Diet and Lifestyle for Vata Dosha

Vata dosha is one of the Doshas , along with Pitta and Kapha , combining the elements and energy of Ether and Air. They manifest in a person, both in physical and moral condition.

Description

Vata dosha is the main among the three structures. It is responsible for the processes:

• breathing;
• movement of blood through the veins;
• coordination of movements;
• digestion in the human body. Vata dosha, like Pitta and Kapha, combines all five primary elements - Fire, Water, Earth, Ether and Air. The last two are predominant in it. It is thanks to this that it is the most energetic and mobile of the three constitutions, possesses impulsiveness, variability, frivolity and unstable balance. The following qualities have a great influence on Vata dosha:
• Sattva - creativity, artistry, intuition;
• Rajas - anxiety, various fears;
• Tamas - dependence, depression. People of this constitution most often have:
• a slender physique;
• thin facial features;
• dark hair and eyes predominate;
• swarthy skin. Speech is usually fast. Representatives of Vata are very fond of communication, are excellent conversationalists. Despite the fact that Vata doshas are very active physically, they expend all their energy quickly, after which they feel weakness and fatigue. Since Ether and Air are cold, Vata dosha people unconsciously gravitate towards warmth and sun, because of this they cannot tolerate cold weather and slush. By temperament, they are prone to sensitivity, rapid mood swings, readiness for change, anxiety and fear, insecure in themselves and their abilities. They have a sharp and flexible mind, are able to put forward bold creative ideas, however, at work they are often hindered by inconstancy, insecurity and inconsistency. It can be added to the description of Vata dosha that they love travel, changing their place of residence or work, do not have established habits or preferences in clothes or food due to the element of Wind. For the same reason, they do not keep money in their hands, and they are overwhelmingly unable to save money for an expensive purchase. For Vata dosha, nutrition and lifestyle must comply with certain rules so that they feel good and there is no imbalance.

Nutrition

An unstable appetite is characteristic. Sometimes people of this type can practically not eat, sometimes a great appetite arises, which does not affect weight due to accelerated metabolism.

Particular attention should be paid to breakfast. Due to the cold, it is recommended to eat mainly hot, nutritious, oily food. In order to calm down and energize, you need to brew green tea, with honey, lemon or milk.

Diet

Designed to balance Vata. An indispensable condition for the well-being of Vata dosha is balanced and regular four-time meals. Breakfast, like lunch, in the Vata constitution should be hot and hearty. Suitable:

• all types of porridge with a lot of oil;
• pureed soups;
• muesli. For lunch it is better to eat:
• soups;
• lean meats;
• stewed vegetables;
• cereals. After eating - warm tea with ginger or sugar. Dinner should be light and no later than two to three hours before bedtime. Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink a glass of hot milk with spices or ginger tea. Preference should be given to sour, sweet or salty food.

  It is worth excluding from the diet:

  • spicy;
  • bitter;
  • fried;
  • cold food;
  • carbonated drinks;
  • various fast food;
  • quick-frozen semi-finished products. You can’t satisfy your hunger in a state of emotional stress or in a hurry. It’s better to give up coffee and black tea. These drinks provoke a one-time release of energy, gradually depleting the body throughout the day.

Lifestyle

Since the prevailing features of Vata in Ayurveda are inconstancy and frivolity, inability to concentrate, then the most important thing in lifestyle will be discipline, daily routine and consistency. It is worth going to bed and getting up at the same time, late bedtime is not for Vata. The ideal schedule is eight hours of sleep with an early rise. Then strength and energy will not leave Vata until the end of the day. Overwork, intense physical activity and work in emergency mode will only weaken people of this type and lead to nervous breakdowns and diseases. For physical activity, it is better to choose:

• Hatha Yoga ;
• swimming pool;
• meditation ;
• moderate jogging;
• cycling.
  Moderation and consistency in everything, both in habits and in food, is the key to the physical and nervous health of people of the Vata dosha constitution.

Imbalance

People of the Vata type are prone to often falling into imbalance due to the excessive instability of their nature. As soon as the balance is disturbed, this immediately makes itself known by various physiological and psychological manifestations:

• nervous diseases: phobias, depression, fears;
• increased pressure;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• back problems;
• shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue;
• skin diseases (psoriasis);
• hormonal disorders in women.

  In order to eliminate the imbalance, it is first necessary to warm the cold Vata. Shown:

  • visiting a bathhouse;
  • warm bath;
  • relaxing massage with warm sesame oil;
  • consumption of hot liquid.
  Vata dosha should dress warmly in the cold and not allow the body to overcool. Spicy spices and seasonings should be included in the diet.

  In case of loss of balance, it is recommended:

  • to sleep fully and a lot;
  • to rest more;
  • change the environment.

The use of aromatherapy with anise, citrus, clove and cinnamon oils can also balance people of this type. Vata dosha is the driving force in the human body and in the Universe. With its proper balance, it is able to give a person a feeling of lightness, joy and serenity.