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Take this Test to Discover Your Ayurvedic Dosha Type

dosha-ayurvedaAyurveda Mind Body Dosha Type Test

Ayurveda translates to “the science of life,” or “the knowledge of life span.” Dating back more than 5,000 years, Ayurveda teaches us how our lives can be influenced, shaped, extended, and experienced without interference from sickness and old age. The guiding principle is that the mind exerts the deepest influence on the body. Creating a balanced awareness provides the highest state of health and wellbeing.

Take this 60 question test to find out your Dosha type. Dosha is each of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. If nothing else, finding out your Dosha type might help you realize why some practices work for one person to create health but do not necessarily translate across the entire population. Take it a step further and try some recommendations to balance your Dosha type to experience surprising health benefits.

Read each statement and mark, from 1 to 6, how well it applies to you.

1 = Does not apply to me

3 = Applies to me somewhat (or some of the time)

6 = Applies to me very much (or nearly all of the time)

Add your total score together for each section so that you find your scores for the three different Dosha types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

  1. I perform activity very quickly.
  2. I am not good at memorizing things and then remembering them later.
  3. I am enthusiastic and vivacious by nature.
  4. I have a thin physique and don’t gain weight very easily.
  5. I learn new things easily.
  6. My characteristic gain while walking is light and quick.
  7. I tend to have difficulties making decisions.
  8. I tend to develop gas or become constipated easily.
  9. I tend to have cold hands and feet.
  10. I become anxious or worried frequently.
  11. I don’t tolerate cold weather as well as most people.
  12. I speak quickly and my friends think I’m talkative.
  13. My moods change easily and I am somewhat emotional by nature.
  14. I often have difficulty in falling asleep or having a sound night’s sleep.
  15. My skin tends to be dry, especially in winter.
  16. My mind is very active, sometimes restless, but also very imaginative.
  17. My movements are quick and active; my energy tends to come in bursts.
  18. I am easily excitable.
  19. Left on my own, my eating and sleeping habits tend to be irregular.
  20. I learn quickly, but also forget quickly.

VATA Score _____

  1. I consider myself to be very efficient.
  2. In my activities, I tend to be extremely precise and orderly.
  3. I am strong-minded and have somewhat forceful manner.
  4. I feel uncomfortable or become easily fatigued in hot weather, more so than most people.
  5. I tend to perspire easily.
  6. Even though I might not always show it, I become irritable or angry quite easily.
  7. If I skip a meal or a meal is delayed, I become uncomfortable.
  8. One or more of the following characteristics describes my hair: (early graying or balding) (thin, fine, straight hair) (blond, red, or sandy colored hair)
  9. I have a strong appetite; if I want to, I can eat quite a large quantity.
  10. Many people consider me stubborn.
  11. I am very regular in my bowel habits. It would be more common for me to have loose stools than to be constipated.
  12. I become impatient very easily.
  13. I tend to be a perfectionist about details.
  14. I get angry quite easily, but then forget about it.
  15. I am very fond of cold foods like ice cream and also crave ice-cold drinks.
  16. I am more likely to feel that a room is too hot than too cold.
  17. I don’t tolerate foods that are very hot and spicy.
  18. I am not very tolerant of disagreement.
  19. I enjoy challenges and when I want something, I am very determined in my efforts to get it.
  20. I tend to be critical of others and also of myself.

PITTA Score _____

  1. My natural tendency is to do things in a slow and relaxed fashion.
  2. I gain weight more easily than most people and lose it more slowly.
  3. I have a placid and calm disposition. I’m not easily ruffled.
  4. I can skip meals easily without any significant discomfort.
  5. I have a tendency toward excess mucus, phlegm, chronic congestion, asthma, or sinus problems.
  6. I must get at least eight hours of sleep in order to be comfortable the next day.
  7. I sleep very deeply.
  8. I am calm by nature and not easily angered.
  9. I don’y learn as quickly as some people, but I have excellent retention and a long memory.
  10. I have a tendency toward becoming plump. I store extra fat easily.
  11. Weather that is cool and damp bothers me.
  12. My hair is thick, dark, and wavy.
  13. I have smooth, soft skin with a somewhat pale complexion.
  14. I have a large, solid body build.
  15. The following words describe me well: serene, sweet-natured, affectionate, and forgiving.
  16. I have slow digestion, which makes me feel heavy after eating.
  17. I have very good stamina and physical endurance as well as a steady level of energy.
  18. I generally walk with a slow, measured gait.
  19. I have a tendency toward oversleeping, grogginess upon awakening, and am generally slow to get going in the morning.
  20. I am a slow eater and am slow and methodical in my actions.

