting posture. Sitting postures are also useful when practicing breathing techniques. These exercises clear out and strengthen the respiratory system. The ribs and diaphragm are taught how to work together to get the most nutrients out of the oxygen that the lungs absorb. Cleaning and toning all of the organs and muscles, and optimizing the blood flow to the connective tissue and nervous system makes the yoga practitioner feel good and relaxed. His body and it’s functions are optimized. On the surface, this all seems to be similar to aerobics. However, the mind is called into play, once the student starts to dig deeper into yoga, the “subtle science”.

All aspects of yoga must be actively pursued, otherwise the energy flow within a student stagnates, and it’s purifying power is blocked. Yoga aligns the muscles and bones and balances the body’s chemistry to combat disease. It is accessible to everyone in all stages of their lives. Pranayama and asana exercises are considered the physical practices of yoga. Their job is to clean and strengthen each person’s physical state, so, his mind and emotions calm and he learns how to grow spiritually. Breathing exercises coordinate the breathing process, so, harmony develops between the asanas and the breathing. Breath control directly affects the emotions and sooths the central nervous system. Pranayama directly affects the mind. Meditation serves to purify the mind. Mr. Iyengar divides the body into three parts in “Yoga, the Path to Holistic Health”, the anatomical, the physiological, and the psychological; and all three aspects of the body need to work together to practice asanas fully.

Pranayama moves, distributes and stores prana in the body. Controlling the breath cleans the nerves or nadis so prana can move through the sushumna. Alternate nostril breathing helps the process and the mind is able to concentrate, meditate and become more one pointed. Pranayama clears the way for the prana to move and keep the nervous system healthy. The mind stills when the breath calms and grows strong. Prana is the “charged”, or living element within all living things.

Even the skeptics of yoga can’t deny that deep breathing can bring a bit of calmness to any dramatic and tense situation. This said, a yogi cannot automatically practice pranayama and yoga postures and expect to tap into the spiritual stream within him. He also has to creatively listen to his true self and be motivated through ethical and pure intentions. The quality of a yoga practice is most important. It is best to attempt two full, honest poses, than to hurry through a bunch. The way a student approaches his study of yoga is important in his overall development. Peaceful emotions induce calmness and aggressive ones create stress hormones that flood the bloodstream and initiate a chain of unhealthy reactions. By practicing with good intention, a yogi can teach himself how to react in dramatic situations. He can integrate breathing techniques that has he learned on the mat into his everyday life. The deep strength he finds when he calms his thoughts and holds a backbend for an extended period of time is going to be useful when a driver cuts him off on the highway. With sincere practice and some mental fortitude, he can call upon these coping skills to help him practice peacefulness.

With devotion, a yogi will travel within his physical practice and arrive at his mental practice with positive emotions, which will motivate him to delve into the philosophical practice of yoga. The physical, mental, and philosophical aspects of yoga work together to cleanse the individual and uplift the spirit. There are obstacles that make this journey frustrating, but, there are also, “aha” moments that make the journey worthwhile. It is important to aim for purity of mind and motivation, which requires honesty about and acceptance of oneself. Performing poses that feed the ego leads to irritation and possibly torn muscles, or worse. One must listen to the body and mind to practice yoga in a way that balances out all areas of the student’s practice. Intuition has to be cultured, not ignored, for the sake of obtaining a goal. Hurrying through an asana practice, just to “get er done” is counterproductive.

Just as there are tangible good affects on the body and mind when a student performs a posture well, executing an asana with tension and negative intension can result in ragged breathing and unstable emotions. There are also warnings against performing Pranayama with any tension. Prana is the vital thing in air that makes things alive. Pranayama controls the movement of prana through the subtle body, and in order to use this psychic energy best, the body cannot waste it. Breath control tempers emotions and calms the mind. When the mind is still and the body is strong, the act of breathing comes under our control. The prana, that is in all living things, charges us and is stored in our bodies and largely concentrated in the solar plexus. Through honing our breathing technique while in a relaxed seated posture, the prana is concentrated and reserved . Since prana is a life giving source, the more we practice healthy, positive living, the more we can use this source to learn about our essence and then, to serve others. Root locks and bandas help concentrate prana. Retention, exhalation, and inhalation make the most of what we inhale, by optimizing the detoxifying effects of our exhale. Retention stills the mind. When we pay attention to the things that are good for us, an aspect of ahimsa, we become aware of how we optimize our resources.

