Wanderlust Snowmass/Aspen, The Vata Lifestyle

1. The Vata Lifestyle
For Yogis
Creative
Intuitive
Unpredictable
Who are you?

2. www.slideshare.net/pameladq
uinn

3. Pamela Quinn…Who am I?
Founder, Elemental OM
Author, The Elemental Cleanse
Creator, The Elemental Lifestyle
Yoga Teacher
Kundalini Teacher
Ayurvedic Specialist
Social Entrepreneur
Single mother of two
Really bad dog owner….

4. Ayurveda…aka
The Art of Living
The Science of Life
The Mother of Healing
A diagnostic tool
using the
language of
nature to make
life simple.

6. The Wind (Vata)
air + space
The Fire (Pitta)
fire + water
The Earth (Kapha)
earth + water
Sleeping Patterns I sleep very lightly and awaken
easily.
I fall asleep easily, sleep for a
moderate period of time.
I sleep very deeply and for
long periods of time. I love
to nap.
Sleeping Patterns I have a hard time falling asleep. My biggest worry that keeps me
from sleeping is work related.
I have very few sleep problems
other than sleeping too much.
Dreams I dream a lot. My dreams are vivid
and active. I do not remember my
dreams well.
My dreams are vivid and full of
passion. They frequently involve
chasing and negotiating.
My dreams are peaceful. I
remember them.
Speech I talk quickly and a lot. I’m very
chatty and have a hard time staying
focused.
I speak with precision and I love a
good debate.
My speech is slow and
deliberate. I think before
I speak.
Shopping I’m an impulse shopper. I love to
buy little gifts for people.
I tend to indulge in very expensive
high-quality items when I do spend.
I shop to “ buy” happiness.
Climate I love it sunny and warm. I do not
like to be cold. I hate drafts.
I prefer cooler weather. I can
become irritable when it is hot
and humid.
I prefer a warmer temperature.
Cold and wet make me achy.
Movement I’m like a butterfly flitting from
activity to activity.
I move with purpose. People notice
when I enter a room.
I have a very relaxed and
fluid gate.
Organization My home or office may appear
messy to others, but I know where
everything is.
I like a well-organized environment.
I have a place for everything.
I am a collector of things.
Sometimes I accumulate
clutter.
Work Preference I love the activities of creation such
as brain storming and
conceptualizing.
I like to be in a leadership position.
I do not liking working under
someone. I am a visionary and
strategic planner.
I like a routine to my job. I
prefer to work for others and
treat my place of employment
as “ family.”
Moods I’m moody. I have a very strong, determined
and stubborn nature.
I am emotionally sensitive and
very caring for others.
Total your “ x” s.
The Wind (Vata)
air + space
The Earth (Kapha)
earth + water
The Fire (Pitta)
fire + water
What isyourdosha?
Your Mi n d
What dosha rules your mind? This quiz determines the predominant element or “ dosha” in your mind.
Place an “ x” next to the sentence that best describes you. If you simply can’t decide, choose The Wind (Vata).
The column with the highest number of x’s is your dosha.
Don’t be surprised if
two or more columns
are just about even
with each other. All of
the elements live in
your mind and it’s
quite common to have
an even split.

7. The Wind (Vata)
air + space
The Fire (Pitta)
fire + water
The Earth (Kapha)
earth + water
Frame I tend to be thin. I have a medium build and tend to
have a more athletic structure.
I have a heavy build and
am strong.
Weight Gain When I gain weight, which is hard
to do, it tends to settle on my belly.
I can gain and lose weight easily. I gain weight very easily and
lose it with difficulty.
Bones If you were to hug me, you would
feel my skeletal structure. My
bones are brittle and fragile.
I am well-proportioned and tend
toward an athletic build.
My bones are heavy
and larger.
Skin Condition My skin tends to be thin, dry,
rough and cool.
My skin is fair and tends to have
issues; rashes, acne, blackheads,
whiteheads or blotching.
My skin is pale and smooth
with very few marks. My pores
are almost invisible.
Nails My nails tend to be dry, brittle
or flaky.
My nails are strong and flexible. My nails are strong and thick.
Menstrual Cycle
(for women in child-
bearing years. All
others simply skip.)
My periods tend to be irregular. I
don’t bleed a lot and it tends to be
dark red. I get really bad cramps
and sometimes constipation.
I have regular periods, with a heavy
flow that is bright red. I feel like my
periods last an extended time and I
may experience mild cramping and
loose bowels.
My periods are regular
with a light, average flow. I
experience bloating and mild
cramps during my period.
Appetite My appetite is irregular. I may go
all day without eating and not
realize it.
My digestion is very strong as well
as my appetite. I like routine meals
and get grumpy if I don’t eat.
I have a stable appetite. I can
skip meals.
Cravings I love salty crunchy snacks. I crave iced beverages and
cold food.
I crave sweets and starches.
Digestion My digestion is unpredictable. I
can be normal, constipated, have
diarrhea or gas and bloating from
day to day.
I have strong digestion. When I do
have issues it tends to be hearburn,
indigestion or loose bowels.
My digestion is slow and
steady. Food feels heavy in
my belly.
Temperature My hands and feet tend to be cold.
I tend to be cold overall.
I tend to be hot. My skin is cool to touch, but I
do have cold hands and feet.
Total your “ x” s.
The Wind (Vata)
air + space
The Earth (Kapha)
earth + water
The Fire (Pitta)
fire + water
What isyourdosha?
Your Bod y
What dosha rules your body? This quiz determines the predominant element or “ dosha” in your body.
Place an “ x” next to the sentence that best describes you. If you simply can’t decide, choose The Wind (Vata).
The column with the highest number of x’s is your dosha.
Many people struggle
with the body portion
of the dosha quiz
because they have
been living out of
balance for a very long
time and don’t really
know the answers
anymore. Don’t worry.
We will take this quiz
again at the end of the
program and you will
better understand
which element
resonates with you
after you come back to
balance. Just like with
the mind, you may find
that two or more
elements describe you
almost equally. All of
the doshas are present
in you body and it’s
quite common to have
an even split between
two. Less common is to
have the doshas split
almost equally
between all three, but
it does happen.

