Vata Time!
Although October began with torrential downpours here in the south east, generally October is “Vata time”. Vata (vah-tah) is an Ayurvedic term that refers to dry, air-like qualities. When the autumn winds blow, the leaves dry and fall from the tress, and the air becomes cool and dry, our “Vata nature” becomes more pronounced. This can look like:
- dry, cracked skin
- cracked heels
- chapped, cracked lips
- scattered thoughts/ concentration
- brittle hair
- luster-less skin
- restlessness, anxiety
- inability to ground
To balance these dry, brittle and unstable/airy conditions, we can look to the practice of oiling our skin. By applying nourishing oils to our skin every day, we are providing:
- a protective layer that helps keep us hydrated
- protection from wind burn and chapping
- nourishment to depleted, luster-less skin
- a valuable, lymph-moving massage
- valuable touch therapy
- a feeling of grounded-ness and stability
- a slower rhythm for our high-strung nervous system
- an immune system boost!
- comforting warmth
Of course, you’ll need to use botanical oils for these positive effects, not mineral oils.
Here is a simple and luxurious Vata skin oil formula:
**If you are pregnant, please consult your primary caregiver before using this.**
Carrier oil base: 50% Sesame, 20% Jojoba, 30% Olive
Essential oils: per 1 ounce of carrier oil base add this formula:
- 1 drop Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- 1 drop Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- 3 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Blend into a colored glass bottle, and store away from light and heat.
The ritual of applying your daily oil can be as simple or as luxurious as you make it. You may choose to pour a little into a beautiful bowl & warm it up first (coffee cup warmers work well for this). You may light candles and admire your loveliness as you apply it. You may also step out of a shower, smear it on, rub it in and head out the door. You might like to apply it before bed, so that your skin can absorb it in a restful state all night, and your dreams are peaceful and aromatic. The choice is yours, and it can be different each time.
