Peak performance in tennis and Vital energy (Prana)
by Nityananada Atman
Vital energy is the power that sustains all living beings and animates all physiological and psychological functions. Without energy, nothing is possible. All mental, emotional, and physiological functions are made possible by the power of vital energy (prana). That’s why it is important for everyone to have a balanced and abundant supply of vital energy. This is especially crucial for athletes and tennis players who need to practice for many hours every day and play long matches under difficult conditions. Athletes need to replenish their stores of vital energy through proper means and avoid wasting it unnecessarily.,
The vital energy that supports
physiological functions is called ‘physical prana’ and that of psychological functions
‘psychic prana’.
The prana is also manifested
in the human body as Vata dosha
(biological humor) which is one of the tree three fundamental biological humors
that regulate all physiological and psychological functions (the three Gunas are also important factors for
the function of mind) . The other two biological humors are Pitta and Kapha. The
three together are called Tridosha (Vata- Pitta – Kapha).
These Doshas are the most
important factors for good health (physiologically and psychologically) and
high performance in sports. It is necessary to keep them in balance if we
want to maintain a good health and a high level of performance.
When doshas are unbalanced and
especially the vata dosha it is very difficult or impossible for a player to
achieve a high level performance because Vata regulates and coordinates
perception and all movements of the body and the mind. If vata is imbalanced
causes physical mental and emotional dysfunctions, which in their turn cause poor
performance. That’s why Vata plays an important role in sports and especially
in tennis which is a game where perceptions, coordination of movements, mental
and emotional calmness and stability are very important.
When the tennis players have
the vata unbalanced then the consequences are: lack of coordination that leads
to poor strokes, unforced errors, insecurity, fear, mental confusion, improper
perception, lack of vitality and vigor and indecision.
Therefore the players must be
aware about it and with the guidance of an ayuverdic practitioner or an
ayurvedic doctor will apply certain methods that bring vata back to balance.
It is also important to know
that vata becomes very easily unbalanced -more easily than the other two
doshas. There are many factors that aggravate vata dosha; that’s why we have to
learn about them and avoid them. If it is not possible to avoid them we must
neutralize them with different ways and methods.
For example excessive physical
efforts which are one of the main factors that aggravate vata cannot be avoided
because this is the nature of tennis game. Therefore the players must do things
that alleviate the aggravation of vata due to physical exertion and bring it
back to balance as much as possible. For example they must practice relaxation
and make massage with vata oils. By doing so they create the best possible
physical and mental conditions that will enable them to play at very high
level.
According the proportions of
the three doshas in the body of players they can have a different kind of
constitution. The synthesis of doshas is fixed when the embryo is arrested and
cannot be changed.
According the synthesis of doshas in the body there
are constitutions or types on which the
one dosha is predominant over the other two.
These are:
Vata type: The vata dosha is most predominant.
Pitta type: The pitta dosha is most predominant.
Kapha type: The kapha dosha is most predominant.
There are also constitutions or types on which two doshas are predominant
Pitta-Vata type
Pitta-Kapha type
Vata-Kapha type
There is also a very rare constitution where the three doshas in balance
Vita-Pitta- Kapha type
Vata constitution players (in those who the vata is predominant) are more prone
to vata imbalances; viz. the factors that aggravate vata cause to them more
easily vata imbalances than the players with pitta and kapha constitution.
Therefore those players with vata and vata-pitta constitution must take care
more to keep vata in balance than the players with pitta or pitta-kapha
constitution.
But it is important for all
players regardless their constitution to keep vata in balance.
Doschic
constitution of a player
The doschic constitution
of a player can be found by an ayuverdic doctor or practitioner who will
examine his physical and mental characteristics. The body frame, the muscles,
the characteristics of face, skin etc. can give can give reliable information
about the doshic type of a player. But is also necessary other factors to
be examined in order to determine more precisely the constitution of the
player.
We see below some of the common characteristics of people who have a
predominantly Vata constitution.
I remind you here that some of
these vata characteristics can be found in the other constitutions because all
constitutions have also the vata dosha.
Creativity, mental quickness,
Highly imaginative
Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also
quick to forget
Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
Talk and walk quickly.
Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort
in cold climates
Excitable, lively, fun personality.
Changeable moods.
Irregular daily routine
Variable appetite and digestive efficiency
High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire
easily and to overexert.
Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance.
Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety,
especially when out of balance.
Tendency to act on impulse.
Often have racing, disjointed thoughts.
Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't
perspire much
Most of Professional tennis
players have Vata, Vata-Pitta and Pitta constitution. The are no kapha tennis
players at professional level. There is possibilty very very few players to
have Pitta-Kapha and Vata-Kapha constitution.
I put here some examples of
players according their constitution determined only by their body frame and
the characteristics of their face.
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VATA
TYPE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
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PITTA TYPE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
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VATA-PITTA TYPE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
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PITTA - KAPHA TYPE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
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VATA - KAPHA TYPE PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
FUNCTIONS OF VATA
VATA is the most important or primary of the three
biological humors because it governs the other two (pitta nad kapha) and is
responsible for all physical processes in general. For this reason, disturbances
in Vata have more serious implications than the other two doshas, affecting the
entire body, the nervous system as well as the mind.
Vata is the basic energy of
the body and nervous system; promotes a healthy balance
between the thought and emotion, excellent energy level, proper coordination of all body functions and all physical movements, promotes normal respiratory function, regulates sensory perception, the nervous
system and gives rise to creativity, activity and clear comprehension.
See also in this diagram below the effects of balanced
and unbalanced Vata.
Effect of Balanced Vata
|
|
Effect of Unbalanced (Excess)Vata
|
Proper coordination of all body functions.
Normal movements associated with eating, digestion, and
elimination.
Mental activity controlled and precise.
Control of the organs of perception and the organs
of action.
Stimulation of digestive juices.
Desire to lead an active life; vitality, curiosity
and natural interest.
Normal drying of occasional mucous discharges.
Normal respiratory function
Normal sleep pattern.
Excellent energy level.
|
|
Body functions impaired or disorganized.
A weakened immune system.
Movements for eating, digestion, and elimination
disturbed (bloating, constipation, gas).
Mental agitation, confusion; impaired memory.
Incoherent speech. Fast and disconnected speech.
Inability to make decisions.
Sensory disorientation.
Perception and action are inappropriate; senses are
dulled; responses untimely.
Deficiency of the digestive juices.
Shortness of breath, dry cough, disturbance in
respiratory movements.
Insomnia, light or interrupted sleep.
Headaches.
Non-specific fatigue. Chronic tiredness, mental and physical.
Anxiety, worry,
Cold-intolerance.
Depletion of Life Force.
A tendency to overexertion.
Emotional depression. Emotional conflict.
Impulsiveness.
Physical tension and other symptoms of stress.
|
Aggravated Vata
Aggravation of vata weakens the nervous system. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.
Other symptoms caused by
excess of vata in the body are joint pains, constipation, dry skin,
bad of memory, irregular heart rhythms, insomnia, stiffness of muscles, loss
of strength, migraine, vertigo, tremors, anxiety, grief, fear, depression etc.
Other typical health problems of
vata types include headaches, hypertension,
dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, , muscle spasms, weight loss, lower
back pain, abdominal gas, diarrhea, sudden increase in hair loss, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual
dys-functions, arthritis.
Tennis players and Vata
We know that at the
professional level the details make the difference.
When vata is deficient and
unbalanced all capacities that are most important for tennis such as proper
perceptions, quick reactions, quick decision making, coordination of movements
and senses, emotional and mental stability and calmness are disturbed. The
above cause a decrease of the precision and power of shots especially under
difficult conditions (fatigue, stress, long time matches etc.). The mind and emotions
become easily upset and thus cause a lack of concentration and indecision. All
the above produce a poor play, unforced errors and inability to respond in
difficult situations.
One of the main factors that
aggravate Vata is the intense physical efforts. Tennis matches some times are
very intense and last more than three or four hours. These strenuous efforts
disturb the vata, deplete vital energy and make it flow improperly. This has as
result the player to play in the next matches with less efficiency.
As I said above the imbalances
of vital energy affects the coordination of movements which results to more
unforced errors and double faults. The strokes are not also strong enough.
Except the unforced errors the ball many times lands a few centimeters out of
the line instead of being a little inside. The player is a little bit late at
the right place to hit the ball properly.
