Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.
Vata means "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command." Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.
Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.
Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.
 | 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 |
| Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions, arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance. |
People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped. Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible. The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.
Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development. The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.
Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.
Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.
Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.
There are a number of tell tale signs of dosha imbalance. Some persons will get very angry. Some get depressed, etc. Here is a summary of the signs of vata imbalance:
| Worried |
| Tired, yet can't relax, Fatigue, poor stamina |
| Nervous, Can't concentrate |
| Anxious, fearful |
| Agitated mind |
| Impatient, Antsy or hyperactive |
| Spaced out |
| Self-defeating |
| Shy, insecure, Restless |
| Cannot make decisions |
| Weight loss, under weight |
| Insomnia; wake up at night and can't go back to sleep |
| Generalized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints |
| Agitated movement |
| Very sensitive to cold |
| Nail biting |
| Rough, flaky skin, Chapped lips |
| Fainting spells |
| Heart palpitations |
| Constipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups |
| Dry, sore throat, Dry eyes |
In summary, if you are suffering from anxiety, worry, a tendency to overexertion, insomnia, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension and other symptoms of stress, a weakened immune system, headaches, underweight, constipation, skin dryness, mental confusion, emotional conflict, inability to make decisions, impulsiveness, fast and disconnected speech, fantasy, illusions, and sensations of being lighthearted and removed from thoughts, feelings, or circumstances, then there is a very good sign that your vata is aggravated. Follow the dietary guidelines given to balance vata dosha.
Indications of balanced vata influences are mental alertness and abundance of creative energy, good elimination of waste matters from the body, sound sleep, a strong immune system, enthusiasm, emotional balance, and orderly functioning of the body's systems.
eneral Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types
The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.
Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.
Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t'ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.
When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. Meditate every day for deep relaxation.
A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha
These guidelines can be used for vata mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body.
Favor:
| Warm food, moderately heavy textures, added butter and fat. |
| Salt, sour, and sweet tastes; Soothing and satisfying foods. |
| All soothing foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews, hot cereals, fresh baked bread. Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata. On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance. |
| Breakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm, milky, and sweet. |
| Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon. Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it. |
| Use spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil. |
| Use warm moist foods such as cooked grains and cereals, bowl of hot oatmeal or cup of steaming vegetable soup. |
| Warm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating candies as it disturbs vata. |
| Prefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks. |
| All sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent |
| Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks. |
| Summary: Breakfast is usually desirable. Hot foods and sweet and sour tastes. Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes. Warm or hot water and drinks. Raw nuts and nut butters. Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation. |
Food Classified By Group
Vegetables | Fruits | Grains | Dairy | Meat | Beans | Oils | Sweeteners | Nuts and Seeds | Herbs and Spices
| Vegetables | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| cooked vegetables asparagus beets carrots cucumber garlic green beans onions, cooked onions, cooked sweet potato radishes turnips leafy greens in moderation | broccoli Brussels sprouts cabbage cauliflower celery eggplant leafy green vegetables mushrooms peas peppers potatoes sprouts tomatoes zucchini Note: The above vegetables are OK if cooked with oil except cabbage and sprouts Avoid raw vegetables, in general |
 | |
| Fruits | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| sweet fruits apricots avocados bananas berries cherries coconut fresh figs grapefruit lemons grapes mangos sweet melons sour oranges papaya pineapple peaches plums sour fruits Stewed fruits Sweet, well-ripened fruit in general | apples cranberries pears pomegranates The above fruits are OK cooked Avoid dried fruits, in general and unripe fruit (especially bananas) |
 | |
| Grains | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| oats(as cooked oatmeal cereal, not dry) cooked rice wheat | barley buckwheat corn dry oats millet rye |
| |
| Dairy | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| All Dairy is acceptable | |
| |
| Meat | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| chicken seafood, in general turkey All in small quantity | Avoid red meat |
| Beans | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| chickpeas mung beans pink lentils tofu (small amounts) | All, except as noted. |
| |
| Oils | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| All oils are acceptable Sesame oil and olive oil are especially good. | |
| |
| Sweeteners | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| All sweeteners are acceptable | |
| |
| Nuts and Seeds | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| All are acceptable in small amounts. Almonds are best. | |
| |
| Herbs and Spices | |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| Almost all, in moderation, with emphasis on sweet and/or heating herbs and spices, such as: allspice anise asafoetida basil bay leaf black pepper (use sparingly) caraway cardamom cilantro (green coriander) cinnamon clove cumin fennel ginger juniper berries licorice root mace marjoram mustard nutmeg oregano sage tarragon thyme | Avoid using spices in large quantities. Minimize or avoid all bitter and astringent herbs and spices such as: coriander seed fenugreek parsley saffron turmeric |
| |
If your basic constitution is mixed (vata-pitta or vata-kapha), include portions for the second influential dosha.
Vata dosha is aggravated and increased during autumn and early winter. During these seasons all mind-body types can include some of the above foods and decrease others.
Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.
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