Vata Season: think grounding + warming + routine

When we head outdoors this month we immediately experience the cold, windy and dry elements of Vata season which will last until late February. According to Ayurveda, just as the wind in balance provides movement and expression to the natural world, the balanced Vata individual is active, creative, and gifted with a natural ability to express and communicate. When the wind in a Vata type rages like a hurricane, negative qualities quickly overshadow these positive attributes. Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and bodily disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin and constipation.We can begin to restore balance to the body and mind during this Vata season by applying these three key principles to our daily lives;

• Grounding

• Warming

• Routine

Here are some practical suggestions for balancing vata during the seasonal changes that occur in early fall to late winter:

• Upon awakening, do some gentle yoga asanas, including the Sun Salutation, Tree, Cat-Cow, Thunderbolt, Cobra, Rabbit and Yoga Mudra. The emphasis throughout your practice can be on softening your lower abdominal cavity, grounding your feet into the earth, building strength and stability and allowing yourself sufficient rest after your practice.

• Observe deep breathing throughout your yoga practice. Continuous use of Ujjayi Pranayama as well as Full Yogic Breath will enhance focus and ground you into the poses. Alternate Nostril breathing can also be practiced.

• Follow your breathing exercises with some peaceful meditation. A regular meditation practice assists in quieting, centering and grounding the active vata mind. So-Hum meditation is favorable for the vata individual.

• Give yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower or bath. As a base, use sesame oil, which is warming and deeply nourishing. Essential oils of jatamamsi, ginger, lavender or rosewood can be added to further enhance healing benefits.

• Drink a warm tea of fresh ginger, cardamom and cinnamon to warm the body and enhance circulation and digestion.

• Wear clothing that is of soft in texture and warm in color. Excellent choices would be cotton, linen and wool of red, orange and yellow shades.  Blues, greens and blacks can further increase the vata that is present.

• Eat foods that are warming, grounding, predominately cooked, sweet, salty and sour and in season.  Avocados, bananas, mangoes, peaches, lemons, asparagus, carrots, beets, pumpkins, quinoa, mung beans, almonds, sesame seeds and ghee are a few excellent food choices for a vata person. Sipping warm water and herbal teas throughout the day enhances warmth and hydration. Vatas love to graze throughout the day. Due to their variable appetite, it is favorable for them to create a routine around eating.

• Enjoy regular, relaxing and peaceful walks in Nature to calm the mobile body and active mind so familiar to vatas. Other great activities for vata people include gardening, creating art and music and journaling. Be sure to follow all activities with a sufficient rest period.