Ayurveda teaches us that what is a medicine for one may just as well be a poison for the other. As such, to guarantee their well-being, everyone must optimize their diet according to the peculiarities of their being. It’s the only way to keep it balanced.
If you are not familiar with Ayurvedic philosophy, a preamble is necessary so that you know what it is all about. Ayurveda is based on the idea that the three dimensions of our Being (body, soul and spirit) are made up of a unique combination of five elements which also make up the universe: ether, air, fire, water and earth. These elements come together in three vital energy flows or doshas: vata dosha (air and ether), pitta dosha (fire and water), kapha dosha (earth and water). The balance of these doshas indicates that one is in harmony with nature. Illness or emotional pain are signs that this balance is upset. To restore it, only nature can provide the right remedy. This is where food plays an essential role.
Ayurveda, dosha and moringa
To determine if a food is suitable for you or not, it is still necessary to know your Ayurvedic profile, in other words your dominant dosha. Identifying it to deduce the right diet is relatively complex and requires the advice of an expert Ayurveda practitioner. However, we can give you some clues to get you on the right track (see the table below).
You have to listen to your body and its signals – check your pulse, examine your tongue … Ask yourself how you feel when you get up? Too heavy? So it’s an excess of Kapha. If you’re feeling drained or confused, it’s more of an excess of Vata. In these cases what to do?
Among other foods, moringa is said to balance (in Ayurveda, we say “pacify”) Kapha and Vata; it’s a Pitta element. It belongs the same category as spices and has proven therapeutic effects – it is believed to cure or prevent over 300 diseases.
The usual dosage is 5 grams per day (the equivalent of two teaspoons) that you can drink as an infusion, sprinkle on a salad, in a yogurt or a smoothie. You can take more if needed.
Each type of dosha has its own diet
To find out the characteristics of your dosha, please refer to the table below.
Last but not least, in Ayurveda, digestion is an essential function of the organism; it is therefore important not to hinder it so you can keep a strong, regular agni, the “digestive fire”. Here are some advice to help you digest well:
• Consume only seasonal and local food
• Eliminate processed or refined food
• Eat only when you are hungry
• Eat neither too much nor too little (which implies no fasting at all)
• Eat in a peaceful environment, without distraction
• Do not eat before having digested the previous meal • Prefer cooked foods: they are more digestible
• Avoid cold drinks
• Take the main meal around noon; eat light in the morning and in the evening
• Take a minute to practice gratitude before each meal.
