The ancient healing science of Ayurveda combines the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of one’s health. It focuses on improving the overall well-being and quality of life of the whole body. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the different combinations of the five elements that the world is made of, i.e., space (ether), water, earth, fire, and air.
Their combinations lead to three doshas in the body, namely, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They work together to control one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Let us look at one of these doshas, the Vata dosha, and understand its role in the body, the consequence of its imbalance, and the Ayurvedic remedies to alleviate it.
The Vata Dosha
Vata prominently consists of the elements air and space. The word Vata means to move like the wind. As per ayurvedic medicine, Vata dosha is responsible for all the movements in the body and the mind, and the management of other vital bodily functions, including-
- Breathing
- Blood flow
- Evacuation of wastes
- Movement of thoughts in the brain
- Activities of the nervous system
- Sensory and mental balance
- Cognitive function
Even the Kapha and Pitta doshas in the body cannot function without movement. Hence, Vata is also called the ‘king of doshas’. It is immensely essential to keep it balanced. The nature of Vata is dry, cold, quick, light, rough, moving, and changeable. It controls the body’s greater life force.
Types of Vata
There are five different forms of the Vata dosha. These are called Vayus and have different purposes in the body.
- Prana Vayu is centered in the brain. It moves through the head towards the throat and chest to regulate vital processes like inhalation and swallowing.
- Vyana Vayu is centered in the heart. from there, it moves throughout the body and governs the circulatory system.
- Udana Vayu starts from the chest cavity and moves upward to regulate memory, speech, exhalation, etc.
- Samana Vayu is the equalizing air centered in the small intestine. It controls the digestive processes and maintains overall bodily balance.
- Apana Vayus is concentrated in the small intestine and is in charge of processes like elimination, menstruation, urination, and sexual activity.
Vata Dosha Imbalance
When Vata is balanced-
- the body is energetic
- digestion, and elimination processes work better
- blood circulation and body temperature remain balanced
- cognitive functions like learning and memory are improved
- the mind remains clear and alert
- falling asleep during bedtime is easier and sleep quality is better
But what happens when the Vata dosha falls out of balance in the system?
Since Vata has a major influence on the body, the slightest of changes in it can have severe effects on the body as compared to the other two doshas. Dry/cold/rough/windy weather conditions; dry, cold, pungent, and bitter foods; and excess stress and anxiety are some prominent causes of Vata imbalance. If it stays imbalanced long enough, the Pitta and Kapha doshas get imbalanced as well.
An aggravated Vata can cause wasting of muscles, joint pains, headache, stiffness, constipation, colic, cramps, gas, digestive issues, etc. Other physical and behavioral symptoms of Vata imbalance include:
- Dry and rough skin
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Body ache and other pains Disturbed sleep/insomnia
- Anxiety/depression
- Confusion
- Nervousness/agitation/impatience
Ayurvedic Remedies for Vata Imbalance
Since Vata is cold and dry, Ayurvedic medicine recommends consuming warm, moist, smooth, and nourishing foods to neutralize it. Some Vata pacifying foods include warm drinks and herbal teas, hot soups and stews, ghee, olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, oranges, pineapples, kiwis, avocado, olives, coconut, milk/buttermilk, etc. It is best to first boil the milk and then consume it warm for optimal digestion.
Moist foods like yogurt, melons, berries, squash, zucchini, etc., and warm spices like turmeric, flaxseeds, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, asafetida, fennel, and cardamom can effectively reduce Vata imbalance. It is recommended to avoid frozen/processed/canned foods and drinks, raw and uncooked foods, cold and carbonated drinks, as well as old leftover foods.
Bitter, astringent, and pungent foods; beans and soy products; caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants; alcohol; deep-fried items; and foods with refined sugar must be avoided as well. Consuming whole, nourishing, and freshly cooked foods is vital for balancing Vata. Furthermore, make sure to drink adequate water for hydration.
It is further essential to eat mindfully in well-spaced regular intervals, avoid overeating, and not go empty stomach for long.
Vata-Balancing Lifestyle
Today’s hectic and schedule-driven workflow has forced people to neglect their physical and mental health. Increasing work pressure and deadlines have caused immense stress and anxiety to people. To bring Vata to balance, it is important to relieve stress and anxiety and live life with a calm awareness.
Warm oil massages, calming music, gentle exercise (walking, swimming, yoga), meditation, anuloma viloma pranayama, warm baths, sweet scents, indulging in hobbies, and having good company contribute greatly to bringing peace and balance to the system. This helps you recenter yourself and gain a fresher perspective on life.
Ayurvedic medicine puts high emphasis on maintaining a regular daily schedule with dedicated times for work, sufficient sleep, as well as self-care. Avoid multitasking because quickly changing tasks and thought processes can further aggravate Vata.
Sarpagandha Vati
Sarpagandha vati is the most potent and effective Ayurvedic medicinefor balancing the Vata dosha. This Ayurvedic cannabis solutioncomes with some of the most important Ayurvedic herbs, including Sarpagandha and Vijaya. Both of these herbs are rich with valuable therapeutic properties.
Sarpagandha or Indian Snakeroot is a rich source of natural compounds called reserpine alkaloids that help balance aggravated Vata. It effectively alleviates various ailments, including anxiety, depression, stress, hypertension, constipation, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
This herb calms the nervous and different organ systems that have been disturbed by aggravated Vata. It further rids the body of the various digestive toxins in the system because of its antibacterial properties. It helps calm the system and enhance the body’s overall physical, mental, and spiritual function and well-being.
Sarpagandha Vati’s anti-hypertensive and calming properties help relax the mind, curb insomnia, and improve sleep quality. Besides that, the Vijaya in this Ayurvedic cannabis solution directly influences the mind and the body.
Its chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the system and regulate the various vital bodily functions. Because of its herbal ingredients, this Ayurvedic cannabis solution is safe for consumption and much more effective than conventional medications with adverse health side effects.
To know more about Sarpagandha Vati and how it can balance your Vata dosha, Contact Hempstreet and get the best Ayurvedic consultation for yourself.
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vata-dosha-pitta-dosha-kapha-dosha
https://www.dabur.com/amp/in/en-us/about/science-of-ayurveda/doshas/vata-dosha-characteristics
https://www.dabur.com/amp/in/en-us/about/science-of-ayurveda/ayurvedic-body-types
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/ayurveda/ayurvedic-treatments/vata-imbalance-manage
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/learning-ayurveda/balancing-vata/
https://butterflyayurveda.com/blogs/news/10-ways-to-balance-vata-dosha
