FACTORS OF VATA AGGRAVATION & ITS BALANCING
The Vital Energy
Vital energy is the power that keeps alive all beings and animates all the physiological and psychological functions. Without energy nothing is possible. All mental emotional and physiological functions are possible due to the power of Vital energy (prana). That’s why anyone needs to have an abundance of Vital energy. The vital energy that supports physiological functions is called ‘physical prana’ and that of psychological functions ‘psychic prana’.
The three Doshas
The prana is also manifested in the human body as Vata dosha (biological humor) which is one of the tree three fundamental biological humors that regulate all physiological and psychological functions (the three Gunas are also important factors for the function of mind) . The other two biological humors are Pitta and Kapha. The three together are called Tridosha (Vata- Pitta – Kapha).
These Doshas are the most important factors for good health (physiologically and psychologically. It is also important to know that vata becomes very easily unbalanced -more easily than the other two doshas. Many factors aggravate vata dosha; that’s why we have to learn about them and avoid them. If it is not possible to avoid them we must neutralize them with different ways and methods.
According the proportions of the three doshas in the body we can have a different kind of constitution. The synthesis of doshas is fixed when the embryo is arrested and cannot be changed. According the synthesis of doshas in the body there are constitutions or types on which the one dosha is predominant over the other two.
These are: Vata type: The vata dosha is most predominant. Pitta type: The pitta dosha is most predominant. Kapha type: The kapha dosha is most predominant.
There are also constitutions or types on which two doshas are predominant
Pitta-Vata type Pitta-Kapha type Vata-Kapha type
There is also a very rare constitution that the three doshas in balance Vita-Pitta- Kapha type
To read more about all doshas click here
Τhe effects of balanced and unbalanced Vata
1. Effect of Balanced Vata
Proper coordination of all body functions.
Normal movements associated with eating, digestion, and elimination.
Mental activity controlled and precise.
Control of the organs of perception and the organs of action.
Stimulation of digestive juices.
Desire to lead an active life; vitality, curiosity and natural interest.
Normal drying of occasional mucous discharges.
Normal respiratory function
Normal sleep pattern.
Excellent energy level.
2. Effect of Unbalanced (Excess)Vata
Body functions impaired or disorganized.
A weakened immune system.
Movements for eating, digestion, and elimination disturbed (bloating, constipation, gas).
Mental agitation, confusion; impaired memory.
Incoherent speech. Fast and disconnected speech.
Inability to make decisions.
Sensory disorientation.
Perception and action are inappropriate; senses are dulled; responses untimely.
Deficiency of the digestive juices.
Shortness of breath, dry cough, disturbance in respiratory movements.
Insomnia, light or interrupted sleep.
Headaches.
Non-specific fatigue. Chronic tiredness, mental and physical.
Anxiety, worry,
Cold-intolerance.
Depletion of Life Force.
A tendency to overexertion.
Emotional depression. Emotional conflict.
Impulsiveness.
Physical tension and other symptoms of stress.
Common Vata dosha imbalances
· Nervousness, anxiety, panic, fear
· Light, restless sleep
· Twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
· Cracking and popping joints
· Dry or chapped skin
· Dry, hard stools, constipation or gas
· Low body weight, emaciation
· Spacey, scattered feeling
· Excess thinking or worrying, absentmindedness, poor memory
FACTORS OF VATA AGGRAVATION
Here will see in more detail what aggravates Vata in the various areas of life.
DIET - FOOD:
Eating Vata-aggravating foods
Cold foods and drinks. Cool water.
Light food and fasting,
Dry foods, dry fruits
Eating junk food, frozen foods and food that has been microwaved.
Eating too much bitter, astringent and pungent tasted foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, beans, mushrooms and raw foods.
Eating while anxious or depressed.
Eating fast or on the run
Drinking alcohol, coffee, or black tea
Water: When the weather is warm players usually drink cool water which eventually disturbs Vata and it is not easily digested.
LIFESTYLE AND HABITS:
Too much travelling by any means of transportation.
Too many sensory inputs: t.v., music, computer, etc. Watching too much television and overexposure to computers or any other kind of electric gadgets from strong waves are emitted,
Very high level of sound (loud music), quick changes of images (advertisements on tv, the internet etc. ).
No well organized daily program; Following an irregular daily routine (for food, sleep, work etc.)
Too many sexual activities; the question that arises what is too much indeed? Everyone must find for themselves what is good for them. Generally, Vata dosha in Vata types persons is very easily disturbed by sexual activities.
Suppression of natural urges like urination, defecation, sneezing, cough, tears etc.
