Vata season in our region can flare up in March/April. We are nearing the end yet as we do so you may feel the cumulative effect of this season, so here are some hopefully helpful insights…
Vata is the energy of movement or prana that is part of everything in creation. Vata contains the ether and air elements, space and movement. It is located in the colon, thighs, hips, ears, bones and the organs of hearing and touch. Its primary site is the colon. It governs assimilation and elimination. It is the impulse of expression, creativity and propulsion. It gives life to all things. Vata is responsible for breathing, movement, flexibility and all biological processes. It governs the nervous system as well as our sensory and mental functions. Vata is dry, light, cold, mobile, active, clear, astringent and dispersing. Vata times of day are mid to late morning and afternoon (this is when the ether element dominates).
When in balance, a vata person has strong healing capabilities with robust energy and good health.
On a physical level, vata-predominant individuals have thin, light, flexible bodies, often with protruding veins, tendons and bones. They may also have small, recessed and dry eyes. Their teeth are often large and protruding with thin, small, dark or chapped lips. They will have erratic appetite and thirst, which is one reason why their digestive systems are easily disturbed.
On an emotional and mental level, vatas are easily excited and act without considering what they are doing. They are very alert and aware but easily forget. They are quick and unsteady in thought, word, and actions. Often they are considered unreliable and indecisive. They tend to be fearful and lack courage due to high levels of anxiety.
A balanced vata is filled with light and love, has expansive consciousness and sees the universal principle in all things. Additional indications of balanced vata are mental alertness and an abundance of creative energy, good elimination of waste matters from the body, sound sleep, a strong immune system, enthusiasm, emotional balance of orderly functioning of the body’s systems.
Signs of imbalanced vata are worry, fatigue, low stamina, nervousness, poor concentration, anxiety, fearfulness, mental agitation, impatience, spaciness, shyness, insecurity, restlessness, difficulty in making decisions, underweight, difficulty gaining weight, insomnia, waking up during the night, an aching and painful body, swollen, stiff and painful joints, sensitivity to cold, nail biting, rough, dry and flaky skin, fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations, chapped lips, constipation, intestinal bloating, gas, belching, hiccups, dry eyes and a sore throat.
Following vata lifestyle and dietary regimes can alleviate help balance vata, as well as the following supplements (available at Remedy): Earth by Healthforce, Ashwagandha or Triphala by Banyan Botanicals, and several others. The fine folks at Remedy can help with dietary/lifestyle suggestions while classes in Sangha Yoga Studio can help with grounding. Please, lean in, we are here for you.
Blog info from Health And Consciousness Through Ayurveda And Yoga by Dr. Nibodhi Haas