Similar to how individuals can have an abundance of one or two doshas, certain doshas are predominant during different seasons, as well. Vata is prominent from the late fall, when the weather turns colder, through the early winter. During this time, people who have more vata in their constitution may experience more dryness of the skin, hair, and nails, constipation, bloating, and potentially anxiety or restlessness.
All of us, regardless of our dosha, will experience some of these symptoms to a degree during vata season. Keeping our doshas balanced through diet and nutrition, lifestyle changes, and herbs is essential in promoting well-being and preventing disease—during vata season and every season.
But how can you adjust your life to manage the excess of vata coming your way? Read on. The vata dosha is governed by the elements of air and space. Some of its qualities include light, dry, sharp, mobile, and cold, which is why fall is considered to be vata season in Ayurveda. The cooler days and rapid changes in our environment, like the drying and shedding of leaves, are all due to the energies vata brings.
The accumulation of air and space during this season makes it easy to feel ungrounded or anxious. Sweet, Sour, and Salty tastes help balance excess Vata. Need more personalized guidance? We offer individualized Ayurvedic Health Consultations. Pitta dosha encompasses the elements Fire and Water and is considered the dosha of transformation because it changes our experiences from one condition to another.
For example, pitta dosha governs our metabolism and converts food into bodily tissues. Pitta also governs the digestion of mental and emotional experiences.
Pitta imbalances are usually associated with inflammation or acidity in the body or in the mind. Remember: excess Pitta produces heat and anger in all forms. Pitta-pacifying protocols emphasize: cooling, calming, surrendering, and moderation. Sweet, Bitter, and Astringent tastes help balance excess Pitta. Kapha dosha encompasses the elements Water and Earth and is considered the dosha of binding and structure. In a sense, you could say Vata makes it happen. Vata-dominant individuals tend to have the following qualities: Slimmer build, light weight, either very tall or short Quick-moving mind and actions Tendency to do many things Thinner skin and hair, prone to dryness Oval, narrow face and smaller eyes Variable appetite, tendency towards constipation Light sleep, possibly interrupted, dreams full of movement Lower stamina with bursts of activity Drawn to creative activities, dance and travel If you can relate to several of the qualities above, Vata may be a dominant Dosha for you.
Signs of a Vata imbalance include: Dryness of skin, hair, ears, lips, joints Dryness internally — bloat, gas, constipation, dehydration, weight loss Dry and lightness of the mind — restlessness, dizziness, feeling ungrounded Cold: poor circulation, muscle spasm or constriction, asthma, pain and aches, tightness Roughness, especially skin and lips Excessive movement: anxiety, fidgeting, agitation, muscle twitching, palpitations How to manage a Vata imbalance A combination of the following diet and lifestyle adjustments can return Vata into balance and prevent seasonal allergies, colds and flus.
Additionally, hydration of the skin is recommended through self abhyanga , or massage with warm oil sesame or almond 15 minutes prior to bathing. Use of Vata-pacifying oils in cooking can further hydrate the body internally: sesame, almond or avocado oil. Adopt a seasonal diet Reduce the amount of astringent, dry, light, cold, raw and processed foods.
Increase sweet, sour, salty, warm, cooked whole foods. Pumpkin, sweet potato, beets, carrots and zucchinni, brussel sprouts, avocados, dates, figs, lemons, limes, papayas, grapefruit and grapes are all beneficial vegetables and fruits.
For grains, legumes and nuts, try rice, oatmeal, quinoa, split mung beans, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews. Beneficial spices include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, fennel, ginger, turmeric, saffron.
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