According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of five elements of nature. The five elements; earth, water, fire, space, and wind combine to form the three Doshas, which are basically the energies.
Every human has one dominant Dosha. But when the equilibrium is disturbed the person is said to live an unhealthy life. To lead a disease-free life, one must know how to balance Doshas like Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha. Well, this blog will cover how to reduce Vata Dosha.
What is Vata Dosha?
Vata means to move like a wind. It is the combination of the two elements: Air and Space. It is responsible for all the movements of the body. It helps in controlling the blood flow, eliminating waste products, respiration, and thoughts across the brain.
Vata Dosha characteristics:
The features and traits of the Vata Dosha dominant person are:
Vata Dosha body type:
- Size either large or small
- Delicate bone structure
- Slender frame
- Dry, rough, and cool skin
- Dry hair
- Brittle nails
Vata Dosha personality:
- Good short-term memory
- Poor long-term memory
- Artistic choices
- Anxious, insecure, often avoid conflicts
- Impulsive
- Anxious, insecure. Mostly avoid the conflicts
Vata Imbalance Symptoms & Signs
Physical:
- Dryness, the roughness of skin & lips.
- Brittle nails
- Bloating, gas, constipation
- Muscle spasms, muscle twitching, tremors, palpitations, constriction, and body aches
- Dehydration and weight loss
- Fatigue, restlessness, and dizziness
- Poor blood circulation
- Asthma and respiratory ailments
- Insomnia
- Astringent taste in the mouth
- Cold sensitivity and desire for warmth
Behavioral:
- Irritated
- Anxious
- Nervous
- Impatient
- Excessive movement
- Talkative
- Confused
- Fearful and shaky
We all know ‘like increases like’ and if the body is being given the inherent qualities of Vata Dosha like a dry, cool, rough, mobile, and light environment, it will surely imbalance this Dosha.
Causes of Vata Dosha Imbalance:
- Lack of sleep
- Improper sleep, i.e., sleeping during the day and working at night.
- Exposure to cold, chilly weather or windy climate
- Stress and pressure
- Worries, emotional imbalance
- Excess of indulging in water-related activities like swimming or sports.
- Intake of cold items and frozen food products.
- Dry and cold emotions
- Intake of pungent and bitter foods.
Diseases related to increases in Vata Dosha:
- Gas, constipation
- Lower back pain
- Muscle cramps
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Sciatica and other nerve compressions
- Paralysis
According to Ayurveda, we can balance the Doshas by adopting a healthy lifestyle and quitting the habits that are harmful to the body. With this blog, we will know how to balance Vata Dosha with the help of natural herbs and Yoga asanas.
Natural Herbs for Vata Dosha:
Nature has a lot to offer and plant-based medicines will provide you most effective results and give no side effects. The herbs are:
Vidarikand: It is also called Indian kudzu. It is known to refresh the whole body and improves the overall strength of the body. It also has aphrodisiac properties. It has numerous other health benefits like lowering blood pressure and increasing the activity of oxidants.
Ashwagandha: This herb is the best adaptogen and is used for coping with physical and emotional stress. In the Sanskrit language, the word ashwagandha means the smell of the horse and as the name says, this herb imparts the vigor and strength of the horse.
It helps with boosting immunity. It is perfect for people who are experiencing fatigue and are troubled because of concentration issues. Further, it enhances sexual potency, stabilizes blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and in addition to this, its consumption helps with neurological disorders. Its root is used in the powdered form to help with the aggravated Vata Dosha.
Ginger: It is the best kitchen herb, which is used to improve digestion and also menstrual cramps. It has powerful antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties.
The heating qualities of ginger help to balance the Vata Dosha. It also helps in bringing heat to the body and improves blood circulation. It is also helpful for relieving symptoms like nausea & vomiting.
Ginger is a very potent herb that can be used to stabilize the metabolism and fight foreign substances. You can consume the ginger in raw or dried form. The powdered form can also be used. You can choose what suits you.
Triphala: It is a combination of three herbs. It has excellent healing and purifying properties. It acts as a laxative and is useful in strengthening and nourishing the nervous system, bones, and reproductive organs. The following herbs are combined to make Triphala meaning three fruits.
