Doshas, in Ayurvedic medicine, are elemental energy types which are believed to circulate the body and regulate much of our physiological, mental, and emotional processes. In Ayurveda, it is believed that a person’s health is largely based on individual doshas. Every person is governed by a unique ratio of these three doshas. If you want to figure your dosha type, I would recommend taking this quiz: https://chopra.com/dosha-quiz
Ayurveda divides the year into three main seasons based on the three main doshas.
Vata season goes from late fall into early winter.
Kapha season from the coldest part of the winter into early spring.
Pitta season from late spring to early fall.
As we transition through the fall and into the winter months, we slowly bid Pitta season farewell and embrace the new, Vata elements. Over the summer we shared with our readers information on how to pacify any imbalances during Pitta season in our blog Stay Balanced this Pitta Season! and now we want to share our tips on how to keep balanced this Vata season!
Of the 3 Ayurvedic Doshas, Vata is governed by the elements of air and ether. During this season an excess of Vata energy is circulating around and can cause an imbalance. This often manifests as dry skin, constipation, agitation or excitability etc.
In terms of bodily functions, the Vata dosha is often associated with movement, breathing, blood circulation, and heartbeat.
As a Vata type myself, I often find myself lost in an excess or imbalance of Vata energy during this time. After years of struggling with Vata excess during the winter months here are some personal recommendations I have to help you pacify any Vata imbalances:
Diet:
When balancing our doshas, it is key to be mindful of what we eat and drink on a daily basis. Good digestion is at the heart of good health. To balance Vata’s cold and dry nature we must consider foods that are nourishing, warm, and that preserve moisture.
Here is a list of foods you may want to try and incorporate into your meal planning:
Vegetables:
Avocado
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach
Cooked Carrots
Zucchini
Butternut
Beets
Taro root
Pumpkin
Yellow Squash
Fruits:
Mango
Cooked apples
Riped Bananas
Grapes
Oranges
Guava
Peaches
Olives
Plums
Poultry/Fish/Meats:
Eggs
Fish
Chicken
Seeds/Nuts/Grains:
Whole Wheat
Quinoa
Brown Rice
Oats
Nut Milk + Butters
Sunflower seeds
Roasted nuts
Dairy/Drinks/Tea/Oil:
Yoghurt
Kefir
Ghee
Sesame Oil
Olive Oil
Tulsi Tea
Cardamom Tea
Licorice Tea
Water with Lemon or Lime (@ room temperature)
In addition to our diet, another great practice to help pacify excess Vata is through Abhyanaga (hot oil massages). We have a great article on how to perform Abhyanga titled, “Happy Ayurveda Day! What is Ayurveda? What are the Benefits of Abhyanga (Hot Oil Massage)?" that we would suggest checking out! Stay tuned for more Vata pacifying tips by subscribing to our blog and following us on Instagram: @joyenvisioned
As a reminder, the content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Additionally, I want to remind all my readers that I am a student of life too, and that I’m still learning a lot on my journey to better wellness. I like to share what I am learning however, I do not claim to be an expert on Ayurveda or other holistic practices. As a reader, please be kind!