Mind-Body Type questionnaire

Transcription

1 Mind-Body Type questionnaire Fill out the Mind-Body type questionaire and determine your Ayurvedic Mind-Body Type. The questionnaire is divided into three sections. For the first 15 questions, which apply to Vata Dosha, read each statement and mark how much it applies to you, using the following scale. 1 = Does not apply to me 3 = Applies to me somewhat (or some of the time) 6 = Applies to me mostly (or nearly all of the time) At the end of the section, write down your total Vata score. For example, if you mark 6 for the first question, 3 for the second and 2 for the third, your total up to that point would be = 11. Total the entire section in this way, and you arrive at your final Vata score. Proceed to the 15 questions for Pitta and those for Kapha. When you are finished, you will have three separate scores. Comparing these will determine your body type.

2 Section 1 - Vata Does not apply Applies mostly I perform tasks and activity quickly I am not always good at remembering things I am enthusiastic and vivacious by nature I have a thin physique and I don t gain weight very easily I have always learned new things quickly My characteristic gait while walking is light and quick I tend to have difficulty making decisions I am not good at memorising things and then remembering them later I become anxious or worried frequently I don t tolerate cold weather as well as most people I speak quickly and my friends think I m talkative My moods change easily and I am somewhat emotional by nature I sometimes have difficulty in falling asleep or having a sound night s sleep My movements are quick and active, my energy tends to come in bursts I am easily excitable Vata score Living Ayurveda 2015

3 Section 2 - Pitta Does not apply Applies mostly I consider myself to be efficient I tend to be precise and orderly I am strong-minded I feel uncomfortable in very hot weather - more so than other people Even though I might not always show it, I sometimes become irritable quite easily I find it difficult to skip a meal I have a strong appetite Many people consider me to be stubborn I am very regular in my bowel habits I become impatient easily I sometimes get angry quite easily but often then quickly forget about it I am very fond of cold foods such as ice cream and ice-cold drinks I don t tolerate foods that are very hot and spicy I enjoy challenges and when I want something I am very determined in my efforts to get it I tend to be quite critical Pitta score Living Ayurveda 2015

4 Section 3 - Kapha Does not apply Applies mostly My natural tendency is to do things in a slow and relaxed fashion I gain weight more easily than most people and lose it more slowly I have a placid and calm disposition, I m not easily ruffled I can skip meals easily without any significant discomfort I sleep very deeply I am calm by nature and not easily angered I don t learn as quickly as some people, but I have excellent retention and long memory Cool and damp weather bothers me My hair is thick, dark and wavy I have smooth, soft skin with a somewhat pale complexion I have a large, solid body-build I have slow digestion, which can sometimes make me feel heavy after eating I have very good stamina and physical endurance as well as a steady level of energy I generally walk with a slow measured gait I am a slow eater Kapha score Living Ayurveda 2015

5 Final Score Vata Pitta Kapha How to determine your body type Now that you have added up your scores, you can determine your physical, mental and emotional type. Although there are only three types of doshas, remember that Ayurveda combines them into ten ways to arrive at ten different body types. Single Dosha Type If one score is much higher than the others, you are probably a single-dosha type. Single-dosha types include: Vata Pitta Kapha You are definitely a single-dosha type if your highest score is twice as high as the next highest dosha score - (for instance, Vata-68, Pitta-33, Kapha-30). In single dosha types the characteristics of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are very evident. Your next highest dosha will still show up in your natural tendencies, but it will be much less distinct. Two-Dosha Type If no dosha is predominant, you could be a two dosha type. Two-Dosha Types are: Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata Pitta-Kapha or Kapha-Pitta Vata-Kapha or Kapha-Vata If you are a two-dosha type, the traits of your two leading doshas will predominate. The higher one comes first in your body type, but both count. Most people are two-dosha types. A two-dosha type might have a score like this: Vata - 59, Pitta - 64, Kapha If this were your score, you would consider yourself to be a Pitta-Vata type. Three-Dosha Type If your three scores are nearly equal, you may be a three-dosha type. Vata-Pitta-Kapha This type is considered to be rarest of all. Check your answers again, or have a friend go over your responses with you.

