How doshas sway your day

We’re used to our day being divided by the hour. Ayurveda, however, looks at how your energetic forces – or doshas – govern your natural flow. Understanding the rhythms of these doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and how they influence us in 4-hour increments, means we can steer our activities and meals to make us happier, healthier, and more productive.

Six Senses Vana flows with nature so your retreat will have daily active and quiet hours to achieve a sense of equilibrium and confidence as your energies balance. Back home, depending on how close to the equator you live, the time of sunrise and sunset condenses and extends, but here is a general idea.

Kapha from sunrise

From 6:00 am, your body is at its strongest, but kapha (the energy of water and earth) is at its highest, increasing sluggishness. Wallow under your duvet at your peril!

Do: get up, move your body and mind, and eat a light breakfast. Despite conventional wisdom, breakfast should not be a big meal as this will leave you feeling heavy.

Don’t: lie in, as you’ll feel more tired even if you get more sleep.

Six Senses Vana example options: Hike in the Himalayan foothills, Pratah yoga, power walk, Tratak meditation to improve concentration and mental strength.

Pitta around midday

Pitta (the energy of fire) rises around 10:00 am and the fire in our belly rises with it. This is a time of transformation and metabolism, a time to get things done.

Do: high-energy workouts and eat your biggest meal packed with protein. However, avoid spending too much time in the midday sun, as those with a pitta nature may experience indigestion and rashes.

Don’t: skip lunch or your energy will slump later leaving you craving sugar or a nap.

Six Senses Vana example options: Body weight circuit training, aqua moves, cuisine lesson, Madhyan yoga with light movement of the joints and body.

Vata afternoons

The naturally light qualities of vata (the energy of air and wind) make for a period of creativity and problem solving. Vata is a delicate dosha, so minimize too much sensory stimulation, such as noisy crowds.

Do: study, create, brainstorm, and incorporate quieter reflective activities such as yoga or meditation towards the end of the period.

Don’t: rush around or get into unhealthy debates as this will lead to agitation!

Six Senses Vana example options: Prajna yoga nidra, or withdrawal of senses with awareness, or the loveliest thing of all, Raag therapy, which induces healing through the gentle sounds of the flute.

Kapha time again

With the sunset comes our second sluggish period of the day, as the body starts to secrete melatonin and wind down towards sleep (no wonder we snooze on the sofa).

Do: eat a light and protein-light meal in the early evening so you can digest it before bed and engage in gentle or calming activities that are naturally nourishing and soothing (no horror movies).

Don’t: battle the gentle pull towards slumber or you risk entering the active pitta period and saying goodbye to a restful night’s sleep. From 9:00 pm, switch off your screens ready for the power-down hour before bed.

Six Senses Vana example options: talks, such as the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine or the Eight Limbs of Yoga, breathing, and relaxation. Alone time to reflect and journal.

Pitta around midnight

This is the most cleansing time, where your liver is actively working on toxins you have accumulated, and your mind is processing all the events and emotions of the day. You are better off in bed than in the bar …

Do: leave your liver and mind to rest.

Don’t: throw more toxins or stress into your system. There’s a reason why you should ignore that second wind!

Vata before dawn

If you have vaguely followed the schedule, we hope you have had a restful sleep, ready to wake naturally at sunrise. Those with a vata nature may find it challenging to meditate at this time, but a few breaths outside talking to a tree will help align your circadian rhythm.

Do: wake gently.

Don’t: keep hitting the snooze button. Instead, enjoy t