Vata

There are three fundamental doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In Ayurveda, every one of us has all three doshas. In childhood, kapha dosha is dominant. In youth, it is pitta dosha, and in old age, vata dosha is prominent. However, in most people, only one of the doshas is primary, with second and third constitutions being less prominent. These doshas determine the health type of an individual. This is based on diet, exercise, and routine. Often as the seasons change, or diet or routine falter, imbalances occur. At this point, Ayurvedic healthcare practitioners find the imbalance and help to correct it. A balanced composition is essential to wellness.

Vata Dosha: Vata means wind. Vata, like the wind, is the force of communication in the body. Vata is constituted by air and space and is associated with the energy of the movement. It is drier than Pitta and Kapha. That is why people with Vata predominant doshas require more liquids than those with Pitta or Kapha doshas. Vata is the leader of three Ayurvedic doshas in the human body. It regulates all the mental and psychological activities in the human body. Vata is responsible for everything from the ability to blink or breathe to our heartbeat and many, many more functions. Vata people tend to be creative, energetic, enthusiastic, flexible, imaginative, impulsive and lively.

Body Structure of Vata People: People with Vata dosha are generally thinly built, light in weight, and struggle to gain weight. Most of their body features like fingers, hair, lips and neck are thin, sometimes frail in appearance. They tend to be taller but have rough and dry skin. They have fluctuating appetite and fluctuating levels of energy too. As per Ayurveda, Vata people generally suffer from problems like vaginal dryness, premature ejaculation, and low libido.

Imbalance in Vata Dosha: High intake of astringent and spicy foods is one of the major factors leading to the imbalance of Vata in the body. Imbalance of Vata in the body may create as many as 80 types of ailments, diseases, and problems. People with imbalanced Vata may suffer from common problems such as high anxiety, cough, dry hair, dry skin, bloating, gas, constipation, cracking joints, general debility, headache, indigestion, poor blood circulation, etc. Individuals with imbalanced Vata people also tend to be hyperactive, experience lower back pain, insomnia, neural problems, psychological problems, restless mind, etc. They learn things quickly but also forget them easily. Their hands and feet are often cold and they feel stiffness in the body. They often have light sleep. They suffer from looseness/shrinking/breaking of bones. Their mouth gets a bitter taste. They also suffer from needle stinging pain in the fingers of the hands and the feet.

Balancing Vata Dosha: To maintain a balanced Vata dosha, it is essential that one has adequate rest and relaxation. Different Yoga Asanas and Pranayama are quite beneficial. It is advisable to consume salty, sweet, warm and easily digestible foods and beverages, including herbal tea, and milk. Consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, leafy vegetables, vegetable juice, besides the consumption of wheat, rice, mild spices like cinnamon, and cumin should be preferred. Moist foods like berries, melons, and yogurt can also help to balance Vata dosha. Oily foods like avocado, cheese, whole milk, eggs, coconut, nuts and seeds are also supportive for this purpose. Consumption of pears is helpful to get relief from all stomach related problems. Consumption of black tea, green tea, carbonated drinks, cold drinks; cold water, caffeinated drinks, and coffee should be avoided as much as possible.