vata

By now in this Ayurveda 101 series, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the Mahabhutas, their archetypal qualities, and how they show in every single aspect of our lives.

Have you ever noticed that you find yourself drawn to one particular season over another?

Perhaps you are a chaser of the sun and avoid cold climates at all cost. Maybe you are more of the snow bunny type and become irritably uncomfortable with higher temperatures and humidity. Or perhaps overcast, rainy days are your jam.

In this article, we explore how to use food as medicine to harmonize doshic imbalances in the body and stimulate optimal digestion.

What is it about peanuts? Most of us love nuts, even to excess, and peanuts seem to hold a special place. But before you make a batch of peanut butter cookies, give this spiced peanut soup with kale a try. It contains ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now, comes together quickly, and is rich in interesting flavor.

If I were to ask you which foods you eat to stay grounded, it might at first seem like an abstract or rather woo-woo question. But in Ayurveda, seasonal foods like winter squash are thought to do just that.

Do you like a little dessert now and then, or maybe more often than not? Most of us have an affection for sweet flavors but unfortunately many desserts, whether served in restaurants or of the prepackaged variety, are filled with ingredients that we’d be better off without. It’s a good thing there are desserts like this raw vegan cashew cheesecake. Not only is it sweet, creamy, and a little chocolate-y, it’s also nutrient rich.

Looking to add something healthy and a little sweet to your fall table? How about a spiced fruit salad? And even if you’re thinking not another fruit salad, keep reading, because this is not your average fruit salad. Inspired by the classic fruit chaat common in India and Pakistan, this fruit salad has spicy, tangy South Asian flair. Whether you add it to your breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holiday table, it’s sure to wow.

After our explorations into settling imbalances in the mind through Sight, Sound, and Smell, it’s time to turn our attention towards the body. As you recall, we are able to satisfy and support our dosha physically through the senses of Taste and Touch.

They say pets are like a mirror image of the owner. So a well-balanced pooch means a well-balanced you. Taking care of your dog’s health can be as simple as first getting to know his dosha…

Our own five senses—the “gateways to healing,” as they are referred to in Ayurveda—are very powerful tools for promoting health and wellbeing. They allow us to use everything around us as medicine.

This week, we’ll dive into the world of Sound. (We previously looked at Sight.)