What's a Dosha? Apparently NOT a sneeze!
For humans, much has changed over the years to our external environment and our day to day living, but the manner in which we process challenges and respond to stress, is still very much, physiologically the same.
In Ayurveda, there are three proto-types that give insight to this processing, that may give you clarity around who you are as a person, your tendencies and patterns for how you will respond to stressors and most importantly, how you can best resource yourself for those times when stress will inevitably arise.
Ayurveda calls these proto-types 'Dosha', a Sanskrit word, meaning 'that which can cause problems'.
Having a knowledge of your own personal Dosha can be an empowering tool for navigating your life circumstances. By providing you with a lens for viewing yourself, it can support you in deepening your awareness of how you feel presently along with clues for how you can prevent your personal patterns (samskara) from repeating themselves.
In Ayurveda, the three proto-types or Dosha are called Pitta, Kapha and Vata.
Each of these Dosha are unique combinations of the Elements that you see within nature.
For example: Pitta is reflected in the elements of Fire and Water.
Such individuals may find they are prone to impulsive behavior, irritability or anger. They may have a tendency to focus on work and be highly organized. Kapha is reflected in Earth and Water. Such individuals may find themselves stuck in the past, prone to grief or depression. They may find accessing momentum or completing tasks is more challenging for them. Vata is reflected in Air and Ether. Such individuals may find themselves prone to overwhelm, anxiety and indecision. They also may be highly creative and curious.
Once you have an understanding of your personal Dosha, you can begin implementing both preventative strategies for keeping yourself in a regulated space and emergency techniques for those moments when you feel yourself being pushed out of your stability. Some of the techniques that I work with, within my yoga therapy practice include polyvagal exercises for regulating your nervous system, breathwork and meditation for calming your body and mind and a combination of gentle movement and stillness practices for supporting you in moving through (and beyond) your emotions.
Stefani is part of the Farah Kurji Counselling team. She provides clients with an assessment session to determine their Dosha, limitations to yoga poses as well as collaborates with the therapists to understand where the body may be holding trauma. She practices complete acceptance and nonjudgment.
At your second session with her, she will present you with your own personalized vinyasa (sequence of movements) to use between your counseling sessions. Most clients find this incredibly helpful as a way to move their bodies and refresh after therapy. You can book your first session HERE
Stefani Wilton B.A., RMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT500
Somatic Yoga Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist, Educator