COVID-19 and your Doshas: The Inexplicable Connection

Here is a new reality in front of us - The COVID-19 Lockdown. It is not just the district or country but the whole world that has been hit. And this is the new hard-hitting reality. We are still learning to adjust our ways to deal with it. The most significant punching bag of it all has been the social media platforms. People are slogging it on their respective Facebook and other digital outlets filling them with their outbursts.

This is the time to self-reflect.

It’s hard not to miss the COVID-19 updates, especially since it is all over the media. As vital as it is to stay healthy physically and be safe from the CoronaVirus, it is just as important to stay healthy mentally as well. Not to go into a panic mode.

We are social beings, at the end of it all. We are conditioned by the environment and are prone to reacting and responding to the rapidly changing environment and related circumstances. The current scenario is extremely stressful, and it is a normal thing to worry a LOT.

Anxiety arises because we are unable to control the present circumstances. There is a lot of panic going around. People are worried about what we used to take for granted on most days - health, economy, jobs, etc. This is the time to stay physically healthy and use precautions. It is also vital to develop various healthy mental habits to support your emotional health.

This is actually one of those times where the COVID-19 has presented us with an opportunity of a lifetime. We can use the time saved from the commute and use it effectively for self-reflection or Adhyatm. The idea is to know oneself better.

How to Self-Reflect?

Breath - When you feel anxious, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, and originates from your upper chest. Mindfully directing the breath can trigger the brain to reduce the number of anxious thoughts and restore wellness in minutes.

Begin by taking an extended deep breath from the belly and release it through your mouth for 4-6 rounds. This simple breathing exercise can bring attention to your body and trigger a rapid relaxed response.

Deep breathing helps relax the physiology. You can connect to your thoughts and create a chance to practice transcendental meditation - a chance to Self-Reflect.

Transcendental Meditation is the key to STOP-stimulating the brain and resting the body. It allows you to bypass A LOT of thoughts, trigger rapid healing and slip into a place of stillness. Stillness is where you will find time to self-reflect. This allows your brain and body to rest and recharge at the same time.

With regular meditation, your brain shifts out of the “fight and flight” response that is triggered in times of stress and helps you to sort through situations with clarity and ease.

As you self-reflect, some information regarding a concept called '" Prakriti" in Ayurveda can help you prepare well for that. An opportunity indeed!

The Doshas

So, Prakriti is also known as an Ayurvedic Constitution in simple terms. We are made of five natural elements. Ether, air, fire water and earth. They combine to form Vata, Pitta and Kapha called the Doshas. An individual consists of all the Doshas. From the perspective of Ayurveda, the human body and all of its functions are governed by subtle, mind-body principles called the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata has the characteristics of air and space, and it’s responsible for movement.

Pitta has the characteristics of water and fire and is responsible for digestion and metabolism.

Kapha has the characteristics of earth and water and is responsible for structure and lubrication.

Your dosha makeup, or Prakriti, determines everything from the shape of your body to the way your mind, emotions, and bodywork. It is your underlying, unique nature.

But there is always one or two more dominant than the others.

Vata

For example, If you are a Vata dominant person, then there is every possibility that it can be imbalanced.

You are prone to

Being tired and/or fatigued

Being forgetful, or spaced out

Lack of focus

Having difficulty falling asleep

Occasional constipation

Poor circulation (cold feet & hands)

Feelings of anxiousness and worry

The above consequences need serious self-reflection to identify and find answers through Ayurveda. During your self-reflecting session, you will notice that you have been dissipating a lot of energy that makes you feel physically tired and mentally worrisome and unfocused. It is therefore good to realize this and channel your energies to the right path.

Pitta

Similarly, if you are a Pitta dominant person; when imbalanced, then you are prone to develop.

A controlling, fiery personality

Workaholic tendencies

Overheated, excess stomach acid

Skin rashes and acne

Interrupted sleep

Loose bowel movements

Resonate with any of the above! If you are a Pitta person, you are intelligent enough to notice that.

Just plan sufficient time to self-reflect. You are smart enough to come out victorious while self-reflecting. Your excessive fire would have made you become a workaholic and sleepless. A tiger like you must crouch before you take down the prey. Do some self-crouching to reflect and channel your fire into creating gold rather than a bush-fire causing all the havoc.

Kapha

Finally, if you are a Kapha dominant person, imbalances can cause

Weight gain

Sluggish digestion

Vulnerability to sinus and respiratory issues

Lethargy

Feelings of sadness

Difficulty waking up

Food cravings

Moha or the attachment quality in Kapha dominant people is too much when imbalanced. Self-reflection will help you identify the patterns created and break the shackles of embracing layers of water and earth, i.e. the Kapha.

Self-reflect and you will find much more about yourself and for certain laws of nature. Once you understand the laws of nature, life will become blissful.