Optimal use of prana occurs only when pranayama is performed slow and relaxed, with no competitive goal in mind. By diligently practicing asanas, pranayama techniques and purifying practices, including the chanting of mantras, the chakras vibrate and kundalini is activated. With cultivation, divine energy moves up through the chakras, through the nadis, the sushumna, and ending in the sahasrara chakra. According to classical yoga texts, this is where the individual Self and the Divine, or universal Self, join. This union is the reward of true devotion to yoga.

Spiritual awakening requires true and regular nurturing and a balanced physical and mental practice. Good practice requires consciously living in the present and seeing the world as it really is. Looking inward and seeing the Self requires deep patience and quiet contemplation. One of the biggest obstacles for the Western yogi is the old Hindu philosophy which is the foundation of yoga’s roots. The premise of classic yoga is to teach the way of” living right’ in order to have a proper spiritual unfolding. Patanjali presented the Yoga Sutras hundreds of years ago. This text provided real problem solving techniques, so, man could improve his quality of life. Patanjali stated that mankind was in turmoil because he viewed himself as a separate entity and worried about the future and about the past. He believed that the non concentrated and restless mind created excess stress in the body, which created the perfect fuel to feed disease. Fear, loathing and anger are aggressive emotions that poison the body and mind. Patanjali came up with a code of conduct, now known as the Eight Limbs of yoga, to obtain happiness within the body and mind. His teachings explained how to replace old behavior patterns to ease suffering by steadily focusing the mind and remaining detached from outcomes, actions, thoughts and things.

The eight limbs are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yama and Niyama are moral codes that relate to how we behave toward ourselves and society. There are 5 Yamas that are meant to purify human nature, in English, they are: compassion, truthfulness, non-stealing, sense control, and non attachment. There are also 5 Niyamas that are personal purifying laws. These are: purity of thought, contentment, discipline of the body, self study(reflection), and celebration of a higher entity. Asana and Pranayama are purifying physical limbs, which prepare the yogi for meditation. Mr. Iyengar describes pranayama as the percolation of the breath through the body. The final four limbs deal with meditation. Pratyahara is detachment and sense withdrawal. Dharana is one pointed concentration. Dhyana is meditation on the Divine. Samadhi is final union with the Divine and release from suffering. Desire, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and envy are six obstacles that need to be overcome in order for the yogi to reach Samadhi.

Self acceptance is important to spiritually evolve. Without it, the yogi is fooling himself and not optimizing his potential to practice all the branches of yoga. Karma yoga is the practice of right actions, service and commitment to the love of humanity. Raja yoga is more mystical in its pursuit of calmness through the love of the “higher” and “lower” self. Bhakti yoga utilizes a loving tone and attitude toward the Divine and his Self. Jhana is a philosophical approach to yogic peace. A balanced yoga practice employs some aspects of each branch, which helps a student affect the community he lives in. Yoga is now seen in a modern light in the West. Certain aspects within the Eight Limbs are seen in modern self help groups and recovery programs. Yoga is also used as a way to get fit, but it’s most exciting contributions are therapeutic.

The scientific community is collaborating with yoga teachers to provide alternatives to healthcare in America. At a time when physicians are spending less and less time with their patients, the compassion that a yoga teacher should exhibit, is attractive to more of the general public. There are modern studies being done on the appropriate use of yoga for the treatment of Asthma, Scoliosis, and Arthritis. Meditation is a recognized system to self treat anxiety and stress. With the use of props, yoga is accessible to everyone, and can help many recover from injuries and physical impairments by helping alleviate pain and mental anguish. Yoga improves the quality of life of those who practice it. With some practice, students can dispense with the status quo, knee jerk reaction, in stressful situations. Instead, he can react with peace and wisdom. As a result of self reflection, a dedicated yoga student can educate others and improve the spirit of the world around him.

By Debra Daley

Subtle body!

yogi!

kundalini energy flow!

open up!

a poem!

"Masjid dhaa dey
Mandir dhaa dey
Dhaa dey jo kuch dhaindha
Par kisi da dil naa dhaa
Rab dilon vich rainda"

Tear down the mosques
Tear down the temples
Tear down whatever can be brought down
But don't break anyone's heart
For that is where God resides

- Baba Bulleh Shah

Self-acceptance!

Our individual healing journey is our gift to the world. The more we are capable of truly loving our self, the more love we broadcast to the rest of the human race. 

Self-acceptance is the key to peace because when we accept our self completely there is nothing to judge on the outside. If we find our self in challenging times feeling less than spiritual and less than we could be, it is exactly at that moment that we can bow inward and remember the beauty of this human journey.

Every lesson and flaw that we accept with an open heart gives us the power to expand and then to help others by our presence. This process of healing and awakening makes us humble and compassionate as well as strong and powerful.

Humility is the door to real wisdom and in this era it is the Wisdom of the Heart that is going to heal our Planet and the Human Race. We are all healing together!

