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East Meets West: A Guide to Ayurvedic Supplements

East Meets West: A Guide to Ayurvedic Supplements - Double Wood Supplements

Laura Walko |

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be blessed with the best metabolism? Maintaining their ideal body weight seems effortless! Or maybe you have a friend with naturally clear and radiant skin. Or a co-worker that sleeps like a baby every night. Not to mention the sibling with iron clad appetite control, meanwhile you can’t be in the same room as your favorite sweets. What is their secret? Some people call it good genetics. But according to the ancient Indian holistic medical practice known as Ayurveda, there is far more at play. Ayurvedic medicine stems from the basis that you must proactively prevent and treat illnesses rather than respond to signs of disease. They believe most illnesses are caused by an imbalance within a person’s body, and that by returning the body to a state of harmony, one can achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance almost effortlessly. Ayurvedic health practitioners describe this phenomena as being the product of a person’s doshas. Doshas are best explained as the idea that our bodies house 3 different energies (vata, pitta, kapha). These humors are based on a combination of the 5 elements, aakash (space), jala (water), vayu (air), teja (fire), and prithvi (earth). People are a combination of all 3 doshas, with 1 or sometimes 2 doshas acting as the primary dosha. Your health treatments and expectations should change accordingly based on the dosha you are governed by. Variations in dosha are typically caused by imbalances within the body and should be addressed once your primary dosha has been identified. Unsure which energy is your ruling dosha? Take the quiz and find out!

Vata: This energy type consists mostly of air and space. Vata energy types are best described as individuals who are slim, energetic, high energy and exceptionally creative. They can also be easily distracted and are influenced by the weather as well as the foods they ingest. Vata body types are typically slender, but they can experience weight gain from imbalance within the body. This energy type is most associated with autumn due to the cold and windy days. If Vata is your primary dosha type, you may find Mimosa to be a helpful supplement. Mimosa has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a wide variety of ailments. Mimosa has been shown to support healthy function of the immune system as well as supporting digestive and intestinal health. 

Pitta: This energy type consists of both water and fire. This energy type is best associated with summer due to the hot, rainy days. This dosha is high energy and sharp intellect. They gain weight quickly, but can also lose weight quickly. Pitta energy types can easily experience emotional strain and anger. These energy types should avoid excessive alcohol, high temperatures and white flour which can throw them into imbalance. If Pitta is your primary dosha and you are looking to address stress, Bacopa may be your best solution. Bacopa is commonly used in Ayurveda and has been known to support healthy cognitive function and memory in addition to supporting healthy stress levels. Another common Ayurvedic supplement is Shilajit. This resin is found primarily on the outside of rocks in the Himalayas. It is believed to have developed over hundreds of years through the slow decomposition of plants. Shilajit’s strong antioxidant properties make it an excellent choice for supporting healthy aging.

Kapha: This element association is associated with earth and water. These energy types are typically described as strong, thick - boned and caring. They are also known to be steady, slow, cold and soft. They are most closely associated with spring due to the long wait before exiting hibernation. They tend to have food cravings, especially for sweet foods, and be lethargic. They can sometimes gain weight easily. If Kapha is your primary dosha and you feel it’s out of balance, an excellent solution is Saffron due to its ability to reduce appetite and boost mood. Maca Root is another great option for reducing fatigue, promoting a healthy mood and even increasing libido. 

In order to effectively practice Ayurvedic medicine it is vital to address all areas of the body. Ayurvedic medicine requires a holistic approach that includes diet exercise and lifestyle changes. For additional support, supplements can provide the perfect reinforcement and provide peace and harmony within the body. As always, our supplements are all GMP certified and made in the USA. And if you aren’t fully satisfied, all of our supplements come with a 100% money back guarantee. Get back to your truest self.