Saturday, November 28, 2009

vatha

Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

Vata means "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command." Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.


CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

bulletCreativity, mental quickness
bulletHighly imaginative
bulletQuick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
bulletSexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
bulletSlenderness; lightest of the three body types
bulletTalk and walk quickly
bulletTendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
bulletExcitable, lively, fun personality
bulletChangeable moods
bulletIrregular daily routine
bulletVariable appetite and digestive efficiency
bulletHigh energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert
bulletFull of joy and enthusiasm when in balance
bulletRespond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance
bulletTendency to act on impulse
bulletOften have racing, disjointed thoughts
bulletGenerally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much
bulletTypical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

Physical Features

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.

Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.

igns of Vata Dosha Imbalance:

There are a number of tell tale signs of dosha imbalance. Some persons will get very angry. Some get depressed, etc. Here is a summary of the signs of vata imbalance:

bulletWorried
bulletTired, yet can't relax, Fatigue, poor stamina
bulletNervous, Can't concentrate
bulletAnxious, fearful
bulletAgitated mind
bulletImpatient, Antsy or hyperactive
bulletSpaced out
bulletSelf-defeating
bulletShy, insecure, Restless
bulletCannot make decisions
bulletWeight loss, under weight
bulletInsomnia; wake up at night and can't go back to sleep
bulletGeneralized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints
bulletAgitated movement
bulletVery sensitive to cold
bulletNail biting
bulletRough, flaky skin, Chapped lips
bulletFainting spells
bulletHeart palpitations
bulletConstipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups
bulletDry, sore throat, Dry eyes


In summary, if you are suffering from anxiety, worry, a tendency to overexertion, insomnia, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension and other symptoms of stress, a weakened immune system, headaches, underweight, constipation, skin dryness, mental confusion, emotional conflict, inability to make decisions, impulsiveness, fast and disconnected speech, fantasy, illusions, and sensations of being lighthearted and removed from thoughts, feelings, or circumstances, then there is a very good sign that your vata is aggravated. Follow the dietary guidelines given to balance vata dosha.

Indications of balanced vata influences are 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.

eneral Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types

The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.

Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t'ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.

When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. Meditate every day for deep relaxation.

A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha

These guidelines can be used for vata mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body.

Favor:

bulletWarm food, moderately heavy textures, added butter and fat.
bulletSalt, sour, and sweet tastes; Soothing and satisfying foods.
bulletAll soothing foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread. Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata. On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance.
bulletBreakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet.
bulletTake a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it.
bulletUse spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil.
bulletUse warm moist foods such as cooked grains and cereals, bowl of hot oatmeal or cup of steaming vegetable soup.
bulletWarm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating candies as it disturbs vata.
bulletPrefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks.
bulletAll sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent
bulletTake warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks.
bulletSummary: Breakfast is usually desirable. Hot foods and sweet and sour tastes. Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes. Warm or hot water and drinks. Raw nuts and nut butters. Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation.

Food Classified By Group

Vegetables | Fruits | Grains | Dairy | Meat | Beans | Oils | Sweeteners | Nuts and Seeds | Herbs and Spices

Vegetables
FavorReduce or Avoid
cooked vegetables
asparagus
beets
carrots
cucumber
garlic
green beans
onions, cooked
onions, cooked
sweet potato
radishes
turnips
leafy greens in moderation
broccoli
Brussels sprouts
cabbage
cauliflower
celery
eggplant
leafy green vegetables
mushrooms
peas
peppers
potatoes
sprouts
tomatoes
zucchini

Note: The above vegetables are OK if cooked with oil except cabbage and sprouts

Avoid raw vegetables, in general

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Fruits
FavorReduce or Avoid
sweet fruits
apricots
avocados
bananas
berries
cherries
coconut
fresh figs
grapefruit
lemons
grapes
mangos
sweet melons
sour oranges
papaya
pineapple
peaches
plums
sour fruits
Stewed fruits
Sweet, well-ripened fruit in general
apples
cranberries
pears
pomegranates

The above fruits are OK cooked

Avoid dried fruits, in general and unripe fruit (especially bananas)

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Grains
FavorReduce or Avoid
oats(as cooked oatmeal cereal, not dry)
cooked rice
wheat
barley
buckwheat
corn
dry oats
millet
rye
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Dairy
FavorReduce or Avoid
All Dairy is acceptable
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Meat
FavorReduce or Avoid
chicken
seafood, in general
turkey
All in small quantity
Avoid red meat
Beans
FavorReduce or Avoid
chickpeas
mung beans
pink lentils
tofu (small amounts)
All, except as noted.
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Oils
FavorReduce or Avoid
All oils are acceptable
Sesame oil and olive oil are especially good.
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Sweeteners
FavorReduce or Avoid
All sweeteners are acceptable
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Nuts and Seeds
FavorReduce or Avoid
All are acceptable in small amounts. Almonds are best.
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Herbs and Spices
FavorReduce or Avoid
Almost all, in moderation, with emphasis on sweet and/or heating herbs and spices, such as:
allspice
anise
asafoetida
basil
bay leaf
black pepper (use sparingly)
caraway
cardamom
cilantro (green coriander)
cinnamon
clove
cumin
fennel
ginger
juniper berries
licorice root
mace
marjoram
mustard
nutmeg
oregano
sage
tarragon
thyme
Avoid using spices in large quantities. Minimize or avoid all bitter and astringent herbs and spices such as:
coriander seed
fenugreek
parsley
saffron
turmeric
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If your basic constitution is mixed (vata-pitta or vata-kapha), include portions for the second influential dosha.

Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during autumn and early winter. During these seasons all mind-body types can include some of the above foods and decrease others.

Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.


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