Vata dosha is naturally restless, constantly in motion and irregular, the primary lifestyle recommendation for balancing Vata is to maintain a regular routine
Routine is so important. Ensure that you get up in the morning and go to bed at roughly the same times each day.
Eat three meals at about the same times each day. Do not skip meals. Eat a nourishing lunch at mid-day and lighter meals at break fast and dinner.
Elimination is very important and a must every day to prevent ama (partially digested food) from accumulating in the body. If required the Ayurvedic remedy Triphala helps promote regular bowel movement as well as toning the digestive system.
Give yourself a daily oil massage to pamper dry skin, promote circulation and to nourish and tone muscles and nerves. 30 minutes before your morning bath or shower massage sesame oil all over your body. If you don't have time to wait the 30 mins, apply sesame oil whilst in bath or shower, if feels wonderful.
In winter, or cooler weather protect yourself from the cold and wind. Stay warm by wearing several layers of clothing.
Walking is the ideal exercise for balancing Vata. Walk in the early morning, for about 20 minutes every day, or partly walk to work.
It is important for Vatas to get to bed early, so that you can get adequate rest each night.
Set aside about 30 minutes each day for meditation, to help calm the mind and enhance body-mind-spirit coordination. If meditation is difficult due to a restless mind, try repeating positive affirmations. Make up a new affirmation for each morning, something specific to you and your situation.
Staying cool, both physically and emotionally, is the most important factor for balancing Pitta. Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid exercising when it's hot.
Eat when you are hungry, do not skip meals, and do not fast. Eat a sustaining meal at lunch and a lighter meal for dinner. Eat at regular times each day and don't go without food to avoid acid building up in you stomach.
Elimination is very important and a must every day to prevent ama (partially digested food) from accumulating in the body. If required, the Ayurvedic remedies Triphala or Avipaittikara will help promote regular bowel movement as well as toning the digestive system.
Give yourself a daily oil massage to soothe sensitive skin and nourish and tone muscles and nerves. 30 minutes before your morn ing bath or shower massage cooling coconut oil all over your body. If you don't have time to wait the 30 minutes, apply coconut oil whilst in bath or shower. After your shower or whenever you are feeling heated spray your skin with pure rose or sandalwood water to keep your skin feeling cool.
Stay cool in warm weather and protect yourself from the heat. Wear loose cotton clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Swimming or other water based activity are ideal exercise for Pitta-dominant people. Strolling along a waterfront especially at moon light is also very soothing for Pitta.
It is important to get to bed early, so that you can get adequate rest each night. A cup of warm milk, with some cardamom, can be helpful before bedtime.
Detach yourself from your work and balance work and play. Set aside some time for relaxation everyday.
Set aside 30 minutes daily for meditation will help balance the heart and emotions and enhance body-mind-spirit coordination.
Kapha needs to get moving, to do some physical exercise every single day. Mentally stimulation is also important, such as learning new skills or challenging themselves.
The Kapha digestive system can tend to be low, as does appetite, and not eating regularily slows down the metabolism even more. Do not skip meals and do not fast. Eat a sustaining meal at lunch and a lighter meal for dinner.
Daily elimination is very important to prevent ama from accumulating in the body. Triphala helps promote regularity as well as toning the digestive system. Since Triphala is gentle, not habit forming and not depleting, it can be taken indefinitely to maintain regularity.
To reduce oiliness in the skin once a week exfoliate your skin. The Ayurvedic oil massage performed each morning before your shower or bath with mustard oil is stimulating and will help warm the body, dislodge embedded toxins and increase natural energy levels. Alternatively you can use dry exfoliating gloves prior to your bath or shower to stimulate the skin.
Drink lots of warm water, infused with warming spices such as turmeric, dried ginger and black pepper to protect yourself from the damp and cold.
Daily vigorous activities are ideal exercise for Kapha-dominant people. Tennis, badminton, jogging and aerobics are good activity choices.
Go to bed early and wake up really early in the morning, definitely before sunrise, to improve the quality of your rest. Do not indulge in daytime snoozes.
Consciously incorporate variety and new experiences into your life. Travel, meeting new people and trying new hobbies are ways to introduce change.
Set aside about 15 - 30 minutes each day for meditation, to help balance the heart, mind and emotions and to enhance body-mind- spirit coordination.