What is Vata
VATA: The Vata dosha is made up of the elements ether and air. The qualities of ether and air are cold, light, dry, unstable, and mobile. When our physical body is made up of mostly ether and air (Vata) it looks like this:
Personality And Physical Characteristics Vata:
- Long, thin bones or very short, thin bones
- Kinky, curly hair or course hair that’s dark in color
- Long, oval shaped face
- Thin, dry skin
- Small, thin lips
- Crooked, gray teeth
- Hard to gain weight
- If they do gain weight it is usually around the stomach area
- Less appetites
- Fast talker that jumps from subject to subject
- General coldness in the body
- Early wrinkles
- Artist or highly creative individual
- Likes to be the center of attention
- Loves travel, Prefers warm, moist climates
- Most diseases of the western world stem from having too much Vata (ether and air) in our bodies. This is because Vata increases as we age and we do many activities that create air in the body without balancing it.
Causes For Vata Vitiation In The Body:
- Excessive Travel
- Watching television
- Computer work
- Eating on the go
- Eating too fast
When Vata goes out of balance in the body meaning that the ether and air qualities within the body are high than you see:
Effects Of Vata Imbalance:
- Insomnia
- Dry skin
- Worry, anxiety and fear
- Constipation
- Scattered mind
- Forgetfulness
- Hair falls
- Painful joints
- Tremors or uncontrollable shaking
- Cold hands and feet
- Loss of appetite
Long term illness related to high Vata includes neurologic disorders. You can avoid any or all of the above out of balance conditions using Ayurveda. Ayurveda uses qualities that are opposite to the qualities of the elements. For example, ether and air have the qualities of cold, light, dry and mobile. Ayurveda treats someone with too much of these qualities using heat, heavy, moist and stable therapies. Ayurveda uses only natural ways of balancing the body. When you treat naturally you create harmony within the body and the condition goes away without coming back. Once harmony is within the body you will continue to be on good health. Simply through adjusting diet and lifestyle you can take care of most Vata conditions.
