MANAGEMENT OF VATA

Vata, which consists mainly of the element air, is basically cold, dry,
light and mobile in attribute. Therefore, it is treated by a therapy which
is warming, moistening and promotes weight. Such therapy should also
calm hyperactivity. Tastes that decrease Vata are sweet, sour, salty; they
are all moistening and nutritive in action.
However, many pungent herbs can decrease Vata. In fact, a majority of
pungent herbs may be used in this way, including some of the strongest
anti-Vata herbs. Pungent taste only aggravates Vata when used in
excess.
In this regard, we must distinguish between two general different kinds
of Vata derangement. These can be referred to
as Vata-caused deficiency (deficient Vata for short) and
obstructive-Vata Vata-caused deficiency (Dhatu-kshaya) refers to
the depletion of tissue through Vatas drying and lightening action. Most
cases of emaciation, dehydration and deficiency of vital fluids are this
kind of Vata problem. Obstructive -void refers to Vata derangement
caused by blockage of the channels (mar-gavarodha) by accumulated
Vata, which may also gather with it Ama, Kapha or Pitta. This includes
such diseases as arthritis and rheumatism as well as many digestive
problems of abdominal distention, gas and constipation. Such
accumulated Vata may result in obesity or what is called anabolic
Vata.
Vata-causcd deficiency is treated with a tonic therapy of mainly sweet
and nutritive herbs and foods. In obstructed Vata we must remove the
obstruction and in this a tonic therapy does not work. A tonic therapy
would only feed the obstruction and increase the stagnation of Vata
causing more pain and discomfort. Hence we use pungent herbs to clear
out the obstruction and so alleviate Vata.
Pungent taste has a stimulating effect on Vata and can thereby help
move and dispel accumulated and stagnant Vata. This, in the short term,
reduces Vata; but in the long term, after the blockage in the movement
of Vata is removed, it will tend to increase Vata.
Pungent taste is the hottest taste. It is useful in helping to dispel the cold
attribute of Vata. It aggravates Vata only in terms of dryness. When cold
is the main Vata attribute to be combatted, we can use pungent taste.
When dryness and dehydration are pronounced, it is generally
contraindicated.
In the weak or variable digestion characteristic of Vata-constitution,
pungent herbs are also helpful. As the strongest herbs for promoting
Agni and destroying toxins, they counter high-Vata indigestion and poor
assimilation.
In terms of western herbology the following herbs and therapies can be
used to alleviate Vata: diaphoretics of a warming nature can be used to
dispel Vata related colds and flus (it is wind that carries the cold into the
body). Diaphoretics are also helpful in moistening the skin in the various
skin dryness problems that come through Vata. These must be used with
moderation to not dry Vata out further through too much sweating. They
are used mainly for obstructed Vata. Many possess antirheumatic
properties and are useful in arthritis (Ama Vata).
Carminative herbs, herbs that dispel gas from the gastrointestinal tract,
are used mainly for obstructed Vata. Nervine and antispasmodic herbs,
herbs that help relieve muscle tension, stop spasms and nervous tremors,
are also therapeutic for obstructed Vata.
Laxative and purgative therapies are used to dispel the constipation that
so often goes with a Vata condition. They are used mainly for obstructed
Vata, but they can gready aggravate Vata if over-used. Laxatives which
are moistening and increase bulk, like flaxseed or psyllium seeds, are
better for deficient Vata. Strong purgatives, such as rhubarb or senna,
may be necessary on a temporary basis in dealing with obstructed Vata.
But they must be used with care.
Stimulant therapies that promote digestion, appetite and the
neutralization of Ama are very helpful in Vata conditions. In obstructed
Vata they remove blockages of Ama and Kapha. In deficient Vata they
promote the appetite and digestion to help rebuild the body.
Deficient Vata is treated using tonic, nutritive and rejuvenative herbal
therapy and that. Bitter tonics of western herbology, as they possess the
same attributes of Vata, are contraindicated. Sweet demulcent and
emollient herbs like licorice, slippery elm and comfrey root are the
closest to tonic, nutritive herbs in the Ayurvedic sense.
Ayurveda considers enema therapy (basti) to be the strongest therapy for
eliminating excess Vata from the body and thereby getting to the root of
all Vata disorders. In this treatment, various medicated herbal and oil
enemas are prepared under knowledgeable administration.
Ayurvedic formulas to reduce Vata often contain salt, particularly rock
salt, which is lighter than sea salt, and a very good digestive stimulant
for Vata- types.