Vata Pacifying Program
Factors that affect Vata dosha
| Signs of vata balance | Signs of vata imbalance |
| Mental alertness and abundance of creative energy, good elimination of waste matters from the body, sound sleep, a strong immune system, enthusiasm, emotional balance, and orderly functioning of the body’s systems. | Worried, tired, yet can’t relax, fatigue ,poor stamina, nervous, can’t concentrate, anxious, fearful, agitated mind, impatient, hyperactive, spaced out, self defeating, shy, insecure, restless, weight loss, under weight, insomnia, wake up at night and cant go back to sleep, generalized aches, sharp pains, arthritis, stiff and painful joints, agitated movement, very sensitive to cold, nail biting, rough, flaky skin, chapped lips, fainting spells, heart palpitations, constipation, intestinal bloating, gas, belching, hiccups, dry, sore throat or dry eyes, overexertion, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension, stress, a weakened immune system, headaches, skin dryness, mental confusion, emotional conflict, inability to make decisions, impulsiveness, fast and disconnected speech, fantasy, illusions. |
| How to balance – Vata | How to imbalance – Vata |
| Follow a daily routine as regards to time of meals, number of meals, time to and from bed, exercise and relaxing. | Never follow any routine, eat meals at different times, going to bed late (after 11:00 pm), sleep during the daytime |
| Eat warm cooked meals that are cooked in a little oil, not dry. | Eat raw vegetables, rice cakes, lots of beans, popcorn, soft drinks, chips, munching all the time, skip meals |
| Warm oil massage | Travel -especially by airplane |
| Live in a warm and moist climate were you can get fresh air and sunshine | Live in a desert or high mountains where cold and wind increases the effect |
| Wear clothing that is warm color such as red, orange, yellow or a calming color like green | Wear clothing that creates lightness in the body such as purple, blue and white |
| Regulate mental and physical impulses and modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways. | Strenuous, competitive, frantic activities. |
| Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. | |
| Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t’ai chi, walking, and swimming. | |
| When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. | |
| Meditate every day for deep relaxation | |
| Repetition of mantra with intention daily |
VATA PACIFYING IMPRESSIONS
Nature: sitting or walking quietly and peacefully by a garden, forest, river, lake or ocean particularly where it is warm and bright.
Sensory:
1 sound – calming music and chanting, classical music, chanting, peaceful silence
2 touch – gentle and warming touch or massage, using warm oils like sesame or almond. Massage into body from head to feet and shower off after 15 minutes.
3 sight – bright and calming colours like combinations of gold, orange, blue, green, white.
4 taste – rich and nourishing food abounding in sweet, salty and sour tastes, with moderate use of spices.
5 smell – sweet, warm, calming and clearing fragrances like jasmine, rose, sandalwood, eucalyptus.
Activity – gentle exercise, Hatha yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, hot tubs, (but do not stay in too long), relaxation, more sleep.
Pranayama: – alternate nostril breathing. As vata is an active force, alternate nostril breathing (nadisodhana) brings balance. (see attached instructions)
Emotional – cultivating peace, contentment, fearlessness and patience; releasing fear and anxiety, having he support of good friends and family with regular social interaction.
Mental – anti-Vata mantra concentration exercises, strengthening memory. (see attached instructions)
Spiritual – meditation on strong benefic, happy or peaceful deity of your choice with prayers for peace and protection, developing discrimination and insight.
