Feeling Gassy? It may be Vata Dosha
/Nature is beginning to shift her elemental energies from the impulse to grow and create in summer to the need to slow down and preserve in preparation for winter.
In Ayurveda, the fall time of year is considered a junction between summer, when the fiery energy of Pitta dosha reigns, and winter when Kapha dosha settles in. In Ayurveda, the fall time of year is associated with Vata dosha, characterized by cold, dry, light, variable and rough qualities.
Since we are a part of nature, these characteristics can have an impact on us too.
Have you noticed increased bloating, gas or constipation? Are you feeling more scattered, anxious or unfocused? Are you having more trouble sleeping (and dealing with the fatigue that comes with it)? It could be the subtle influence of Vata dosha.
I’ve noticed, my generally really good digestion is a bit dryer and more “airy” (not to get too personal) and OMG, the bloating!
According to Ayurveda the elemental energies, or doshas, fluctuate all the time; daily, seasonally, and with the seasons of our life. I’m now in the “Vata time of life” (a.k.a. past menopause) and it’s also the Vata time of year so it may explain why my digestion is acting up.
If you’re having any of the issues associated with an overabundance of Vata dosha, here’s a few things to try.
Sidebar Note: In 2013, I created a course and guidebook called Take the Journey. It is a practical guide on how to use Ayurveda to stay balanced. You now have free access to the e-book which I’ve just posted online. I initially wrote it to go with the in-person or online course so there’s space for testing outcomes and journaling if you want to. Otherwise, you can just use it for the information bits. The link to the e-book is below. There are specific page references in the tips below if you want to use the guidebook (N.B. Page references relate to the number on the actual document page rather than the electronic preview number.)
Download the Free Take the Journey e-book (PDF 3.3mb) for more into on the tips below.
Give it a Try
Drink Water
Since Vata is dry, you’ll want to counter it by increasing the amount of water you drink. This is one of the most important tips. Make sure water is warm or room temperature. Teas that include ginger, fennel, cumin and coriander can be helpful to reduce excess Vata.
See tea recipes on page 118 of the guidebook.
Eat Warm, Moist Food
Nourishing and easy to digest foods like soups and stews can reduce gas and bloating. Reduce or eliminate raw, dry and cold foods like raw veggies and salads, crackers, popcorn and smoothies (assuming you make these with frozen fruit and ice cubes like I do!) at least for the fall and winter.
For a more comprehensive list of foods to reduce or favour see page 18 of the guidebook.
Set up a Sleep Routine
The qualities of fall can make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. A sleep routine can help. Experts suggest:
Get to sleep and wake at around the same time every day.
Stop scrolling on your phone or watching T.V. at least an hour before bed.
Include some form of physical activity as part of your daily routine.
Avoid caffeine after noon.
Do Yoga Nidra
If you are having issues with sleep; either getting to sleep or staying asleep, I can’t give you a better tip than, do Yoga Nidra! Yoga Nidra is a form of meditation where all you do is lay down, get comfortable and listen to expert guidance.
For more on Yoga Nidra and how it helps specifically for Vata dosha check out my blog.
To find out what makes a good Yoga Nidra recording click here.
Abhyanga Self Massage
Although Abhyanga self massage takes a bit of time, it is very grounding, helps remove dead skin and increases cell turnover. That’s were the “glow” of healthy skin comes from.
See page 109 of the guidebook for a description of Abyhanga self massage.
Suggestions on essential oils to add to your routine are on page 89.
If the whole abhyanga routine seems like too much work, try simply treating your feet to a nice massage before bed.
Happy Fall!
=)
Lori