Deficiency of vital energy and
aggravated vata also affect the mental and emotional states. Insecurity,
indecision, irritability, anxiety, loss of concentration can happen due to lack
of prana and its improper flow. Emotions, thoughts and prana are interrelated
and the one affect the other positively or negatively. When for example vata is
aggravated due to fatigue then insecurity and irritability can appear. In their
turn insecurity and irritability aggravate the vata more, creating thus a
vicious circle.
FACTORS OF VATA AGGRAVATION
Vata can be aggravated from
various factors such as diet, the environment
conditions, relations, the sensory
inputs, thoughts and emotions, lifestyle and habits.
The tennis player must learn
about all things that are related with vital energy and vata and try to avoid
everything that disturbs and depletes the vital energy and vata. It is also
necessary to learn techniques and make lifestyle changes in order to restore
the vital energy and brings back balance to vata.
It is highly recommended for a
player to visit an ayurvedic doctor that can find his physical and mental
constitution and give him instructions to mainatian his doshas balanced.
He can devise a personalized
plan for him, using delicious and nutritious foods, simple daily lifestyle
changes and herbal medicines to restore his physical health, emotional balance
and his energy levels.
It is also very important for
tennis players to restore their vital energy and balance the vata during
tournaments. They must recover as quick as possible after every match in order to
be ready the next day to play under the better possible conditions.
There are many ways that can
help athletes to restore balance and vitality. The tennis players must use
techniques or methods that directly help them restore prana and bring balance
to vata; at the same time he must learn methods that bring emotional and mental
balance.
Here will see with more details what aggravates vata
in the various areas of life.
DIET - FOOD:
Eating Vata-aggravating foods
Cold foods and drinks. Cool water.
Light food and fasting,
Dry foods, dry fruits
Eating of junk food, frozen foods and food that has
been micro-waved.
Eating too much bitter, astringent and pungent tasted
foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, beans, mushrooms and raw
foods.
Eating while anxious or depressed.
Eating fast or on the run
Drinking alcohol, coffee, or black tea
The tennis player must learn
from an ayurvedic doctor which food is appropriate for his constitution.
Water: When the weather is warm players usually drink cool
water which eventually disturbs vata and it is not easily digested.
It is recommended players
during the matches to consume water at the natural temperature. Ayuverda says
also that we never must drink cool water or refreshments together with meals.
LIFE STYLE AND
HABITS:
Too much traveling by any
means of transportation.
Too much sensory inputs: t.v., music, computer,
etc.Watching too much television and over exposure to computers or any other
kind of electric gadgets from strong waves are emitted,
Very high level of sound (loud
music), quick changes of images (advertisements on tv, internet etc. ).
No well organized daily
program; Following an irregular daily
routine (for food, sleep, work etc.)
Too much sexual activities; the question that
arises what is too much indeed? Everyone must find for himself what is good for
him. Generally vata types are very easily disturbed by the sexual activities.
The players must avoid sexual activities during
tournaments and intense training.
Suppression of natural urges like urination,
defecation, sneezing, cough, tears etc..
Going to bed late at night; Staying awake till late
night or not sleeping at all.
Speaking a lot and loudly;
excess talking.
Drinking alcohol, coffee, and black tea.
Smoking cigarettes.
Taking too much medicinal, recreational and
stimulating drugs.
All the above have greatest impact on players when
they are tired or under stress physical and psychological.
Excess physical and mental
efforts. Overworking or too much sports.
Of course in tennis we cannot
avoid intense efforts during matches or long games; nevertheless we can avoid
unnecessary intensive training and reduce the participation in fewer
tournaments during the season. Moreover the player must have enough rest to
rejuvenate.
The player must also control
his desire to win as more matches and tournaments as possible and listen to his
mind and body needs. Maintaining physical and mental balance increases the
possibility of winning matches and tournaments; the opposite increases stress
and tension and leads to poor performance.
MENTAL -
EMOTIONAL
Emotional stress, (emotions of
anger, agony, anxiety, fear and grief. etc. ) deplete the vital energy and
aggravate vata.
Excessive imagination and
thinking.
A lot of mental exertion..
The tennis players must learn
and practice methods that reduce stress, pacify negative emotions, develop
positive thinking and increaase stilness and peace in the mind.
ENVIROMENT:
Cold and dry atmosphere
Strong or turbulent wind,
Excessive exposure to high
noise level or high sounds.
Places with noise in the city,
Traffic etc..