Arteries n Veins!

Arteries vs Veins: 

There are two types of blood vessels in the circulatory system of the body - arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body; and veins that carry blood towards the heart for oxygenation.

Oxygen Concentration: 
A: Arteries carry oxygenated blood (with the exception of the pulmonary artery and umbilical artery).

V: Veins carry deoxygenated blood (with the exception of pulmonary veins and umbilical vein).

Types:
A: Pulmonary and systemic arteries.

V: Superficial veins, deep veins, pulmonary veins and systemic veins

Direction of Blood Flow:
A: From the heart to various parts of the body.
V: From various parts of the body to the heart.

Anatomy:
A: Thick, elastic muscle layer that can handle high pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries.

V: Thin, elastic muscle layer with semilunar valves that prevent the blood from flowing in the opposite direction.

shakti!

Right or Left?

Right or Left? (Everyone has BOTH qualities, but which side is more your personality? Obviously, this is just some unscientific fun!)

The text for the left brain reads:
“I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.”

And for the right brain:
“I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feet. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.”

just do it...

being - yoga!

mind - body - spirit!!!

NOW!!!

m watching...

yoga effects on brain!!!

left n right side of body n brain)))

lov as u r!!!

Yoga Asanas To Cure Thyroid.

Tea Meditation!

Tantra!

tantra is all-embracing,

tantra is yoga from the roots

tantra is the heart and practice of yoga

tantra is not the yoga of sex

tantra is the yoga of everything

tantra is spiritual ecology

tantra is duality and nonduality hand-in-hand

tantra is engaging the world with our spirit still shining

tantra says attraction is the law of the universe

tantra sees everything as sacred

tantra is cosmic union

tantra is worldly union

tantra is seeing spirit in everything

tantra is yoga

yoga is tantra

Via Ramesh Bjonnes

5 Tibetan Rites!

yoga styles!

Stretches for Back!

good 1!

Endocrine System Part VI

Things That Can Go Wrong

Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to your body. For example, if the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, a teen may grow excessively tall. If it produces too little, a teen may be unusually short. Doctors can often treat problems with the endocrine system by controlling the production of hormones or replacing certain hormones with medication.

Endocrine problems that can affect teens include:

Adrenal insufficiency. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough corticosteroids. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration, and skin changes. Doctors treat adrenal insufficiency with medications to replace corticosteroid hormones.

Type 1 diabetes. When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) occurs. In kids and teens, type 1 diabetes is usually an autoimmune disorder, which means that some parts of the body's immune system attack and destroy the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. To control their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes problems, kids and teens with this condition need regular injections of insulin.

Type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, in which the body can't produce normal amounts of insulin, in type 2 diabetes the body can't respond to insulin normally. Kids and teens with the condition tend to be overweight. Some kids and teens can control their blood sugar level with dietary changes, exercise, and oral medications, but many will need to take insulin injections like people with type 1 diabetes.

Growth hormone problems. Too much growth hormone in kids and teens who are still growing will make their bones and other body parts grow excessively. This rare condition (sometimes called gigantism) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor and can be treated by removing the tumor. The opposite can happen when a kid or teen has a pituitary glad that doesn't produce enough growth hormone. Doctors may treat these growth problems with medication.

Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very high. In kids and teens, the condition is usually caused by Graves' disease, an immune system problem that causes the thyroid gland to become very active. Doctors may treat hyperthyroidism with medications, surgery, or radiation treatments.

Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very low. Thyroid hormone deficiency slows body processes and may lead to fatigue, a slow heart rate, dry skin, weight gain, and constipation. Kids and teens with this condition may also grow more slowly and reach puberty at a later age. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an immune system problem that often causes problems with the thyroid and blocks the production of thyroid hormone. Doctors often treat this problem with medication.

Precocious puberty. If the pituitary glands release hormones that stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones too early, some kids may begin to go through puberty at a very young age. This condition is called precocious puberty. Kids and teens who are affected by precocious puberty can be treated with medication that will help them develop at a normal rate.

Endocrine System Part V

What Does the Endocrine System Do?

Once a hormone is secreted, it travels from the endocrine gland that produced it through the bloodstream to the cells designed to receive its message. These cells are called target cells. Along the way to the target cells, special proteins bind to some of the hormones. These proteins act as carriers that control the amount of hormone that is available for the cells to use.

The target cells have receptors that latch onto only specific hormones, and each hormone has its own receptor, so that each hormone will communicate only with specific target cells that have receptors for that hormone. When the hormone reaches its target cell, it locks onto the cell's specific receptors and these hormone-receptor combinations transmit chemical instructions to the inner workings of the cell.