KAPHA Score _____

Although there are only three Doshas, Ayurveda combines them creating 10 possible body types. If one of the three numbers is obviously dominant (Ex: 90, 45, 65), then you are likely classified as a Single Dosha Type of your highest number. If two of the three numbers are dominant and relatively close together (Ex: 45, 80, 85), then you are likely classified as a Two Dosha Type of the higher two numbers. Or perhaps all three of your Dosha numbers are very close together (Ex: 88, 85,75). In this case you would be classified as the Three Dosha Type.

Single Dosha Types 

  • Vata 
  • Pitta 
  • Kapha

Two Dosha Types

  • Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata
  • Pitta-Kapha or Kapha-Pitta
  • Kapha-Vata or Vata-Kapha

Three Dosha Type

  • Vata-Pita-Kapha

Now that you know your Dosha, here is how you can use this information to create a healthier life for yourself.

Ayurvedic principles demonstrate that the source of all of our discomforts in life are a result of us not respecting our Dosha type and becoming unbalanced. We can practice balancing our Dosha type in MANY ways to restore health. Here are some examples:

Balancing Vata

  • Regular habits
  • Quiet
  • Attention to fluids
  • Decreased sensitivity to stress
  • Ample rest
  • Warmth
  • Steady supply of nourishment
  • Oil massage

Balancing Pitta

  • Moderation
  • Coolness
  • Attention to leisure
  • Exposure to natural beauty
  • Balance of rest and activity
  • Decreased stimulants

Balancing Kapha

  • Stimulation
  • Regular exercise
  • Weight control
  • Variety of experiences
  • Warmth, dryness
  • Reduced sweetness

Visit me for Acupuncture treatments to aid in the restoration of balance in your life.

This is just a glimpse of the MANY different ways to balance your Dosha. For more specific details about restoration in every facet of life, I recommend the book “Perfect Health” by Deepak Chopra, MD.


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Intermittent Fasting: 16/8 Method

 

Food clock

Food clock

Fasting is not as difficult as it sounds

Intermittent fasting is a term for a cycling eating pattern between periods of fasting and eating. It does not say anything about which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, it is not a “diet” in the conventional sense. It is more accurately described as an “eating pattern.”

Humans have actually been fasting throughout evolution. Sometimes it was done because food was not available, and it has also been a part of major religions, including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.

If anything, fasting from time to time is more “natural” than constantly eating 3-4 (or more) meals per day. If you think of your digestive system as a machine, you would understand that the less often you use a machine, the longer it will last. Our digestive machine will last longer if it is not overworked.

There are many different types of intermittent fasting. For the purpose of this blog, I will focus on my favorite and the most popular type, which is the 16/8 method. It involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to just 8 hours, for example from 10 am to 6 pm, 11 am to 7 pm, or from 12 pm to 8 pm. (The actual 8 hour window can be during any time of day but makes the most sense for a majority of people at these times) Then you “fast” for 16 hours in between. I’ve personally found the 16/8 method to be the simplest, most sustainable and easiest to stick to. Timing it so that most of your fasting is done while sleeping works great!

When you fast, several things happen in your body on the cellular and molecular level. For example, your body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible. Your cells also initiate important repair processes, and change the expression of genes. This is a wonderful discovery in the area of epigenetics.

Here are some changes that occur in your body when you fast:

  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH): The levels of growth hormone skyrocket, increasing as much as 5-fold. This has the benefit of fat loss and muscle gain. Another great way to boost your HGH is to practice High Intensity Interval Training.
  • Insulin: Insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop dramatically. Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible. This provides answers to those struggling to manage their blood sugar levels and are labeled pre-diabetic.
  • Cellular repair: When fasted, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. A natural and healthy occurrence where cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells. Cleansing and “taking out the trash” so to speak.
  • Gene expression: There are changes in the function of genes related to longevity and protection against disease. Less stress on the system allows for longer life span. Ask your body to express healthy genes, not flawed ones.

These changes in hormone levels, cell function and gene expression are responsible for the health benefits of intermittent fasting.

Here are the main health benefits of intermittent fasting:

  • Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and belly fat, without having to consciously count calories.
  • Insulin resistance:Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar by 3-6% and fasting insulin levels by 20-31% which is protective against type 2 diabetes.
  • Inflammation:There is a significant decrease in the lab work markers of inflammation, a key driver of many chronic diseases.
  • Heart Health:Intermittent fasting may reduce LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood sugar and insulin resistance. These are all risk factors for heart disease.
  • Cancer:Animal studies suggest that intermittent fasting may help prevent cancer.
  • Brain Health:Intermittent fasting increases a brain hormone called BDNF, and may aid the growth of new nerve cells. It may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Anti-aging:Intermittent fasting can extend lifespan in rats. Studies showed that fasted rats live as much as 36-83% longer.

What if I don’t want to lose any weight? Intermittent fasting is not just for those who hope to lose weight. While it is a very effective way to do so, many people who practice IF are doing it to sculpt lean muscle and provide preventative healthcare benefits while maintaining a healthy body weight.

