Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda is often considered the sister science to yoga and is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. 

It is based on three main Ayurvedic body types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Each person is made up of a predominant 'type' (dosha) - vata, pitta or kapha. 

What 'dosha' or personality type are you? Do the questionnaire to find out!

Throughout this series of three classes, Nanna will introduce you to the concept of 'dosha' dedicating each class to Vata, Pitta and Kapha respectively. She will briefly explain what a 'dosha' is and go on to explain how all of us need to balance these 'doshas' at different times of the day, month and life time, if we are to experience full health.

​​​​​​Yoga classes for your Ayurvedic Constitution
 

Do the Ayurvedic questionnaire below to discover your Ayurvedic body type. Find out if you are:
 

• Vata - the 'air & space' body/personality type
  Vata is expressed as the element air. When in balance, a vata personality type is outgoing, friendly and creative. When not in balance a vata exhibits signs of stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed.
   
• Pitta - the 'fire & water' body/personality type
  Pitta is expressed as the element of fire.  When in balance, a pitta personality type is dynamic, hard working and efficient. When not in balance he or she can feel angry, reactive and irritable.
   
• Kapha - the 'earth & water' body/personality type
  Kapha is expressed as the elements of earth & water. A kapha personality type when in balance is steady, loyal and calm. When out of balance, he or she is prone to be lazy and unmotivated, with a tendency to seek comfort by overeating, hence tend to be overweight.

When you have your questionnaire results, choose one of these classes for your practice today :-)

	Yoga for your Ayurvedic body type - Vata   A Vata personality is outgoing, friendly and creative. When not in balance they can be stressed, anxious, overwhelmed. They can suffer from conditions such as insomnia, joint pain and brain fog. In this class we are going to reduce your vata and help create a calm, grounded state of mind and body. Be prepared to feel totally nurtured.
	Yoga for your Ayurvedic body type - Pitta  Pitta types are dynamic, high achieving people who like to live life in the fast lane.  In this session, Nanna Coppens will guide you through movements and postures that will bring you into the present - learn to totally relax and let go of the to-do list as  you experience the calming and balancing effect of the class.
	Yoga for your Ayurvedic body type - Kapha  Let’s get you moving! A kapha  type is grounded, loyal, steady, compassionate and reliable. Out of balance, he or she feels low motivation and can lack enthusiasm and drive.  Join Nanna in this dynamic yet healing class that will be sure to mobilise your circulation and lymphatic system. Use this class to ignite your energy levels and have some fun!

Ayurveda Health Questionnaire

Discover for your 'dosha' or personality type you are, with this questionnaire. Tick only the description that is most applicable to you. Then, simply count up how many Vata (V), Pitta (P) and Kapha (K) you have.

You may find you have two equal and one low - this is called bi-doshic (and occasionally you'll be balanced between all 3, which is tri-doshic). If you're ready for a class - ask yourself (honestly) what you feel that you need right now - and try the other one next time. Enjoy!

Body frame, bone structure:
(V) slight, thin, delicate

(P) moderate, medium sized

(K) broad, strong, heavy
 

Body weight:
(V) light, lean, erratic weight, or difficult to gain

(P) moderate weight, strong metabolism

(K) extra pounds, must work hard to lose weight
 

Skin:
(V) naturally dark; tans easily

(P) light, pinkish, fair, yellowish, or freckled

(K) even tones, with a rich, smooth, or milky quality
 

Skin type:
(V) dry, rough, uneven or combination skin, chapped, cold

(P) sensitive, burns easily, red patches or moles, oily

(K) thick, soft, moist, cool
 

Hair:
(V) dry, rough, tends to break, curly, frizzy

(P) light coloured, red, early grey; thinning or fine

(K) thick, lustrous, oily
 
Eyes:
(V) small, dark coloured; flitting gaze

(P) medium sized, light or pale coloured; "fiery" or sharp, penetrating gaze

(K) large, rich blue or brown; watery gaze
 

Temperature preference:
(V) cold, loves warmth

(P) easily overheated, prefer cool climates

(K) not disturbed by cold or heat, but prefer warm weather
 

Appetite:
(V) variable, irregular, eyes bigger than stomach

(P) good, regular appetite; irritable or heartburn when overly hungry

(K) hearty appetite, may emotionally overeat
 

Digestion and evacuation:
(V) variable, irregular; constipation

(P) regular to fast; burning sensations in the digestive tract

(K) regular, slow
 

Physical activity/energy level:
(V) very active, extreme ups and downs, restless

(P) moderate, even, focused, well paced

(K) lethargic, hard to get going; good endurance
 

Sleep:
(V) restless, short, variable

(P) moderate, sound

(K) heavy, sound
 

Mental disposition:
(V) restless, active, creative

(P) focused, aggressive, intelligent

(K) calm, stoic; good long term memory
 

General disposition:
(V) cheerful, adaptive, spacey, changeable

(P) clearheaded, practical, logical, asserted

(K) calm, patient, serious, passive
 

Emotional disposition (your dominant negative emotions):
(V) fearful, insecure, anxious

(P) frustrated, irritable, jealous

(K) attachment, grief
 

Speech style:
(V) fast, variable tones; jumps from idea to idea; talks  a lot 

(P) focused; even or impatient tones; concise, logical; talks moderately

(K) slow, monotones, talks little
 

Movement style:
(V) quick, walks on air, everywhere at once

(P) well paced, direct, moves from point A to B

(K) slower, moves as little as possible, flowing movement

What are your results?
Number of Vata:
Number of Pitta:
Number of Kapha:
 

Well done! So, now that you have a clearer idea of what dosha you are, why not join Nanna for the right class for you. Remember , you may find you have two equal and one low - this is called bi-doshic. If you're ready for a class - ask yourself (honestly) what you feel that you need right now - and try the other one next time.

Enjoy!