5 Simple ways to balance Vata this Fall.
Vata imbalances affect the mind and body for everyone from time to time due to the elements of space and air + the energetic of movement. For dominant Vata constitutions; seasons can be a very vulnerable time. We can experience anxiety, brain fog, irritability, confusion in the mind. Our bodies can take a hit too with colder and dryer qualities of the season, we can experience dry skin and poor circulation. Additional symptoms of a Vata imbalance can include cracking joints, sore body, insomnia and poor digestion.
It’s easy for us to say, try breath work or take a yoga class; but when Vata is high - additional practices can feel overwhelming. The goal to balance Vata is to get Prana flowing again more intelligently, and freely. When Prana is flowing; we see Agni balance out which includes digestion and our Tejas (inner mind fire/light) radiates; allowing us to move towards our creative goals freely. Ojas(our vitality) is also tangled in the equation; as depleted Ojas leave us with low immune (again, referencing stuck prana and toxins not being released). We feel energized and able to find balance between fluctations.
So how can we balance Vata simply this fall?
Create routine. This does not mean add more to your plate, but instead regulate your tasks, including the time you wake up, and go to bed. Rising before the sun, during Vata time resets our circadian rhythm - so if possible; 6am or earlier. This can also help Vata feel more prepared and less overwhelmed for the day ahead.
Add warming spices. If you’re not ready to give up cooler drinks or foods - add warming spices where possible. Ginger, Cayenne, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Nutmeg. Honey as a sweetener can also be added in place of other sugars as it has a heating quality on the system; however you do not want to heat honey up as this creates toxicity. If adding to a tea; wait for it to cool for a few mins before adding.
Walking Meditation. No need to find a hiking trail - start with a small local park or on your street where you can find and experience nature around you. Take notice of the trees, leaves, birds and bees! This time of year, we can see cycles ending. Without judgement; notice it around you.
Color Therapy. This can actually be done on walking meditations. Colors of fall link to grounding energetics, due to their shades of red, yellow and orange (the 3 lower chakras); that govern our stability, fluidity/adaptability and will power. Our stability, fluidity/adaptability and will power are disrupted with Vata imbalances causing us to be fearful, confused, anxious and living in the mind. Notice the colors of the leaves and grass around you. Even in your local grocery store- fall produce is vibrant in nature. Bonus: Color therapy also ignites our Tejas (inner light); so with more witnessing of colors - perhaps you will be inspired for a new creative project! Creativity is Vata’s gift - so connecting with this can bring back balance.
Touch. Warming lotions and oils for the face, body and scalp can not only ground Vata, but also nourish all 7 tissues in the body (immunity). We talk about the benefits of Abayanga all the time; but if you can’t commit to every day - try just the feet before bed with warm sesame oil. This can also help with insomnia or sleep issues.
There you have it! You can ease into Ayurveda healing effortlessly with your day today. These practices can be used all year round - but highly recommended for this transitional season.
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