The major concept in Ayurveda is the concept of tri-energies. This concept revolves around the three major components of the world – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Of this, Vata symbolizes motion. It depicts movement of the body and the physiological process of elimination or expelling the waste materials out from the body. It also has a role to play in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system. Most importantly, Vata has influencing action on other doshas as well. It is considered to be the leader of all the three principles. This is because; Kapha and Pitta are unable to move without Vata at all. Vata is the main governing energy, which focuses on the movement of body as well as mind.
Characteristics of Vata
Some of the major characteristics and qualities of Vata are as follows:
- Light
- Cold
- Dry
- Rough
- Irregular
- Quick
- Moving
- Changeable
Physical Characteristics of Vata
Some of the major physical characteristics of individuals having predominant Vata are as follows:
- Light, excellent and thin frame of agility
- Dry hair and skin
- Fatigue
- Cold feet and hands
- Not deep sleep
- Sensitive digestion
Emotional Characteristics of Vata
- New excitement and experience
- Gets angry quickly
- Easily forgives
- Energetic
- Flexible and creative
- Loves to initiate a process and lead it
- Lively conversations
Characteristics When Vata Goes out of Balance
Vata, being the leader among the tri-energies, it needs to maintain a perfect balance.
The various characteristics, which portray the above situations, when Vata goes out of balance, are the following:
- Weight loss
- Hypertension
- Constipation
- Arthritis
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- Digestion related problems
- Insomnia
- Anxiousness
- Worries
- Dry skin
- Agitation
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort in joints
- Forgetfulness
When a perfect balance in maintained in individuals with balanced Vata characteristics, he has a lean body and experiences an enthusiastic and lively life.
Recommended Diet for Pacifying Vata
- Dairy products – Any dairy product pacifies Vata. Boil milk and drink the warm milk. However, do not consume milk after having a full meal.
- Consume a large quantity of food. But, maintain the limit. It must not exceed such that you fail to digest it easily.
- Sweeteners
- Sweet and sour fruits like bananas, oranges, grapes, avocadoes, peaches, cherries, melons, plums, berries, pineapples, papayas and mangoes. Limit the consumption of light and dry fruits like pears, apples, cranberries and pomegranates.
- Vegetables like cucumbers, beets, asparagus, sweet potatoes and carrots. But, do not eat raw. Always wash and cook the vegetables properly. It is advised to reduce the consumption of cabbage and sprouts.
- Spices like cumin, cardamom, sinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and a little amount of black pepper are recommended
- Nuts
- Oils
- Beans except mung dal, tofu
- Reduce the intake of the food items, which are bitter, astringent or pungent in taste
Balancing Vata – Healthy tips in Lifestyle
Slight changes in lifestyle are required to maintain a balance between the Vata characteristics properly.
Some of them are given below:
- Abhyanga – Daily relaxing massage with Ayurvedic sesame oil or almond oil
- Maintaining a warm temperature
- Early to bed
- Sufficient rest
- Consumption of warm and oily food
- Daily elimination
- Lot of rest
- Drink seasonal meals and organic herbal tea
- Avoiding the stimulants completely
- Eat warm heavy and oily food
- Maintain a regular routine
- Do not skip between the meals
- Maintain the warmth of the body. Avoid being chilled
- Enjoy music, which imparts soothing and calming impact to the body.
- Yoga, walking, cycling, golf, light tennis, aerobics and other light exercises must be practiced on a daily basis.
- Wear warm colored clothes like pastels, brown, earth colors, and yellows.
- Favor sweet, warm and heavy aromas, which include bay, basil, lavender, pine, vanilla, citrus, cloves, cinnamon, sage
It is important to maintain stability, warmth and consistency in lives, if you have the predominant characteristic of Vata.
