Mind-Body Stress / Reactive Patterns

According to the Ayurvedic tradition*, we are born with a unique mind-body energy pattern, like your DNA, that influences our mental and physical tendencies, including how we respond to stress or how we sleep.

Just like your DNA, even though your mind-body type influences your natural tendencies, it does not determine who you are. There is abundant room for all things that this biological pattern does not control – thoughts, emotions, memories, talents, desires, and so forth.

As you grow your self-awareness of how these energies show up in your physical, thinking, and emotional tendencies, you can learn how to use nutrition, movement, and the five senses to intentionally return to your best, thriving self.

Knowledge of your mind-body pattern enables you to find your unique rhythm and personal practices that will lift all aspects of your life to a higher level. Personal relationships, work satisfaction, spiritual growth, physical wellbeing, and social harmony are all linked to mind and body very intimately, therefore they can be influenced through this holistic approach.

A simple overview

No matter what your dominant pattern is, you have all three patterns within you. However, each of us is born with a unique blend, like you have a unique thumbprint. Most people have two that are more dominant. Some people will have one dominant, or all three equal. Here’s a high-level snapshot of the three types. I’m leaving out the Ayurvedic terminology for simplicity.

Imbalanced	A Overactive, difficulty making decisions, worry, insomnia	B Impatient, judgmental, inflammation, indigestion	C Dull, attached, resistant, congested, fatigue
Balanced	Engaging, creative with a strong vision for the future.	Effective leaders capable of great things.	Calm, grounded, can bring people together.
Stress reaction	Worry	Frustration	Withdrawal
Dominant sense	Sound, touch	Sight	Smell, taste
Elemental qualities	Air & space	Fire & water	Earth & water

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, the "science of life," has a 5,000+ year history originating in south Asia. Sometimes known as the sister science of yoga, this rich tradition focuses on preventive, personalized practices for balancing the mind and body. It can be a valuable tool set for regaining awareness of your personal patterns, and how to use your full range of senses for better balance and wellbeing (mental & physical).

What’s next?

If you’re interested in learning more, start with exploring what your natural tendencies are; or, use it to inform your personal self-care practices when you’re in need.