If your dominant ayurvedic dosha is vata, you are probably lively, thin, gregarious and always on the go. However, you may become anxious, restless, fatigued and constipated if your ayurvedic vata is aggravated or over-stimulated. Typically vata is aggravated in the fall or winter, so watch for signs of overstimulation in these seasons. Learning how to balance this vata can relieve you of dry skin problems, insomnia and mental exhaustion.
Because dominance of ayurveda vata can result in restlessness and erratic energy bursts, it's important for you to maintain a regular schedule, going to bed and rising at the same time daily, and eating meals at set times. Try to keep your daily routine the same each day, incorporating a short walk, time to meditate and stretch, three regular meals and the same amount of work each day.
Try also to promote regular elimination by eating nourishing meals and detoxifying as needed to keep bowel movements reliable. Drink plenty of hot or warm drinks to keep your body hydrated and regular. Herbal tea is helpful.
Include more sweet, salty and sour foods in your diet, which should be cooked and served warm. Good examples of these foods are stews, soups and other heavy, oily foods. Decrease the amount of raw or dry foods you allow in your diet. Try eating more nuts for quick rejuvenation and make sure to include a lot of cooked vegetables in your meal plan, especially carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and squash. Puddings and dairy products are especially good for balancing vata.
You'll want to forgo any stimulants of any kind such as tea, coffee, nicotine or alcohol. Instead surround yourself with cheerful colors and people and experiences so the stimulation you experience is limited in potency.
Because vatas have dry skin, you'll want to perform daily ayurvedic massage using oils and will want to keep a humidifier going to keep the air from becoming too dry. Consider putting a drop of oil on the inside of each nostril each day and inhaling gently, allowing the oil to lubricate and moisten the nasal passages as a preventative.
 | Ayurveda literally translates to "the science of life" and is a time-honored holistic medical system in India gaining popularity in the West that focuses on restoring balance and well being to the body. |
 | Ayurvedic herbs are used to create remedies for various illnesses and to pacify the doshas. |
Ayurvedic massage is sometimes called hard body massage because of the vigorous quality of the massage. Hands, feet, elbows, forearms and well-oiled balls may be used for the massage. |
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of sub-continental India. With an archeological record going back 7000 years and an unbroken written history dating back to around 1500 BCE, Ayurveda is easily the oldest medical system still in existence and is also one of the most comprehensive. |
Obesity is the heavy accumulation of fat in your body to such a degree that it rapidly increases your risk of diseases that can damage your health and knock years off your life, such as heart disease and diabetes |