When hormone levels reach a certain normal amount, the endocrine system helps the body to keep that level of hormone in the blood. For example, if the thyroid gland has secreted the right amount of thyroid hormones into the blood, the pituitary gland senses the normal levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Then the pituitary gland adjusts its release of thyrotropin, the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Another example of this process is parathyroid hormone, which increases the level of calcium in the blood. When the blood calcium level rises, the parathyroid glands sense the change and reduce their secretion of parathyroid hormone. This turnoff process is called a negative feedback system.

Endocrine System Part IV

Pineal

The pineal (pronounced: pih-NEE-ul) body, also called the pineal gland, is located in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin(pronounced: meh-luh-TOE-nin), a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning.

Reproductive Glands

The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. Most people don't realize it, but both guys and girls have gonads.

In guys the male gonads, or testes (pronounced: TES-teez), are located in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens(pronounced: AN-druh-junz), the most important of which istestosterone (pronounced: tess-TOSS-tuh-rone). These hormones tell a guy's body when it's time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a guy's body when it's time to produce sperm in the testes.

A girl's gonads, the ovaries (pronounced: OH-vuh-reez), are located in her pelvis. They produce eggs and secrete the female hormones estrogen (pronounced: ESS-truh-jen) andprogesterone (pronounced: pro-JESS-tuh-rone). Estrogen is involved when a girl begins to go through puberty. During puberty, a girl will experience breast growth, will begin to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and will have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a girl's menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy.

Although the endocrine glands are the body's main hormone producers, some other organs not in the endocrine system — such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and skin — also produce and release hormones.

Pancreas

The pancreas (pronounced: PAN-kree-us) is also part of the body's hormone-secreting system, even though it is also associated with the digestive system because it produces and secretes digestive enzymes.

The pancreas produces (in addition to others) two important hormones, insulin (pronounced: IN-suh-lin) and glucagon(pronounced: GLOO-kuh-gawn). They work together to maintain a steady level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood and to keep the body supplied with fuel to produce and maintain stores of energy.

Endocrine System Part III

Thyroid

The thyroid (pronounced: THY-royd), located in the front part of the lower neck, is shaped like a bow tie or butterfly and produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine (pronounced: thy-RAHK-sin) andtriiodothyronine (pronounced: try-eye-oh-doe-THY-ruh-neen). These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce energy.

The production and release of thyroid hormones is controlled bythyrotropin (pronounced: thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. The more thyroid hormone there is in a person's bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions occur in the body.

Why are thyroid hormones so important? There are several reasons — for example, they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system in kids.

Parathyroids

Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that function together called the parathyroids (pronounced: par-uh-THY-roydz). They release parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin (pronounced: kal-suh-TOE-nin), which is produced in the thyroid.

Adrenal Glands

The body also has two triangular adrenal (pronounced: uh-DREE-nul) glands, one on top of each kidney.

The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which produces a set of hormones and has a different function:

1. The outer part, the adrenal cortex, produces hormones calledcorticosteroids (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-STER-oydz) that influence or regulate salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.
2. The inner part, the adrenal medulla (pronounced: muh-DUH-luh), produces catecholamines (pronounced: kah-tuh-KO-luh-meenz), such as epinephrine (pronounced: eh-puh-NEH-frun). Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body experiences stress.

Endocrine System Part II

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus (pronounced: hi-po-THA-luh-mus), a collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain, is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary.

Pituitary

Although it is no bigger than a pea, the pituitary (pronounced: puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland, located at the base of the brain just beneath the hypothalamus, is considered the most important part of the endocrine system. It's often called the "master gland" because it makes hormones that control several other endocrine glands.

The production and secretion of pituitary hormones can be influenced by factors such as emotions and changes in the seasons. To accomplish this, the hypothalamus provides information sensed by the brain (such as environmental temperature, light exposure patterns, and feelings) to the pituitary.

The tiny pituitary is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands. The anterior lobe produces hormones such as:

• growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals
• prolactin (pronounced: pro-LAK-tin), which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding
• thyrotropin (pronounced: thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones
• corticotropin (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-TRO-pin), which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones

The pituitary also secretes endorphins (pronounced: en-DOR-fins), chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. In addition, the pituitary secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary releases antidiuretic(pronounced: an-ty-dy-uh-REH-tik) hormone, which helps control the balance of water in the body. The posterior lobe also produces oxytocin (pronounced: ahk-see-TOE-sin), which triggers the contractions of the uterus in a woman having a baby.

Endocrine System Part I

What Is the Endocrine System? 

