Ayurveda to determine skin type & more!

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i notice that many of us are constantly buying and trying products to address problems and we never really get to the root of the issue. when i had some serious problems getting my acne under control i used an ayurveda test to help me understand how my body operates and processes food and water. i found out that i was doing some things that were compounding my problem. i still get the occasional breakout, but now i pretty much now what i'm doing wrong. if you've tried everything and still can't control your unruly skin then try this test. it's free and they also give a list of foods you should favor or avoid. this identification process changed the way i looked at food and my body! i hope it helps you too! after you complete the test click #2 to learn more about your particular dosha and ayurveda in general. post your results and let us know if you agree or not. don't forget to print out the diet for your dosha!

Dosha Quiz - Ayurveda Mind and Body Types

i'll start:

my dosha is pitta - ruled by fire - what is shown below is very true for me!

Pitta skin is typically fair to medium skin with red tones, freckles and moles. Pitta skin is typically combination skin and/or sensitive skin prone to acting “upset†when not in balance.

All About Pitta

Pitta-type people are generally of medium size and well proportioned. They have a medium amount of physical energy and stamina. They also tend to be intelligent and have a sharp wit and a good ability to concentrate. Fire is a characteristic of Pitta, whether it shows up as fiery red hair or a short temper. Since Pittas' body temperature is generally warm, Pitta types can go out of balance with overexposure to the sun. Their eyes are sensitive to light. They are ambitious by nature but also can be demanding and abrasive.

Pitta types are known for their strong digestion but should be careful not to abuse it. Their heat makes them particularly thirsty, and they should take caution not to douse their agni, or digestive fire, with too much liquid during meals. Pitta dosha leads us to crave moderation and purity. We rely on Pitta to regulate our intake of food, water, and air. Any toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco, show up as a Pitta imbalance. Toxic emotions such as jealousy, intolerance, and hatred also should be avoided to keep Pitta in balance for optimum health.

Here's info about the other two doshas fyi:

Vata skinis typically fair, thin, dry or aged. Persons with Vata skin need more nourishing and hydrating products to counterbalance dryness, aging and the effects of the environment.

All About Vata

Vata-type people are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Because of this, Vatas have very little energy reserve and can tire easily and get themselves out of balance. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, stay warm, and keep a regular lifestyle routine.

The Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion, and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation, cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata imbalance.

The most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas. Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well.

Kapha skin tends to be thicker and darker. Kapha skin can lean toward oiliness but of all the skin types, Kapha skin often has the least issues. When out of balance, Kapha dosha skin may manifest acne, large pores and oily areas (T-zone).

All About Kapha

Kapha-type people tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, providing a good reserve of physical strength and stamina. This strength gives Kaphas a natural resistance to disease and a generally positive outlook about life. The Kapha dosha is slow, and Kapha types tend to be slow eaters with slow digestion. They also speak slowly. They are calm and affectionate but, when out of balance, can become stubborn and lazy. They learn slowly, with a methodical approach, but also retain information well with a good understanding of it.

Kapha dosha controls the moist tissues of the body, so a Kapha imbalance may show up as a cold, allergies, or asthma. This is worse in Kapha season, March through June. Cold and wet weather aggravates Kapha. They should not dwell in the past or resist change. They need lots of exercise and need to be careful not to overeat. Kaphas need stimulation to bring out their vitality. Kapha dosha teaches us steadiness and a sense of well-being.

there are other dosha tests that can give much more information. if your interested, just let me know!

monnie

 
that was a fun quiz! I am pitta too! definately makes sense for me! said my mind if half pitta half vata though, which makes sense since ihave problems with anxiety. i'm interested in aryuveda. there seems to be something to it. thanks for sharing!

 
the best resource i've found is "perfect health" by deepak chopra. it has a much more detailed test and even offers more skincare, food, and exercise options, as well as mediation techinques (especially useful for us pitta types - i have issues with anxiety as well!). i'm so happy you found it interesting!

that's so cool! my sister is a kapha too! very even tempered and sweet! i'd say that fits you too a tee!

that diet is great for vata personilities! the vata dosha is especially prone to tummy and digestion issues!

so happy you ladies liked the test and information! i really think it's a completely different approach to dealing with our skin!

 
you can imagine i was very surprised to learn that I have a triple (?) dasha

The Tri-Dosha needs to look more carefully at keeping in balance with the seasons and the clock, and seeing how each particular dosha expresses itself in the mind and body. Look at which dosha is dominant in the mind section, and which dosha is more dominant in the body section. You probably have qualities of all three doshas, and you need tWhen all of the scores are within one point of each other, or evenly distributed, you are one of the rare few who are "Tri-Doshic". When you have this mind/body type, you are more likely to remain in balance, because the ratio of Vata, Pitta and Kapha is nearly even. You will tend to have lifelong good health and a good immune system. However, whenever you do get out of balance, you must work harder to balance all three doshas, because you don't have a "lead" dosha to start with.

