Dreams can be terrifying or wonderful, or oftentimes a mix of both. Dreams mean different things to different people. Some take them seriously as inner guidance, and some hope to use Yoga and meditation to quit having dreams entirely and instead enjoy complete peace while sleeping.
Like everything in our bodies and minds and the world around us, our dreams are influenced by the three Doshas. Each Dosha has unique characteristics of what they inject into our dreams.
Dreams and the Doshas
- Vata types and those with excess Vata tend to have the most imaginative dreams. Often you are fleeing from something or flying or there is erratic, abstract imagery.
- Pitta types and those with excess Pitta tend to have realistic dreams that include an adventure or a problem to be solved.
- Kapha types and those with excess Kapha tend to not remember their dreams at all.
Our dreams can tell us about possible imbalances going on in our minds and bodies. Observe your dreams and the symptoms you experience in your daily life. If you are disturbed by your dreams, there are things you can do in your daily life to ground yourself and either have no dreams at all or have more peaceful dreams.
Vata Dreams
Vata is the essence of air, movement, the ethers and the imagination. It is deeply connected with the dream world and the subconscious.
Dreams are strongly related to Vata Dosha because in the Ayurvedic time cycle, 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. are the Vata times of night. This makes it a great time for meditative practices (typically you would get up at 4 or 5 a.m.).
Vata Dream Characteristics:- Vivid
- Abstract
- Flying/Fleeing
- Metaphorical
Pitta Dreams
Pitta types are always working on solving issues and taking action on goals. Pitta dreams are usually very realistic and believable in a real life sense. There is adventure and lots of movement. Pittas will try and work out real life problems in their dreams.
Pitta Dream Characteristics:- Realistic
- Goal-oriented
- Adventurous
- Problem-solving aspect
Kapha Dreams
Kapha is a grounded, steady, earthy Dosha. These types often don't remember their dreams and are deep sleepers. If you wake up and really can’t remember anything for an extended period of time, that’s a sign of a Kapha imbalance in the mind.
Kapha dreams are sometimes replaying issues from the past. Kapha types can hold onto resentments for a long time. Kapha dreams often recall previous memories.
Kapha Dream Characteristics:
- Lack of dreams
- Deep, heavy sleep
- Replaying the past
- Reliving life scenarios
Read more about Ayurveda and Mental Health
Disclaimer
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health.