Are you a teenage girl struggling with mood swings, stubborn acne or painful periods? You're not alone! Adolescence arrives with a bunch of problems along with it. Which can be troublesome for you as this is a period of career building and academics.

Concentrating on your work may get difficult, and often it seems never-ending. Don't worry!  Here's where Ayurveda, steps in. 

By understanding your own doshas, or mind-body constitution, you can achieve a path to balanced health and well-being throughout your teenage years.

Mainly, there are 3 types of doshas mentioned in ayurvedic scriptures, namely Kapha, Vata and Pitta. Let’s explore these three in depth.

Doshas and Teen Girls

Vata Dosha

Do you often feel like your mind is racing with a million thoughts? You have lots of creative energy but can sometimes suffer from nervous energy and a lack of focus?

You may be a Vata-dominant girl! Vata dosha is composed of the elements air and space, which means its qualities are mobile, light and airy.

Characteristics of Vata Dominant Girls

• Creative and enthusiastic: They quickly respond to new ideas and exhibit a lot of zest for life.
• Energetic and quick-witted: Such girls are fast learners, they adapt quickly to change and love outdoor exercises.
• Lean body type: You possess a lean body with little to no fat and have a slender frame.

When Vata Gets Out of Balance

• Physical health: Health issues like irregular periods, dry skin, constipation, and insomnia are common complaints.
• Mental health: Restlessness, anxiety, scattered focus, and mood swings can usually be more frequent.

Finding Balance: Grounding the Vata Spirit

• Schedule a regular sleep routine: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Create a calming pre-bedtime routine to promote self love and skincare.
• Embrace calming activities: Yogasanas, various meditations, and spending time in greens can promote inner peace and level out your vata energy.
• Delight yourself with Vata-balancing foods: You should nourish yourself with warm vata key herbs, cooked meals with sweet and salty flavours. Fluids like soups, stews, and cooked vegetables, as well as healthy fats like nuts and avocados, can be a great choice for you.
• Hot oil massages (Abhyanga): This ancient ayurvedic practice will help you ground Vata energy, improve circulation, and aid in rejuvenation.

Pitta Dosha

Do you possess a sharp mind, radiate confidence, and have a drive to achieve big? You are most likely to be a Pitta-dominant girl! 

Pitta dosha, governed by fire and water elements, is known for its fierce energy, intense focus, and head-driven nature.

Characteristics of Pitta Dominant Girls:

• Goal-oriented and driven: These girls set ambitious goals and possess a strong work ethic to achieve them.
• High intellect and clear communication: They excel at academics, have a knack for problem-solving, and express themselves openly and confidently.
• Competitive and passionate: They have a true zest for life and enjoy healthy competition with their colleagues.

Pitta Imbalance During Puberty: Excessive Heat Unleashed!

• Physical health: Acidity, frequent acne breakouts, excessive sweating, and sensitivity to heat are common concerns.
• Mental health: Impatience, sudden anger outbursts and irritability can be found commonly.

Cooling the Flames: Tips for Balancing Pitta Dosha

• Cooling foods are your best-friend: Prioritize eating fresh cooling fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, melons, and yogurt. Choose sweet, bitter, and astringent flavors for better health.
• Manage stress: Calming practices like meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help cool Pitta and promote inner well-being.
• Cut spicy and oily foods: Such foods can further aggravate Pitta's fiery nature. Opt for lighter, easily digestible meals.
• Prioritize cooling activities: Look for activities that promote calmness and serenity, such as art therapy, swimming, or spending time by the water.

Kapha Dosha

Are you known for your innate calmness, loyalty to others, and have a nurturing nature? You might be a Kapha-dominant girl! 

Kapha dosha, influenced by water and earth element. It is known for its grounding stability, nurturing qualities, and careful and steady nature.

Characteristics of Kapha dominant girls

• Calm and patient: They have a peaceful presence around people and take on situations with a thoughtful approach.
• Loving and nurturing: They are naturally empathetic and have genuine caring for others.
• Physically strong and resilient: They usually have a naturally strong build and a strong immune system.

Kapha Imbalance During Puberty

• Physical health: excessive weight gain, fatigue, poor digestion, and allergies are common concerns for these girls.
• Mental health: Little empathy, lack of motivation, and difficulty getting things done on time can become more frequent.

Sparking the Flame: Tips for Balancing Kapha Dosha

Embrace movement: Regular exercise is key for Kapha. Aim for activities that promote circulation and energize you, like brisk walking, dancing, or swimming.

Seek variety: Break out of your routine. Try new activities, explore different hobbies, and engage in social activities to keep your mind and spirit active.

Lighter foods are key: Encourage warm spices like ginger and turmeric, and choose lighter, easily digestible meals with strong, bitter, and acidic flavors.

Wake up to your senses: Stimulate your Kapha with relaxing practices like morning walks in nature, or using essential oils like rosemary or peppermint.

Just as we are all different, even our doshas are never identical. And what works for you may not work with your friends.

Remember, understanding your dosha is a powerful tool for navigating the teenage years and beyond. Keeping them in balance is the key to having the best teenage years. Keep exercising, adjust your diet accordingly, and emphasise self-care to be fit both physically and mentally. 

Embrace this knowledge, embark on your Ayurvedic journey, and unlock the power within to thrive!