HOW AGGRAVATED VATA DOSHA ACTS UP
Ayurveda, the Indian science of health, says the mental fluctuations and digestion issues in ‘Varsha Ritu’ (monsoon season) can be blamed on the aggravation of Vata dosha. Vata is a biological humor and is associated with movement, instability, dryness, lightness, and coldness
This Vata build-up begins in peak summer and flares in Monsoons owing to humidity, winds and lower temperatures, according to Vaidya Purnima Midha, an experienced Ayurvedic doctor practising in NCR. The digestive fire is also subdued. This combination causes bloating, acidity, diarrhoea, constipation and gas-formation, joint pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
TACKLING AGGRAVATED VATA
The site of Vata accumulation is the large intestine and where its “disease-causing energies” are set in motion, according to Padma Bhushan Vamadeva Shastri, acclaimed Vedacharya and expert in Yoga and Ayurveda. Pitta accumulates in the small intestine.
To ensure that these doshas do not accumulate and cause havoc, make food continuously move through the body – and ease out toxins through the anal tract. Trapped Vata produces pains in joints, the abdomen and the head, disturbs the nervous system, and causes nausea and vomiting. Food stuck in the colon i.e. constipation leads to inflammation of the intestinal tract, and also self-poisoning as the faecal matter ferments.
It’s also about eating the right foods, with certain rules. Have small but regular meals, warm foods, more fibre, and foods that work as laxatives. These can kindle the digestive fire in small measure and avoid indigestion. . Even in the event of catching an infection, adhering to Ayurveda’s wisdom can minimise your discomfort.
Don’t skimp on milk. “Indian festivals that fall in this monsoon period utilise milk in some form or the other,” points out Vd Purnima. She recommends drinking warm milk to pacify Pitta, control Vata, and for its laxative properties.
“Definitely drink warm milk before sleeping at night for clearing the system in the morning. Those with milk allergy can have buttermilk, but it must be made with fresh, home-made curd that has not turned sour. We need to plan well for Sharad Ritu (Fall season) — when Pitta-related issues are common — by doing Pitta-shamak diet and therapies now,” she cautions.
Eat the right vegetables and fruits. Many Indian states entirely skip vegetables in the rains to a) avoid worms and fungi that are found in almost everything grown in soil and b) because eating vegetables demand robust digestion. In general, it helps to avoid raw salads, leafy vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal and okra (bhindi).
Fruit fibre is good and aids elimination, but coolants like watermelon must be avoided. Anything that reduces the digestive power, including cold and cooling foods, must go out of the menu. Go, rather, for plums, apricots, pineapple, pomegranate and pears in small quantities. The sourness of these fruits can be countered by sprinkling salt and black pepper on top. Do avoid red chillies, though, which aggravate Vata dosha.
This brings us to seasoning it right. UseBblack pepper, ginger, cumin, asafoetida (hing) and carom seeds (ajwain), which are digestion-enhancing and gently stoke the agni to build appetite gradually, while hindering gas-formation. Do use ghee (clarified butter) in your food.
Build appetite gradually and do not gorge on pakodas (fritters). If you must eat fried items, take small quantities and wash it down with hot tea (prefer the long-leafed varieties), herbal infusions, or warm water. This will help with moving food in the lower abdomen.
Thin vegetable soups are excellent in this season. The dryness of Vata is corrected by warm fluids and soups are a good choice, being light, nutritious and easily-digestible. Hydrate with warm fluids, and avoid cold and fizzy drinks completely.
One can also use herbs to deal with Vata. Triphala is a good Ayurvedic laxative that reduces Vata in the large intestine. Shatavari and Ashwagandha are grounding and stabilising and restore vital energy.
Massage the joints, head, spine and neck with sesame-based herbal oils. Remember to wash off with warm water, not cold water, and to avoid the temptation to use air-conditioning, the humidity notwithstanding.
YOGA POSES FOR VATA DOSHA
Stretching and yoga postures help in releasing trapped Vata. Avoid excessive exercise and Vinyasa Yoga, which is repetitive and rushed. Prefer loosening exercises and gentle and grounding poses.
In his book, Yoga For Your Type, co-authored by Sandra Summerfield Kozak, Vedacharya Vamadeva Shastri suggests Yoga poses dosha-wise.
For working on Vata dosha, choose slow and calming Asanas that focus on the large intestine, pelvic region, lower spine and the hips. Some of the poses suggested are Padahastasana, Uttanasana, Utkatasana, Sarvangasana and Halasana. Relaxation in Savasana is highly recommended at the end of the Asana session.
Deep Pranayama betters digestion, calms the mind and increase vital energy. Earlier, we had written about boosting immunity with Yoga breathing techniques to fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi during monsoon.
And finally, attitudinal training. As Vamadeva says, Vata at the higher level as air and space gives us a sense that our true identity is beyond the world. Let us move like the wind, passing through, embracing all and transcending all.