Vata represents the biological elements of air and space. It has the qualities of dry, cold, light, quick, erratic, rough, unstable and moving. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing, and movement of thoughts across the mind. Vata governs the other two doshas (pitta and kapha) and so it’s very important to keep Vata in good balance to ensure the other two doshas are not imbalanced.
Characteristics of Vata
-
Light, thinner build
-Tendency
for dry skin
-Aversion
to cold weather
-Tendency
toward light and interrupted sleep
-
Quick to grasp new information
-
Quick to forget
-
Irregular hunger and digestion
-
Tendency toward constipation
Imbalanced Vata
Physical Manifestations
-Intolerance
to wind and cold
-Constipation
-Flatulence,
intestinal gas
-Dry
skin and chapped lips
-Loss
of energy or stamina
-Severe
and acute pains
-Joint
aches or arthritis
-Back
pain, especially low back pain
-Muscle
spasms
Psychological Manifestations
-Overactivity
of the mind
-Anxiety,
inability to relax
-Inability
to concentrate
-Worry
-Restlessness
-Depression
-Insomnia
-Fatigue
-Loss
of appetite
Guidelines for Balancing Vata
-Get plenty of rest and quiet time (this is all-important
for any Vata problem)
-Stay warm
-Eat a Vata-pacifying diet and eat regularly
-Drink lots of warm fluids
-Avoid cold food and drinks
-Use herbs and spices that are Vata-reducing:
- Heating spices
- Ashwagandha, fresh ginger,
- Triphala (amla, bibhitaki, haritaki)
-Maintain a regular daily routine (mealtimes, bedtimes,
etc.)
-Massage your body with sesame oil each morning
-Take a long, warm shower or bath in the morning
-Perform mild exercises (simple yoga stretches, walking, tai
chi)
-Avoid mental strain or over-stimulation (loud music,
violent movies, long hours of TV or computer, particularly in the evening)
-Make your surroundings light, bright, and cheerful
-Do not drink alcohol, or caffeine while trying to balance
Vata
-Healing mantra: “slow down”
Vata reducing tea is available at The Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic and Natural Pharmacy. Click here to check out our natural products.