Sometimes it's hard to figure out some of the answers to the questions, and in that case, your body type may be obscured by a Vata imbalance. Vata is the lead dosha, and can oftentimes present like Pita or Kapha. For example, you may be small-boned, but overweight. A Vata imbalance could very well cause such confusion.

The doshas like to move around, and there are hundreds of ways that they relate to each other- so to be in equal ratio at birth is highly improbable. You may actually be a double-dosha type after all. The most important thing to remember is not to try to fit yourself into a particular category, but to learn as much as you can about yourself.

The Tri-Dosha needs to look more carefully at keeping in balance with the seasons and the clock, and seeing how each particular dosha expresses itself in the mind and body. Look at which dosha is dominant in the mind section, and which dosha is more dominant in the body section. You probably have qualities of all three doshas, and you need to find ways to keep in balance that go with the seasons, too.

I really don't know where to go to look at skin stuff and everything for a triple dosha. that was pretty surprising for me.

 
you can float between all three doshas at one time or another. in my mind you are perfectly in balance right now and that's great! this is what we are all striving for! how's your skin these days? please post and let us know! or, if you'd like to take a more detailed test to see if you can narrow down you dosha i little more let me know that also!

 
very cool! do you see any similarities with the dosha explanation?

what's your dosha angela?

 
My results...

Overall dosha is: Kapha.

In your body:

Vata - 4

Pitta - 5

Kapha - 3

In your mind:

Vata- 3

Pitta- 2

Kapha- 7

Now sure what it all means but it's very interesting to me.

The description of Kapha fits me pretty well except for the sturdy, heavy frame part. :kopfkratz: I guess I do have a sturdy frame even though i'm petite because i've never broken a bone even with some of the craazy things i've done.

Thanks for sharing, Monnie. Now how can this help me in my skin care? I want to know more.

 
This stuff is pretty interesting. I did the test, and my overall dosha is Pitta.

In Your Body: Highest was Vata [6], then Pitta [4], & Kapha [2]

In Your Mind: Highest was Pitta [7], then Vata [3], & Kapha [2]

Reading the descriptions for Vata & Pitta, I'm finding that I fit Vata better... everything applies to me, except the "find it hard to gain weight" part. Hmmm.

You mentioned other dosha tests that can give a lot more information. I'm very interested in these, if you wouldn't mind posting them :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I'd like to know more about this Ayurveda.

 
I'd love another test but I must say that I took another one last night immediately after this one and got very similar results! Likewise, my skin is pretty balanced and well behaved right now.

That's very interesting.

 
each dosha is related to specific skin issues. people with the kapha dosha, for instance, generally have few skin problems. their problems have more to do with digestive and intestinal issues. moisture rules this dosha so damp and cold environments makes them very uncomfortable. they have even dispositions and tend to be more happy and carefree. you don't need a lot of products for your skin to look and feel good.

check this site for a more detailed explanation of your dosha related skincare issues!

i'm so happy your interested!

Umaveda - Ayurvedic Skin Care Products

 
I'm Vata... But they're lying about me in particular based on that first line LOL! Thanks Monnie!

 
here's more skincare related info for the doshas ladies!

Know Your Ayurvedic Skin Type

The first step in the holistic Ayurvedic approach to skin care is finding out your ayurvedic skin type.

Vata skin is in generaly dry, thin,delicate and cool to the touch, easily gets dehydrated, and is very vulnerable to the influence of dry windy weather. Vata skin may age faster, and tends to be dry, rough and flaky when out of balance.

Pitta skin type tends to be fair, sensitive, soft, warm, and of medium thickness. less tolerance to hot food, less tolerance to fieriness in temperament. Pitta skin types tend to be more prone to freckles and moles than the other skin types. When out of balance, Pitta skin can flare up in rashes, rosacea, acne, or sunspots.

Kapha skin tends to have all the qualities of water and earth -- it can be oily, thick, pale, soft, cool and more tolerant of the sun. Kapha skin tends to age slower and form less wrinkles than the other two types. Kapha skin types may struggle with dull complexion, enlarged pores, excessive oil, blackheads, pimples, moist types of eczema and water retention.

"Combination" skin can be Vata-Pitta, skin that is both dry and sensitive, Kapha-Pitta-skin is oily and sensitive , and Vata-Kapha- skin that is generally dry with some oily zones.

The ayurvedic approach to caring for combination skin takes into account environmental and seasonal factors. For example, a person with Vata-Pitta skin would follow the recommendations for Pitta skin in summer and Vata skin in winter. The Kapha-Pitta type would follow Pitta recommendations in summer and Kapha recommendations in winter. The Vata-Kapha type would be best served by generally following Vata guidelines, with extra cleansing of the oily zones.