6 Vata Qualities A yurveda describes the fundamental energies that govern our inner and outer environments: movement, transformation, and structure. Known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha these primary forces are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Each of us has a unique proportion of these three forces. A Vata dosha is related to space and air, which governs all forms of movement in the body. Space and air are light and easily moved with little resistance. For example Vata people think quickly and they frequently jump rapidly from one topic of conversation to another. Vata types are slim, and can have wispy hair and dry skin. For Vata types personal habits and meal times are irregular, they often nibble between meals. Sleep is usually light and they are easily disturbed, with more likelihood of insomnia. Their thought processes, speech and movement is fast. They like to talk and enjoy all types of communication, including music. They dislike cold, windy or dry environments and feel chilled quickly or shiver easily. Extremities (hands and feet) are often cold, or become cold easily. Mentally and emotionally they are quick, they have a very active mind and have a tendancy to forget often. They are intellectual, imaginative, creative, sensitive and tend to have more interests in the arts. Vata types are often introspective, shy, modest and can lack confidence. As a result of this, if Vata goes out of balance it can lead to worries or anxiety. Imbalance also leads to them being unsettled and impatient, although not angry. They like change which keeps them interested. Tastes that balance Vata are: salty, sour & sweet. Vata influences respiration, sensory perception, hearing, speech, processes in the body and movement. Tips to balance Vata include: Staying warm Working more slowly Taking warm drinks Organising your work in an orderly fashion Getting to bed before 10pm - (before Pitta time), as well as no mental stimulation such as reading or TV after 9.30pm Taking Good Night tea before bed Warm food, favouring sweet, salty and sour tastes, e.g. bananas The main meal in the middle of the day and lighter food in the evening Vata Aroma oil, Vata, Tea, Vata Spice mix added to food, Vata Shampoo, Vata Churna & Vata soap Blissful Sleep Vata. When in balance, Vata is: imaginative, communicative, sharp, lively and intuitive. They make good artistic, creative team players.

7 Pitta Qualities A yurveda describes the fundamental energies that govern our inner and outer environments: movement, transformation, and structure. Known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha these primary forces are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Each of us has a unique proportion of these three forces. Pitta has the qualities of fire and water which relates to transformation. Pitta types are of medium build, intellectual and focused. They have soft skin with lots of body heat so they often perspire. Their skin flushes easily and they often have freckles and moles. They don t like hot spicy foods, and don t enjoy hot weather, sunlight or heat. Their skin develops rashes or sunburn easily. Their desires are strong in nature. They are extroverted and when stressed they get loud. They make good leaders and are ambitious. They enjoy competitive sports and games, either as spectators or participants. Their intelligence is high, they have good insight and a keen sense of discrimination. When in balance their sleep is moderate and not easily disturbed, they are good leaders and speak confidently and passionately. When out of balance they can be forceful, dominating, aggressive or angry. Pitta season is May to August. Tastes that balance Pitta are: sweet, bitter and astringent. Pitta is involved in: digestion, metabolism, vision, heat and bodily energy production, skin lustre, hunger and thirst. Tips to balance Pitta include: Staying cool Working at a steady pace Avoiding confrontational situations, negotiating rather than arguing Taking Pitta pacifying drinks, such as liquorice tea or Pitta tea Organising your work in an orderly fashion Getting to bed before 10 (before Pitta time), and avoiding mental stimulation such as reading, TV after 9.30pm Warm food favouring bitter, sweet and astringent tastes, e.g. red grapes The main meal in the middle of the day with cooler flavours, not hot spicy meals Pitta Aroma oil, Pitta Tea, Pitta Spice mix added to food, Pitta Shampoo, Pitta Churma and Pitta Soap If stomach acid is strong then Gastro Support, Herbal Aci-Balance or Detox Pitta may help Pitta in balance gives focus, motivation, smoothness and warmth. They make good team players and leaders, like a challenge and have determination.

8 Kapha Qualities Ayurveda describes the fundamental energies that govern our inner and outer environments: movement, transformation, and structure. Known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha these primary forces are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Each of us has a unique proportion of these three forces. Kapha in the five elements is water and earth which relates to structure. Water and earth moves more slowly than the other three elements space, air and fire. Kapha types think slowly and methodically, and have good stamina. They like slower work routines and aren t necessarily fans of change. People with a predominant Kapha dosha tend to be heavy and solid, work slowly and methodically, are always consistent with their mood. However, they can get depressed, and can easily get overweight. They manage with less sleep than Vata or Pitta and sleep soundly. They have a moderate or low appetite, slow digestion and do not usually like sweet foods. They enjoy eating spicy hot foods as they increase the strength of digestion and reduce Kapha. They prefer it when it is dry and warm. Kapha season is December to May and this is when Kapha can easily get out of balance. They like routine and structure as well as manual work (involving movement which balances kapha). They learn slowly but remember well. They are highly tolerant and forgiving and flexible but not as sharp minded as Pitta types. They are sociable and like group activities, such as team sports. They are loyal and take care of the family. Tastes that balance Kapha are: bitter, pungent and astringent, eg cumin. Kapha influences strength, stability, smell, taste, potency, joint functions (synovial fluid), satisfaction and nutrition. Tips to balance Kapha include: Staying warm Manual work is good, either at home, like DIY or work Taking warm drinks Being methodical and thorough at work and at home Kapha types are comfortable with less sleep than Pitta or Vata and their sleep in usually deep It is still best not to read just before sleep or watch fast moving scenes on the TV Taking Good Night tea before bed Warm food favouring pungent, bitter and astringent tastes, e.g. apples, they have a drying quality that suites Kapha The main meal in the middle of the day and lighter food in the evening Kapha Aroma oil, Kapha Tea, Kapha Spice Mix added to food, Kapha Shampoo, Kapha Churna & Kapha Soap Blissful Joy is good for any one who gets low on a regular basis. Kapha in balance is warm, family orientated and open. They are consistent, reliable, loyal and dependable.