Where is the rain when we need it? In California, we are in a drought. When the weather is too dry, Vata increases in the external environment. Things dry up and the qualities (gunas) of rough, dry, mobility, hardness and light increase in the environment. Lakes dry up, dust blows in the wind. The external environment affects our internal environment (according to Ayurveda) and our body/minds experience less of the qualities of moistness, smoothness, softness, oiliness, heaviness and solidity.
We dry out! In the time of Vata, when Winter is turning into Spring, we may suffer from some of these symptoms. Since Kapha is melting, we may also suffer from Kapha issues.
– digestive imbalances and allergies
– dry skin
– constipation
– gas
– pain
– anger and irritability. (Vata pushing Pitta)
– depression (Vata pushing Kapha)
– anxiety and fear
When we are dry. we need to moisten ourselves. Not only our body needs moisture—our mind and emotions also need it. Ayurveda does that mostly with oils, internally and externally:
– oils in the foods,
– oiling the skin
– self-massage with oils.
– compassion, loving others also increases rasa dhatu, our body’s moisture river
– The best form of oleation is the Ayurvedic detox called Pancha Karma.
– Love balances all of the doshas!
A few quick tips for eliminating dryness:
1—Add 1 teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) to each meal.
2—Rub a little bit of ghee in your nose if it is dry or if you have Spring allergies.
3—Before bed, rub sesame oil on the soles of your feet and in your ears (cover with cotton balls).
4—Throughout the day when thirsty, sip CCF tea: equal parts coriander, cumin and fennel seed powders, one teaspoon steeped in boiled water for 10 minutes.
5—Eliminate drying foods, which include raw foods, bitter greens, popcorn, rice crackers, dry fruits, nightshades, large beans, melons, anything that causes gas.
Note: Gas (flatulence) is a sign of Vata imbalance and if gone unchecked for years it may lead to nervous system imbalances, such as memory loss and pain.
