INTRODUCTION TO VATA-PITTADOSHA


Vata, Pitta, and Kapha control our biological, psychological, and emotional constitution. Hence, the respective characters of the Doshas play an essential role in Ayurveda. The Vata-Pitta Ayurveda type includes the hot, ambitious fire of the Pitta with the light, easy-to-irritate Vata Dosha, which keeps the constantly distracted head a bit “in the clouds.” Depending on whether Vata or Pitta is more pronounced, the Ayurveda type is called either Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata.

HOW TO IDENTIFY AS VATA-PITTADOSHA?


People with predominant Vata and Pitta are generally very agile and have a lean-to medium stature. The Dosha combination makes Vata-Pitta people outstandingly creative and continuously full of novel ideas. But, they also tend to be extreme. It is concerning challenges in life or even, for example, to their life goals. The Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata types are frequently under pressure and define themselves mainly by extreme (internal) tension. This permanently high-strung machine successively causes people to burnout or corresponding depressive tendencies.

The mobile quality of Vata can stir up the hot quality of Pitta even more. Hence, Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata types are more often prone to digestion disorders, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pressure, bloating, heartburn, inflammatory diseases, and erratic pains, migraines, issues with falling and staying asleep, restlessness, strong fits of rage as well as itchy skin rashes.

HEALTH TIPS


For a person with Vata-Pitta-Ayurveda type, above all, it is essential to regulate the Agni (digestive fire); Agni is usually very low or very high. Regular exercise with medium intensity, yoga, and quiet meditation enhance balance. Herbal plants such as Aloe Vera combined with Plumbago Zeylanica (such as Bai 55) are excellent for bringing the balance of the Agni. Experts also recommend Intestinal cleansing with Plantago Ovato (Bai 07). The “10 roots” (Bai 59), Cyavanprash Amla fruit paste (Bai 203), and Asparagus Racemosus (Bai 39) work well as Rasayana (rejuvenation agents); they have a cleansing impact on the seven tissues.



Have lots of room temperature water as you have a tendency towards dryness in the winter and feeling overheated in the summer. Daily elimination is essential to prevent digestive toxins from accumulating in the body. Triphala (a mixture of fruits) assists in promoting regularity and toning the digestive system. Prevent the heat of the midday sun – particularly in summer. To nourish dry, warm skin, remove heat, nourish and calm any nervous tension and irritability, and indulge in an ayurvedic massage every morning before bath or shower. Utilize coconut oil for having a massage full of cooling properties. You can put 3-4 drops of a pure essential oil such as lavender or sandalwood to 2 oz. of massage oil. Lavender is called a nervine, which means it soothes the central nervous system.

Two or three times a week, massage your scalp with warm oil and let the oil stay for an hour or two before you shampoo as this is calming to the central nervous system. After your shower or bath, put a generous coating of a pure, gentle moisturizer all over your body to keep your skin feeling smooth and cool all day long. Prevent excessive alcohol and caffeine. Stimulants for you increase acidity, and you undoubtedly already know that caffeine and alcohol can fire you up; emotionally too!

Safeguard yourself from the cold and wind. Keep yourself warm and toasty in cold weather by wearing many layers of clothing. Cover yourself with a cap and scarf when you go out to safeguard your ears and throat. Apply lip balm to avoid lips from getting dry and chafed. Use clothes made of natural fibers so that your skin can breathe. Do not skip meals; not eating meals will raise fatigue. Also, do not wait to have meals until you are ravenously hungry – after all, you can get so absorbed that you do not eat – this can increase acidity and make you annoyed.

Have a healthy lunch at mid-day and lighter meals at breakfast and dinner. Eat-in a serene atmosphere with your attention on your feed, and sit quietly for a few minutes after your meal. If your digestive fire is irregular, implementing these habits will aid to make it regular. Rest when you are tired. You can get very intense and often forget to rest. So it would be best if you rested, went for a walk, played with the dog, lightened up, had fun, and slept. Start your day with a healthy morning breakfast. Set aside about 30 minutes every day for meditation to calm the mind and improve the body-mind-spirit coordination. As you tend to analyze everything and think and live in your head – it can be helpful to write a journal, meditate, or go into counseling to process emotions well. Eat the most decadent meal during lunch. It is when your metabolism is functioning at its best potential, but then you probably already know this!

