VATA DOSHA

Vata dosha is made up of space and air. It is the energy of movement. It governs all movements and communication in the body, respiration, circulation, heart function, among other functions. It is said that no bodily function can be done without Vata. 

Vata times are Fall and early Winter, 2-6 am and pm. The last third of life is the Vata stage of life.

In general, Vata people are active, restless, talk fast and walk fast. They are physically lean and have dry skin, curly hair, and cold extremities. They are irregular in their appetite, digestion, elimination, routine, mealtime, sleep time, and tend towards insomnia and light sleep. Because of Vata’s irregular quality, ROUTINE is essential for people with Vata Prakruti or Vata Vikruti. 

When balanced, Vata people are blessed with creativity, flexibility, and mental clarity – they are mentally quick but tend to forget quickly. When out of balance, Vata may produce worry, fear, anxiety, ungroundedness, emaciation, intolerance to cold, poor circulation, gas, bloating, constipation and dryness in general.

Vata’s qualities are dry, rough, cold, light, subtle, mobile, and clear. In excess, these qualities can cause an imbalance. In Ayurveda, we usually use opposite qualities to restore balance (for example, we use oilation for dry skin).

In general, the following recommendations help to balance/maintain Vata: 1. Stick to routines. 2. Keep warm. 3. Use calming activities 4. Avoid excesses of all forms. 5. Do not suppress bodily urges. 6. Do not skip meals. 7. Eat mindfully in a peaceful environment. 8. Favor sweet, sour, and salty foods. 9. Eat warm, moist, mildly oily, mildly spicey, and heavy foods (e.g., avocado, nuts, sweet potato), especially in Fall and Winter.