8. cool, light, dry, rough, subtle, mobile and clear
Start Easy with
Digestion:
Weak Digestion
Skipping meals
Hard time gaining
weight
Sensitivities
Constipation
Dryness

9. Vikriti

10. 1 = Not at all 2 = A little bit 3 = Somewhat 4 = Moderately 5 = Very much
I've been having trouble concentrating. I am forgetful.
I have been talking a lot and having trouble listening.
I have been having trouble sleeping. I can't go to
sleep or I wake up and can't fall back to sleep.
I have been very worried lately.
I can't seem to stick to a routine. I am impulsive.
I've been having trouble concentrating. I am forgetful.
I have been talking a lot and having trouble listening.
I have been having trouble sleeping. I can't go to
sleep or I wake up and can't fall back to sleep.
I have been very worried lately.
I can't seem to stick to a routine. I am impulsive.
I've been having trouble concentrating. I am forgetful.
The Wind in Your Mind
1
1 = Not at all 2 = A little bit 3 = Somewhat 4 = Moderately 5 = Very much
I have no routine. I eat, sleep and perform activities at
inconsistent times each day.
I am suffering from gas and bloating.
I have constipation. My elimination is hard and dry.
I have been suffering from a lot of situations; back
pain, headaches.
My skin, nail and hair feel dry.
The Wind in Your Body
Answerhowyouhavebeenfeelingthepast 21days
Do You Have Bal an ce?
Rank each question below on a scale of 1 to 5:
1 = Not at all 2 = A little bit 3 = Somewhat 4 = Moderately 5 = Very much
The Wind in Your Mind
The Wind in Your Body
Overall Total
Overall Total
If your scores are in the 5 – 9 range, you are in balance. If your scores are 10 – 15, you have a moderate imbalance. If your scores are above
15, you are out of balance. If you have anything above 10, you should take action to prevent deeper long-term imbalance.
If you score 5 –
9…Balanced!
10 – 15…out of Balance
15 and above…Take
immediate action!!! You
need The Elemental
Cleanse

11. Vata (The Wind) imbalance
• Anguished or anxious
• Nervousness
• Causeless fear
• Fear of the unknown
• Insomnia
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle twitching
• Nervous twitching
• Cold hands and feet
• Unclear perception and dizziness
• Rigidity in muscles OR flaccidity
• Poor coordination
• Schizophrenia
• Hallucinations (auditory or olfactory)
• Hyperactivity
• Nightmares
• Indecision
• insecurity
Functions of Vata
Movement
Maintains life
Communication
Governs the mind, sensory
perception, motor function
Movement of thoughts,
feelings, and nerve
impulses
Breathing
Heart Function
Circulation
Ingestion
Assimilation and
absorption
Elimination of waste
including menstruation
Orgasm
Cellular division
Hearing
Touch
Clarity
Creativity
Joy
Balanced…
Happiness
Joy
Creativity
Flexibility

12. Vata
Leads
The way
The Basics
• Consistent routine & unscheduled space
• 7 hours of sleep each night. Arise by 7 am.
• Food…3 meals a day and snacks.
• Time alone each day to meditate, journal, and
relax. YOU MAY NAP!!
• Gentle exercise daily.
• Creative work where you have freedom to
come and go.
• LOVING TOUCH & Compassion

13. The Big No No’s for Vata
• Staying up late
• Skipping meals
• Excessive talking
• Excessive tasking
• Multi-tasking
• Vigorous activity
• Laxatives

