In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Vata imbalance and the Ayurvedic methods that help restore calm, stability, and proper movement in the organism.

First, let me remind everyone that Vata is not completely different from Prana. Prana is the life force, the force that animates us and gives us the vitality needed to function in the world. The difference between Prana and Vata is that Prana moves deeply, slowly, regularly, evenly, and productively through the organism, while Vata is eccentric, meaning it moves away from the center. It moves in a stop-and-start manner, like being caught in highway traffic, and it discourages harmony within the organism.

The main reason there is such a widespread increase of Vata imbalance in the world is that most people now live in cities and towns. When you live in an environment surrounded by other living beings that are not constantly disturbed, that environment naturally encourages Prana to circulate properly. When you are surrounded by many people who are stressed and unsettled, their imbalance can influence your own. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to maintaining the proper movement of your own Prana.

For this, we can look to Vagbhata Acharya, the great Ayurvedic author, and his explanation of Upakrama, the methods for dealing with the doshas. When discussing Vata, he says: Vatasya Upakramah Sneha Sweda Samshodhanam Mridu. In Sanskrit, the first word in a list is often the most important. Here, that first word is Sneha.

Sneha has two important meanings. First, Sneha means oil. Regular oiling of the body, practicing a little Abhyanga each day, applying oil to the nose, occasionally applying oil to the ears and eyes, oiling the hairy parts of the body, and consuming appropriate amounts of oil internally, according to what you can digest, all help keep Vata under control.

The qualities, or gunas, of oil and other healthy fats such as ghee are opposite to the qualities of Vata. Oil is heavy, while Vata is light. Oil is calm, while Vata is active and restless. Oil moves slowly, while Vata moves quickly. Oil is warming, while Vata is easily disturbed by cold and by constant change, which creates constriction and interferes with circulation.

Sneha also means sincere affection, especially the kind of loving affection associated with a mother. This means being affectionate toward and open to receiving affection from the important beings in your life, whether they are family members, animals, trees, plants, or others with whom you share a connection. Maintaining healthy emotional relationships is important for calming Vata. A direct and positive relationship with Supreme Reality is also part of Sneha.

Sweda means sweat. In this context, it means keeping the organism warm enough. Vata is easily disturbed by cold, so maintaining warmth supports balance.

Samshodhanam means active purification. This does not necessarily mean that everyone needs to undergo intensive Panchakarma. It means avoiding excessive burden on the organism. Do not overload yourself with too many sensory impressions, too much screen time, or too much food. Take in a little at a time, digest it properly, and then take in more.

Mridu means soft and gentle. Bringing more gentleness and softness into your life, your thoughts, and your speech helps Vata become calmer. A healthy daily routine supports Vata balance. Moving slowly and gradually supports Vata balance. Remaining calm, especially when faced with the many things in the world that try to disturb you, is itself one of the most effective ways to keep Vata under control.

By cultivating oil, warmth, purification, affection, gentleness, and calmness, we encourage Prana to move properly and help restore harmony within the organism.