Vata Skin Care

For Vata skin to stay youthful, skin care products used should be very nurturing. They must include some essential oils or herbs in combination, which can nourish the skin and rehydrate it, otherwise it may be susceptible to wrinkles and premature aging.

Going to bed on time, eating regular meals, and following a regular daily routine are essential components of a holistic approach to Vata skin care, as are eating foods that help balance Vata and nourish the Vata skin.

Suggestions for caring for Vata skin:

Vata skin types, for instance, will want to eat more warm, unctuous foods and favor the sweet, sour and salty tastes to balance the dry, rough, moving Vata dosha. Provide added nourishment to your skin by including organic milk, whole grains and green leafy vegetables in your diet. Drink lots of lukewarm water everyday for internal hydration. Eat plenty of sweet juicy fruits, they help cleanse the body from within and provide hydration as well. Include a little healthy fat such as Ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in your diet for added lubrication. A warm oil self-massage is excellent for keeping skin lubricated. Use a gentle, all-natural moisturizer to keep facial skin hydrated. Provide added deep lipid support with facial oil. Get plenty of rest so your mind as well as your body have the opportunity to recharge. Use a gentle, moisture-balancing cleanser and splash your face with water several times when you cleanse.

Pitta Skin Care

The Pitta skin type needs both cooling and nurturing. Use skin care products that help enhance resistance to the sun. Avoid tanning treatments and therapies that expose your delicate, sensitive skin to steam for extended periods of time.

The ayurvedic herb Flame of Forest can help protect Pitta skin from photosensitivity. But like other ayurvedic herbs, it needs to be used in combination with other herbs for a balanced effect on the skin.

Suggestions for caring for Pitta skin:

If you have a Pitta skin type you will thrive on sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, as found in sweet, juicy fruits, rose petal preserve, and cooked greens. Avoid hot, spicy foods. Stay away from harsh, synthetic cosmetics; they can damage your sensitive skin and cause breakouts. Avoid hot spicy foods and an excess of deep-fried foods, they add heat to an already fiery constitution. Eat lots of sweet juicy fruits and have some rose petal jam in cool milk every day. The rose is considered cooling for mind, body and emotions. Use cooling oil, such as coconut oil, for the daily massage. Cook with cooling spices such as fennel and licorice. Take extra care to protect your skin when you go out in the sun. Use gentle, natural skin care products for cleansing and moisturizing. Provide added lipid support, such as facial skin oil, every other day.

Kapha Skin Care

"Kapha skin, because of its thickness and oiliness, is more prone to accumulate ama -- toxins under the skin. People with Kapha skin need to do detoxification on a regular basis, both internal detoxification and external detoxification to flush toxins from the skin," says Mishra.

Scrubbing the skin with a gentle exfoliating clay can help external cleansing. Kapha skin types may also need to take herbal formulations to cleanse the skin from within.

Suggestions for caring for Kapha skin:

The oiliness of Kapha type skin calls for a diet that is warmer, lighter, less oily, and free of heavy, hard to digest foods. Eating more bitter, astringent and pungent tastes help stimulate digestion and balance Kapha skin.Avoid too many sweet foods or deep-fried foods, they add to the oiliness in the skin. Exercise everyday to improve circulation. A daily warm oil massage can also help circulation. Eat plenty of organic vegetables and fruits to help cleanse the body from within. Cleanse your skin twice everyday; exfoliate with a mud-mask at least once a week. Cook with warming spices such as ginger and black pepper to stoke the digestive fire and inhibit the accumulation of ama inside the body.

:rotfl: you're welcome!

some of the tests are so involved! but, it you're having issue with your skin i suggest you check it out. i can't say enought about the diets, though. i found out i was eating so many things that were contributing to my acne flareups! it really helped me alot!

 
Yep, that's me! I have been working on my digestion and colon function for quite some time now because it's something i've struggled with since childhood. Since getting a handle on all that, my skin has never felt and looked better so I totally believe this is correct!

Thanks so much for the links and additional info! I'd love to find an Ayurvedic doctor or any natural alternative doctor for that matter, in my area! I've looked and there's just not any which sucks. I'm generally in good health and don't get sick often but I think alot of that is because of what I do and don't put into my body. I've always been a firm believer that the state and condition of our skin is a good representation of what's going on internally.

 
perfect health by deepak chopra is my skincare bible! it's so complete and a great reference for using ayurveda as a approach to total health. for example, people with a kapha dosha should avoid juicy fruit and should favor dried fruit like figs, prunes and raisins. you should reduce wheat, rice and oats and red meat and seafood. you shouldn't use any oils in your food except almond, corn, saffllower and sunflower oils. the only sweetner you should use is raw honey and you should eat ginger root everyday to help improve your digestion. you should consume low and non fat dairy only.

if you get a chance, pick this book up until you find a doctor that can do a complete evaluation! check this site for more info and keep me posted about what you find out!

www.chopra.com

 

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