Vata Dosha Balancing Asana
Following the Ayurvedic principle of “like increases like,” if we can just “keep calm” the spaciness of Vata can be regulated. To counteract the erratic nature and swings of movement, establish a routine: a supported, grounded, stable routine. Favor yoga asanas and yoga styles that encourage slow, methodical movement. Forget the fast-paced, overly-stimulating asana practices, such as repetitive Sun Salutations, or any postures that place excessive strain on the body! Practiced correctly, yoga asanas are the ideal non-strenuous exercise for Vata to alleviate the accumulation of downward air in the colon
(the seat of Vata) and massage the joints and muscles, releasing nervous tension as well. Our bodies and minds will find peace by favoring a gentle asana practice which balances both sides of the body. Just slow it down.
Grounding forward folds calm the ever-moving nature of Vata. They compress and massage the organs of the abdomen, aiding the systems of digestion and elimination. Slow, methodical poses that encourage the downward flow of energy, Apana, are Vata tamers. Embrace the postures of restorative yoga, which calm, ground, and support the body with props as well as provide a vehicle for restoring a wandering, overly-active mind. Inverted, feet-above-the-heart, restorative yoga poses have an added benefit in that they regulate circulation.
And let’s not forget about seated meditation… the ultimate yoga asana!
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