Lets get to know Vata!
Vata has the qualities of dryness, light, cold, rough, subtle and mobile.
There are 5 elements (bhutas) with Ayurveda and Vata is made up of the two elements Air (vayu) and Space (akasha).
The purpose of Vata in the body is movement, propulsion, animation, assimilation, inspiration, expiration, motor activities, proper functioning of tissues and organs, and regulation of bodily urges.
So if you have Vata prominent in your constitution (Prakriti) then you have a higher tendency towards developing a Vata based complaint... makes sense right?
When Vata is balanced you will experience;
Mental alertness and abundance of creative energy
Good elimination of waste matter form body
Sound sleep
Strong immune system
Enthusiastic and emotionally balanced
Orderly functioning of body’s systems
Freshness, fun personality and enjoyment of life
When Vata is aggravated (Vikriti or disease state) you may experience;
Generalised aches and pains, stiffness, painful or cracking joints
Worry, anxiety, fear and feelings of insecurity
Tic, twitches, tremors, and spasms, nerve disorders, headaches, earaches and sensitivity to noise
Sensitive to wind, cold and dryness
Rough, dry and cracked hair, skin and nails
Nail biting
Constipation, bloating, flatulence, belching and hiccups
Agitated movements, difficulty sitting still – busy mind and body
Impulsive and erratic, difficult to focus or make decisions
Weight loss or under weight
Fast speech, impatient and hyperactive
Chronic tiredness and exhaustion yet can’t relax
The natural site of Vata is the large intestine but also found in the hips, lower limbs, ears, teeth, bones, hair and nervous system.
The six tastes
Vata increases when eating too much pungent (spicy), bitter or astringent foods and is reduced by eating foods that are sweet, salty and sour.
Vata increases naturally in;
the later years of life - post 60
Autumn and early winter - when the weather is cold, dry and windy, think joint aches, dry cracked skin and sensitive teeth
the afternoon between 2pm and 6pm and the early morning 2am and 6am
So to finish off, if you have a Vata constitution you will need to be strictest with your diet and lifestyle during the autumn / early winter seasons and the later stage of life.
As you will hear from me time and time again, like increases like and opposite qualities pacify - so when looking to pacify Vata choose foods and lifestyle activities that are opposite in quality for example food and activities that are warming, grounding, oily and still reduce Vata. A consistent, predictable routine is also very important to manage your Vata.
Essential oils that can help to balance Vata;
Floral oils such as Geranium, Lavender, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose
Spices like Cardamom, Ginger, Fennel, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Clove
Citrus oils such as Lemon, Lime, Lemongrass, Orange, Pine, Peppermint
Resins such as Frankincense, Myrrh
Live Wisely, Abbie x
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