Tool 1: Discover Your Energy State | Total Brain Coaching

The power of knowledge is awesome. The more you learn about who you are the better you are able to deal with the demands of your environment. Every client is a unique combination of individual tendencies.

There are many different types of assessment tools being used today. Some have proven useful and yet no one tool is agreed to be the best. We have chosen a time-tested method from the ancient tradition of Ayurveda, a system of natural medicine from India. Despite the unusual origin of this tool, there is a growing body of scientific research showing its correlation with distinct genetic, biochemical, and physiological markers. Total Brain Coaching combines Ayurveda’s time-test knowledge with the latest findings of modern science, particularly in the areas of neuroplasticity and the gut-brain axis.

Let us briefly consider the three basic Energy States:

The first is the V Energy State, which in Ayurveda is called Vata (vah´tah). V Energy individuals are the enthusiastic creative contributors to any team.

The second is the P Energy State, which in Ayurveda is Pitta (pit´ah). The P Energy people are the dynamic and purposeful doers of a team.

The third is the K Energy State, which are called Kapha (kah´fah) in Ayurveda. The K Energy people are the steady and reliable maintainer of a team

It is rare for a person to be in only one Energy State. Most of us are a combination of these states. But for simplicity we will focus on the main state and then consider the various combinations later (see Appendix 1).

It is important to understand that your Energy State can be either balanced or imbalanced. Certain triggers can cause an imbalance that will upset your emotions and behavior, as well as your physical and mental health. As a coach, the knowledge of your client’s Energy State, and what triggers an imbalance, is an invaluable tool to help them change their habits.

The Energy States

V State

Vata clients think fast, and their moods and energy levels change fast. They have great imagination and creativity and are quick to learn and quick to forget. Their attention is constantly moving from one topic to another. As a coach it is best to interest and charm, rather than force, your Vata client. When your Vata client is out of balance, they can be “high strung,” nervous, or anxious, with all kinds of digestive problems.

The table below lists the factors that lead to imbalance in V States, with recommendations that will help keep them balanced:

Causes of Imbalance
Overstimulation Overexertion Irregular routine Exposure to cold and/or windy weather Excessive travel	Too many choices Negative emotions Stressful situations Unpleasant interactions with others
Signs of Imbalance
Hyperactivity Easily distracted Overly emotional Anxious Nervous Fearful Lonely Quickly changing moods	Restless High strung Forgetful Poor digestion Constipation Irregular appetite Spacey
Recommendations
Establish and maintain a daily routine Avoid cold, windy weather Reduce excessive stimulation Guard against fatigue Focus on specific goals	Take extra rest to recharge physically and emotionally Have healthy and delicious snacks Create a bedtime routine Enjoy creative activities

P State

P Energy State clients are dynamic and purposeful. They enjoy solving problems, make decisions, and attaining specific goals. P individuals tend to be naturally competitive, and are often good leaders.

As a coach, you want to help them formulate a clear plan and with accountable milestones. When out of balance, the P Energy person can quickly become agitated and angry. Two of the most obvious triggers for their going out of balance are: not eating on time and overheating.

This table shows some of the factors that lead to imbalance in The P States, with recommendations to promote balance:

Causes of Imbalance
Overheating Not eating on time Not drinking enough water Overly competitive or aggressive situations	Hot spices such as chilies Negative emotions
Signs of Imbalance
Irritable Angry Impatient Critical Jealous Hostility Obsessive-compulsive behaviors	Intense hunger Excessive thirst Sensitivity to spicy and/or fried foods, with indigestion and/or heartburn Excessive sweating Temper tantrum
Recommendations
Have meals on time, especially lunch Prevent overheating Keep well hydrated Avoid foods with “hot” spices	Enjoy physical activity during the day On hot days keep the air-conditioning on; on mild days keep the windows open

K Energy State

K State clients are easy-going and methodical. One of the most prominent characteristics of a K client is their steadiness. K clients will take longer to make a change in their habits than the V or P clients, but once they make the change they will stick to it. As a coach, you need to be prepared to take extra time, allowing your client to systematically scrutinizing all the possibilities. When a K Energy person goes out of balance, they can become stubborn, depressed, and withdrawn.

K States:

Causes of Imbalance
Excessive sleep Too little activity Lack of mental stimulation Lack of regular exercise	Overeating Exposure to excessively hot, humid weather Exposure to cold, damp weather
Signs of Imbalance
Stubborn Depressed Lethargic Lazy	Sad Withdrawn Excess mucus Weight gain
Recommendations
Keep mentally and physically stimulated Include periods of regular outdoor activity and exercise Try not to overeat: light meals are best Allow extra time to do everything	Give them time to adapt to a new decision

How to Identify Energy States

To get your online assessment of your Energy State click here. This online assessment refers to your Energy State as your Gut/Brain Nature.

A simpler written assessment is given in this short quiz below, adapted from the book Dharma Parenting.

ENERGY STATE QUIZ

V Energy State

1. Light sleeper, difficulty falling asleep