Coffee - good or bad for Yogis? The Ayurvedic view….
It’s a kinda controversial topic in the health realm. However, I proudly declare myself a coffee lover, my morning coffee ritual ~ the clarity and energy it brings to my day. It’s also my first social connection with my happy-go-lucky baristas at sun up ~ especially as the cooler weather has started I love the warm sipping cup in my hands. However I know that one per day is my limit, and never to have one after 1pm or I won’t sleep, nor will I have one within an hour of meditation or it can be a very unsuccessful event!
From an Ayurvedic perspective I have learnt to watch for the signs that my body is not coping with coffee and I believe the answer to this question is a personal one, and different on the day, whether it is good or bad…well it’s up to you. Ayurveda is the sister health system of Yoga, it means ‘life knowledge’ and it encourages us to listen to our body’s wisdom and respond with changes to the daily lifestyle activities and foods we choose. Put simply it’s treat with opposites - What is hot, cool it. What is dry, moisten it.
I recently found this article The Ayurvedic View on Coffee by Forever Sunday where I wholeheartedly agree that it’s not a black and white answer (pardon the pun), it depends on the individual. We’re referring only to high quality, chemical-free, fresh ground bean coffee NOT instant coffee, you may also find what you put in your coffee is relevant also.
Here’s my Ayurvedic approach;
my dominant Ayurvedic Dosha is Pitta - when I am having a Pitta imbalance (aggregated, hot, flushed, hangry, perfectionism, over-critical, judgemental, inflammation, increased heart rate, heartburn, acidic, diarrhoea) then I must reduce my coffee, perhaps for a few days, and increase my calming and alkalising foods and activities (see on Pitta link). Try this cooling sweetening recipe for a Pitta balanced coffee Coconut Cappuccino.
regardless of our dominant Dosha most of us can be prone to, given our busy lives and influences around, a Vata imbalance (dryness, stressed, anxious, hypertension, arthritis, weakness, fatigue, restlessness, digestive issues, constipation, restlessness, insomnia, fearful, overwhelmed) which coffee most certainly exacerbates. Even though bowel movement maybe happening it’s like a laxative and not improving the condition of the digestive system and could worsen it. Coffee is not recommended for Vata Dosha type, but check out the recipe for a digestion improving moistening Vata balanced coffee Bulletproof Cardamon coffee (at bottom) and notice if symptoms above still arise, find an alternative if so (see Vata link).
Kapha folk, or with Kapha imbalance (heavy, unmotivated, stagnant, depressed, low blood pressure, cold, weight gain, fluid retention, allergies, diabetes, sluggish digestion, excess sleep, mucousy, overly attached, stubborn) - coffee is good for you in moderation because it boosts your energy, can improve digestive flow, increases heart rate, alertness and focus. Be mindful of allergies and mucous increasing milk/dairy, you may require black or bulletproof coffee (see recipe) or mylk alternatives.
If you are curious as to what your Ayurvedic Dosha type is click here, however I find a simpler approach to living with Ayurvedic wisdom is often preferred by my clients - notice which Dosha is showing up as imbalanced (as listed above for Pitta, Vata, Kapha) and treat the symptoms with opposites - in your food, your lifestyle and daily activities as suggested if you click on the Dosha links. It’s a really balanced way to approach life - listen to your body, respond in kindness to its reactions.
Check out below practices online in your Monthly Membership to balance your Dosha ~ did you notice symptoms above in one particular Dosha?
So, what was the answer? Is coffee good for YOU…or not…..or just not right now?
Online practices to balance your Dosha;
Vata imbalance;
Hatha - Chaos to Calm 60mins
Restorative Yoga - Evening Release 30mins
Releasing Negativity Meditation <10mins
Pitta imbalance;
Rest’n Restore - Mind + Body 60mins
Mindbody Fully Present Meditation 30mins
Loving Kindness Meditation 10mins
Kapha imbalance;
Bringing Bhav into your Practice 45mins
Digestive Flow 20mins
