Sequence to Balance Vata

As the temperatures in Illinois continue to drop I notice the excess of air not only outside but also in my students.  This is the time for grounding, for eating soups, for anointing yourself with oils, and for drinking warm teas.

If you tend to have a predominance of the Vata dosha (remember to check out the link on the previous blog post to find out your dosha) it is a lot easier for you to become out of balance in the autumn when there is an excess of the elements air and ethers (space).

Vata's physical characteristics are usually displayed with a thin, light frame and agility.  They have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet.  They are light sleepers and have sensitive digestion.  When you are out of balance you could experience weight loss, constipation, hypertenstion, arthritis, weakness, restlessness, and digestive chances.

Emotionally Vata's are excited and love new experiences and have lots of energy, are creative, and are flexible.  When imbalanced they are prone to anxiousness and insomnia.  

A grounding yoga sequence is the perfect way to rebalance yourself.

This is a short sequence-it should take about 20-30 minutes to move through.  I suggest playing slow instrumental music- I like Goldmund or Marconi Union when I want to keep it really mellow.

Tips for moving through this sequence*
1. Move super slow-imagine you are moving through warm honey.
2. Move gently and fluidly from pose to pose.
3. Take slow warm exhales (your body will institutionally inhale) 
4. Imagine yourself growing roots in all your poses.
5. Spend extra time in all the forward folds to held with digestion and avoid the dryness of this time of year.

I hope you enjoy this short Vata sequence.  Let me know if you have any questions!