In the human body, vata dosha is the intelligent cosmic force that manages the elements of air and ether. Similar to these two elements, vata dosha has no particular size or shape. Although invisible, vata is responsible for transporting prana, breath, food, water, blood, lymph, hormones, wastes, thoughts, speech, emotions, sense inputs and outputs and nerve impulses. All pulsations, rhythms, metabolic processes, communications and expressions move through vata dosha. While each rhythm is different, balanced vata controls and synchronizes all tempos and cycles, and creates physical and mental vigour.

In the physical body, the “home” of vata dosha is the colon. Other important locations include the ears (and sense of hearing), skin (sense of touch), bones and the nervous tissues including the brain. In their physical characteristics those born with vata dominance tend to be naturally fine-framed and light in musculature, with prominent joints, veins and tendons. The eyes are often dry, recessed or twitchy, and teeth crooked and possibly large, small or protruding. Given the tendency of wind to be erratic, the expression of ears, nose, tongue or feet for example, may be large, small, crooked, curved or irregular.

As they are dry and cool already (due to their dominance of the dry, cold elements of air and ether), vata-dominant types tend to feel the cold, have cold hands or feet, and are especially aggravated in dry, cold, windy seasons. Signs of high vata or vata imbalance can be seen in dry, cracked, rough skin, hair, lips, tongue or throat; hoarse voice; hiccups; ringing ears, noise sensitivity, balance issues; muscular stiffness; cracking joints; painful arthritis; flatulence, bloating, sensitive digestion, dry constipation; nervousness and chronic anxiety. When it comes to nutrition, the appetite and thirst of vata types are often variable.

In balance, the dominant air and ether elements in vata types support a clear, alert, creative mind that enjoys action and change. Curiosity, adaptability, generosity are common traits. Mentally, vata individuals can understand quickly, but may also daydream and quickly forget. They can be good at initiating tasks, but poor at focusing and completing. Too much air and ether can create mindless chatter and mental scatter, emotional insecurity, fear, anxiety, nervousness, phobias and cyclic depression.

Apply the Ayurvedic dictum like increases like to balance vata’s dry, light, cold, rough qualities. Avoid or eat the following sparingly:

Spicy, bitter, and astringent-tasting foods

Dry foods such as popcorn, crackers, chips, dry cereals, biscuits; frozen and dehydrated foods; un-soaked nuts and dried fruit

Cold foods and drinks from the fridge or containing ice

Frozen foods including processed meals and fresh meals that have been frozen

Gas-forming foods such as cabbage, dried beans and peanuts

Raw foods, especially in cold seasons (always use oily/creamy dressings)

Stimulating substances such as black tea, coffee and refined sugar

Apply the Ayurvedic dictum opposites reduce and choose a regular meal pattern of moist, warm, soft, easy-to-digest foods. Emphasize:

Local, seasonal foods that are naturally sweet/bland, sour or salty in taste.

Moist, unctuous, freshly cooked foods such as whole grain porridges, root vegetables, soups, stews, kitchari, gravies, omelets and custards.

Fresh, pre-soaked or lightly roasted seeds and nuts such as almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, pine nuts; nut milks and pastes.

Fresh, organic milk from cows, goats, almonds, coconut and rice (Warm and add spices; sweeten if desired).

Natural yogurt and sweet/salt/spiced lassi.

Ghee, or oils of sesame, peanut (ground nut), avocado, coconut or olive in cooking, and over fresh and cooked dishes.

Unrefined cane sugars and syrups, jaggery, molasses, dates, a little honey.

Warming, digestive spices such as garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, cloves, coriander, cumin, turmeric, asafoetida, fenugreek, and rock salt.

Pickled vegetables and chutneys.

Warm fluids including water; lemon water; milk; broths; herbal teas of cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, orange, lemon, mint, rosemary, anise and chamomile.

Fresh fruit/vegetable juices.

Lifestyle Guidelines for Vata Dosha

Stay warm; avoid cold, windy conditions.

Eat three regular meals within a regular daily routine.

Sleep early (ideally by 10:00 p.m.), and for 8 to 9 hours.

Rise at least 30 minutes before dawn.

Ensure you open the bowels daily.

Spend time in tranquil, protected environments.

Regularly massage the body with warm sesame, peanut (groundnut) or almond oil, then dress warmly and in 20 minutes take a warm shower; or if evening, oil and go to bed.

Breathe calmly and deeply. Morning and evening prioritize 5 to 10 minutes of alternate nostril breathing (Nadi shodan).

Take walks in the early morning.

Enjoy gentle yoga postures that stimulate the pelvic area, involve balance, and cultivate stillness, grace and body and breath awareness.