Although we rarely think about the endocrine system, it influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function and reproductive processes.

In general, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by the nervous system. But even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly.

The foundations of the endocrine system are the hormones and glands. As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Many different hormones move through the bloodstream, but each type of hormone is designed to affect only certain cells.

Which of these glands has the best name?
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Parathyroid
Adrenal

A gland is a group of cells that produces and secretes, or gives off, chemicals. A gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them, and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body.

Some types of glands release their secretions in specific areas. For instance, exocrine (pronounced: EK-suh-krin) glands, such as the sweat and salivary glands, release secretions in the skin or inside the mouth. Endocrine glands, on the other hand, release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream where they can be transported to cells in other parts of the body.

The major glands that make up the human endocrine system include the:

hypothalamus
pituitary gland
thyroid
parathyroids
adrenal glands
pineal body
reproductive glands (which include the ovaries and testes)
pancreas

src:Kids Health

yoga thought!

All bodily movements created spontaneously from awakened consciousness become mudras.
- Sahajayoginicinta

Yoga n Ayurveda Doshas!

Vata Dosha!

Kapha Dosha!

Pitta Dosha!

Ayurveda Dosha Test!

To determine your Ayurvedic Dosha, fill out the questionnaire below. Base your choices on what you observe is most consistent over a long period of time, rather than your present state. Make one choice from the column that best describes yourself. However, feel free to make a selection from more than one column if two columns equally describe you. All of the words in that column need not apply for you make the selection. For Example, see below : Column Vata, Observation Hair - "dry, brittle, scarce". As long as one of these applies, make the selection.

 Most of us will have one Dosha predominant, a few will have two Doshas approximately equal and even fewer will have all three Doshas in equal proportion.

OBSERVATIONS Click VATA Click PITTA Click KAPHA Body size Thin build Medium build Large build Body weight Low Medium Heavy side Weight change Trouble gaining Can gain but lose quickly Gains weight easily, hard to lose Skin type Thin, dry Smooth, combination skin Thick, oily, Skin texture Cold, roughness, light color Warm, reddish, freckles Cool, pale Hair Dry, brittle, scarce, gets knotted Straight, oily, prone to hair loss Thick, curly, oily, wavy, luxuriant Hair color Brown, black Blond, gray, red, Dark black, darkbrown Teeth Big, roomy, stick out, thin gums Medium size, soft, tender gums Healthy, white, strong gums Nose Uneven shape, deviated septum Long, pointed, red nose tip Short, rounded, button nose Eyes Small, sunken, dry, active, freq.blinking Sharp, sensitive to light Big, calm, Eye color Black, brown bright gray, green, yellow / red, Blue Nails Dry, rough, easily broken Sharp, flexible, long, reddish tint Thick, smooth, shiny surface Lip Dry, cracked Often inflamed Smooth, large Lip color Black or brown tint Red or yellowish Pale Chin Thin and angular Tapered Rounded, big Cheeks Sunken, lines or wrinkles Flat and smooth Big or round Neck Long, thin Medium Wide Chest Small, flat Moderate Broad chested Belly Small, flat Moderate large, defined Bellybutton Small, irregular Oval, superficial Big, deep, round Hips Small or thin Moderate Big Joints Cracking noise Moderate Large, lubricated Appetite Irregular in frequency and magnitude Strong, cannot skip meals Steady, regular, skips meals Taste preference Sweet, sour, salty Sweet, bitter, astringent Bitter, pungent, astringent Thirst Variable Need water regularly Sparse need for water Digestion Irregular Quick Slow When there is indigestion Tendency to constipation, forms gas Causes burning, heart burn, reflux Forms mucous Elimination Dry Loose Thick, sluggish Physical activity Always active Moderate Slow, measured Mental activity Always active Moderate Calm Personality Vivacious, talkative, social, outgoing Likes to be in control, intense, ambitious Reserved, laid back, concerned Emotional response when stressed Anxiety, fear Anger, jealousy Greedy, possessive, withdrawn Faith or beliefs Variable Dedicated/strong Consistent Intellectual response Quick, not detailed Accurate, timely Paced but exact Memory Good short term, quick to forget Medium but accurate Slow to remember but then sustained Career, life preference Creative arts, designing Science or engineering Management, human relations, care giving Environment Easily feels cold Intolerant of heat Uncomfortable in humidity Sleep Short, broken up moderate and sound Deep and long Dreams Multiple and quick, fearful Fiery, often about conflicts Slow, romantic Speech Rapid, hither thither precise, articulate Slow, monotonous Financial Buy on impulse Spends money on luxuries Good at Saving money TOTAL VATA PITTA KAPHA