In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of health and well-being, the onset of an allergy is instigated by the digestive fire, or ‘agni’.The state of agni determines our body’s ability to ‘digest’ what it experiences. Agni protects our immunity by generating sufficient life-force (prana), life-vitality (tejas)and life-strength(ojas) to protect and nourish the body. If the digestive fire is low, unmetabolised toxins known as ‘ama’will form. If there is strong agni’ an allergy is virtually impossible as the digestive fire neutralises any ‘incoming’ substances and prevents the formation of toxic ama.

Unmetabolised toxins (ama) form as a result of poor digestion, poor elimination of wastes and poor assimilation of life’s experiences. These unmetabolised toxins are sticky, clogging and prevent the free-flow of the life-force in the whole body-mind complex, which can influence the onset of chronic allergies.

The Ayurvedic doshas Constitutional tendency: prakriti

In Ayurveda, there are three doshas which are used to describe an individual’s constitution, known as prakriti. Your dosha will determine your response to any invading allergens.  The three constitutions or doshas are vata, pitta and kapha.

Vata, air

Vata is the energy responsible for movement, circulation, the transport of nervous impulses and the life force. People born with high amounts of vata may feel spacey, anxious and isolated when out of balance. They are not good at managing their energy levels and are prone to dry skin, constipation, pain, panic attacks, anorexia, addictions, and sciatica. When in balance, they are creative, clear, spontaneous, funny and always planning a trip somewhere new.

Pitta, fire

Pitta is the energy responsible for metabolism, digestive fire, metabolic processes, enzyme production and heat. People born with high amounts of pitta tend to feel irritated, jealous, critical, self-critical, competitive, impatient and bitter when out of balance. They are prone to inflammations, skin, liver and eye disorders, heartburn, and sensitive teeth. They manage their energy well and when in balance they are highly intellectual, leaders, brave, teachers and love being the centre of attention.

Kapha, water

Kapha is the energy responsible for storage, protection, lubrication, mucus and the production of fats and oils. People born with high amounts of kapha may be greedy, apathetic, slow, heavy, and cloudy-headed when out of balance. They are prone to hypothyroidism, obesity, clogged arteries, oily skin, and diabetes. They tend to hoard and store their energy. When in balance they are compassionate, steady, articulate, healthy, sweet, and reliable. They love food, sleep and laughter.

How does this affect allergies?

For each dosha, the allergic response depends on where toxins are located in the body and which constitutional type is predominant. For example, someone with a watery kapha constitution will be more likely to contract allergies to watery, heavy substances such as milk, dairy and wheat.

The level of allergic reaction will also depend upon the individual’s current health status and dosha balance. For example, if kapha is balanced, exposure to a kapha allergen like dairy will be minimal. If kapha is high, exposure to a kapha type allergen may be excessive and a full allergic response may result.

The type of allergen will also influence the response. When considering the three doshas, there are vata, pitta and kapha types of allergens. For example, animal dander is a vata allergen, acidic citrus fruits are pitta allergens and mucus-forming dairy products are kapha allergens. The quantity of that specific allergen that is ingested is also critical in determining the response to it. If there is a large volume of allergen it will overpower even the strongest digestive fire.