Samana vata is the third sub-dosha of vata. It has its seat in the intestines and is responsible for peristalsis, i.e. the movement of food through the intestinal system. As such, it is essential because digestion is one of the most crucial parts of our health. Imbalances in samana vata can cause constipation, diarrhoea, gas formation, bloated stomach and poor absorption of nutrients. In balance, it instead provides a smooth and fine movement through the intestines and well-functioning digestion. So how do you keep samana vata in balance? Here are some of the key points:

• Eat at regular times. The heaviest meal should be lunch in the middle of the day. Breakfast and evening meals should be lighter. One snack may be needed if you are hungry, but otherwise, never snack between meals!

• Do not overeat. Eat only until you are comfortably full, never until you are overfull.

• Always eat sitting calmly with complete focus on the food without doing anything else in the meantime - enjoy the food!

• Eat warm, well-cooked, mainly vegetarian food. Preferably avoid meat and reduce other hard-to-digest foods.

• Chew properly.

• Never drink cold drinks with food (and preferably not otherwise, either). Feel free to drink warm water with meals instead.

• Avoid stress before, during and after meals (preferably otherwise as well).

• Do not exercise or do anything else strenuous less than half an hour before meals and 2-4 hours after meals.

• On the other hand, feel free to go for a light walk after eating.

• Good luck 😊