Vata Dosha

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
The senses, creative thinking, reasoning, enthusiasm, leader of all 15 categories of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Udana Vata
Quality of voice, memory, movements of thought
Samana Vata
Movement of food through digestive tract
Apana Vata
Elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle
Vyana Vata
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 Ayurveda 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

To learn more about the different types of Dosha, try my Dosha Guide