Amalaki: It is commonly known as Indian gooseberry and amla. It is the highest source of Vitamin C. It is used best for treating skin diseases. It also enhances the functions of the respiratory system and digestive systems.
Amla contains various antioxidants and boosts immunity by providing the nutrients for nourishment.
Haritaki: This herb has astringent properties and helps in balancing the Vata Dosha. It acts as the strongest laxative. This herb works best when mixed with the other two herbs.
Bibhitaki: This herb is known to refresh the body and is an excellent rejuvenator. It has both laxative and astringent properties. It shows wonderful results for respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
It eliminates the excess mucus and detoxifies the body. Balancing the aggravated Vata Dosha, it also purifies the body.
Yoga Asanas to Pacify Vata Dosha
Yoga is much more than simple stretches. It helps with the body, mind, and soul. Regular practice will help your body and mind to rejuvenate and if asanas are done along with meditation and breathing exercises they are highly beneficial.
Some of the asanas which will keep the stress away are:
Malasana:
- It stretches the thighs, hips, ankles, torso, and groin area.
- It tones the abdominal muscles and improves the function of the colon which helps with the elimination.
- It increases the blood flow to the pelvic region, hence regulating sexual energy.
- It works to improve balance, concentration, and focus.
Dandasana:
- It works best for improving the curvature of the spine and posture. This benefits people who suffer from postural problems due to their sedentary lifestyle.
- It stretches the spine, back muscles, hamstrings, thighs, chest, shoulders, and arms. Not only does this pose strengthens the organs but also broadens and releases the tension built in them.
- The stretching also builds up the core strength. The stiffness also goes away with this pose.
- The reproductive and digestive systems are benefitted from the regular performance of this pose. Constipation, flatulence, and other related issues are resolved.
- The pain, inflammation, and respiratory ailments are also healed. People have found positive results by performing this pose.
- Calmness is promoted while the brain and intellectual abilities are improved with the help of this pose.
Shavasana:
- It calms the central nervous system which helps in the reduction of stress, tension, fatigue, depression & anxiety.
- It relaxes the whole body and is a very easy pose. It helps soothe the nerves, calm the mind and improve mental health & concentration.
- It helps to lower blood pressure and stimulates proper blood circulation in the body.
- This pose brings a state of rejuvenation to the whole body and promotes a spiritual awakening.
- This pose is an excellent way to ground the body and balance the Vata Dosha.
Tadasana:
- It helps with the posture and stretches & lengthens the spine.
- Deep breathing also helps in providing strength to the lungs and expands them.
- It gives strength to the bones, muscles, arms, thighs, buttocks, legs, and the whole body.
- It is beneficial for flat feet and also relieves sciatica pain.
- It releases the tension from the internal organs, mind, and face.
- It activates the nervous system of the body and makes the person active. Moreover, it also increases awareness and concentration.
- It also helps with abdominal cramps, and indigestion, and regulates the menstrual cycle in women.
Pashimmotasana:
- It increases flexibility in the body.
- It stretches the spinal region and elongates the spine. Not only the spinal region but the shoulders, abdomen, arms, and hamstrings also get a good stretch.
- The anxiety, headaches, migraine, and fatigue are managed with this pose. It calms the mind and manages stress and depression.
- It helps in strengthening the joints and bones.
- This asana is known to manage blood pressure levels and improves the functions of the digestive system.
- It works well to decrease excess weight and activates the functions of the kidney, liver, uterus, and ovaries.
- The other benefit is it helps with the menstrual cycle and infertility.
Meditation: Meditation is the best way to manage stress. Even meditating for 15- 20 minutes will help you immensely. Just grab the yoga mat, and choose a quiet place that will soothe the nerves and brain. Then start meditating and be on the path of spiritual awakening.
This was all about Vata Dosha, the next blogs will cover Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha. Know it all with these blogs about the characteristics and personality traits you have and if any of the Dosha is imbalanced.
Let natural herbs and yoga asanas heal you and promote you to live healthily. Adopt and accept Ayurveda!
Article By:
