As we learned in our previous blog, Fall Equinox: Ayurvedic Practice and Tips, Vata season welcomes change and how we cultivate a healthy routine to get us through the colder nights and holidays. Depending on your dosha, there may be seasons when certain foods or activities create an imbalance to your constitution. Here, we’ll discuss more of what the Vata dosha is all about and how to navigate through the end of the year to keep your doshas in check.

Still don’t know what your dosha is? Take this simple quiz here.

What is the Vata Dosha?

In Sanskrit, Vata is “that which moves things” and is commonly referred to as the Vayu (wind) of our bodies. Vata dosha is made up of the elements air and space (ether). It is associated with the nervous system and governs the eyes (blinking), speech, and breathing. According to Āyurveda, Vata is the primary energy that drives its counterparts, Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Without Vata, Pitta and Kapha could not exist.

General Attributes of Vata:

• tall and lean or short and thin bone structure

• dry skin or hair

• hypermobile joints

• veins visible under skin

• energetic, creative

• go with the flow mentality

The fall season brings drastic temperature changes and harsher, drier climate. Since like increases like, this can aggravate Vata resulting in anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Prolonged stimulation or movement as well as stressful workweeks can also exacerbate these symptoms.

Foods to avoid consist of heavy dairy, cheese, grains, chips, yeasted breads, and raw veggies.

Maintaining a Balanced Lifestyle

One of the main principles of Āyurveda is to work with the seasons in order to maintain a balanced life. When balancing Vata, it is important to consider the six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Vata would need warmth, and moisture in order to balance the airy, dry nature of it.

Take a look at the following recommendations for your fall routine to keep your body, mind and soul balanced and ready for the holidays!

Seasonal Foods to Balance Vata:

• Fruits and Veggies: butternut squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, peaches, apples, caramelized onions, cooked carrots, yellow squash

• Dairy and Fats/Oils: olive oil, sesame oil, kefir, yogurt, soft cheeses

• Sweeteners: maple syrup, honey (in moderation)

• Grains: rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat

• Beverages: room temperature water with lemon, mild chai, yerba mate, sweet and sour wines, licorice tea, tulsi tea

Activities to Soothe Vata:

• Yin or Restorative Yoga

• Meditation

• Walking in nature

• Taking a warm bath

• Self massage: abhyanga

As with all new routines, change isn’t the best trait of someone who is predominantly Vata, but with consistency and the right tools, it becomes one of Vatas greatest strengths.

Let us know what you do to create balance during this seasonal change in the comment section below!