AYURVEDA
Ayu means "life" and Veda means "Knowledge of". In Ayurveda, each individual has a unique combination of three principles in their constitution, called doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. There is usually one dosha more dominant than the others in each individual.

The three doshas are made up of the 5 elements (space, air, fire, water, earth). These elements are in turn represented by 6 tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

Ayurveda uses these tastes to help pacify the various aggravated doshas and bring them back into balance.

Sweet promotes growth, gives strength, nourishes, rebuilds.
Sour improves taste, rekindles digestion, promotes salivation, dispels gas.
Salty promotes digestion, alleviates vata, softens accumulations
Pungent is cleansing, promotes nasal secretions, alleviates kapha.
Bitterness restores sense of taste, detoxifying, anti-fever.
Astringent healing joints, drying, firming, contracting.

The energetics of black tea for example, in Ayurveda can be seen as bitter, sweet, astringent, cool and pungent. Pacifying Pitta and Kapha. Best taken after meals as astringent tastes are digested last.

Herbs and Spices can be added to pacify the various aggravated doshas and bring them back into balance.

Vata dominant constitutions are creative and enthusiastic by nature but have a tendency to become anxious. Using tastes to rebalance scattered energies. (CALMING/GROUNDING)

Pitta people can become frustrated more easily than other doshas, as they are very ambitious and have a tendency to over work in order to achieve. (SOOTHING/COOLING)

Kaphas are fairly calm and patient by nature, but can become complacent, so stimulation is the key. (STIMULATING/INVIGORATING)

  

DOSHA VATA PITTA KAPHA
GOVERNS All motion (breathing, circulation, elimination, nerve pulses) Digestion & Metabolism Structure & Cohesion
ELEMENTS Air & Space Fire & Water Earth & Water
QUALITIES Dry, light, quick, cold & thin Hot, oily, sharp, acidic. Fluid, intense by nature Heavy, solid sweet, steady, moist, slow by nature
PRIMARY SENSES Hearing & Touch Sight Taste & Smell
PRINCIPLE SITE The Colon Sight Taste & Smell
WHEN IN BALANCE Energetic, alert mind, flexible, imaginative, quick Strong digestion, warm, loving, intellectual, articulate, sharp witted Affectionate, forgiving, relaxed, methodical, good memory & Stamina, resistance to sickness
WHEN OUT OF BALANCE Restless, Tendency to over-exert, worry, underweight Frustrated, angry, skin rashes, impatient, early greying or hair loss Lethargic, sinus congestion, tendency to over-sleep, gain weight, slow digestion
IMBALANCE DUE TO Irregular routine, late nights, irregular meals, cold dry weather, excessive mental work, food that is too bitter, astringent or pungent Excessive heat, alcohol, smoking, time pressures, excessive activity, skipping meals, foods that are too spicy, sour, salty Excessive rest, food intake, little exercise, foods that are too heavy, sweet, sour, salty or cold
BALANCE BROUGHT BY Regular routine, lots of rest, warm cooked foods, warmth, massage, soothing music, foods that are heavy Cooler environments, regular mealtimes, plenty of leisure time, massage, foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent Vigorous exercise, massage, warm dry environment, foods that are warm, pungent, bitter, astringent, more fruits, vegetables & legumes