Ayurveda recognizes sub-doshas within the three main doshas (vata, pitta, kapha). These sub-doshas manage specific functions in the body and mind. Similar to the main doshas, they can become imbalanced. Sadhaka Pitta, a sub-dosha of pitta, acts as a bridge connecting the heart and mind. It plays a crucial role in processing life experiences and the resulting emotions.
Spring is kapha season and the time when kapha transforms from its winter solid state (ice and snow) to its spring liquid state (rain and mud). When the weather warms and melts kapha the same thing happens inside our bodies. For people with imbalanced kapha, the liquid state can make respiratory and digestive symptoms seem worse. Symptoms of imbalanced kapha include morning sinus congestion, dripping nose, watery eyes, low appetite, nausea, and feeling sluggish.
The skin is the largest organ in our bodies and along with hair, nails, and sweat glands it forms the integumentary system. The integumentary system has many functions and most importantly protects our bodies from pathogens, such as bacteria and fungus, and sunlight.
Ayurveda considers healthy digestion as the most important factor for health and longevity. Healthy digestion creates a healthy life and weak digestion creates an unhealthy life. Healthy digestion ensures your body is assimilating the nutrients you are taking in through the foods you eat. The saying “You are what you eat,” is quite literal in this sense.
Ayurveda has long known the health benefits provided by restful restorative sleep. In fact, sleep is one of the three pillars of life, along with food and fertility. These three pillars create life for all beings on earth. Restful restorative sleep is necessary for both cognitive and physiological functions. When we are fully rested, our immunity, happiness, focus and decision-making skills are optimized.
Jwara is a Sanskrit word for fever and according to Ayurveda it is considered the "king of all illnesses". This is because Jwara affects not just the body but also the mind and senses. Ayurveda understands jwara as not only an increase in body temperature but is also a feeling of malaise, unease, and discomfort, and involves the deha (body), indriya (senses), and mana (mind).