DIET TIPS


Please Note: We highly suggest vegan diets but have included options for all diet types.

Vata-Pitta types should use diet tips for both Doshas. However, some contradictions may occur. The basic rule is that you should alter your diet according to which Dosha is more predominant. Pitta is more present from June to September and Vata from October to January.



You can eat fish, chicken, and white meat only when Pitta is in control. Otherwise, you should have eggs. If Vata Dosha is predominant, you cannot have other beans but can eat black lentils and mung beans. During this period, sweet fruits such as bananas, coconuts, apples, figs, grapefruits, grapes, mangoes and melons can be consumed. All spices, peppers, and chili in moderation can be consumed. If the Pitta Dosha is dominant, then you can consume sweet fruits like: apples, avocados, coconuts, figs, melons, oranges, pears, plums, pomegranates, and mangos. Dried fruits are to be avoided. All legumes, except for lentils have to be avoided. You should avoid having spices other than turmeric and fennel seeds, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cilantro. Ghee, cold water, and milk should be consumed if Pitta is dominant

YOGA FOR VATA-PITTADOSHA


Selecting the right asanas for a dual Dosha combination can be somewhat confusing, as you need to focus on asanas and a style of practice that addresses the qualities of both your Doshas. As Vata and Pitta Doshas have negative attributes, you need to be more attuned to your body, tweaking your yoga routine to address either Dosha’s aggravation. In Vata aggravation, you should follow the suggestions made to Vata type persons, while a Pitta aggravation would need a Pitta pacifying routine. At all other times, your yoga practice should focus on balance, with slow and fluid movements. As the primary focus of Vata is in the pelvic region and Pitta in the abdominal area, your regular practice should comprise of:

  • Asanas that raise pressure on the pelvic area and abdomen
  • Meditative asanas that enhance balance and focus
  • Stabilizing asanas with forwarding bends and twists
  • Pranayamas or breathing exercises that enhance deep relaxation

BEST ASANAS FOR VATA-PITTADOSHA


Experts suggest Stretching asanas for all Dosha types, and you should include them in any warm-up routine. However, based on Vata-Pitta-type individuals’ particular requirements, you should consider certain poses in your practice.

Some of the best asanas to inculcate in your routine would be the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Virabhadrasana (Warrior pose), UtthitaParsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle pose), ParivrttaParsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), Vriksasana (Tree Pose), Garudasana (Eagle Pose), Salabhasana (Locust Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and Balasana (Child pose). Other beneficial poses for Vata-Pitta types include the Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) and Yoga Mudra (Forward Sitting Bends). Keep in mind that you should hold downward facing poses and inversions for a short duration as they pose a risk of Pitta aggravation.

MANTRA THERAPY FOR VATA-PITTADOSHA

ॐ नमो गुरु देव् नमो|

OongNamo | Gurudevnamo |

English translation and meaning:

As you bow to the creative energy of the infinite universe; I turn to the Divine channel of wisdom. This Gurmukhi mantra opens the channel of communication between the student and the Divine Teacher. We like to ponder that it also opens us to new opportunities and provides the strength to try something new. You can chant these mantras throughout the day and before meditation. Using a Japa Mala and repeating 108 times or any denomination thereof. Mantra to balance Pitta Dosha is Shanti Mantra, and its pronunciation is:

ॐ द्यौ: शान्तिरन्तरिक्षँ शान्ति:,
पृथ्वी शान्तिराप: शान्तिरोषधय: शान्ति: ।
वनस्पतय: शान्तिर्विश्वे देवा: शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्ति:,
सर्वँ शान्ति:, शान्तिरेव शान्ति:, सा मा शान्तिरेधि ॥
ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति: ॥

Om śāntiḥśāntiḥśāntiḥ A-U-M Shanti ShantiShantisarveshamsvastirbhavatu |
sarveshamshantirbhavatu | sarveshampurnambhavatu | sarveshammangalambhavatu ||


English Translation and meaning: Om Peace Peace Peace, May there be wellbeing for all, May there be peace for all, May there be wholeness for all, and May there be happiness for all. It would be best if you chanted it to increase stability and wellbeing. This is chanted to bring peace and clam into our lives.

Hence, this is how a person with Vata-Pitta type is and these are the various ways of managing their life in a smooth manner.