Pacifying Aggravated Vata Dosha

Autumn is here!

As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, it is time for us to adapt to this environmental transformation to make the most of these wonderful changes in the season. Autumns’ cold, crisp, windy days correspond with Vata Dosha’s cold, dry, rough, fast, penetrative and light energetic qualities

It is important for us to observe these seasonal dynamics and tap in to our intuition to balance and adapt to these changes in order to thrive during the colder seasons.

As we become more prone to Vata aggravation in Autumn, you may notice the following signs and symptoms becoming more prevalent.

Signs of Vata Aggravation:

  • Dry, rough cracked skin, lips and feet.

  • Dull skin and hair.

  • Anxiety, restlessness, panic, nervousness, irritability and fearfulness.

  • Lack of focus, racing thoughts.

  • Difficulty falling a sleep

  • Constipation, hard stools or straining to pass stools

  • Digestive problems - bloating, reflux, excessive flatulence or burping.

  • Nerve pain

  • Musculor skeletal issues - paticularly joint pain in the lower back, knees, wrist or neck.

  • Tension headaches

Strategies to Keep Vata Dosha in Balance

  • Wrap up warm – lower back, feet, chest, neck and head to be kept warm and dry. Wear layered clothing, scarves, beanies, hats

  • Warm comforting Ayurvedic massages (Abhyanga) with sesame oil and other Vata pacifying herbal oils.

  • Avoid “cold”, “dry” food and drinks (temperature and Doshic quality) – eg salads, iced water, frozen food, watermelon, popcorn, crackers, crisps, smoothies, fizzy drinks, white sugar and soy. These are considered in Ayurveda to have cold and dry energetics that dampen your digestive fire causing stagnation, maldigestion and Ama (toxin) build up.

  • Hydrate! As it gets colder we forget to drink enough. Opt for warm water and herbal teas.

  • Nourish your body with warm, spicy, unctuous food such as broths, soups, stews, curries, honey, cooked grains, vegetables, porridge, ghee, sesame etc.

  • Make the most when the sun is out!

  • Wear warm, bright, cheerful colours that pacify Vata – think red, orange, pink! Look vibrant and fabulous.

  • Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, smoking, black coffee and tea.

  • Exposure to cold wind, staying up late, afternoon naps, blue light exposure from electronics before bed are to be avoided as they aggravate Vata.

  • Exercise according to your ability - Yoga, brisk walks / runs in the winter sun, cycling or simply dancing in your living room.

  • Herbs and spices that help boost digestive fire and reduce Vata aggrevation are Ginger, garlic, cinnamon, fennel, pepper, capsicum.

  • If having Dairy - have it warm and with spices such a cinnamon and cardamon.

  • Vata Shamana Dina Charya - Opt for regular routine, warmth, serenitiy and nourishment of mind and body in your daily practices.


The advise and information given is general in nature. Please book in for a consultation with Rochelle Wickramaratchi for individualised advice and treatment plans. Click Here

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