How to reduce your vata dosha in autumn on a daily basis?
Vata benefits greatly from slow, grounding Yoga positions that connect with the breath.
Vata consists of the elements air and ether which makes vata the principle force of motion in the body and mind. When vata dosha is healthy, the movements of the body are graceful, unimpeded, and yet controlled. When out of balance, the movements become erratic, excessive, decreased, or blocked. Most of us go through phases all the time and it can be hard to control vata if it takes off like a wind without careful awareness.
To understand the vata dosha, it is important to understand its qualities.Vata dosha is light, dry, mobile, cold, hard, rough, sharp, subtle, flowing and clear.
So what kind of poses scan benefit us?
Any poses that are on the ground (connecting with the Earth element) and are slow are benefiting Vata. To balance Vata, a daily yoga routine is crucial. All postures including halasana(plough), downward facing dog will benefit greatly. Also try practising where you can touch the earth so sometimes not being on a mat wont hurt! When you are feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or feel you are flying……you are probably experiencing high Vata.
Why not lie on the ground for 5 minutes in a Shavasana and focus on your breath. Your vata will reduce for sure.
Tree pose (Vrksasana) and mountain pose (Tadasana) are great for rooting and grounding. and help reduce anxiety and stress. Warrior I and II are also beneficial, helping to ground you while also building strength. Move slowly and deliberately with your breath and it will help with balancing your vata dosha.
And hey lets not forget Vata Reducing Diet
•Foods that are naturally sweet, sour and salty in taste.
•Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature. Whole, freshly cooked foods.
•Warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and cumin, but not extremely hot spices like cayenne pepper.
•Plenty of room temperature or warm drinks.
•Dairy, as long as it is not very cold. Avoid drinking milk with your meals. It is best to have it warm and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, at least an hour before or after other food.
•A generous amount of high-quality oils or ghee in your daily diet.
•Routine times for your meals.
•Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
•Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
What foods to avoid:
- Foods that are bitter, astringent and pungent.
- Foods that are cooling, both energetically and in temperature.
- Dry and light foods (e.g. popcorn and crackers).
- Too much raw food, especially in the mornings and evenings (salads, carrot sticks, raw fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, etc.)
- Most beans, including cold soy products.
- Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
- Cold or carbonated drinks.
- Caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants.
- Overeating or eating very heavy meals.
- Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within 1/2 hr of any other food.
- Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
- Deep fried foods
Easy right?:))
Get earthy and connected
Hugs from www.yogamasti.co.uk
