According to Ayurveda everything in this universe is made up of the Panch Mahabhutas or the Five Great Elements — Space (Akasha), Air (Vaayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), and Earth (Prithvi). And the Doshas that create our physical bodies along with being responsible for the functioning, are basically the combination of these elements. One of the three dosha, “Vata Dosha – The Leader” is an amalgamation of the air and space elements.
Functions of the Vata Dosha
Vata governs the flow & movement in our mind & body. It is responsible to transversely run the thought of mind and memory and hence is called the dosha of “transportation”. Vata dosh moves the food through our digestive tract; eliminates the wastes and carries out the flow of our blood & breath. It’s a life force that makes bodily & mental movements possible like that of the flowing air in the universe. Vata Dosha is the leader without which the other two doshas, Pitta & Kapha, cannot function.
Characteristics
Those having predominant Vata dosha typically have a small and thin body frame, cold hands and feet, and unmatched agility. Their hair and skin are mostly rough and dry with light brown colored hair.
When balanced, qualities that one possesses are that of a leader. Vata dosha type promotes a vivacious energy and an ability to learn without difficulty also forget easily. Individuals of the Vata Prakriti are alert and enthusiastic. They are good at multi-tasking and always seem to be busy. Balanced digestion & elimination; excellent circulation, even body temperature, ability to fall asleep comfortably and the inability to gain weight quickly are some other traits of the Vata Dosha.
With the characteristics that relate to that of movement, Vata predominant has the tendency to be too warm and on the same time, too cold. So typically, Vata loves heat, warm sunny days and warm shower.
Symptoms of Vata Imbalance
When Vata goes out of balance, these are clear indications of an excess for the vata type:
- Feeling cold in even room temperature
- Headache & other General Pains
- Restlessness & Confusion
- Fatigue & Dizziness
- Loss of strength
- Lack of Focus
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Gas formation
- Rough & dry skin
- Wanting to run away
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Joint pain, Cramps & Stiffness
- Excessive actions and/ or talking
- Nervousness, agitation or impatience
Pressuring a person with imbalanced Vata is likely to cause an effect opposite of what you may desire.
Balancing Vata
- Keep calm & be regular in your routine to take on anything that comes your way.
- Stay warm to settle the whirling mind.
- Warm the body from the inside and out.
- Increase quality rest along with a blissful sleep
- Meditate & perform yoga to calm the mind & bring your body into balance, creating a sense of feeling grounded.
- Balance your digestion through daily elimination else the imbalance manifests cramps, constipation, gas etc
- Regularly eat cooked meals to stay grounded. Favour warm, sweet, sour, and salty tastes. Reduce cold, dry, bitter and astringent tastes.
- Soothe dry skin through daily abhyanga ayurvedic massage with organic sesame or moisturizing herbal oil.
You may also like to read : Boost your digestion the Ayurvedic way
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