Vata Dosha
As one of the oldest medical systems in the world, Ayurveda follows a holistic approach to health and wellness. It prioritizes the prevention of illnesses by enforcing a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Even in the case of an illness, Ayurvedic medicinal wisdom resorts to more natural yet effective ways of treatment. It is believed that all living things, including humans, are comprised of five basic elements of nature. These five elements, also known as Panchamahabhootas, are Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Space. Humans are believed to be made up of the same five elements. The nature of these elements is believed to be determined at the time of birth. These five elements govern the proper functioning of the body and consciousness. As long as these five elements are in order, good health prevails. All illnesses and disorders are a result of an imbalance in these constituent elements. Ayurveda refers to such imbalances as Dosha. It further goes on to classify these doshas into Pitta (fire and water) dosha, Vata (space and air) dosha, and Kapha (water and ether) dosha.
What is the Vata dosha?
The Vata dosha is the most commonly occurring. Vata is made up of space and air. It affects some of the most basic yet vital functions in the human body. It affects the functioning of the brain and other organs. Both voluntary and involuntary movements are influenced by the Vata dosha. Some of these include eye movements, breathing, blood circulation, respiration, digestion, and excretion. Any vitiation in the Vata is likely to harm one or more of these vital functions. If the Vata dosha remains out of balance for a long time, it is also likely to hamper the balance of the other two doshas, namely, Kapha and Pitta.
Gunas of Vata
In Ayurveda, Guna refers to quality and characteristics. Since Vata is comprised of the air and the space mahabhootas (elements), it is known for several qualities that help in the identification of this dosha.
The qualities (guna) of Vata are:
- Light
- Dry
- Rough
- Clear
- Cold
- Active and mobile
- Acidic and bitter to taste
The opposite qualities (gunas) are:
- Heavy
- Moist
- Smooth
- Sticky
- Slow
- Warm
- Stable
- Salty, sweet, and sour
In order to restore an aggravated Vata, one needs to consume foods that have the opposite gunas. This is an effective way of restoring the Vata balance in the body. Apart from the dietary changes, one can include Ayurvedic herbs and herbal preparations that are known to restore Vata balance and reduce inflammation in the body.
Identifying the Vata Body
As stated earlier, the nature of the five elements (panchamahabhootas) is determined at the time of birth. This not only determines the Prakriti of the person but also the dominant dosha. Vata dosha exists when the space and air elements exist in greater prominence in comparison to the other elements. Due to the presence of many salient features, it is possible to differentiate among the three body types, i.e., the Vata body, the Kapha body, and the Pitta body.
The characteristics of the Vata body include:
- Straight body shapes
- Limbs are slim and bony.
- Tendency to gain weight in the middle
- Thin and dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Small eyes
- Highly sensitive to cold
- Irregular and/or abnormal appetite
- Highly prone to stress and exhaustion, especially in the late afternoon.
In addition to these physical characteristics and qualities, people dominated by the Vata dosha are also known to be highly creative, enthusiastic, active, and full of ideas. They are sharp learners and, therefore, wise. They prefer to stay connected to nature. When the Vata dosha is balanced, it encourages passion and alertness. A stable Vata is also known to promote sound sleep. Most sleeping disorders are often a result of a vitiated Vata.
An imbalanced Vata can be the reason behind an array of commonly occurring problems, such as:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Rough and dry skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Frequent headaches
- Back pain and pain in joints
Dominating Time of Vata
According to Ayurveda, the 24 hours of a day are affected by the three doshas. Vata, governed by space and air, represents the time of transition between day and night. Therefore, the time between 2 AM/PM and 6 AM/PM is dominated by Vata.
Apart from this, various factors determine the dominating time of Vata. Such as:
- Vata is known to dominate in the later years of life. This explains why some Vata-induced problems, such as joint pain and weakness, are more prominent in the elderly.
- Vata is generally dominant in the third after meals.
- Since Vata represents the time of transition, it dominates during the transition between seasons, particularly between autumn and winter.
- Vata is generally found to be aggravated during the night and balanced during the day.
Causes of Vata imbalance
Numerous factors are responsible for the Vata dosha falling out of balance. In order to restore this balance, it is important to identify the causes that led to the vitiation of Vata, as learning about these causes and patterns can prove to be of immense help before one starts to follow corrective measures. Some common factors responsible for Vata imbalance include:
- Exertion due to physical activities such as travelling and walking.
- Excessive worrying, stress, and anger.
- Surgery
- Childbirth often leads to a Vata imbalance in women.
- Lack of sleep due to an irregular schedule.
- Staying active at night.
- Suppression of natural desires and urges.
- A dry, rough, and raw diet.
- Eating at irregular intervals and excessive fasting.
- Consumption of bitter, dry, and cold foods in excess.
Symptoms of Vata Imbalance
An imbalanced Vata gives rise to several problems. However, most of these problems do not appear overnight. Vata imbalance is easily recognizable with the help of initial symptoms. When left unchecked, these symptoms may aggravate and manifest into various diseases. The most commonly occurring symptoms include gastric disorders and inflammation. Some of the commonly occurring symptoms of Vata imbalance are:
- Constipation
- Flatulence and abdominal discomfort
- Dehydration
- Rough, dry, and sensitive skin
- Body aches and joint pains
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Weakness
- Frequent dizziness
- Chronic fatigue
- Lack of sleep and poor quality of sleep
Balancing Vata with Diet
An imbalance in doshas can often be attributed to the accumulation of ama or toxins in the body. This interferes with the prakriti and disrupts the balance. The first and most vital step towards restoring this balance involves making better choices in both diet and lifestyle. Food, in particular, determines the overall health. In order to balance Vata, one needs to consume foods with Vata-pacifying gunas. More importantly, one must avoid foods that are known to aggravate Vata.
