"In the last few weeks I've had more bloating and stomach pains," says a customer in the shop. "Can this be related to the season?"

According to Ayurveda, we are now in the Vata season. Vata is the element of air, wind and movement. Cold, changeable weather and the much shorter day express the increase of Vata in nature. Since the body is part of nature, the Vata element also increases in our functions and processes. Our mind and digestive system are particularly prone to this.

Each of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, has 5 sub-functions that are associated with specific areas of the body and organ systems. The 5 sub-functions of Vata are called Prana, Udana, Samana, Apana and Vyana.

Prana Vata

Regulates thinking, the day-night rhythm, and the autonomic nervous system.

Udana Vata

Responsible for breathing, outward energy, initiative and enthusiasm.

Samana Vata

Directs the transportation of food in the digestive tract and from the digestive organs into the body.

Apana Vata

Is associated with the function of elimination and letting go. All the abdominal organs, the lower back and the legs are under its influence.

Vyana Vata

Controls all activities that extend throughout the body: muscle activity, tactile sensations, circulation, ....

Subfunctions of Vata in the change of seasons

Prana Vata

Due to the change of season towards Vata, mainly Prana and Apana are stressed from these functions. The increased influence of Vata in its sub-function Prana very often leads to restlessness, anxiety and negative moods, known as "winter blues". As a result, this can lead to sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness and a general weakening. Especially the immune system can be affected by this impairment and becomes more susceptible to infections.

Apana Vata

Due to the increase of Vata, the digestive power becomes weaker. The sub-function Apana, which is mainly responsible for detoxifying the body via the large intestine and the kidneys, is challenged more and becomes more susceptible to disturbances. Typical complaints caused by Vata are gas and cramps. The transport of the digestive pulp in the intestine and the excretion of stool can also be impaired. Depending on the basic constitution, there can then be stool irregularities with constipation or alternating diarrhoea with constipation.

The increased gas formation often causes painful flatulence, which is perceived as particularly unpleasant.

Vata-balancing diet

During this time, it is advisable for everyone to focus on a Vata-balancing diet. This includes giving preference to warm and cooked foods and eating regular meals.

The flavours sweet, sour and salty should dominate. These are contained in well-cooked cereals (pasta, rice, dumplings), root vegetables (carrot, parsnip, celery, beetroot), pumpkin, in all sweet fruits, in valuable fats and oils (ghee, linseed oil, olive oil) and in milk and cream. Especially important at this time of year is the use of warming and anti-flatulent spices . These include cumin, cumin, fennel , aniseed, coriander, cinnamon, pepper and asafoetida. These should be used abundantly in cooking and seasoning. To get to know these spices and for quick cooking, the Maharishi AyurVeda Vata-Churna is recommended as a ready-made mixture. The sour taste can be covered by fruit (also in stewed form as compote) and cream cheese. For salting, be sure to use unrefined rock salt or sea salt. .

Vata-balancing drinks

A hot water cure is especially recommended at this time of year. Boil clean tap water for 5-10 minutes, store it in a thermos flask and drink a few sips every half hour. Maharishi AyurVeda Vata Tea is delicious and can also be alternated with other warming herbal and spice teas.

Vata-balancing food supplements

Prana Vata

To bring Prana Vata into balance, many traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herbs are suitable, which are processed with the greatest care into our finished products. We would particularly like to highlight Ashwagandha and Vata-Balance Mental (MA1401). 

Apana Vata

When it comes to regulating bowel movements, Triphala (MA505) is the first choice. For flatulence and abdominal pain without organic cause, our recommendation is MA154.

Summary

In the Vata season, there is an increase in complaints caused by an increase in Vata. These include restlessness, worry and anxiety as an expression of the disturbance of Prana Vata, stool irregularities, flatulence and abdominal pain as a result of the increase of Vata in "Apana". These functional disturbances can be brought into balance through Ayurvedic dietary recommendations and dietary supplements.