We speak of a Vata Ayurveda type when the Vata Dosha is predominant in a person. For the quite airy and creative Vata type to remain healthy and not excessively overexert itself, several special health tips are recommended.

Since birth, every human being has had an individual combination of the three Doshas (life forces): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This constitution – also called an Ayurveda type – is extremely important in Ayurvedic medicine.

In Ayurveda, the most basic building blocks of the material world are the five elements: ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth.

• Vata is characterized by the mobile nature of Wind (Air) energy.
• Pitta embodies the transformative nature of Fire energy.
• And Kapha reflects the binding nature of Water energy.

Each dosha has a unique personality determined by its particular combination of elements and qualities.

Each dosha naturally governs specific physiological functions:

• Vata Primary Functions is Movement and Communication.

The Vata Dosha contains the properties of the elements ether and air. Vata is responsible for our energy and movement as well as for nerve impulses. Breath, speech, circulation, and digestion are all the manifestation of Vata.

Character of the Vata Type

We experience people with a dominant Vata as enthusiastic, light, and creative. They are quick-witted and open to new experiences. Additionally, they are active and like to move. We like their easiness but not their forgetfulness.

Vata people love music and dance. They can relax well when listening to classical music, enjoy warm and gentle oil massages and can forget themselves and the world in the process. A cozy ambience and soft fabrics such as silk, silk-wool blend, and cotton on the skin provide for basic inner balance. The rooms they live in should radiate warmth and comfort. An easy chair or sofa with a soft fleece blanket helps them to relax quickly.

Their spontaneity sometimes leads people with a Vata constitution to rash, meaningless money expenditures. If, on the other hand, Vata people live in equilibrium, they remain vibrant, friendly and creative beings for their entire lives. They are closely connected to the spiritual, which is why meditation is easy for them, as long as they take the time for it.

The Vata dosha is said to made up of the air and ether elements. This means that it has qualities that are similar to these elements. Vata is very much like the wind – it is light, cool, dry, and mobile. In the body, those people with a Vata nature experience more of these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin, and the skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. When out of balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in their immune and nervous systems.

These qualities are also reflected in the personality. Those with a Vata nature tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. Yes, when out of balance, they may also become easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or making decisions, and have trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions like worry, fear, and anxiety.

In order to bring balance to Vata, programs are designed that emphasize the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (nourishment), moistness, and stability.

In the diet, this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains, such as rice and cooked vegetables, as well as the intake of warm milk with spices. Pungent herbs like ginger, that increase internal hear and nourishing herbs, like Ashwaganda, bring balance to Vata. Warming and calming essential oils like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, rose, orange, patchouli, and lavender may be helpful.

Physical Characteristics of the Vata Type
Vata types are usually very small or very large people. Their stature is rather delicate and sinewy, like that of marathon runners or models.

Vata people tend to have thinner skin, fuzzy hair, and tooth irregularities. Their eyes are usually small and move quickly back and forth. In the summer, the sun turns people with dominant Vata turn deep brown, which causes even more damage to their skin that is already prone to early aging.

Typical Vata Disorders
Vata types can get restless and forget to eat, which can hurt their frequently changing digestion even more. Because of their activity on many different levels, they tend to have sleep disorders.

If Vata types remain out of balance for an extended period of time, anxiety and nervousness may occur. If they live an irregular life, they can tend to have rheumatoid arthritis and other joint problems.

Health Tips for Vata Types
If Vata is predominant in the personal constitution, fasting should be avoided. Strenuous physical exertion and working in air-conditioned rooms should also be avoided, as well as strong chiropractic treatments. Vata types should try to stay in warm and humid locations to create a quiet, safe, and comfortable environment.

Oil baths, regularity, good food and beverages, and consistent peace and quiet are healing for the Vata type. In particular, gentle and relaxing massages with Bai 85 Mahanarayan oil, classical music, dance, and Osho meditations are recommended.

The Best Diet for Vata Types
One nutrition rule applies above all others for Vata types: “Eat hot meals at regular times.” Such a rhythm will be very good for your digestion.

The Qualitative Nature of the Vata Dosha

The dosha is characterized by a collection of qualities that support its particular energetic:

Vata – Dry, Light, Cold, Rough, Subtle, Mobile and Clear.

Vata Food Supplements

Avoid:
Barley green
Brewer’s yeast

Vitamins: K

Favour:
Aloe vera juice
Bee pollen
Amino acids

Minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc

Royal jelly
Spirolina
Blue-green algae

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D,
E, P (bioflavonoids) and Folic Acid

Click here to see the Food Guidelines…

Disclaimer

The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.