creating balance for vata dosha
a seasonal transition
Whether we are ready for it or not, the transition from Pitta season (and the heat of summer) to Vata season (the cool, dry, crispness of fall) has begun. You may have noticed the drop in temperature in the mornings or the leaves on the trees are starting to dry out and make their way to the earth. The winds are blowing a little stronger and more erratic and perhaps you find yourself having difficulty sleeping.
In Sanskrit, we call this transitional space a sandhi. Sandhis are inherently difficult to manage and often create chaos for us, both internally and externally. Āyurveda teaches us that it is essential to manage this space and try to create an optimal internal environment for our organism so that it may find equilibrium and balance with the external environment.
Vata dosha shows up in many different ways… there is a Vata time of day (2 - 10 am/pm), a Vata stage of life (post the pause), and of course, a Vata time of year. For many, the external changes that occur during Vata season are the most obvious and clearly reflected. In this article we are going to look at the qualities of Vata dosha, how to create balance for Vata dosha, and of course, some practices to pacify Vata dosha.
the elemental and qualities of vata
Vata dosha is a combination of air + ether elements. The qualities (or gunas) of these elements are light, cold, dry, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear. Because these are the qualities of the elements, these are the qualities of Vata.
Understanding the elements and qualities of Vata can go a long way in preserving wellness; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Developing a healthy relationship with Vata can seem challenging, but in reality, as long as you have a basic, practical understanding of the concept, making informed decisions to cultivate balance is quite easy.
Vata, one of the three constitutional types, or doshas, recognized by Āyurveda, governs all movement. It is responsible for nerve impulses, muscular movements, respiratory movement, and movement within the GI tract. Communication is also ruled by Vata; this includes the movement of thoughts.
creating balance through opposites
Āyurveda uses ten pairs of opposite qualities (gunas), by which everything in the material world can be described. When we think of anything in our external environment we can ask ourselves, what qualities am I experiencing? Is it relatively hot, or relatively cold? Is it relatively dry, or relatively wet? Relatively heavy, or light? By evaluating the environment through the lens of these gunas, we get a clear picture of the doshic makeup of the outside world.
If we remember that “like increases like, and opposites balance”, we now have a way to usher in balance.
How do you know if Vata dosha is out of balance?
When Vata is high, we will see the gunas of Vata exacerbated. This may show up as:
light: feeling ungrounded, trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep
cold: cold hands and feet, poor circulation, low digestive fire
dry: dry skin, dry mucous membranes, dry hair, dry elimination
rough: rough skin, stiff muscles, and joints
subtle: issues of the mind: anxiety, insomnia, worry
mobile: excess mobility, in both the physical body and the mind (anxiety), irregular appetite
clear: forgetfulness (where did I put my keys?)
In order to restore balance, work with the opposite qualities, which are heavy, warm, oily, smooth, gross, stable, and dense. Incorporating these opposite qualities into daily life is what helps bring Vata back in balance, one step at a time.
There are many ways to stay healthy and constitutionally balanced this fall, let’s take a look at some practices and tools Āyurveda offers to pacify high Vata.
practices to balance vata dosha
Abhyanga
Oil is warm, heavy, unctuous, and smooth. The practice of abhyanga acts in opposition to each guna of Vata, making this a highly effective way to combat stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. It also helps to balance the doshas and promotes deep relaxation and a peaceful mind. Read more about this practice here.
Pranayama
Prana and Vata have functional integrity like content and container. Working with the breath is a powerful tool to balance Vata Dosha. Our on-demand library is full of supportive breath practices that assist in moving Vata downwards, and facilitate grounding and calming.
Warm, Grounding Herbal Tea
Vata Root Down Tea is formulated to counter the light, dry, and airy qualities of Vata dosha. When you need to feel grounded, present, and steady of mind brew a daily cup of Vata Root Down tea. This blend contains Ayurvedic Herbs that support the nervous system, and strengthen digestion and the adrenals.
Herbs + Spices
Warming, digestive spices are the first line of medicine for Vata. While almost all spices support Vata, we formulate two Vata-specific spice blends here at the AWC; 8 Spice Digestive and Vata Churna. Both are delicious and quite useful in pacifying vata dosa.
Not sure what to cook, or how to spice? Visit the recipes page on our blog.
Aromatherapy
Soothe an exhausted nervous system with Jatamamsi, strengthen and rejuvenate with Hina, or take in the benefits of the Vata Be Grounded or Stress Less rollers. Shop our products below to source support.
related products
vata root down tea
Root Down Tea is formulated to counter the light, dry, airy qualities of Vata Dosha. When you need to feel grounded, present, and steady of mind brew a daily cup of Root Down. This blend contains Ayurvedic Herbs that support the nervous system, strength of digestion, and the adrenals.
