In Ayurveda Vata is called “the king of the doshas” because it is the most active dosha, responsible for perception, thought, speech, circulation, elimination, and all bodily movement. Connected to the nervous system, Vata is also the most sensitive dosha and easily falls prey to the over stimulation that characterizes modern life. In fact, the most common disorder in America and other industrialized nations is Vata aggravation, which manifests in the form of anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, impulsiveness, constipation, and other stress-related conditions.Entering the cold winter months and the holiday season, it is particularly important to keep Vata in balance, not allowing frantic activity or exhaustion to aggravate this most sensitive of doshas. Suggestions to help you stay healthy and enjoy the season are:
- Consistency is the key. While it’s easy to fall into an erratic schedule with parties, travel, preparation, and other seasonal events, a structured day will keep you more centered and calm. Aim to be in bed by 10 p.m. and get a full night’s sleep.
- Don’t skip lunch : – this will aggravate both Vata and Pitta, which becomes irritable when forced to miss a meal. Instead stick with regular mealtimes.
- Rest. When you feel you are pushing yourself or overdoing any activity, rest. Besides sleep, the best rest is the deep relaxation provided by meditation. If you don’t already have a regular meditation practice, learning to meditate may be the best gift for yourself and your family. Instead of getting drawn into the collective hallucination that the holiday is about finding the perfect gift, creating a Norman Rockwell setting and a Martha Stewart banquet, you can tap into the true source of peace and joy within.
- Stay warm. Vata is easily disturbed by cold or windy weather, so be sure to cover your head, ears, and throat when you go outside.
- Do 1 Thing at a Time. Rather than cooking with a phone in one hand and the TV news playing in the background, give yourself the gift of focused attention. Let yourself experience the aromas, texture, color, taste, and sensory pleasures of preparing and eating your special holiday meals.
- Create calm. A helpful tool to prevent emotional strain at family gatherings is the Buddhist practice of “right speech.” Before you speak, ask yourself these questions: Is what I am about to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
- Follow a Vata-balancing diet. Favor warm, soothing foods like soup, cooked whole grains, and nourishing stews. Limit your intake of dry and raw foods such as nuts, chips, and uncooked vegetables.
- Use Vata-balancing aromas around your home or workplace. Try scents such as orange, lavender, neroli, sandalwood, vanilla, orange, basil, and clove.
- Give yourself a daily self-abhy massage with sesame or other Vata-pacifying oils. Visit The Chopra Center Store to find Vata-pacifying oils here.
Learn more about how to balance your dosha at ayurvedawecome2u.com. Happy Holidays 2 u !
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