Dosha: Vata

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:

Some of the bodily functions ruled by Vata Dosha are:

• physical movement
• respiration
• starts 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 routine or irregular mealtimes
• going to bed late
• 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:

• a regular daily routine, including sleep and meal times
• regular relaxation
• warm nourishing foods with sweet, sour and salty tastes
• moderate alcohol intake
• keeping warm in cold weather
• Ayurvedic massages