Q: I took a dosha test and I am predominately vata. I have very poor circulation in my hands and feet – even in the summer they are icy cold. What can I do to stimulate circulation?
A: You said you are predominanty vata and fall is the vata season, which is why you are complaining right now. Even if the circulation is not so good in summer, you are noticing the severity in the fall.
Vata is the energy that controls the flow and movements in the body, blood circulation being one of them. A type of vata condition related to circulation is called vyana vayu (vata). Its job is to circulate blood throughout the body and provide nourishment and prana to all our cells. Blood carries oxygen and oxygen carries prana which is the most essential energy each and every cell needs in order to survive. Due to vata’s cold and dry qualities, the blood vessels, especially the capillaries (thinnest of blood vessels) shrink, preventing blood supply to fingers, toes, tip of the nose, earlobes etc. When cells don’t get enough prana, they become numb causing tingling, pins and needles and sometimes pain. The best solution to this is to keep yourself warm and well lubricated to improve circulation and prevent the problem.
Some suggestions:
Forget about ice cold foods, cold drinks and salads. Carry a thermos full of herbal tea or hot water to sip often throughout the day. Get grounded with piping hot soups, stews and steamed/stir fried veggies. Make friends with grains and nuts. Wrap yourself in warm jackets, sweaters, mufflers, socks and gloves.
Relaxing warm oil massages (abhyanga) and longer tub baths (swedana) bring this kind of dosha to the ground.
An Ayurvedic herb called gokshura is for your problem. It dilates blood vessels, removes blockages and improves circulation. Along with haritaki it does wonders.
Q: Are there certain foods that will help me with my meditation practice? It is a regular practice.
A: Excellent! One thing we all can do to better our lives is meditation. Life is nothing but a mind game: “When the mind is happy, the whole world is happy” and “If you want to control the world, control your mind.” This is the most difficult thing, so practice meditation everyday (early morning is the best).
Sattvic food is best for helping your meditation practice. Sattva is clarity, purity, knowledge, wisdom and light. In a sattvic state you are always mindful, aware of each and every moment. You are in the ‘now.’
For sattvic eating:
- Buy organic foods – Organically grown foods are pesticide free and chemical free. They are grown in a natural environment, so they are very healthy.
- Eat freshly prepared foods – Freshly prepared foods are full of prana. Prana is life energy. Food nourishes our mind, too.
- Just add enough spices – Food should be mildly spicy. Cumin, coriander, turmeric and a little chili powder helps improve digestion. Avoid spices such as hot peppers, garlic, onions, cloves, salty and sour foods. They aggravate rajasic qualities thereby causing restless and agitated mind which hampers concentration.
- Buy fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals (natural chemicals) which prevent many diseases and strengthen our immune system. It is good to eat a fruit in between meals as a healthy snack. Seasonal fruits and veggies help balance the effects of the seasons.
- Incorporate grains, legumes and natural fats – Variety of grains, rice, wheat, quinoa, barley, buck wheat, legumes, oils and ghee are full of energy and help ground the mind.
- Avoid meats – Be vegetarian. Animals have emotions such as fear, anger and sadness. These emotions are also stored in meats which may make our minds negative.
- Do not overeat – Don’t let food eat you! The mind becomes dull, lethargic and tamasic due to excessive eating.
- Eat mindfully – Savor the food!
Aren’t these plenty of tips for minding your mind and improving your meditation practice?
Q: I lose my concentration seemingly at random, however it is not a constant problem as it comes and goes (loss of concentration). About 15 years ago I was diagnosed by my homeopath as having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Loss of concentration and spaciness at times was how I could tell when it was kicking up. We no longer live in the area of the country where I was treated, and I have turned to Ayurveda over the years anyway. The problem seems to be back. I am pitta/vata, 54 years old, female, not yet menopausal. Any thoughts for me?
A: It is funny. All vatas are talking in this vata season. Loss of concentration and spaciness are signs of aggravated vata. Your problem seems to be coming back because you are transitioning into a vata life cycle.
From birth to puberty we are in a kapha life cycle. Around puberty we transition into a pitta life cycle and around menopausal age and onwards, vata starts dominating.
Follow all the vata balancing lifestyles to bring your concentration back. You will get plenty of tips in the previous answers.
Q: I am having a problem with falling hair and skin becoming red on my face. My scalp also seems to have a lot of dry skin and some inflammation. I am a mother of one and in my mid-thirties. My body constitution is pitta-vata. Any solutions? Thanks.
A: Hair fall may be because of two reasons: high heat of pitta or increased dryness of vata. You have mentioned that your face is becoming red and that your scalp has some inflammation – these two are pitta signs. You are also in a pitta life cycle and your body constitution is pitta-vata. So your problem may be because of aggravated pitta.
I don’t know about your dietary habits, but the following tips will help:
- Stop using strong shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and chemical based make-up. Use natural mild shampoos. Use minimal (natural) make up products. Massage scalp with coconut oil two to three times a week.
- Amalaki, haritaki, sandalwood, minjishtha and turmeric are excellent herbs for the face. Mix these powders in equal amounts. Combine a few pinches of this mix with few drops of milk and apply on the face. Leave it on for 15 - 20 minutes and then wash it off. Do it once a day (find time in your busy schedule.)
- Cut down on spices, salty junk foods, acidic sour foods and alcohol.
As always, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing treatments or starting medications.
