| One of the primary Doshas is called Vata. Vata is comprised of Air and Ether. A person with a Vata constitution usually has a tall or thin body frame with less strength and endurance than others. A typical Vata temperament is nervous, sensitive and anxious. It is difficult for a person with a Vata disposition to stay on task. They often are side tracked from what they do, and can be diagnosed with A.D.D. They can be quite impulsive and unpredictable. They may have several tasks running at the same time. They may be disorganized, perpetually late or stuck in their own worlds. However, if they have cultivated awareness of these tendencies and how to mold them they can be extraordinarily creative. They can also have sudden illuminations of intuition, be the vision behind any business, and the life of any party. Because all of us possess all three of the Doshas, it is possible to develop a Vata imbalance even if it is not our primary constitution. This means that something, either internal or external, provokes Vata and exaggerates it in our character. For example, if someone by nature is very organized or very Pitta, and they begin to misplace things we would suspect Vata was aggravated. We would then apply therapies to balance Vata. Some causes of Vata disturbance include cold weather and wind, multi-tasking, and travel. Dietary factors include cold drinks, dry fruits, raw vegetables, or food that is light, rough and dry. Irregular eating habits will easily aggravate Vata, as well as lack of proper nutrition and rest. Emotional stress such as worry or fear cause great anxiety for Vata as will anything that threatens grounding. Symptoms of Vata imbalance include a desire for warmth, constipation, bloating, indigestion, dry skin, lack of energy, insomnia, emaciation, flatulence, fear, anxiety, confusion and aimless talking. If they become sick, pain and nervous disorders are likely. Vata requires security and more importantly consistency and routine. Vata is by its nature irregular. It's natural desire is to start one project and leave it to start another. Daily habits will help Vata to be channeled more creatively and with purpose. Eating rich foods periodically through out the day will help to ground Vata and prevent sugar imbalances which Vata can cause. Herbs such as Ashwagandha, bala, and haritaki can be grounding for Vata as well as regular self massage with sesame oil. To learn more about Vata diet... |
| Ayurvedic Bliss Therapies For Living Yoga in a Modern World |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |