Vata : consisting of the elements air and ether,
vata is the principle force of motion in the body and mind.
When vata dosha is healthy, the movements of the body are graceful, unimpeded, and yet controlled. when out of balance, the movements become erratic, excessive, decreased, or blocked.
VATA REGULATES:
circulation, respiration, urination, nervous system, creativity
worried, anxious, afraid, gas, constipation, colic pain, gripping, abdominal bloating, pms, dry skin/hair, add, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, aversion to cold weather and wind, food allergies, receding gums, irregularity in occurrence, twitching, memory loss
Things that throw vata out of balance
- Excess stimulation, overly dry foods, an abundance of raw foods, an excess of bitter and astringent tastes, not enough sleep, stimulants such as caffeine, the windy and dry fall season, travel, airplane flights, lots of talking, overwork, unreasonable expectations, stress
Bring vata back into balance with
- Regular routines daily, ample rest, meditation, soothing music, soft touch, daily self massage, soupy liquid foods, the sweet taste (healthy sweets), salty and sour foods, daily sesame oil massage, warm fluids and teas, avoidance of stimulants, sunlight and bright colors.
- Heavy, warm, moist qualities such as hugs, heavy: wrapping up in a blanket or shawl
- emphasize sweet, avoid pungent, lots of grain, dairy, nuts & oils.
- Avoid stimulants; no coffee, black tea, sugar, corn bread, toast, popcorn nor beans. avoid cold dry light food.
- Avoid dehydrated foods.
- It is best to arise within a half hour of the sun rising. go to bed early enough so that you do not have to use an alarm clock. the morning routine should include time for self abhyanga(oil massage), meditation and yoga asana practice in addition to proper daily hygiene.
- Meals should be taken regularly throughout the day; as many as five small meals per day taken every three hours would be appropriate. these meals should be taken at the same time each day. this increases both the heavy and stable qualities. the foods should be somewhat oily (moist), cooked when possible (warm) and moderately spiced (warm). bed time should occur at about 9:00 or 10:00, though this depends somewhat on the rhythm of the sun and varies season to season and by latitude. waking and sleeping times should be consistent from day to day (stability).
Vata is reduced through heat, oil, moisture, safety, grounding and routine.