Hi Reader,

Hi everyone,

As we move into a new season and a new year, I’m often reminded that food is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our health — not in a rigid or extreme way, but through simple, steady alignment with our own nature.

In Ayurveda, we look at three primary constitutions, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Most of us are a blend, but we usually recognize one (or two) more clearly.

Here’s a brief snapshot to help you tune in:

VATA~​
​If you tend to feel anxious, scattered, cold, dry, or fatigued — especially when life gets busy — Vata may be dominant.
Vata thrives on warm, grounding, nourishing foods: soups, stews, cooked grains with ghee, root vegetables, ripe fruits, and gentle warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Regular meals and warm drinks go a long way here.

PITTA~​
If you’re driven, intense, prone to irritation, inflammation, heartburn, or overheating, Pitta may be at play.
Pitta benefits from cooling, soothing foods: sweet fruits, leafy greens, rice, oats, cucumbers, coconut, and spices like fennel, coriander, and mint. Reducing excess heat, spice, alcohol, and acidic foods helps keep Pitta balanced.

KAPHA~​
If you feel heavy, sluggish, congested, foggy, or stuck — emotionally or physically — Kapha may be elevated.
Kapha does best with light, stimulating foods: lots of vegetables, warming spices (ginger, black pepper, turmeric), lighter grains like barley or millet, and very minimal sugar and dairy. Less quantity, more movement, and more spice are key.

These are not rules — they’re guiding principles. When we eat in a way that supports our constitution and the season, digestion improves, energy stabilizes, and the nervous system settles.

If you’re feeling curious about what your own constitution is, or how to personalize this more deeply, I’d love to support you.

I’m currently in the final months of my internship to become a Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, and I’m seeing clients with the guidance and oversight of experienced Ayurvedic college physicians. This is a beautiful opportunity to receive comprehensive, individualized Ayurvedic care while supporting your health in a meaningful way this year.

The first step is a free 15-minute phone conversation, where we can see if this approach — and working together — feels like a good fit.

If something in this message resonates, I invite you to reach out by replying to this email.

Warmly,
​Marisa Toriggino​
Medical Ayurveda Specialist
Founder, Sheltering Skys
www.shelteringskys.com

P.S. 🌙
I’d also love to see you in person or online at my Monday evening offerings in San Francisco:
• Yoga Nidra — Mondays, 7:30–8:30 pm (in person + livestream)
• Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga — Mondays, 6–7 pm
Both classes are held at Folk Yoga San Francisco and are a wonderful way to support rest, regulation, and deep nourishment.