Balancing body and mind with Ayurveda

Unlike some Western traditions that have historically treated the mind and body as separate entities, Ayurveda sees them as two aspects of a single, continuous whole. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the mind and body are in constant interaction, each influencing the other through the predominant Dosha.

It goes without saying that physical illness doesn't just affect the body – it can also disturb emotions, dull the senses, and even lead to psychological imbalances. Likewise, mental unrest can manifest in the body, impacting overall health. This is why each Dosha – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – not only determines physical constitution but also shapes emotional and mental tendencies.

To learn more, read our Quick Guide to understanding Doshas and Subdoshas in Ayurveda.
   

Vata: creativity and instability

When Vata is in balance, it brings qualities like liveliness, creativity, curiosity, quick thinking, and open-mindedness. People with a balanced Vata tend to be expressive and full of new ideas. However, when Vata becomes imbalanced, these strengths can turn into challenges. Restlessness, nervousness, difficulty focusing, and heightened sensitivity to anxiety, insomnia, or even depression may arise. In this state, both mental and physical energy are easily depleted, leaving the person more emotionally fragile and physically vulnerable.
 

Pitta: rationality and anger

When Pitta is in balance, it brings clarity, precision, and strong decision-making abilities. People with a balanced Pitta tend to be logical, focused, and natural leaders. But when Pitta becomes excessive, its intensity can turn into impulsiveness, irritability, anger, and frustration. The mind shifts into a rajasic state – driven by ambition, control, and attachment to outcomes – which can lead to mental tension and strained relationships. For those with a Pitta-dominant constitution, cultivating inner calm, moderation, and relaxation is key to maintaining balance.
  

Kapha: tranquillity and a tendency toward depression

When Kapha is in balance, it brings stability, patience, compassion, and emotional resilience. People with balanced Kapha tend to have calm minds and steady memories. However, when Kapha becomes imbalanced, its natural stillness can turn into inertia. This may manifest as lethargy, emotional heaviness, apathy, and in more severe cases, depression. The mind enters a tamasic state – dull, resistant to change, and emotionally stagnant. In such situations, it’s vital to energise both body and mind through movement, stimulation, and variety to restore vitality and balance.

The three minds: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas

In Ayurveda, the mind is not seen as a fixed or static entity, but as one that constantly moves between three fundamental states known as the Gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These qualities shape our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and how we respond to life.

• Sattva is the quality of clarity, harmony, and purity. A sattvic mind is calm, balanced, and luminous, marked by positive, stable emotions and a deep sense of well-being.
• Rajas is the principle of activity and restlessness. The rajasic mind is driven by desire, ambition, and constant motion. It seeks stimulation and tends to be emotionally reactive and easily agitated.
• Tamas represents inertia, heaviness, and obscurity. A tamasic mind is sluggish, confused, and resistant to change. It leans toward passivity, neglect, and emotional stagnation, and is often linked to depressive states.

According to Ayurveda, the evolutionary journey of the mind involves transforming the lower states – Tamas and Rajas – into the clarity and light of Sattva. To move from Tamas to Rajas, it is necessary to ignite the inner fire that awakens and energises the mind. This awakening can be supported through warming, activating practices: physical exercise, creative pursuits, and consciously confronting fears and emotional stagnation. Transitioning from Rajas to Sattva, by contrast, calls for calming and purifying the mind. This means softening ego-driven impulses and cultivating qualities such as compassion, gratitude, inner stillness, meditation, and discernment.

The sattvic mind is not passive. Instead, it is clear, awake, and rooted in peace and presence – a state of deep connection with oneself and others.

To continue your journey, explore how yoga can be a valuable ally in cultivating psychophysical balance. Read our article: Breath, stretch & recharge with yoga on Lake Garda.
   

A journey toward balance

Ayurveda teaches that the mind and body are not separate, but parts of a living whole that depends on balance and attentive care. Each Dosha, when in harmony, expresses unique strengths and valuable qualities. But when out of balance, it can profoundly disrupt our mental and emotional well-being.
This is why it’s essential to nurture every aspect of life: diet, daily routines, relationships, physical activity, as well as emotions, thoughts, and the inner environment.

Ayurveda does not offer quick fixes, but rather a path of self-knowledge and transformation. It guides us toward a more conscious, balanced way of living – one that honours our deepest nature.


Embark on your journey toward psychophysical balance with Ayurveda.

The expert team at the Ayurveda Center of Hotel Caesius Thermae & SPA Resort is dedicated to guide you in selecting the treatments best suited to your constitution and overall well-being.

For a personalised consultation, feel free to contact +39 045 7219150 or email termecaesius@europlan.it.