Foods to consume
- Consume foods that are naturally sweet, sour, and salty to taste.
- Warm, freshly cooked meals.
- Eat whole foods and grains.
- Include legumes, pulses, and tofu in your diet.
- Consume Vata-pacifying spices such as ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cumin.
- Drink plenty of warm fluids.
- Include desi ghee in your diet in moderation.
Food to avoid
- Avoid foods that are bitter, astringent, and pungent in taste.
- Avoid dry, light and airy foods such as popcorn.
- Do not consume raw foods in the mornings and evenings.
- Cold soy products
- All processed foods, such as refined flour and polished sugar.
- Do not consume milk with meals. Milk is best consumed warm.
- Frozen and canned foods.
- Carbonated and cold beverages.
- Caffeine is best avoided. However, it can be consumed in moderation.
- Avoid fresh fruit and fruit juices.
- Fried and greasy food.
- Avoid alcohol.
Another important thing that needs attention is that the food that is consumed is at the right time and has been cooked in the right way. Listed hereunder are the dos and don’ts that should be followed in order to restore the Vata balance.
Do’s
- Meals should be taken on time and at regular intervals.
- Eat your meals in a calm place.
- Practice low-impact exercises such as yoga and meditation.
Don’ts
- Avoid overeating.
- Avoid cold foods.
- Do not drink cold milk.
- Avoid drinking milk with your meals.
- Avoid intense workouts.
Curing Diseases Caused by Vata Imbalance
Most commonly occurring diseases that appear over time as a result of a dosha imbalance are curable and manageable with the help of medicinal Ayurvedic herbs and spices. Ayurveda relies on nature to cure diseases. Ayurvedic supplements work by restoring the balance of doshas. They are highly effective in restoring the balance of dosha by promoting detoxification. When combined with a Vata-pacifying diet, these ayurvedic formulations heal the body from within and promote optimum health.
Mentioned hereunder are some of the common diseases that occur due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, along with the remedial herbs and medicinal preparations that are likely to be helpful in their treatment and management.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the bones and joints. In Ayurveda, it is known as Amavata. It is caused due to an aggravated Vata. It is more common in the elderly and gets worse in cold weather. Herbs and spices which have been proven to be effective in the treatment and management of Rheumatoid Arthritis include garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. These aid in the removal of Ama and restore the Vata balance.
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Constipation
Constipation is the most commonly occurring side effect of Vata dosha. Apart from increasing the consumption of fibrous foods, one needs to follow a vata pacifying diet in order to avoid and cure constipation.
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Insomnia
Insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep, is often caused due to excessive stress. Vata governs various aspects of the human mind and controls numerous functions. Mood and sleep are two of the most affected aspects in the event of an imbalance in the Vata dosha. It may lead to erratic sleeping patterns and poor quality of sleep. It can be managed by reducing stress and using natural sleeping aids in the form of Ayurvedic supplements that are known to promote sound sleep.
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Chest pain
Chest pain can occur for a number of underlying reasons. It can be due to gastric discomfort, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, or even panic. However, more often than not, Vata dosha is responsible for chest pain. The circulatory system in the body gets obstructed due to the accumulation of toxins. This is further aggravated by an imbalanced Vata.
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Asthma
Asthma is caused due to Kapha and Vata doshas. Vata induced asthma is caused due to exertion and excessive physical activity. As a remedial measure, high-intensity activities should be avoided. Yoga and pranayama are likely to be helpful in the management of Vata-induced asthma, in addition to the Ayurvedic supplements.
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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain and discomfort are caused due to bloating and indigestion. These are caused due to inflammation brought on by Vata aggravating foods such as cold and processed foods. It can be avoided by following a Vata pacifying diet which includes warm and freshly cooked whole foods.
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Tachycardia
The term Tachycardia is used to refer to an irregular and rapid heartbeat. It is generally caused due to weakness, old age, and exertion. Tachycardia worsens in the event of an aggravated Vata, as an imbalance in the air and space elements in the body obstructs the circulatory system. It can be managed by following a Vata-pacifying diet and lifestyle.
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Eye pain
An imbalance in the Vata dosha is known to have an adverse effect on ophthalmological health. It causes dryness in the eyes, which causes redness, itching, and general discomfort. If left unchecked, it can also have an adverse effect on eyesight.
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Dry Skin and Hair
Dry skin, dandruff, dry hair, and brittle nails are common complaints among people suffering from aggravated Vata. Dryness can also cause the skin to become sensitive and irritated, particularly in colder months. It can be overcome by staying warm and moisturizing. In addition, dietary changes help a great deal in managing dry skin and hair.
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All of these Ayurvedic supplements are made using 100% pure and natural herbs and spices that work by restoring the balance of doshas due to their therapeutic effect. They are highly effective in restoring the balance of dosha by encouraging the removal of toxins. When combined with a Vata pacifying diet and lifestyle, these ayurvedic formulations heal the body from within, strengthen the immune system, and promote optimum health.
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