About Vata dosha

 ♦ Vata's characteristics ♦ Vata symptoms ♦ How to balance Vata

Characteristics
Physical Vata types have a long, thin or small face, the skin can be dull, the eyes and lips are small. Vatas are often tall or short. The body is thin in relation to height, with an under-developed physique. Vata people easily lose weight and find it hard to keep weight on.
Appetite Variable, erratic, erratic mealtimes, may snack, can feel fearful when hungry.
Stools Dry, small, dark, hard, can be difficult to pass, can come at irregular times. Tends to gas (flatulence) and constipation (often doesn’t have a bowel movement every day). The constipation can be chronic.
Menstruation The cycle can be 24–27 days with a flow that is light and irregular. The blood may be dark. Flow lasts two to four days. There may be fatigue, sharp pains and cramps before the flow starts and during it. NOTE: when Vata is in balance, the cycle is regular (although can be less than 28 days) with no PMS.
Mental Likes change and stimulation.
Negative tendencies Worry, anxiety, fear, erratic, fickle, unorganised, gets nervous, false enthusiasm, moods change quickly, forgets things quickly. Over-exerts and tires quickly, mental and physical energy comes in bursts, finds it hard to rest, relax and be still, mentally and physically. Loves movement and activity.
Positive tendencies Artistic, enthusiastic, flexible, adaptable, open to change, creative, good imagination, communicative, quick to grasp new information. Has a desire to help others through sharing and communication. 

Vata symptoms
If you're a Vata type, you have more of the wind and space elements in your make-up. You will tend to get Vata-type ailments such as dryness (in skin, stool, eyes, etc), constipation, gas, bloating, stiff joints or muscles, arthritis, weight loss, menstrual pain, menstrual irregularity, worry, anxiety, fearfulness and nervous system disorders. Vata's main symptom is pain.
IMPORTANT: Vata dosha can also become aggravated in a Kapha or Pitta person, causing Vata illnesses. Then the guidance of a practitioner is needed. Contact us to make an appointment. 

How to balance Vata
Vata dosha is dry, light, rough, cold and erratic. Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle that like increases like, Vata people should avoid foods and activities that are dry, light, rough, cold and erratic. That includes cold weather, wind and draughts, cold emotions like anxiety, erratic or jarring exercise such as running, cold foods and drinks, and foods that are raw, rough or dry (e.g. salads, cold cereal, biscuits, crackers, crisps).

Vata is balanced by regularity. Introduce regularity to your bedtime, mealtimes, and all habits. Have regular Ayurvedic oil massage, as oil and heat are one of the best therapies for Vata. Eat soothing, heavy, warming and nourishing foods, like cooked wholegrains, vegetables, dairy and fruit, and soups and herbal teas. Have warm baths, rest and relax, practise deep breathing and meditation, and do mild exercise like yoga, tai chi, walks in nature, and non-strenuous cycling and swimming especially in natural surroundings. Avoid excess multimedia stimulation, especially in the last few hours before bedtime. Chill out!