With winter underway, now is the time to balance the restlessness of vata dosha with warm food, lavish skin-care and a routine that’s in tune with nature. Introducing a few simple changes week by week can be an easy way to accomplish this.
Week I:
Pay attention to your diet. Do you have a good supply of whole grains? Mung beans* are also highly recommended. Is your fruit basket filled with fresh, seasonal produce? Are you drinking organic whole milk and eating organic vegetables?
Favour the sweet, salty and sour tastes that balance vata, and nourishing foods such as wheat, rice and milk. Drink warm herbal beverages such as Peace of Mind Tea,* Vata Tea* or Rajas Cup* rather than coffee or carbonated drinks. Have a warm, nourishing lunch instead of a cold sandwich. Keep regular hours for meal times. All this will help you to feel balanced and in control.
Remember that aggravated vata dosha can cause sleep disorders, so following these guidelines will help you to get good quality sleep.
Week II:
Do you have a good quality massage oil for your morning abhyanga (oil massage)? Sesame oil is soothing and is easily absorbed – great for vata skin type. Better still, treat yourself to Vata Massage Oil* with its powerful moisturising qualities.
Week III:
Add moderate quantities of ghee or olive oil to stews, soups and vegetables. Both are unctuous and lubricating in nature and therefore balancing to dry vata dosha.
Week IV:
Begin the day with some warm stewed apple. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, apples increase ojas, the finest by-product of good digestion. Interestingly, modern research has found that apples may help to keep the lungs healthy and reduce the risk of respiratory disorders.
Vata season is a time for moderate but regular exercise. Think about taking the Vedic Approach to Health 16-lesson Yoga Asana Course. Yoga Asanas are beneficial to all three doshas. Also, just 20 minutes a day of moderate-paced walking will calm and lift your spirits.
* Maharishi Ayurveda products available from Maharishi.co.uk
Sue Lincoln is a Maharishi Ayurveda Practitioner living at Maharishi Garden Village, Suffolk. To book a consultation with Sue call: 07980 335757.
