Dosha: Vata Body type
Air and Space
Vata Dosha is the principle of movement in all living organisms and is a combination of the elements: air and space. Vata Dosha is closely related to the nervous system.
According to Ayurveda, the main characteristics of Vata Dosha in any person are:
Characteristics can appear in the body as:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Generally quick actions, fast walking and speech, restless eyes, likes travelling, mood swings. |
| Dryness | Dry body (including skin, hair, and lips), an inclination towards constipation due to dryness. |
| Coldness | Dislike of cold weather, generally cold feet and hands, poor blood circulation. |
| Lightness | Generally underweight, thin physique (bones and muscles), light sleeper. |
| Roughness | Rough and cracked skin, nails, hair, feet, and hands. Cracking joints. |
Some of the bodily functions ruled by Vata Dosha are:
- Physical movement
- Respiration
- Initiating activities and processes in the body
- Stimulation of Agni (digestive fire)
- Excretion
- Development of the embryo
- Sensory perception
- Speech
- Hearing
- Enthusiasm
- Creativity
The imbalance created by excess Vata Dosha can be exacerbated by:
- Stress, over-exertion, or pressure
- Irregular daily routines or irregular mealtimes
- Going to bed late
- Consuming raw, cold, or dry foods
- Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, or cigarettes
- Long journeys
- Cold, windy weather, especially in autumn or winter
Vata Dosha can be balanced by:
- Establishing a regular daily routine, including consistent sleep and meal times
- Regular relaxation
- Eating warm, nourishing foods with sweet, sour, and salty tastes
- Moderating alcohol intake
- Keeping warm in cold weather
- Ayurvedic massages
