In a world of geniuses and prodigies who cannot maintain healthy relationships, and successful athletes and sportsmen who are unable to regulate stress and anger, it is easy to see that the modern health system has failed many who are seemingly at the peak of health.

So, what exactly is missing?

Emotional intelligence and harmony are crucial factors that bridge the gap to overall well-being and one that is largely overlooked. Fortunately, Ayurveda helps fill this gap and provides the ultimate pathway to complete health; physical, mental, and emotional.

What is meant by emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and regulate emotions. This is an important skill set as it helps navigate social situations, and can lead to healthier relationships.

However, in Ayurveda, emotional intelligence and emotional balance are often used as interchangeable terms, where emotional balance is considered to be an integral part of maintaining overall health.

Ayurvedic practices that promote emotional well-being also align with the concept of emotional intelligence and involve a holistic approach to health that considers the interplay between the mind, body, and spirit.

The role of emotional balance in Ayurveda

Being a holistic form of medicine, Ayurveda recognises the importance of emotional health to achieving complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

This is because Ayurveda views the mind and body as interconnected, and disturbances in one can impact the other. Emotional balance is believed to contribute significantly to physical health, and imbalances in emotions are thought to be related to imbalances in the doshas.

Some of the other factors that affect emotional balance include:

Mind-body connection- Ayurveda recognizes the strong connection between the mind and the body. Emotional imbalances can contribute to physical ailments, and vice versa. For instance, chronic stress or emotional turmoil may lead to digestive issues, insomnia, or other health problems.

Prakriti- Ayurveda considers individual differences in constitution or Prakriti. Understanding one’s own Prakriti helps in identifying vulnerabilities to certain emotional imbalances. Different people may respond differently to stressors, and Ayurveda provides recommendations based on an individual’s unique constitution.

Diet- Diet and nutrition also play a role so Ayurvedic dietary guidelines take into account the impact of food on the mind. Nutrient-dense, wholesome foods are recommended to nourish both the body and mind, while certain dietary choices or imbalances may contribute to emotional disturbances.

Ayurvedic doshas and their connection to emotional well-being

In Ayurveda, the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are fundamental principles that govern the various physiological and psychological functions of the body. Each dosha is associated with specific qualities and elements, and imbalances in these doshas can influence emotional well-being. For example:

Vata Dosha-

Vata is associated with the elements of air and space and is described as being dry, light, cold, mobile, and subtle. An excess of Vata may contribute to feelings of anxiety, fear, and restlessness. Vata imbalances can lead to an overactive mind, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of instability.

Pitta Dosha-

Pitta is associated with the elements of fire and water and is therefore regarded as hot, sharp, light, oily, and spreading. An excess Pitta can manifest as irritability, anger, impatience, and competitiveness. It may also contribute to perfectionism and a tendency to overwork.

Kapha Dosha-

Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water and is generally described as being heavy, slow, cold, oily, and stable. Imbalances in Kapha may lead to feelings of lethargy, attachment, and resistance to change. There may be a tendency to hold onto emotions and resist letting go.

A large part of emotional balance in Ayurveda stems from the balance in doshas and how they contribute to the emotional state.

Understanding the qualities of the different doshas and how their imbalance affects emotional health is therefore key to creating emotional harmony and strengthening emotional intelligence.

Strengthening emotional well-being and enhancing emotional intelligence through Ayurveda 

Understanding the importance of emotional balance for your health is the first step towards greater overall well-being. Knowing the factors that can affect this balance is the second. And implementing practices and strategies that help you achieve greater emotional health is the third. So, what are the best practices or steps that you can take to enhance your emotional intelligence?

1. Determine your Prakriti (constitution)- Understanding your unique constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or a combination) is foundational in Ayurveda. This knowledge helps tailor lifestyle choices to balance your inherent tendencies.
2. Follow a dosha-specific lifestyle- Choose foods, activities, and practices that align with your predominant dosha and address imbalances.

For example, to balance excess Vata and promote emotional well-being, the focus should be on grounding practices such as meditation, warm and nourishing foods, and a routine. Calming herbs like Ashwagandha may also be beneficial.

To balance excess Pitta, cooling practices such as swimming and meditation are recommended. A Pitta-pacifying diet must ideally include cooling foods and herbs like Brahmi that support emotional balance.

To balance excess Kapha, invigorating activities, and consumption of warming, light foods are encouraged. Emotional expression and stimulating herbs like ginger may be helpful.

3. Cultivate a daily routine- Establishing a consistent daily routine or Dinacharya promotes a sense of stability. Aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day and include self-care rituals such as Abhyanga and meditation in your day.
4. Eat mindfully- Pay attention to the qualities and quantities of food. Opt for fresh, whole, and seasonal foods. Eat in a calm environment, chew food thoroughly, and avoid overeating.
5. Practice Yoga and Pranayama- Incorporating yoga and breathing exercises (pranayama) into your day helps relieve stress, cultivates a greater mind-body connection, and balances energy.
6. Use herbs for support- Consider incorporating adaptogenic herbs known for their positive effects on the nervous system, such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Tulsi.
7. Detox- Periodic detoxification (Panchakarma) can help eliminate physical and emotional toxins.
8. Practice mindfulness- Practicing self-awareness and mindfulness allows you to observe and understand your emotions. Allow yourself to express these emotions in a healthy way such as journaling or talking to a trusted friend.
9. Cultivate positive relationships- Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who help you foster meaningful connections and communication.
10. Change with the seasons- Modify your lifestyle and diet according to seasonal changes. This allows you to adjust routines to align with the natural rhythms of the environment.

In Ayurveda, emotional balance is considered to be a crucial aspect of overall health, and while Ayurveda may not explicitly use the term “emotional intelligence,” its principles align with the cultivation of self-awareness, self-regulation, and overall emotional well-being.

Simple practices such as living a dosha-specific lifestyle, stress reduction, yoga, and a nutritious diet help create harmony within the mind and allow you to strengthen your emotional intelligence through the wisdom of Ayurvedic principles.