The Natural Cycles And Dosha Energy
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
The dosha energies not only affect our physical and emotional well being, but also regulate our biological clocks. Times of the day, the seasons, and our age are all regulated and influenced by the doshas.
The twenty four hour in a day have two key four hour periods for each dosha:
| Kapha hours | 6-10 a.m. | and | 6-10 p.m. |
| Pitta hours | 10-2 p.m. | and | 10-2 a.m. |
| Vata hours | 2-6 p.m. | and | 2-6 a.m. |
This is important to know when considering the importance of sleep. Pitta assimilates everything from the day before (both food and information) from 10-2 a.m. If we miss this time of rest we crate toxic ama in the body. Also, if we do not go to sleep before 10 p.m., the end of the kapha period, we may get new energy from pitta and have difficulty getting to bed. If we do not wake before 6 a.m. we may feel lethargic from the kapha influence of this time. Pitta time in midday is the time of strongest digestive fire. This is the time to have our biggest meal. Ayurveda respects the natural desire to not eat breakfast until 10 a.m. because any food eaten without appetite becomes toxic in the body. Vata times in early morning and evening are best for exercise and creativity.
The seasons also have an underlying energy of the doshas. It is important to have an awareness of the attributes they encompass so adjustments can be made in compensation for the imbalance that can occur due to light and weather changes.
| Pitta season: | mid-June to mid-October |
| Vata season: | mid-October to mid-February |
| Kapha season: | mid-February to mid-June |
The summer heat of pitta can be balanced with lots of sweet ripe juicy fruits. The cooling effects of broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumber and zucchini are pacifying to pitta as well as spices such as fennel, mint and coriander in a cool yogurt drink called Lassi (see recipe section).
The vata fall season loves sweet, warm food cooked with spices like cumin, ginger and turmeric with natural immune boosting qualities. Including warm baths and personal massage keeps dry cold vata pacified. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit keep vata moist and happy.
The cold dampness of winter gives way to a spring time for eating light, kapha pacifying foods. Warm whole grains, leafy greens low in oil with lots of spice to help detoxify the winter accumulation. Fresh air and moderate exercise are also beneficial to kapha aggravation in early spring.
The cycle of birth and death also reflect the doshas. As we evolve through life we move from kapha, pitta and vata according to our age.
| Kapha life phase: | birth-30 years |
| Pitta life phase: | 30-60 years |
| Vata life phase: | 60-death |
Childhood is dominated by the strong tissue growth, nourishment and development needs of kapha. This phase dominates between birth and age thirty.
The pitta phase begins before the end of kapha phase and gradually dominates in that part of life, supporting focus and change. Lasting between ages 30-60 years, pitta symptoms such as heartburn can be more dominant.
Vata begins around 55 years of age with menopause and less activity. This phase starts the consideration of retirement and rest. Symptoms of dryness and less resilience to illness can occur. It is a time for avoiding those foods high in protein and hardest to digest. Although these phases cannot be avoided, they can be witnessed with conscientiousness to make sure aggravation is not left unattended, creating discomfort and diseases.