WHAT IS VATA DOSHA?

Vata is the subtle energy which informs to movement. Vata means wind stemming from the Sanskrit root "Va" which means to blow, direct or move. Comprised of air and space vata also resides in the body's spaces such as the bones, the ears and the pelvic region. The colon is the seat of vata, and this is where vata will accumulate and spread to other parts of the body. The mobile quality of vata governs movement within the body such as breathing, blinking, muscle movement pulsation of the heart, circulation of the blood, cellular activity, the motion of digestion and eliminations of waste. Vata is the essential flow of all for all bodily functions. Vata also governs the direction of our thoughts, creativity, inspiration and our comprehension.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF VATA

Physically vata types are thin boned, because of the variable nature of vata they are usually very tall or very short, with a slight frame. They have thin, dry hair that can sometimes be frizzy. Their eyes are small, grey, brown or sometimes an unusual colour. The vata nose is sharp and slightly crooked or subtly bent. Those with a vata constitution often have dry skin and nails are often ridged, brittle and dry particularly around the cuticles. Because vata is made up of space, teeth naturally have gaps and protrude. 

TALENTS

Vata people love change, they are flexible enthusiastic and creative. They are blue sky thinkers who see boundless potentiality in the world and ideas. They are creative visionaries and grasp concepts quickly. They are quick to remember and they are also quick to forget. Vata types walk, talk and think fast, they are often animated and expressive. They are social butterflies and good networkers. They love to travel and keep things new. They are impulsive, spontaneous and love to be stimulated.  

CHALLENGES

Vata types have difficulty staying grounded, their naturally expansive nature is not keen on boundaries or routine. They get distracted easily and will multi-task often leaving projects half done as their ability to focus is overpowered by their need for change. Vata types can easily be swept away with others' plans, losing sight or their own needs. They are not as bold as pitta and kapha types and have less will power to quickly feel overwhelmed. Although they do have a higher tolerance for fluctuation and change. Their go go go mentality often leaves them fatigued.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A VATA IMBALANCE?

When Vata is high, it can manifest as gas, bloating, back pain, neck pain and sciatica. Dryness causes constipation and dry skin, and cracking, popping joints. Emotionally, one might feel anxious, fearful, distracted, forgetful and have difficulty sleeping.

WHAT INCREASES VATA?

Vata is disturbed by the cold, cold weather, cold food, cold drinks. The mobile quality makes frequent travel and rushing around elevate vata, lack of sleep, loud noises and excessive stimulants like tea coffee and sugar. The autumn is vata's season, so the wind's mobility and the cold, dry air also causes vata vitiation. 

WHAT BALANCES VATA?

Some great ways to balance vata is keeping to a routine, getting good quality sleep, balancing digestion with warm, nourishing meals and regular mealtimes. Keeping warm. Oil massage and soft touch. Vata types do better with moderate exercise like hiking, walking yoga and Tai chi.

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