What’s Your Dosha? Part One ~ Vata

Are you fiery Pitta?  A thin-boned anxious Vata? or a hard-to-get-moving-in-the-morning Kapha?

Aromatherapy and essential oils can help to keep our doshas more balanced, but before we learn that, let’s take a look at what the heck a dosha is!

These three doshas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, are the categories, or body types in Ayurveda.  Much like the three body types we have in the west, the ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph, the three doshas each have their own, very unique characteristcs.  According to Ayurveda we are born with all three doshas, but the amount of each dosha we have is unique to each of us and is determined when we are conceived.  This specific combination of our doshas is called our ‘prakruti’ in sanskrit which means ‘nature.’   This unique combination or ‘dance’ between our three doshas determines our qualities and characteristics.  It is said that when this ‘balanced dance’ of our prakruti develops an imbalance, then signs and symptoms of dis-ease in the body and mind can manifest.

Autumn is Vata season so let’s look at the characteristics of the Vata dominant individual.  Vata elements are air and space.  Vata body types generally have dry skin, lips and hair. They tend to have a thin body frame and are often underweight.  They have a hard time sleeping and often have cold hands and feet, thus Vatas love hot weather and dislike the cold.  Vata types tend toward constipation and some suffer from fear and anxiety.  They are restless, being a fast walker and talker, and can do several things at a time.  They usually have joints that crack easily and can feel insecure.  Vata individuals usually grasp information quickly, but forget it just as fast.  They also have quick minds and are very creative giving them excellent imaginations.  Vata individuals usually have a hard time with stability and commitment.  However they are clear-minded and are sometimes even clairvoyant.

If you’re finding you have a lot of Vata qualities, here are some guidelines to help keep Vata individuals in balance:

• Stay warm, avoiding extreme cold temperatures & drafty areas

• Avoid raw and cold foods

• Eat warm foods and spices

• Stay calm-try to discover ways to help you stay calm such as meditating, deep breathing, exercise, journaling etc.

• Practice restorative yoga

• Give yourself a daily abyanga oil massage

• Keeping a regular routine will help Vata types stay balanced

Since Vata types in general are more dry and cold, they benefit from essential oils that are more warming and moisturizing.  Also, grounding essential oils will help balance Vata types since air and space are their elements.

Some of the best oils for balancing Vata excess are:  Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Rose, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Anis, Ginger, Basil, Cardamom, Coriander,
Tarragon, Lavender, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile.

Most carrier oils are good for Vata imbalance including sesame and hazelnut oil.  You can make a Vata Balancing massage oil by choosing 1-3 essential oils from above and combining 30-50 drops total of your chosen essential oils with 4 oz of a carrier oil of your choice.   Then massage yourself daily with your massage oil (Abyanga is the Sanskrit term for massage).

Each season brings about different changes in our bodies and emotions.  Being aware of these changes and taking the appropriate actions such as changing your food choices, exercise routines and essential oils can help ease the transition through the seasons and keep your dosha in balance.

*This article is intended to give out information only, not replacing medical care. Always seek medical attention when starting a new diet or exercise program.

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