January can be a very difficult month. Just look outside. It is cold. Gray skies create a sense of roughness in the world, which is hibernating and barren. The air is naturally extra dry. Winds are blowing with a bit more force. Whether you recognize it or not, Vata energy is subtly impacting your wellbeing. They are inextricably linked.
Here is a little background to help explain what Ayurveda calls, “Vata”…
Ayurveda recognizes everything is energy. (Just like Einstein!) The ancient science categorizes universal energies into three major units—that which moves (Vata), that which transforms (Pitta) and that which builds and holds together (Kapha). These biological energies exist in the world around you as they exist in every cell in your body. Conventional medicine might refer to them as catabolic, metabolic and anabolic functions, but Ayurveda understand them to be a lot more.
Vata, Pitta and Kapha ebb and flow to create the world as you know it. Inside your body, they come together to provide your structure; your ability to digest food and thoughts; and your ability to walk, circulate blood and even breathe. Outside your body, these energies rise and wane with the seasons. Each energy is known by its qualities.
We are currently at the height of the Vata season. Vata energy begins to gain momentum in late summer or early autumn. By New Year’s Day, it reaches full force. Vata’s qualities are definitely present when you step outside. As the world’s qualities offer a rough, dry, cold, light, mobile, subtle place, you begin to feel its effect within your own body.
Conventional science has an explanation for the interconnectedness of nature and personal health. The tilt of the earth’s axis prompts most seasonal climate changes. During winter, we are tilted farther away from the sun, so we get less sunlight and warmth. This tilt also changes the angle at which the sun’s rays hit the earth. They strike at an oblique angle, so they are more spread out (i.e. less concentrated sun energy). Even when the sun is out, it is not hitting the region with enough force to warm things up. The air remains cold and is unable to hold moisture.
Ayurveda is grounded in the rich connection between the weather outside and health issues. Your body is always calibrating to its environment. When it is cold and dry, it struggles to stay warm and hydrated. Here are a few telltale signs that your body is reacting to Vata’s harsh environmental conditions:
- Dryness: This is a biggie. Are your lips chapped? Do your hands constantly feel dry? Seeing more hang nails than usual? Are your joints cracking? During this season, everyone doubles down on hair conditioner, body lotion and facial moisturizer. Some of the dryness you experience might be from your heating system, but the atmosphere is actually dryer this time of year.
- Frayed nerves: Feeling a bit off lately? (Blame it on Vata!) During this time of year, it’s not uncommon to feel depleted, stressed, fearful or more anxious than usual. Sometimes these changes are just due to straying from your routine during the holidays, but Ayurveda would say there are larger forces at play. The nervous system requires flow to function effectively. With your body burning through more resources to stay in equilibrium, any depletion is going to take its toll.
- Insomnia: Again, if you’re having sleep challenges, it might be fallout from the holidays. Routine disruptions and alcohol consumption will take their toll. But don’t discount the impact of Vata season either. The atmosphere’s lightness will disrupt a sound sleep pattern.
- Funky digestion and elimination: Does it feel like something is just a little off with your digestion? Maybe you are noticing a bit more gas? Pesky disruptions like irregular hunger patterns and constipation are common when Vata’s in the air. Plus, the colon—which is the seat of Vata—is generally the first part of the body impacted by the earth’s energy shift into Vata season.
- Back and hip pain: Have you recently started to wonder if it’s time for a new desk chair or mattress? Do you feel like the Tin Man after crashing on the couch or going for a run? If so, it’s no surprise. In Ayurveda, your lower back or hip region is known as the body’s Vata region. It generally shows signs of rebellion this time of year when this energy is extra intense.
If you are nodding your head to any of these—great! You can begin to understand how your body is uniquely responding to heightened Vata seasonal energy. Things might be impacting you now that you didn’t remotely notice a few months ago. And chances are, these little discomforts and annoyances will be gone by spring. In the meantime, you can make some simple diet and lifestyle adjustments to effectively manage seasonal energy.
Ayurveda understands bringing alignment to your biological energies is essential for maintaining your health and wellbeing. Most Vata imbalances (such as gas, lower back pain or even anxiety) are brought into alignment using the following:
Routine
Consistency helps to contain mobile Vata energy, which is closely tied to your nervous system. (Vata enables movement in the universe. Your nervous system enables movement in your body.) From a conventional viewpoint, routine helps calm the mind.
Sleep
Adhering to a consistent daily routine most definitely includes adhering to a consistent sleep schedule. Strive to retire and awaken at the same time every day (including weekends and holidays). As a general rule, getting to sleep before 10 p.m. and up before the sun rises will serve you well. Vata is a very depleting energy. Sleep, on the other hand, takes the body through restorative cycles (here’s how it works).
Oil
Healthy fats are essential for maintaining not only your wellbeing, but also life itself. Ayurveda advocates putting healthy oils in and on your body. Try a daily self-oil massage.
Quiet time
Call it meditation or yoga nidra or alone time. Unplugging helps to calm your nervous system and your mind.
Warmth
Hot meals, snuggly clothing and warm relationships are just intuitive during this time of year.
Stay tuned. As we blow through the season, we will drop tips on how to manage the Vata-driven fluctuations you might be experiencing.