The players must live in
places which are warm, quiet and close to nature.
BALANCING VATA AND PRANA
I will mention here ways that
can help the balancing of prana and vata.
There are two main things we
must keep in mind in order to maintain or restore the balance of vata and
prana.
First we have to avoid everything
that aggravates vata and depletes prana and especially that factors which are
predominant at the time been. It is higly recommeded the players to avoid all
the factors mentioned above as much as possible.
Moreover the qualities of Vata dosha are : dry, light, rough, cold and subtle, mobile, quick and changeable, inconsistent or irregular, agitated or erratic.
Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle
that “like increases like” Vata people or people with unbalanced vata
should avoid anything that has similar qualities
with vata (viz. dry, light, rough, cold and subtle, mobile,
quick and changeable, inconsistent or irregular, agitated
or erratic), because they will tend to increase vataVata dosha
cannot be sensed directly, but it leaves its mark on our physical and mental
activities with these qualities.
Second as Ayurveda works on the principle that “the opposite decreases its
opposite we must be in contact with
the opposite qualities of vata (viz. warm, regular, smooth, oily, liquid,
heavy, grounded or steady, immobile, slow), because they will tend to
decrease vata. It is higly recommeded the players to be in contact with the
above qualities that decrease the accumullation and agravation of vata.
We have to make appropriate
changes and anjusments in the major areas in life and we also have to follow
various healing methods and exercises that bring balance and restore prana and
vata.
The major areas in life where personal choices can affect vata dosha. are
from various factors such as diet, the environment conditions, relations, the sensory inputs, thoughts and emotions, lifestyle
and habits.
WHAT BALANCES VATA
Vata is mobile and
inconsistent therefore it is balanced by regularity and
stability. Developing a daily routine
with consistent times for waking, meditating, eating, working, exercising,
relaxing and sleeping is very helpful for soothing vata. Anywhere you can add
structure and regularity to your daily activities will help pacify vata.
Be regular with
your bedtime, mealtimes, and all habits.
Avoid excess multimedia
stimulation, especially in the last few hours before bedtime.
Avoid food that aggravates
vata and eat food that balance vata. Eat
soothing, heavy, warming and nourishing foods,
like cooked whole grains, vegetables, dairy and fruit, and soups
and herbal teas.
It is better to consult with
an ayuverdic doctor about this issue. One must be also very attentive and
sensitive about the effect of the food in his body and mind. Relaxation,
self-observation and meditation are helpful for this.
Do mild exercise like Hatha yoga exerices., tai chi, walks in nature, and
non-strenuous cycling and swimming, especially in natural
surroundings.
Breathing exercises
(pranayama).
Relaxion
Meditation.
Affirmation, visualization
Have warm baths, rest and relax, practise deep
breathing and meditation.
Abstinence from sexual
activity especially during turnaments or periods of very hard practice.
Have regular Ayurvedic oil massage, as oil and
heat are one of the best therapies for Vata. Massage with oil which contains special herbs that
alleviate vata.
Have massage with sesame oil.
Proper food and proper way of
eating (be concentrated keeping silence).
Deep profound sleep.
Avoid speaking and stay alone.
Avoiding watching tv or
playing games.
Listening relaxing music
Natural healing such as reiki
and Bach remedies.
Detoxification with
Panchakarma which is an ayurvedic process that reduces the acumulation of
doshas and bring them back to balance.
Live in a quiet enviroment
inthe country side if it is possible and spent much time in nature.
AYUEVEDIC Herbal Remedies
The ayurvedic herbal
remedies can help a lot to keep vata and other doshas in balance or to bring
them back in balance when are aggavated.
Developing a daily herbal regime is an excellent
compliment to any vata-pacifying program. Changes in diet and lifestyle will
minimize new vata aggravation while herbs help eliminate already accumulated
vata from the system. Some herbal formulas for common vata imbalances are
listed below:
Common Vata dosha imbalances:
· Nervousness, anxiety, panic, fear
· Light, restless sleep
· Twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
· Cracking and popping joints
· Dry or chapped skin
· Dry, hard stools, constipation or gas
· Low body weight, emaciation
· Spacey, scattered feeling
· Excess thinking or worrying, absentmindedness, poor
memory
Broad spectrum vata-reducing herbs and formulas include:
Triphala
Ashwagandha
Vata Massage Oil