Boil 2-4 tsp for 10-20 minutes and strain. Add milk/mylk and sugar for an extra cozy cup. If adding milk, be sure to boil for an additional minute or two. Do not boil mylk.
In a pinch, steep 1-2tsp in hot water for 10 minutes.
pitta cool refresh tea
When Pitta get overheated and cranky, Cool Refresh is a lovely support. Cooling, blood nourishing, and a little sweet - this blend makes a Pitta pacifying and delicious cup.
Steep 2-4 tsp in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let cool completely (for most effectiveness), or drink warm.
Alternatively, brew at room temperature or under the light of the moon for 8-12 hours. Discard herbs and refrigerate.
kapha bright fire tea
Bright Fire tea is a warming antidote to slow, sluggish Kapha-type digestive fire. A cup of this tea 20-30 minutes before a meal supports strong digestion, and lessens the physical accumulations Kapha brings.
Boil 1-2 tsp in water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy! In a pinch, try steeping 1-2 tsp in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2oz + 5oz
Karna Purna is the Āyurvedic practice of oiling the ear. Vata Dosha is a combination of Air & Ether elements. Ether element rules the organ of the ear and hearing, and we can use the oiling the ear canal as means to pacify dosha.
This ear oil combines herbal ingredients including garlic, calendula, st. john’s wort, and olive oil to allow for a wide spectrum of ear problems to be addressed. We like to use it to oil the ear canal during abhyanga, or fill the ear canal with oil prior to sleep. It invites a sense of groundedness, quiet, and calm, while also addressing auditory sensitivities.
This ear oil is also gentle enough to be used on children and animals. Comes with a dropper for easy use.
1 oz
a multi-use Vata pacifying digestive.
use: Add to culinary dishes for a Vata pacifying flavor, or season at the table. compliments soups, stews, and greens.
2oz
This traditional formulation of 8 spices + mineral salt is an ideal match for Vata dosha imbalances or Vata-type digestive symptoms, like gas, bloating, and constipation. It’s heating, grounding, and oily qualities counter the cold, light, and dry qualities of Vata.
A must for every Ayurvedic kitchen, this spice blend supports the function of Agni. Use 8 Spice Digestive to spice Vata provoking foods (like beans and lentils) when cooking, or use it to add flavor at the table. One of the most Vata provoking foods, popcorn, is made much more digestible by cooking it with ghee and 8 Spice.
2.5oz
These doshic rollers are one of our favorite and most convenient ways to calm excess dosha using the wonders of aromatherapy. Each roller is a blend of essential oils in a light fractionated coconut base oil that feels good going on, and provides a long lasting experience.
Our rollers are perfect for traveling or daily use. Throw one in your bag for anytime access. Roll onto pulse points, or your face mask for on-the-go aromatherapy.
Vata Be Grounded is the perfect oil to use any time you need to relax, go inward, and center. It pacifies Vata dosha by soothing an agitated nervous system, calming an overactive mind, and supporting strong vitality.
Pitta Be Calm works to cool and calm a heated mind or nervous system. It is an effective floral relaxant and simultaneously promotes uplifting moods.
It is the perfect oil for those with tendencies towards irritability, anger, or an uptight personality. With regular use, the workaholic will gain great benefit from the cool, calming effects. It is a nice oil for children and will support pleasant moods and greater attention span.
Kapha Be Energized penetrates through stagnant energy and can be used to effectively refresh, energize, and cleanse your office or home of stale air or low energy.
8ml
The essential oil of Jatamamsi is supportive in soothing an exhausted nervous system. This nutritive tonic is useful to balance sympathetic activation and to cultivate grounded and restful sleep. It can also be used to enhance clarity of perception.
Balancing for all doshas. For topical use, add to base oil.
1 dram
This is not your grocery store ghee. This herbal ghee is an adaptogenic blend for supporting overall radiance.
This is a trio of powerful adaptogens: Maca, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha swirled into Goddess Ghee with Ceylon Cinnamon and Cardamom.
These herbs allow the body to adjust and handle the affects of stress and everyday hustle and bustle while maintaining a healthy sense of balance. Created in response to the fast pace living of modern life, the Well Adapted Ghee is a delicious blend of medicines and ghee whipped with intention for your mind and body.
Perfect baked into cookies, muffins, added to oatmeal, blended into coffee or added to morning tea brews. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons to tea or coffee and blend on high for 2 minutes (check that the lid is securely on!)
This versatile cooking and baking oil that can handle temperatures up to 485 degrees without smoking or burning.
Eat it: with a spoon or finger (we do).
9oz
related posts
loved what you learned? feeling inspired? share this article with someone who would benefit!
you can also share via the social icons below.