(Jessica Migala/ Everyday Health) — Some age-old practices are based on the idea that the earth has inherent wisdom — and one of these systems, ayurveda, upholds the principle of eating in accordance with Mother Nature.
“The ayurvedic diet is a seasonal diet based on where you live and the foods that are available, but also what your mind-body constitution needs,” says Susan Weis-Bohlen, an ayurvedic practitioner in Reisterstown, Maryland, and the author of Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide.
In ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India, your physical and mental constitution correlates to your dominant dosha (or energy) and the balance of that energy. Each dosha aligns with certain mind-body and self-care practices, foods and nutrition habits, and more, that can be pursued to craft and maintain a state of optimal health and wellness, per a review.
Simply stated, there are three doshas, which are associated with five elements (air, water, fire, earth, and ether). You dominant dosha(s) are reflected in how you feel, think, act, and live. On a basic level, the characteristics of each dosha are as follows: (…)