The VATA TYPE
Posted by ayurzona on February 26, 2008
Are you the type that suffers from insomnia, worries constantly, experiences constipation, has frequent spells of forgetfulness or just can’t seem to follow a routine? If yes, it is the Vata dosha that is out of balance.
According to Ayurveda the elements existent in nature such as water, earth, fire, air, and ether are existent within us. Therefore, the vata dosha consists of the air and ether elements governing all movement in the mind and body. This includes blood flow, breathing, and movement of thoughts across the mind. The key qualities of vata include dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile and clear. This gives a good foundation for the necessity of therapies that are beneficial for soothing the vata dosha; specifically abhyanga and shirodhara- two ancient time-honored techniques have tremendous therapeutic value.
Both treatments are grounding and warming which is exactly what balances vata- opposite of cold and mobile.
Abhyanga is a specific type of massage technique that can be performed by another individual in a therapeutic setting or as a self-massage as part of a daily morning activity prior to showering. Essential oils may be used in a base of sesame oil that is warmed slightly. This massage stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation, enlivening and revitalizing the body.
Shirodhara is one of the best forms of calming the mind and achieving a deep state of inner silence. It is becoming one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments in the United States. The word Shirodhara translates into shiro meaning head and dhara meaning stream. This treatment involves a continuous stream of warm oil poured on the third eye. It is very beneficial whenever the mind is over stimulated mostly in the case of vata imbalances.
There is of course many other avenues such as diet, exercise and herbs that lead to the healing of vata imbalances but these two therapies have proven to have very good results with the Vata individual.
