Best Yoga Poses for Pitta and Kapha Doshas

Pittas should also do the Moon Salutation (sixteen cycles, moderately fast). Avoid the Headstand, Shoulder Stand, Plow, and other inverted poses. The important seat of kapha is in the chest. Exercises that stretch the pulmonary cavity and increase circulation in the chest are effective for kaphas and will help relieve and prevent bronchial congestion, cough, and other kapha illnesses.

Beneficial postures include the Sun Salutation (twelve cycles, done rapidly) and the Shoulder Stand, Plow, Locust, Bridge, Peacock, Palm Tree, and Lion postures. (Illustrations of yoga postures are found in appendix 4.) PRANAYAMA After finishing your exercises, sit quietly and do some deep breathing: twelve Alternate Nostril breaths for vata; sixteen Cooling (shitali) breaths for pitta; one hundred Breath of Fire (bhastrika) breaths for kapha. (Instructions for these breathing exercises appear in chapter 6.) MEDITATION End your pranayama by going right into your meditation. Whatever system or technique of meditation you do, do it now.

If you don’t presently do any meditation practice, try the Empty Bowl meditation explained in chapter 7. You will find that meditation brings peace and balance into your life. BREAKFAST Now it is time for you to enjoy your breakfast! Your meal should be fairly light in the hot months, and more substantial in cold weather.

Vata and pitta persons should eat some breakfast; kaphas are usually better off if they don’t eat, since eating during kapha time will increase kapha in the body. Follow the dietary guidelines for the three doshas which appear in chapter 8. OFF TO WORK After breakfast go to work or to your studies if you are a student. While walking to work (or to and from your car, the train, or the bus), be aware of every step.

Carry your meditative mind with you. When you look at your boss or colleague, at the same time look inside. Then your work will become a meditation. You will find yourself looking at others with compassion and greater awareness.