Anxiety in Ayurveda is seen as an energetic imbalance of the nervous system. It is understood to be caused by the imbalance of Vata dosha causing pranic vibrations in nervous system that manifest as anxiety at the body-mind level. Thus, in Ayurveda terminology anxiety is understood as subtle tremors of the nervous system due to erratic flow of air currents in the body, an attribute of high vata state. The prime seat of vata is in the colon & bones, thus most bone related conditions are seen as a manifestation of vata dosha.
On physical front, vata’s generally have a thin body frame, and a high nervous energy flow manifesting in body-mind symptoms like dryness, arthritic conditions, insomnia, mood swings & anxiety.
From the perspective of Vata-Type Yoga practice, bringing in the opposite qualities help balance the vata personality types. Since being impulsive, anxious & erratic is the natural manifestation of high vata condition, bringing in grounding, gentle, warming & stabilizing practices creates balance & harmony.
Asanas for Vata
Since the seat of vata is lower abdomen, colon, large intestine & pelvis, working on these areas help balance the vata energy. Also at the mind level disturbed vata shows us as anxiety due to its turbulent effect on the nervous system. Thus, the Yoga practices for vata’s must be gentle to calm down the erratic flow of vata energy, while also strengthening the areas which are the seat of vata.
Postures for Vatas
These postures work on body-mind level to release the physical manifestations of anxiety and targeting the root area where anxiety builds up.
Uttanasana – Releases the strain caused in lower back as a manifestation of dryness and brittleness building up in the lower back.
Paschimottanasana – Targets the lower abdomen, the seat of vata to release excess gas (vata) & strengthen lower abdominal organs.
Balasana – Creates compression in the pelvis which is the seat of vata. At the physical level it helps deal with the manifestation of vata in the pelvis that sows up as menstrual concerns, chronic gas & constipation.
Dhanurasana – Stretches the lower back while stimulating the pelvic region providing relief in vata aggravated conditions.
Pranayama – Builds nervous energy & regulates the pranic currents in the nervous system to provide relief from anxiety.
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