Vata

Vata is a composite of the elements air and ether. Vata is characterized by erratic, cold, active, dry, clear and subtle

Quality
Sleep — Supple Skin — Proper Elimination

Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. Since Pitta and Kapha cannot move without it, Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. It’s very important to keep Vata in good balance.

Vata Governs

Prana Vata (Heart and Breathing)
The senses, creative thinking, reasoning, enthusiasm, leader of all 15 categories of Vata, Pitta and Kapha

Udana Vata ( Nervous system oriented)
Quality of voice, memory, movements of thought

Samana Vata ( Responsible for balancing body.  Located in diaphragm or “solar plexus”)
Movement of food through digestive tract

Apana Vata (Deals with lower part of the body)
Elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle

Vyana Vata ( Responsible for circulation)
Blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration, sense of touch

Do I need to balance Vata?

I often feel restless, unsettled
My sleep comes slowly or is easily interrupted
I tend to have dry skin
I am easily fatigued
I tend to be constipated
I feel anxious, and worry too much
I’m underweight

If you have two or more of the above symptoms you may need to balance your Vata.

Vata out of Balance

Prana Vata
Worries, overactive mind, sleep problems, difficulty breathing

Udana Vata
Dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, general fatigue

Samana Vata
Slow or rapid digestion, gas, intestinal cramps, poor assimilation, weak tissues

Apana Vata
Intestinal cramps, menstrual problems, lower back pain, irregularity, diarrhea, constipation, gas

Vyana Vata
Dry or rough skin, nervousness, shakiness, poor blood flow, stress-related problems

How to Balance Vata

Drink Vata Tea and season meals with Vata Churna
Abhyanga (daily ayurvedic massage with sesame oil)
Warm temperatures
Warm, cooked foods (less raw foods)
Early bedtime, lots of rest
Favor warm, oily, heavy, sweet, sour, and salty tastes
Reduce light, dry, cold, pungent, bitter and astringent foods
Regular daily routine
Avoid stimulants
Regular, daily elimination
Stay warm in cold, windy weather

For Pitta Dosha click HERE.

For Kapha Dosha click HERE.