Ayurveda and Children
Ayurvedic philosophy establishes the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth as the building blocks of the natural world. These five elements pair-up in three combinations to form the primary forces of nature called doshas. The doshas are known as vata, pitta and kapha.
According to Ayurveda, the moment of our conception was rich with cosmic significance. In that instance, we received the unique combination of our parent’s doshic make-up and the contribution of their current lifestyle, diet, emotions and sensory exposure.
While we were in utero, our exclusive arrangement and quantity of vata, pitta and kapha (prakriti) continued to develop based on our mother’s exposure to these doshas during her pregnancy.
Ayurveda explains that when we took our first breath our prakriti was set for our lifetime, determining our individual body type, behaviors, needs and predispositions.
Our prakriti is seen as perfect, even with the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each of the doshas, it is a divine gift given to us to experience this life in exactly the way that we need to expand and evolve.
The Ayurvedic concept of prakriti teaches that every child is born with their own individual characteristics, even within the same family.
Their distinctive combination of doshas, based on their reason for being here (dharma), determined the physical structure and features, as well as the temperament and natural talents that are needed to fulfill their purpose.
Ayurveda also offers the concept of vikriti, which is the current doshic state resulting from everything that we experience in a day and in our life. When there is excess of any dosha.
“The Ayurvedic concept of prakriti teaches that every child is born with their own individual characteristics, even within the same family.”
Here are examples of how the doshas are characterized in children:
VATA – Ether & Air
Natural qualities and tendencies – quite tall or noticeably short for their age, light weight or underweight, delicate frame, small or narrow facial features, dry skin, coarse or curly hair, often feels cold, little interest in eating and sleeping, easily disturbed digestion and elimination, quick and light energy, easily exhausted, easily distracted, quickly loses interest, daydreams, creative, imaginative, entertaining, playful and fun loving, under stress may become anxious or fearful
Vata is increased by – irregular routines, lack of food and sleep, cold and dry foods, cold drinks, transitions, change or loss, cold and dry or windy weather, excess activity, chaos, travel
Signs of excess vata – weight loss, colic or gas, eczema, insomnia, restless or hyperactivity, attention deficit, constipation (hard, dry stool), fatigue, dizziness, fainting, heightened sense of pain, low immunity, anxiety
Ways to balance vata children – nourishing foods that are warm, moist and sweet, smaller, more frequent meals, warm baths with time to play, warm sesame oil massage, sweet and grounding aromatherapy – lavender / sandalwood, regular sleep and eating routines, protect from wind and cold, simple and organized systems, daily plans and purpose, routines, soothing music, grounding breathing methods and visualization, time spent in nature, feeling of comfort and security
PITTA – Fire & Water
Natural qualities and tendencies – average height, medium weight, proportionate frame, muscular limbs, balanced facial features, fair and sensitive skin, freckles, medium amount of fine or straight hair, sweats easily, often too warm, strong appetite, good digestion and elimination, sleeps well, moderate energy and endurance, focused concentration, makes decisions easily, likes to have choices, purposeful, inquiring, project oriented, invites mental and physical challenges, under stress, may become frustrated or impatient
Pitta is increased by – being under pressure, not eating when hungry, spicy and acidic or fried foods, lack of sleep, direct sun, hot and humid weather, intense competition and confrontation, stimulating activity
Signs of excess Pitta – sour stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sunburn, heat rash, dermatitis, fever, excessive thirst, tissue or joint Inflammation, aggressive immune system, anger, temper tantrums, manipulative behavior
Ways to balance Pitta children – nourishing foods that are cooling, light and sweet, regular meals with snacks when hungry, cool rags placed on back of neck or top of head, room temperature sunflower oil massage, cooling and calming aromatherapy – peppermint / rose, regular sleep and meal times, protect from direct sun, planning ahead, avoiding time pressure, involvement in team sports or activities, peaceful or playful music, calming breathing methods and visualization, time spent in nature at cooler time of day, time to play, free time, feeling of ease
KAPHA – Water & Earth
Natural qualities and tendencies – taller or shorter than average height, heavier weight, large or broad frame, round or large facial features, soft and cool/damp skin, abundant amount of thick hair, broad range of temperature comfort, loves to eat, overeats, slow but regular digestion and elimination, sleeps long and soundly, consistent but slow energy, high endurance, strong immunity, takes time making decisions, likes to be led, sweet natured, affectionate, easy going, likes things to stay the same, cautious, under stress, may become withdrawn
Kapha is increased by – lack of activity, overeating, cold, sweet and heavy or high calorie foods, oversleeping or napping, cold or damp weather, lack of involvement or motivation
Signs of excess Kapha – respiratory congestion, constipation (absence of bowel movement), congested skin or circulation, unhealthy weight gain, obesity, swollen joints, edema, excessive tissue growth, overly possessive or needy, depression
Ways to balance Kapha children – nourishing foods that are warm and light, regular meals without excessive snacking, dry brush massage, warming and stimulating aromatherapy – eucalyptus / lemongrass, controlled sleep and meal times, protect from cold and wet environments, regular and fun exercise, involvement in classes of interest, playful or inspiring music, energizing breathing methods and visualization, playing outdoors in the fresh air, stimulating activities, planned family vacations
The best way to determine your original nature and your current doshic state is to have an Ayurvedic consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Disclaimer: This article was written for educational purposes only and is based on the tradition of Ayurveda. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition or to replace standard medical treatment or advice.