14. Eating Routine for Vata
• Eating three meals each day around the same time each day is a critical success factor.
• Some Vatas do better eating four meals each day allowing at least two hours between each meal. Try it
and see if it agrees with you. Eat small amounts.
• Eat within one hour of rising and not after 8 am.
• Lunch is your biggest meal and includes meat if you are choosing to eat meat.
• Foods are warm, moist, and cooked. You thrive on casseroles, stews, and food that has been mixed
together and cooked.
• No eating two to three hours before bedtime.
• If you do snack, you should allow two hours between snacks and meals.
• You benefit from a short walk after your meal.
• You benefit greatly by placing a glass of water by your bedside each evening and drinking it down first
thing in the morning.
• Favor foods in the following order:
– Whole grains
– Cooked Vegetables
– Beans that cook in less than 30 minutes without soaking
– Cooked Fruits
– Nuts, Seeds, Honey and Oils
– Spice your food to taste. Salt is okay for you.
• You may consume dairy in the form of milk, yogurt and soft cheeses like feta and goat. Do notice if
yogurt and milk agree with you. Many Vatas are sensitive to these dairy products.
• Drink warm beverages. Avoid iced beverages and food.

15. How to Eat
Beans
…Mung
Nuts
Seeds &
OIls
Cooked
Veggies
Fruit, consider cooking
Grains

16. Embrace heavy & dense to ground
Vata:
apricots
avocados
bananas
berries
cherries
coconut
dates
figs
grapefruit
grapes
lemons
mangoes
melons
nectarines
oranges
papaya
peaches
pears
pineapples
plums
Avoid fruits that are very astringent
or dry
cranberries
pomegranates
raw apples
dried fruits
dates
figs
pears
persimmons
watermelon
Fruits…treat as
dessert or snack

17. May Cause Gas &
Bloating
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Raw Onions
Peppers
White potatoes
Eat Your Veggies COOKED
Theses are nightshades…do they
agree with you?
Tobacco
Tomatillo
Chili Pepper
Bell Pepper
Potato
Tomato
Eggplant
Your BEST veggies are:
ALL VEGGIES….COOKED
Eat Salads at room temperature.
Ground the energy of the salad with
oils, nuts, seeds, and light cheese.
You may be sensitive

18. Grains are sweet
YUM YUM YUM….
All Grain
Wheat is heavy & Moist and one of
your best grains!!!
Congee Mini-Fast to rest and stoke
digestion
Ingredients
1 cup grain millet, buckwheat, rye, oat,
quinoa
5 cups water adjust this to make it
thicker or soupier to your liking
Caution…Ye
asted bread
may cause
Gas &
Bloating

19. Meat, Dairy, & Beans
Good Flesh:
Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Duck
Eggs
Fish
Not the best choice:
Lamb
Pork
Rabbit
Venison
Good Dairy for Vata in moderation:
Boil Milk & add honey,
Cinnamon, & nutmeg
Buttermilk
Hard Cheese
Soft Cheese
Goat Cheese
Mung Beans
Eat more
Chikin!

20. Nuts, Seeds, & OilsNUTS & Seeds
Your best choices:
flax
sesame
pumpkin
sunflower
Moderation:
almonds
walnuts
cashews
coconut
hazelnuts
peanuts
pecans
pine nuts
pistachios
basil
bergamot
cinnamon
clary sage
clove
geranium
ginger
jasmine
orange
musk
sandalwood
rose
Jasmine
ESSENTIAL

21. Fasting for Vata EAT FOOD
Fast 1 – 3 days each month with the
full moon on:
simply eat lightly of beans, veggies,
and rice (one pot meal)
kitchari

22. • Triphala for regularity
• Oils for dry skin, hair, nails, and digestion
• Ghee for digestion
• Chyvanprash skin, nails, satisfaction
• Cinnamon, Lavender, Rose for peace

23. Yoga &
Meditation
• Meditation with mantra,
mudra, music
• Toning
• Hatha Yoga with short
holds
• Hot yoga OKAY once a
week…must be a slow
flow or yin
• Ujjiya breathing
• Right Nostril Breath
• Alternate Nostril breathing

24. Subtypes of Vata Dosha…tmi for an introduction, but
you may be wondering
prana
• found in head and brain
• moves down and in (think of a breath coming in)
• inhalation, swallowing, sneezing, spitting, and burping.
• governs the senses, mind, heart, and consciousness.
udana
• found in diaphragm and throat
• moves up (think of an exhalation)
• exhalation and speech
• governs memory, strength, will, and effort
samana
• found in small intestine and navel
• moves in a linear direction (think about movement of food)
• digests food and establishes equilibrium in the body.
apana
• found in colon and pelvic cavity
• moves down and out (think about eliminating)
• governs all elimination.
vyana
• found in heart and whole body. Distributes the other winds.
• moves in a circular direction (think about the pumping of the heart and blood flow)
• governs the circulatory system and movement of joints and muscles.

25. Pamela Quinn
pamela@elementalom.com
www.elementalom.com
www.elementalcleanse.com
www.facebook.com/pameladquinn
http://www.slideshare.net/pameladquin
n