The first step is to become aware of what surrounds you. For Ayurveda everything is interconnected, “micro the body and the macro the universe” are constantly interacting. Food, water and breath connect us to our surroundings and bring the influence of forces of nature. The same wind, sun and water that are responsible for governing circadian rhythms are also seen as governing functionalities of our bodies. VATA functions like the wind, regulates breathing, ensures regular heart rate, eliminates body wastes in a timely fashion, activates sensory perception, and basically makes all movements of the body possible.
PITTA represents the SUN or the heat that surrounds us, digestion of the food, maintains body temperature, transforms vision to form, and is responsible for metabolism at all levels.
KAPHA is seen functioning as water with an earthy association that is involved in stabilizing the body parts, binding joints and lubricating them, strengthening muscles, moistening organs and sustaining all body parts.
If it is a windy day watch out for increase in VATA causing unsettled sleep, fast moving thoughts, dry lips, skin, eyes and scalp, tight muscles and less flexible joints. When you are upset and have a hot spicy meal there are chances that PITTA can get aggravated and irritate the stomach causing acidity, skin sensitivity and irritation, redness of the eyes, intolerance to bright objects, and loose stools.
The other scenario includes eating late night really heavy meal with cheese and ice cream pushes the KAPHA to go out of balance producing mucus and nasal or throat congestion, sinus pressure, sluggish feeling, slowing down lymphatic flow, bags under the eyes and puffiness of the face.
One who wants to learn and adopt the Ayurvedic lifestyle must become a good observer. Take note of what is happening around and what is my body expressing. Make changes in diet, lifestyle and supplement herbs and spices; embrace routines to best adopt to the environment that we live in so that the forces of nature enhance our overall wellbeing and support our longevity.
