Balancing the Ayurvedic Doshas with Essential Oils

Ayurveda is an ancient wellness tradition that has been practised for centuries. The word translates to 'knowledge of life' and can be traced back to India around 5000 BC in the most ancient Sanskrit texts, known as the Vedas. It is traditionally used to support overall vitality and wellbeing, and has stood the test of time, still being practised today both as an alternative and as a complement to modern Western approaches.

What is Ayurveda?

This system of wellbeing considers physical constitution, emotional nature and spiritual outlook within the wider context of the universe. Often described as the great grandmother of holistic health, its approach focuses on looking at the root cause rather than simply addressing the surface. Finding balance in body, mind and soul is the Ayurvedic path to wellness and vitality in all areas of life.

Central to Ayurvedic philosophy is the idea that everything in the universe, human beings included, holds three energy types known as 'doshas'. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In their simplest form, Vata represents air and ether, Pitta represents fire and water, and Kapha represents earth and water.

Although all three doshas exist within all of us, they are present in varying amounts, with most people dominant in one or two. Your dominant dosha is part of your nature, or prakriti, and is something you are born with. Yet as we age and evolve, this balance naturally fluctuates throughout life. Ayurvedic practices aim to bring the three doshas back into balance to support overall wellbeing.

Balancing the doshas

Ayurvedic practitioners may suggest breathing exercises, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, yoga, meditation and gentle stretching. Many also draw on herbal preparations, adaptogens and specific essential oils as a way to help balance the doshas.

Aromatherapy is a much-valued part of Ayurveda. Specific essential oils are chosen for their unique character, and choosing an oil that is not well suited can be felt to push a dosha further out of balance, which speaks to how influential aroma can be.

Discover your dosha

Discovering your dominant dosha, or doshas, gives you a clearer roadmap towards balance. Whether you are Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or any combination such as Pitta-Vata, Kapha-Pitta or Vata-Kapha, you can take a more personalised approach, which can become wonderfully in-depth. We will cover each of the doshas in more detail in the blog posts to come.

In the meantime, take this quiz to discover your dosha: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/whats-dosha. Happily, you can still use essential oils to find balance even if you are not yet sure of your dosha. Some oils are known as neutralisers in Ayurveda, meaning they are believed to adapt to the needs of all bodies and all doshas, gently restoring a sense of balance.

Essential oils to balance the doshas

Clary Sage

The scent of Clary Sage is often described as clarifying and calming. It may help promote a sense of calm and support restful sleep, while its soothing aroma is traditionally used to ease everyday stress. Clary sage is considered a wonderful neutraliser for balancing all three doshas.

Lavender

Possibly the most versatile essential oil of them all, it is no surprise that Lavender is regarded as a neutralising oil in Ayurveda. Its soothing, calming character is traditionally used to restore harmony to all three doshas, with a beautiful scent to match.

Chamomile

Chamomile is another oil recognised for its harmonising and relaxing qualities. Ayurvedic practitioners may turn to calming chamomile to help balance the doshas and bring a sense of equilibrium to mind, body and soul.

Safe use of essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated and are for external use only. Always dilute them in a suitable carrier oil before applying to the skin, patch test first, and avoid ingestion. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a health condition, seek professional advice before use.

FAQs

What are the three doshas in Ayurveda?

The three doshas are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Most people have one or two dominant doshas that shape their constitution.

What does a neutralising essential oil mean in Ayurveda?

Neutralising oils, such as lavender, clary sage and chamomile, are believed to adapt to the needs of any constitution, helping to bring all three doshas back towards balance.

How do I find out my dominant dosha?

You can take an online dosha quiz, such as the one linked in this article, or consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a more detailed and personalised assessment.

How are essential oils used to balance the doshas?

They are most often enjoyed through aromatherapy, such as in a diffuser, or diluted in a carrier oil for massage. The aroma and qualities of each oil are chosen to suit the dosha you wish to support.

Can I use essential oils if I do not know my dosha?

Yes. Neutralising oils are a gentle place to start because they are considered suitable for all doshas, so you can enjoy them while you learn more about your constitution.