I invite you to give intermittent fasting a try for a few days. You will likely enjoy the benefits as much as I have and be surprised at how efficiently the body is capable of working.

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I workout so I can drink protein shakes

protein-powderProtein is required by the body, especially when challenging it with exercise. Nowadays it is widely accepted and (even expected) to follow a good workout with a protein shake or smoothie. They go well together. Your body will crave the amino acids available in protein to rebuild damaged tissue post workout. Their is even a small window of time after exercise termed the “anabolic window” where the body is primed to absorb nutrients for assimilation.

You may have noticed that there are MANY types and flavors of protein powder available to choose from. Some are much safer and healthier than others. I encourage you to read the label of your current brand and lookout for a few things.

First of all, find out the source of protein. Is if from a plant or animal?

Plant protein powders typically come from rice, chia, hemp, pea, flax, and soy. These are very easy to digest and almost immediately ready for absorption. I recommend avoiding all types of soy for many different reasons so be sure to find one without soy. 

Animal protein powders typically come in the form of whey which is made from dairy. Conventional dairy is an allergen to everyone. Some of us more than others. It increases inflammation in the lining of our guts and produces various symptoms such as digestive discomfort, acne, headaches, congestion, excess mucus production, and sinus infections. Those who choose whey protein powders commonly report bloating, distended stomach and gassiness. Another pitfall for conventional dairy products is the high amount of contamination with hormones, antibiotics, and other environmental contaminants. No wonder dairy consumption is directly linked cancer in many different studies.

Secondly, watch out for many different types of additives and fillers. Your body will digest and absorb real food better than it will artificial ingredients. Be careful about sugar of many different names and forms and ALOT of it! This is added simply for taste and will harm your body. You may find different types of binding agents and dyes also. Ideally, the best protein powder will be made with protein.

I enjoy high quality plant protein from Metagenics


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Foam Rolling: What’s the Point and How do I do it?

Foam RollerWhat is the point of foam rolling?

Foam rolling can provide health benefits by breaking down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue that is in your fascia. Fascia is a three dimensional fibrous matrix that interconnects and surrounds all cells of the body including muscles, bones, and joints, providing integrity and strength.

Abnormal fascia can cause chronic pain, reduced flexibility, and decreased athletic performance. Foam rolling can be an effective, inexpensive and convenient way to keep your body healthy, limber, fit and flexible. I recommend a high density foam roller.

Whether you are a bodybuilder, athlete, or weekend warrior, foam rolling is important to allow strength along with flexibility and full range of motion.

How to use a foam roller:

Foam rolling is very simple to learn. Choose an area of tightness in your body and place it on top of the foam roller. Slowly roll along the muscle groups end to end until you find a tender spot. Stop right on top of the painful area and hold it there until the pain diminishes by about 75%. Then continue scanning around to find another area to hold until you can’t find any other tender points to work on. Over time, with practice and repetition, you might be able to work out all of the tender points throughout your body and then keep the foam roller handy for maintenance and prevention. You can increase pressure over the soft tissue by stacking your body parts upon one another or repositioning your body in many ways. You can use a foam roller before physical activity, or after, or both to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery.

Target specific muscle groups with your foam roller:

Paraspinals

Paraspinals: With your arms behind your head, lie on your back, face up, with roller positioned in the middle of your back and your butt off the ground. Roll up and down along your spine.

Latissimus

Latissimus: Lie on your side with your arm overhead. Roll back and forth along your side from your arm pit to your mid-torso.

Gluteus Muscles-Minimus-Piriformis

Gluts / Piriformis: Sit on the foam roller while leaning forward into the side your working on. Roll up and down along the entire buttock area.

Hamstrings

Hamstrings: Sit with the foam roller on your hamstrings on the back of your thighs. Roll up and down along the back of your thighs.

Quadriceps

Quadriceps: Lay face down with the foam roller under your thighs. Roll up and down your quads and rock side to side to work the entire muscle group.

Iliotibial Band

Iliotibial  Band: Lay on your side with the foam roller on your lateral thigh. Roll up to your hip and down to your knee.

Calves Gastro-Soleus

Calves Gastro-Soleus: Sit with the foam roller behind your legs. Roll up and down along your calves from behind your knee to your heels.

Peroneals

Peroneals / Tibialis: Kneel over your foam roller and roll up to the knee and down to the ankle while focusing on the outer / lateral portion of your shin.

If you have pain/discomfort which does not resolve or worsens with exercise and foam rolling, I encourage you to consider Chiropractic care. After you are more comfortable with your foam roller, a full body routine might take about 10-minutes to complete. I recommended to foam roll anywhere from 3 to 5 times each week. Take this time to focus on deep breathing.