Balancing the Ayurvedic Doshas: Vata

Ayurveda is often referred to as the sister science of yoga and its ancient healing techniques help connect us to the natural world. Knowing how to incorporate Ayurvedic philosophy and practices into your daily life not only connects you to the earth, but also helps you adapt and harmonize with the rhythms of nature, thus creating a greater sense of well-being.

The Ayurvedic Doshas

In our show Ayurveda: Practices to Feel Like Yourself, Ali Cramer shares a series of practices to incorporate into yoga and everyday life. Season 1 focuses on the three Ayurvedic doshas, or individual constitutions, that can influence a person's physical, mental, and emotional qualities. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and they are ruled by the natural elements. While all doshas are present within each of us, one or two will tend to predominate depending on your individual constitution. While the doshas can become imbalanced, you can bring them back to equilibrium through diet, movement, and daily routine.

The Vata Dosha

Vata is associated with the air and ether elements and is often characterized as light, cool, and dry. If Vata is your predominate dosha, your body is likely naturally slender with dry, cool skin, with a mind that is quick, agile, creative, and expressive.

Due to the dosha's mobile, fluid nature, out of balance, Vata may feel ungrounded, spacey, or scattered. Try a gentle pranayama or a stabilizing yoga practice to bring Vata back into balance.

Vata Intervention Practice

If you feel ungrounded or scattered, Vata could be out of balance. Follow the steps below for Ali's Vata Intervention Practice to soothe and balance this doshas:

1. Find a large blanket or towel.
2. Snuggly wrap the blanket around you.
3. Come to a kneeling seat or lie down.
4. Let yourself feel held as you allow your breath to deepen.