All
About Vata
Vata-type
people are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Because of
this, Vatas have very little energy reserve and can tire easily and
get themselves out of balance. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and
not overdo things, stay warm, and keep a regular lifestyle routine.
The
Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion,
and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety
and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation,
cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata
imbalance.
The
most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas.
Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages
of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing
Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta
and Kapha are generally in balance as well.
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Vata Diet Info Sheet
Vata
& Stress
Ojas
is an Ayurvedic word that refers to our life energy. Translated, it
means "vigor." Stress greatly reduces ojas, which then weakens
the immune system. When ojas is low, disease can follow.
To
replenish ojas, follow the routine for your mind/body type. Some foods,
such as milk and ghee, are especially good for increasing ojas. Meditation
is the best thing you can to alleviate stress and thereby increase ojas.
Vata
Tea is calming and soothes the nerves. It is delicious with a little
bit of brown sugar.
Vata
& Sleep
Vata
mind/body types often have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Their minds are active, imaginative, and restless and may be hard to
quiet down at night. Vata mind/body types need a lot of sleep or they
become groggy and ineffective.
Ayurveda
recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M.
The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and
meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and
proceed with your daily rituals.
Vata
Tea (containing the herbs licorice, ginger, cardamon and cinnamon)
is calming and aids in a good night's sleep.
Moisturizing
Massage Oil for Vata followed by a warm bath or shower is also very
relaxing and will help get you to sleep.
Vata
& Digestion
Ayurveda
teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion
can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important
to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning
your meals.
Vata
digestion varies and can be delicate. Vatas should favor warm foods
with moderately heavy textures. Foods should include salty, sour, and
sweet tastes.
Vata
& Colds
The
cold winter months, November through February are the Vata season in
Ayurveda. This is the time when Vata is more likely to become out of
balance and result in a cold or flu. Ayurveda traditionally recommends
a routine for each season to maintain balance during that season. Of
course, you should follow your own daily Ayurvedic plan, but make adjustments
to fit with the season. To balance Vata, it is important to keep warm.
Eat warm foods, especially foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. Drink
Vata
Tea.
Vata
colds generally include a dry cough, hoarseness, or laryngitis. A few
drops of warmed sesame oil can be rubbed in the nasal passage to help
soothe it. A Vata diet should be followed.