Alternative health systems determine the body type before prescribing
medicines. Some remedies are good for the people of certain body type.
Different remedies are prescribed based on their constitution, age
group, seasonal variations at a particular place, cultural influences
etc. All foods are not good for everyone. Similarly, different
remedies and lifestyle practices are advisable during different
seasons for the people of different age groups. People should follow
regime and lifestyle practices appropriate to their culture, place of
residence, season and body type.

Ayurveda is the ancient most alternative health system originated in
India. As per Ayurveda, our body is a sacred vehicle to experience the
Divine. If health on physical level is not in robust condition, our
senses do not perform well. If inputs from our senses are distorted,
we create a world of illusion. As a result we cannot perceive truth
and experience Divine. So, it is necessary to treat your body with
respect and care.

Ayurveda, meaning science of life, addresses questions like: what are
we made of? What are the basic elements and constituents of our body?
How do they shape our thinking process and affect our perceptions? How
imbalances on body level can affect our mental/emotional state of
mind? Etc

As per Ayurveda, this whole universe and everything in it made up of
five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Air, Fire and
Ether. Earth element manifests in form of solid state of matter. Water
element manifests in the form of liquid state, Air manifests as
gaseous state of matter, Fire element expresses itself as
transformational energy. Ether is nothing but space. Space exists
everywhere, even in between two molecules. Ether is that mysterious
element that can be described at great length.

Even our body structure is made up of different combinations of these
five elements. Ayurveda defines and categorises body types based on
three humour or Dosha. They are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata is composite energy of Air and Ether elements. Its
characteristics are dry, active, cold, and erratic.

Pitta is composite energy of Fire and Water elements. Its
characteristics are hot, sharp, intense and oily.

Kapha is composite energy of Water and Earth element. Its
characteristics are heavy, cool, calm and moist.

Our body comprises of all the three Doshas. Each individual is a
unique mix of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas are energy flows or
qualities that can be experienced by us. Each body type can have one
of the above Dosha or humour as a dominant Dosha. Accordingly body
type of a person can be defined.

People with predominance of Vata have dry skin and dry hair. They have
erratic temperament, slim body and cold hands and feet. They are
restless people and cannot sit at one place. Emotions like fear and
anxiety are associated with Vata energy.

People with predominance of Pitta are hot blooded and hot tempered
people. Their body temperature is slightly higher than the others.
They have soft, warm skin and straight hair. They can easily lose
their temper. Their senses are very sharp and speech is also sharp.
Moderate body frame and premature gray hair indicate dominance of
Pitta. They are intelligent people with high ambitions and ruling
abilities.

People with predominance of Kapha are heavy built, slow and calm
people. They have beautiful skin, attractive eyes and curly hair. They
enjoy good food and good life. They are loving, caring and forgiving
people.

Imbalances of these Dosha create diseases. Recently I came across
shocking revelation that more and more people are not comfortable with
their body image. As a result, severe eating disorders are created.
Children as young as 8 years, are showing the symptoms of eating
disorder. Here is the link to the News Article:
http://live.psu.edu/story/34005

Can alternative health therapy help in treating eating disorders? In
my next post, let us examine the various options.

With Love, Joy and Peace,

Preeti
http://www.liveperson.com/gypcywoman/