Vata dosha refers to one of the essential Ayurvedic energies that governs the body. Learn more here!
If you enjoy spending time in the Yoga studios or have an interest in holistic medicine you may be familiar with the concept of “doshas.†Based in the 3,000 year old healing practice of Ayurvedic medicine The term “dosha†refers to your proclivities, or “life force†and how it governs your thoughts, actions, interests, and sleep habits. There are 3 main doshas: Vata (associated with air,) Pitta (associated with fire,) and Kapha (associated with the water life force). Understanding your dosha type can be a useful tool in reaching your health goals.
Today we want to focus on understanding the practices that can bring peace and optimal living to the vata dosha personality type. If you resonate with the vata dosha type, read on to learn more about how to combat imbalance and reach your healthy living goals.
Understanding the Vata Dosha Disposition
Those who practice Ayurveda believe that Vata Dosha is the most powerful life force of the three. Meaning “to blow and move with the wind,†those with Vata personality types may experience quicker brain function, leading them to multitask more efficiently. They can be creative problem solvers who enjoy rising to the occasion of new challenges and experiences. The downside to the this type is the ease of which the vata can become overwhelmed and overstimulated, their minds flitting from one idea to the next without focus. Thriving with a Vata Dosha dominant predisposition involves experimenting with and seeking out out strategies to harness your energy for good while keeping the busyness of the creative brain in check. Â
Optimal Eating Habits for the Vata Dosha
Vata Dosha types may be prone to uneasy and erratic digestive systems and they may experience poor reactions from eating large, heavy meals or snacking too late at night. Vatas may snack and drink frequently as they flit throughout their day, in line with their erratic scheduling and bursts of creative energy. Vatas should prioritize eating nourishing foods in small amounts and follow up meals with warm drinks such as milky tea and warm lemon water. These warm beverages support healthy digestion.
Sleep and the Vata Dosha
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that sleep is a basic instinct and that the three different dosha types will have different sleep schedules and struggles. A dominant Vata Dosha can lead to frequent wakeups and a difficulty settling the mind back to sleep. Insomnia may potentially be associated with Vata Dosha personality types and a recent study found that “higher vata scores being associated with a longer time to fall asleep and a lesser feeling of being rested in the morning.†Vatas should aim to eat a smaller dinner and be in bed at a decent hour to ensure optimal rest and minimal interruption. Vatas should optimally wake up within a half hour of the sunrise to balance their energy for the day.
Ideas to Balance Vata Dosha
Because Vatas can tend toward nervousness and stress, deep breathing exercises and meditation are recommended. Although Yoga may have potential benefits for all personality types, it’s an especially important activity to give Vatas time to refocus and recenter their energy. When the mind is given space to rest as the body realigns, the Vata dosha can be balanced and kept in check to use that bright creative energy.
Products to Help Balance Vata
Banyan Healthy Vata Balancing Formula
Healthy Vata from Banyan Botanicals is an Ayurvedic supplement for balancing vata dosha that is made with certified organic ingredients and works to promote health and well-being.
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews is an illustrated guide to yoga postures, breathing techniques, and more that’s perfect for both beginner and expert yogis.
Do you self-identify as Vata Dosha? If so, you surely have creative ideas and suggestions on how to thrive. Use the comments section below to fill us in on the habits and practices you utilize to balance and empower your Vata Dosha personality.
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