Going to bed late at night; Staying awake till late at night or not sleeping at all.
Speaking a lot and loudly; excess talking.
Drinking alcohol, coffee, and black tea.
Smoking cigarettes.
Taking too many medicinal, recreational and stimulating drugs.
Excess physical and mental efforts. Overworking or too many sports.
MENTAL - EMOTIONAL
Emotional stress, (emotions of anger, agony, anxiety, fear and grief. etc. ) depletes the vital energy and aggravates Vata.
Excessive imagination and thinking.
A lot of mental exertion.
We must learn and practice methods that reduce stress, pacify negative emotions, develop positive thinking and increase stillness and peace in the mind.
ENVIRONMENT:
Cold and dry atmosphere
Strong or turbulent wind,
Excessive exposure to high noise levels or high sounds.
Places with noise in the city, Traffic etc.
BALANCING VATA AND PRANA
I will mention here ways that can help the balancing of prana and Vata.
There are two main things we must keep in mind in order to maintain or restore the balance of Vata and prana.
FIRST, we have to avoid everything that aggravates Vata and depletes prana and especially those factors which are predominant at the time been. It is highly recommended the players avoid all the factors mentioned above as much as possible.
Moreover, the qualities of Vata dosha are: dry, light, rough, cold and subtle, mobile, quick and changeable, inconsistent or irregular, agitated or erratic.
Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle that “like increases like” Vata people or people with unbalanced Vata should avoid anything that has similar qualities to Vata (viz. dry, light, rough, cold and subtle, mobile, quick and changeable, inconsistent or irregular, agitated or erratic) because they will tend to increase vataVata dosha cannot be sensed directly, but it leaves its mark on our physical and mental activities with these qualities.
SECOND, as Ayurveda works on the principle that “the opposite decreases its opposite we must be in contact with the opposite qualities of Vata (viz. warm, regular, smooth, oily, liquid, heavy, grounded or steady, immobile, slow) because they will tend to decrease Vata. It is highly recommended to be in contact with the above qualities that decrease the accumulation and aggravation of Vata.
We have to make appropriate changes and adjustments in the major areas of life and we also have to follow various healing methods and exercises that bring balance and restore prana and Vata.
The major areas in life where personal choices can affect Vata dosha. are from various factors such as diet, environmental conditions, relations, sensory inputs, thoughts and emotions, lifestyle and habits.
WHAT BALANCES VATA
Vata is mobile and inconsistent therefore it is balanced by regularity and stability. Developing a daily routine with consistent times for waking up in the morning, meditating, eating, working, exercising, relaxing and sleeping is very helpful for soothing Vata. Anywhere you can add structure and regularity to your daily activities will help pacify Vata.
Be regular with your bedtime, mealtimes, and all habits.
Avoid excess multimedia stimulation, especially in the last few hours before bedtime.
Avoid food that aggravates Vata and eat food that balances Vata. Eat soothing, heavy, warming and nourishing foods, like cooked whole grains, vegetables, dairy and fruit, and soups and herbal teas.
It is better to consult with an ayurvedic doctor about this issue. One must be also very attentive and sensitive about the effect of the food on his body and mind. Relaxation, self-observation and meditation are helpful for this.
Do mild exercise like Hatha yoga exercises., tai chi, walks in nature, and non-strenuous cycling and swimming, especially in natural surroundings.
Breathing exercises (pranayama).
Relaxation
Meditation.
Affirmation, visualization
Have warm baths, rest and relax, and practise deep breathing and meditation.
Have regular Ayurvedic oil massage, as oil and heat are one of the best therapies for Vata. Massage with oil that contains special herbs that alleviate Vata.
Have a massage with sesame oil.
Proper food and proper way of eating (be concentrated on keeping silent).
Deep profound sleep.
Avoid speaking and stay alone.
Avoid watching tv or playing games.
Listening relaxing music
Natural healing such as reiki and Bach remedies.
Detoxification with Panchakarma is an ayurvedic process that reduces the accumulation of doshas and brings them back to balance.
Live in a quiet environment in the countryside if it is possible and spent a lot of time in nature.
AYUEVEDIC Herbal Remedies
The ayurvedic herbal remedies can help a lot to keep Vata and other doshas in balance or to bring them back in balance when are aggravated.
Developing a daily herbal regime is an excellent complement to any Vata-pacifying program. Changes in diet and lifestyle will minimize new Vata aggravation while herbs help eliminate already accumulated Vata from the system. Some herbal formulas for common Vata imbalances are listed below:
Broad-spectrum Vata-reducing herbs and formulas include:
Triphala
Ashwagandha
Vata Massage Oi
