7 Ayurvedic Antidotes for Energy of the Vata Dosha
The windows rattle, the cold seeps in through the cracks, branches crash onto sidewalks, we may have trouble sleeping, and we feel the chill on our face and neck. I know that I feel the effects when the wind does its dance on windy days and I find incorporating a selection of remedies into my day makes a meaningful difference and I feel more grounded, calm, and centered.
According to the teachings of Ayurveda, the wind is associated with the energetic pattern of the vata dosha. The vata dosha is connected to the elements of air and empty space. This category of energy is related to a number of different physiological processes, including our nervous system, our ability to fall asleep, our creativity, the subtle energy of spiritual practice, the movement of the body, as well as the qualities of being dry and cold, and more. On days when the wind picks up, we may love the feeling of possibility and space that the fresh air brings, yet we may simultaneously feel out of sorts, a bit disturbed, or even a bit anxious.
“Ayurvedic remedies may help calm and soothe the energy of vata found on a windy day.”
When the wind picks up and we have trouble sleeping, or we feel anxious or irritated, we can utilize Ayurvedic remedies that help calm and soothe the energy of vata.
Try some of the following on a windy day:
- Wear a scarf. Even if it doesn’t feel that cold or even if its a lightweight scarf, something draped around your neck can calm vata and protect you from the wind.
- Sip on something warm. Hot herbal (naturally caffeine-free tea) such as tulsi, rooibos, ginger, licorice, or even lemon water can warm the body from the inside.
- Cuddle up with a hot water bottle. This simple piece of technology can heat up a pillow or soothe a savage wind-blown beast.
- Nourish yourself with massage. While getting a massage is always a welcome indulgence, Ayurveda loves the practice of self-massage for energetically strengthening the barrier between yourself and the outside world, boosting your resolve and your immune system’s reserves.
- Spice it up. Strengthen your digestive fire. The cold energy of wind can dampen your digestion. Add a bit of extra siracha to your soup, grind the black pepper over your meal, chew on a slice of ginger.
- Order it warm. Try soups, stews, or cooked veggies rather than cold salads or chilly ice creams on a windy day. According to the energetics of Ayurveda, like increases like, and balance is brought about by choosing the opposite, so make your meals warm to combat the cold.
- Sleep with Socks (and a Hat). We loose heat through our head and feet so wrapping yourself well adds an additional layer of protection when you may feel vulnerable.
Felicia Tomasko has spent more of her life practicing Yoga and Ayurveda than not. She first became introduced to the teachings through the writings of the Transcendentalists, through meditation, and using asana to cross-train for her practice of cross-country running. Between beginning her commitment to Yoga and Ayurveda and today, she earned degrees in environmental biology and anthropology and nursing, and certifications in the practice and teaching of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda while working in fields including cognitive neuroscience and plant biochemistry. Her commitment to writing is at least as long as her commitment to yoga. Working on everything related to the written word from newspapers to magazines to websites to books, Felicia has been writing and editing professionally since college. In order to feel like a teenager again, Felicia has pulled out her running shoes for regular interval sessions throughout Southern California. Since the very first issue of LA YOGA, Felicia has been part of the team and the growth and development of the Bliss Network.