Creating an Ayurvedic morning routine for Vata dosha—or any dosha for that matter—is about living in rhythm and harmony. Adopting new practices can feel daunting at first. However, a supportive Ayurvedic morning routine should not feel rigid and unnatural. Rather, it can help you start the day with ease and grace. Let’s take a look at Ayurvedic morning routines for Vata dosha, keeping in mind these wise words from Ayurvedic scholar and practitioner, Dr. David Frawley (2000, p. 59):
“The basic rule is—whatever we can do for ourselves to improve our own health is more effective in the long run than what another person can do for us.”
Ayurvedic Morning Routine for Vata
Vata dosha is light, cool, dry, and erratic in nature, so routines that balance Vata are warming, grounding and nourishing. Creating a morning routine for Vata dosha combines some tried and true Ayurvedic practices, as well as a few suggestions particularly tailored for Vata dosha.
Awaken before sunrise
You can read my post, Ayurveda Daily Routine, for a deeper explanation on the importance of arising before sunrise—or at least with the sun. The early morning hours are the Vata time of day, which is an ideal time for practices such as asana, pranayama, and meditation. Awakening late in the morning (the Kapha time) will tend to produce feelings of lethargy and grogginess. However, of all the doshas, Vata types need the most sleep, so a word of advice for Vata readers: make sure you are in bed with lights out by 10 pm so that you get the rest you need.
Eliminate after awakening
It is important for all types to have a bowel movement once or twice per day. Eliminating in the morning is ideal, as it is helpful to rid the body of toxins so that you can start the day feeling light and fresh. However, it is especially important for Vata types to focus on cultivating regularity when it comes to bowel movements, as they are most prone to constipation and irregularity in this manner.
Bathe before asana and/or meditation
Again, it is helpful to start the day feeling cleansed and refreshed. However, if you prefer to bathe in the afternoon and evening, at least wash your face and hands before the morning meal. Also, Vata types especially benefit from abhyanga (oil massage) before bathing. This practice can be done in the morning or evening for Vata dosha.
Tongue scrape before the morning meal
Use a steel or copper tongue scraper every morning to clear the tongue of ama. This is best done sometime before the morning meal, and tongue scraping before you brush your teeth is an easy way to remember this part of your morning routine. Tongue scraping stimulates the agni and digestive organs. Plus, it is a good opportunity to observe any changes, such as cracks and scallops, on the tongue.
Eat breakfast before 8 am
Vata types need to eat regularly, so they should not wait too long to break the fast. If you awaken with the sun, eating by 8 am is a good standard. Have a spoonful of nourishing Chyawanprash before breakfast to help stimulate agni and set the tone for the day.
Stay Grounded and Shine Bright
Vata types tend to be bubbly and creative. At their best they are inspiring, and at their worst they are nervous, erratic, and self-destructive. Creating a supportive Ayurvedic morning routine for Vata will help Vata types start the day grounded and refreshed, so that they can shine brighter all day long.
Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.
References
Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press. Lad, V. (2009). Ayurveda: The science of self-healing. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.