My Personality Was Accurately Revealed Through Pulse Diagnosis!

For this feature, I was fortunate to consult with Dr. Makoto Hasumura, director of Maharishi AyurVeda Tokyo Prime Clinic, a leading figure in Maharishi Ayurveda in Japan. His books are widely available in bookstores, so many people, even those not particularly interested in Ayurveda, may recognize his name.

During the interview, I also underwent a "pulse diagnosis." To my astonishment, I was asked, "How can you tell my personality traits just by feeling my pulse?" The diagnosis was incredibly accurate. Maharishi Ayurveda posits that everyone possesses three fundamental energies, or "doshas": Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. My constitution was identified as "Vata-Kapha."

"Vata" is characterized by qualities akin to air: light, mobile, cold, dry, subtle, and irregular. In terms of its effect on individuals, it is said to foster mental lightness, cheerfulness, variability in mood and thought, strong curiosity, quick and superficial comprehension, a tendency to seek broad yet shallow knowledge and experiences, swift movements, a light physique, a tendency towards dryness, and susceptibility to cold. Indeed, these characteristics seemed to describe me almost perfectly!

"Kapha," on the other hand, is like water, characterized by qualities such as heaviness, softness, coldness, slowness, moistness, and stability. Its effects on individuals include mental calmness, deep affection, stability in mood and thought, slow and deep comprehension, a tendency to seek profound knowledge and experiences, tolerance, a tendency to accumulate, a heavier physique, moistness, susceptibility to cold, strong physical stamina, and endurance. While Kapha's qualities are somewhat opposite to Vata's, and some aspects didn't quite resonate with me, it was explained that this is because my Kapha constitution is dominated by Vata.

The third dosha, "Pitta," is like fire, characterized by qualities such as heat, sharpness, lightness, fluidity, and pungency. Its effects on individuals include vitality, passion, concentration, satisfaction, sharp intellect, a tendency towards challenges, precision in action, discipline, bodily heat, and a tendency towards dryness.

Naturally, I possess Pitta qualities as well, but since Vata and Kapha are more dominant, my constitution is classified as "Vata-Kapha." It was also explained that when these three doshas are in balance, an individual is at their most natural and healthy state. However, it seems my current state shows a slight elevation in all doshas compared to my innate balance.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Stomach Warm

The causes for this imbalance in doshas, I learned, stem from consuming foods that don't suit one's constitution or engaging in activities and mental states that disrupt one's natural tendencies. Therefore, I was advised to slightly reduce my intake of raw vegetables, fruits, and sashimi, which tend to cool the body, given my Vata constitution. I was also told to limit sweets and to always keep my body warm. Additionally, I should ensure time for relaxation in the evening, maintain an early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedule, and continue with meditation (these last two I'm already doing perfectly!).

Since my digestive power is somewhat weak, I was advised to drink warm water first thing upon waking. Drinking warm water during meals is also said to aid digestion. Alternatively, boiling water with a few slices of ginger or adding a pinch of ginger powder, readily available at markets, to warm water can further enhance digestive efficiency and even promote weight loss (it's also effective for hay fever). Keeping the digestive system warm is not just a personal recommendation but is considered crucial in Maharishi Ayurveda, as it prevents physical and mental decline.

I Felt Like I Experienced True "Relaxation" for the First Time

During the interview, I also experienced an oil-based treatment, which led to astonishing results! Maharishi Ayurveda offers a set of eight purification therapies known as "Panchakarma," designed to eliminate accumulated stress and toxins from the mind and body. This program, typically lasting several days (3 to 5), is prescribed by a physician based on individual needs for therapeutic or health-promoting purposes.

The treatment I received was a short program designed to be experienced in a single day, combining Abhyanga and Shirodhara, called "Full Body Care Treatment." Abhyanga is a standard oil massage that removes stress from the entire body, induces deep rest, and prepares the body for detoxification. Shirodhara, which involves gently pouring oil onto the forehead, provides deep rest for the nervous system and alleviates mental stress from daily life. Many may have seen this procedure in photos.

What surprised me most was the change in my facial appearance afterward. My face looked remarkably sculpted and sharp, with a definition I'd never seen before, and my eyes sparkled with clarity (my family noticed this too when I returned home). After the treatment, I felt a pleasant drowsiness and a release of tension in my mind and body. It was as if I had truly experienced "relaxation" for the first time, realizing, "Perhaps this is what 'relaxation' truly means."

Impressed by these effects and a desire to "purify various toxins," I have since been receiving Maharishi Ayurveda treatments regularly. In my daily life, I've adopted drinking warm water and ginger tea to keep my body warm.

*So, while I mentioned it's becoming a habit, it's currently limited to these practices... My apologies. Oh, and I've also cut back on alcohol, which is quite a significant change for me! Lately, my meditation practice has deepened considerably. I believe this is not only due to understanding the "effects of meditation" mentioned in last month's column but perhaps also because the Ayurvedic treatments have helped release internal toxins... What is the truth, I wonder!?