View a listing of all our programs, workshops, and events—including our best-selling Happiness Retreat, Silent Meditation Retreat, and Ayurveda Wellness Cleanses.
Order a copy of our latest retreat guide and discover all the ways to relax, renew, and discover inner peace—programs, events, workshops, spa treatments, and more.
Whether you prefer a self-paced schedule or want something experiential and interactive, there is something for everyone in our distance learning program schedule.From live-streaming signature retreats, events, cleanses, and Ayurveda consultations to on-demand Ayurveda education, all of our programs feature the best of our best—experienced teachers, expertly crafted curriculum, and tools for a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Our signature online programs, consultations, and at-home cleanse packages bring our expert faculty and the benefits of holistic learning to you. An integration of live-stream sessions, video presentations, and daily group meet-ups.
Discover the Art of Living on your scheduled with self-directed programs mindfully created by our expert faculty to give you the tools you need to succeed. Go at your own pace from right where you are.
People are different. It’s part of what makes being a human being so special, there is no one just quite like you. But why? For thousands of years, people have been asking what makes us different. Why are some people able to eat more than others? How can some leap out of bed in the morning, ready to face the day, while others take hours to fully “wake up”? Is there a reason why some people can handle the cold better than others? Answers to these and many more questions can be found through the ancient holistic practice of Ayurveda. Understanding the influence of ayurvedic doshas, specifically ayurvedic vata, will help you build a healthy, balanced foundation for your mind and body to function.
The Doshas
Ayurveda, or the “science or knowledge of life,” is based on three doshas. Doshas are energies that exist within everyone. Each dosha contributes to unique physiological functions within the body. It is important to determine which type of dosha predominates your own unique nature. Knowing your dosha type is essential to understanding how to maintain inner balance and correct dosha imbalances that arise.
Vata – Vata is associated with the element of air. Vata dosha is the energy that controls all motion in the body. When vata is balanced it stimulates creativity and vitality. When vata is imbalanced it cause anxiety and fear.
Pitta – Pitta is associated with the element of fire. Pitta dosha is the energy that controls all metabolic systems in the body. When pitta is balanced it cultivates feelings of contentment and heightened focus. When pitta is imbalanced it can cause feelings of anger and frustration.
Kapha – Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water. Kapha dosha is the energy that controls all growth in the body. When kapha is balanced it enhances feelings of love and acceptance. When kapha is imbalanced it may lead to feelings of jealousy and insecurity.
Ayurvedic Vata: Leading the Pack
It’s a fact that the body cannot exist without movement; the movement of blood through your veins, air in your lungs, the beating of your heart, these movements are all controlled by vata dosha. These internal movements keep you alive! Due to the importance of movement in the body, the pitta and kapha doshas are dependent on vata. Making sure your ayurvedic vata is balanced will help the other doshas flow smoothly within you.
Am I having falling asleep or staying asleep? Do I wake up feeling exhausted?
Do I have pain in my joints?
Am I plagued by anxiety, stress and worry?
Do I tire easily?
Do I forget to eat or wait until I’m starving to eat?
Am I underweight?
Am I often restless? Do I have a hard time sitting still and relaxing?
If you answered yes to the majority of these self-assessment questions, than your vata may be imbalanced.
Save your vata, save your doshas
As we noted earlier, the three ayurvedic doshas exist within every person. Pitta and kapha doshas work at their best when vata is balanced. There are many ways to balance your vata dosha. Below we have provided several simple steps you can take to begin realigning your ayurvedic vata so that your body may function at its maximum potential.
Don’t skip meals
Go to bed early
Stick to a regular routine
Take time to mediate
Engage in non-demanding physical activities such as yoga, tai-chi, walks or short hikes
Eat lots of warm, cooked food with sweet, sour or salty flavors
Avoid stimulants
By following the steps above, you can begin your journey towards creating a balanced and harmonious flow of dosha energy. For more information on the ayurvedic vata and the steps you can take to correct imbalances in your dosha, please visit our blog. We also offer free phone assessments with our Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselors to guide you on your path towards a healthy, happy and balanced life.