Introduction
In this article Dr. Frawley gives us concrete guidelines on how to mantain our Vata grounded, on both psysical & psychological level. Our modern high-tech life is mainly a Vata aggravated environment and so care has to be taken on daily basis to keep our Vata calm and balanced. Especially the Vata types, that tend to suffer more.
Managing Vata Dosha in the Information Technology Era ~ David Frawley
Vata dosha is the most disease-causing of the three Doshas or biological humors of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It represents the air element that tends to disturb us, unground us and remove us from the heavier elements that sustain our physical existence. Pitta dosha as fire and Kapha dosha as water are more stabilizing forces, though each has its own disease tendencies.
Vata dosha is connected to many disease conditions, including conditions born of aging, weak immunity, debility, nervous and psychological disorders of all types. It pushes the other two doshas that cannot move without its motivating power. High Vata results in pain, debility, agitation, disequilibrium and dysfunction of various types. Most chronic and degenerative diseases are owing to it.
In our fasting moving information technology era we have many new Vata disorders as well as an exacerbation of the old. We are constantly bombarded with disturbing electrical stimulation from our media devices, from cell phones to computers, to the constant media barrage even in public places that increase the agitated qualities of Vata. We are taking more pharmaceutical and recreational drugs that can also be very taxing on our nervous systems, drying and depleting them and upsetting our organic equilibrium. In addition we are frequently on the go, moving, changing residences or even partners. We have irregular diets with fast food and artificial foods, seldom true natural nourishment. On top of this, our artificial life-styles often involve excess travel, overwork or even over indulgence that also take their tolls. All of these create a perfect situation for Vata dosha to increase on both physical and psychological levels.
At physical levels, we suffer from irregular digestion, poor elimination, dry skin, allergies, arthritis, low immune function, exhaustion and debility, which all relate to Vata dosha. At nervous and psychological levels, we suffer from insomnia, bad dreams, fear, worry, anxiety, stress, loneliness, debility and hypersensitivity, complications of Vata as well. Such Vata problems increase with age, the Vata stage of life.
Treating Vata Dosha Today
At a physical level, to counter high Vata dosha requires first a rich and nutritive diet with regular cooked meals and mild spices to aid in digestion, with whole grains, beans and dals, root vegetables, seeds, nuts and dairy products, particularly of Vata-reducing properties. Relative to our physical life-style going outdoors into nature, with fresh air, light exercise and sleeping early are essential, with proper rest and relaxation, extending to vacations and yoga retreats.
There are many Ayurvedic tonic herbs for lowering Vata dosha including ashwagandha, shatavari, jatamamsi, calamus and shankha pushpi. These are best taken in Ayurvedic preparations like ashwagandha arishta, ashwagandha lehyam, chyavan prash or shatavari ghee, and brahmi ghee. The Ayurvedic laxative formula triphala is important for reducing Vata in the large intestine in main site of accumulation in the body that sets in motion its disease causing energies. Vata types need to increase their Ojas or primary vital energy with such strengthening herbs.
For the mind, nervous system and bones, herbs like ashwagandha, calamus and brahmi are also good, but are better used as medicated oils like brahmi ghee, balashwagandha tailam, mahanarayan or dhanvantaram talisman, abundantly applied warm to the body, including to the head, neck, ears, spine and joints. A simple shirodhara or warm sesame oil drip to the head can be very good. The use of special Ayurvedic enemas or bastis, whether cleansing or nutritive may be required as well. Vata dosha types need their daily oil massage, particularly before sleep.
Yoga asanas of a gentle and calming nature are great for Vata dosha, slow and deep pranayama with no effort at retention, devotional chanting, while concentration and ground forms of meditation are very helpful. Pratyahara, yogic relaxation and Yoga Nidra are very helpful, letting go of the mind. But better nutrition and oil massage are a must to keep Vata dosha grounded as well.
Most Vata dosha problems begin with agitation and indecisiveness in the mind, inability to cope and loss of composure. Vata types must cultivate stillness, calmness, detachment and peace of mind. We must never let the world become greater than our own inner nature.
We don’t have to react to everything that is happening in the world. We need both a good sense of humor and a receptivity to the benefic powers of higher consciousness. Our world may seem too much for us to handle, with too many things for us to do, too much responsibility, complications and expenses. But we can always turn within and move beyond it. Vata types must give up their worrying minds and let the bliss of consciousness guide them from within. This is possible as Vata gives us a sense that reality is beyond the material world.
SOURCE: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF VEDIC STUDIES / VEDANET.COM https://www.vedanet.com/managing-vata-dosha-in-the-information-technology-era/
