The Three Ayurvedic Doshas: Vata Dosha

Vata is one of three ayurvedic doshas or constitutions. A dosha is a categorization of elements within the practice of Ayurveda. Often referred to as the sister science of yoga, Ayurveda utilizes five different elements found in nature to bring balance to your body and mind. These five elements are fire, water, air, ether, and earth. Vata dosha is comprised of the elements air and ether and has rough, cold, dry, and light qualities. In order to balance out Vata, you need to incorporate warming movement practices, hearty, moist food, and routine into your lifestyle.

Vata in Body & Mind

The doshas are often used to categorize people, foods, seasons, and lifestyle activities. When used to categorize people and their personalities, the doshas have the following qualities;

Vata Body Type:

When someone is dominant in vata dosha, it means they have more air and ether within them. They are typically slim in stature and range from the extreme of being taller or shorter than average. The largest factor to keep in mind with vata body types is irregularity. Having long limbs, a short torso, various colored eyes, etc. are all qualities of vata dosha.

Furthermore, when you bring into consideration the qualities of the elements air and ether, these qualities can often be seen on the exterior body. For example, dry, cool skin, and sharp features in the face or major joints are all physical manifestations of these elemental qualities.

Vata Digestion:

In true vata fashion, the digestive system of vata-dominant people tends to be irregular. Vata people don’t usually wake up feeling hungry so they often skip breakfast and fuel with coffee or tea instead. Thier low appetite is due to the excess of the element air which puts out the fire element associated with the body’s digestive system. Vatas love to feel light and their fluctuating energy throughout the day inhibits them from eating regular meals. This also encourages them to depend on coffee and other warm, energizing beverages to help them get through their day.

Despite vatas desire to remain light and spontaneous, their digestive fire thrives best with regular meals consisting of warm, hearty foods. cutting out excess sugar and caffeine helps maintain a balanced level of energy throughout the day and prevents the body from drying out. Having a small breakfast before drinking any coffee or tea, eating an early, hearty lunch, and enjoying a soothing, small dinner 2-3 hours before sleep is the ideal schedule for optimal digestion.

Vata Personality:

Similar to how the elements of vata manifest in the physical body vata elements also affect the mind. Those dominant in Vata tend to be anxious, lack concentration, and are spontaneous. It’s common for vata-minded people to have a hard time making decisions and following through with their projects or promises. This is not because vata people intend to be flakey, they tend to overcommit due to their excitement for new projects but forget to take into account their fluctuating energy patterns.

Continuing with true vata fashion, vata-dominant people are either overly chatty or don’t speak much at all. They can appear to be spacey at times due to an active imagination, because of this, vata individuals are creative. In balance, a vata individual is compassionate, sensitive, intuitive, and light-hearted.

Vata Dosha Overview

Overall, the qualities of vata dosha are light, dry, cool, and extreme. Oftentimes, vata individuals are thin with irregular proportions. They may have light or dense bones with narrow shoulders and hips. Their digestion is irregular and their energy tends to fluctuate throughout the day. In order to find balance in their diet, consuming warm, oily, hearty foods maintain their regular digestive fire.

Similarly to their body, vata people tend to have fluctuating minds. It is difficult for most vatas to concentrate or follow through on their tasks. They can be overly talkative and anxious or quiet and spacey. When their in balance, vatas are highly creative and in tune with their natural energetic rhythms. They are compassionate, light-hearted, intuitive, and sensitive.