The state of over-excitement is a sign of inner restlessness and instability. Restlessness is an indication that your brain is on overdrive, in that it has gained a lot of undue momentum. This happens when you lose touch with the space of “being” and totally lost in the restless pre-occupation of the brain. You are not alone in the run of experiencing restless sensations or twitching in your body, arms or legs when you are relaxing, sitting down for meditation, or sleeping. Restlessness in the physiology is a common experience for many.

Ayurveda explains this imbalance as related to vata dosha- specifically Apana Vata; it is a subdosha of vata that governs the downward flow in the body. Vata is associated with fast movement and is responsible for all the movements. But when vata is an imbalance it is expressed as restlessness in the body, arms or legs. Ayurveda focuses on digestion, as the primary source of balance and good health. When your digestion is weak because of weak Agni (digestive fire) or environmental stress, our bodies can build up toxins, known as ama. These accumulated impurities lead to our doshas getting imbalance and the vata being responsible for movement will get affected first. Vata can increase during the season of Vata (October-February) or if you have a habit of following an irregular routine. Ayurveda suggests a few dietary and lifestyle tips to help balance vata and calm the body, arms and legs.

Be regular

Irregular bowel movements can allow toxins to build up, causing you to feel “plugged up” physically and mentally. The regularity of bowel movements is important to calm the natural downward flow of Apana Vata and reduce ama, which can accumulate and cause blockages in your body. Daily elimination is a necessity for good health. Add more fiber to your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Encourage healthy gut bacteria and aid in better digestion. Drink a warm glass of water or a warm glass of milk before bed, or if you find that this brings on restless sleep, try it in the morning.

Follow a Vata-balancing diet

Start the day with a warm glass of water, consume freshly cooked food. Eat lunch as your heaviest meal of the day and favour warm, freshly cooked grains, legumes, vegetables cooked with ghee. Have your dinner at least three hours before your bedtime. And prefer a lighter dinner like soup or cooked vegetables to ease digestion. Vata diet includes sweet, sour, salty, oily and warm foods and reduces on light, raw, cold, pungent and bitter foods. Feed yourself properly so that your body can comfortably digest whatever you eat.

Massage your body well

Perform Abhyanga, warm oil massage, a powerful practice to start a balanced day. Apply a thin layer of oil to your entire body. Pay special attention to areas that are sore or may be holding tension. After applying oil, you can take your regular bath and to your surprise, you will feel more refreshing than the regular practice.

Uplift Circulation

Circulation is important to keep your joints lubricated, eliminates impurities and delivers vital nutrients to the joints. Before going to bed, massage your joints with warm oil to support natural circulation around your joints.

Restless leg syndrome is a common medical condition that occurs in people with low iron levels. These urges can keep people from sleeping well. The right iron treatment can help overcome the problem. Raktda is a 100% ayurvedic solution that maintains hemoglobin levels naturally, boosts energy and restores skin & hair health.