There are three vital energies that are responsible for all the physiological and psychological functions in our body – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They are known as the three Doshas. They are a combination of the five elements: SPACE, AIR, FIRE, WATER and EARTH. 

 

Ether/Space: The field of expression from which all is manifested and into which all returns. Space is necessary for anything to grow or move. 

Air: The gaseous state. Required for all movement.

Fire: (Agni). Required for heat and transformation.

Water: The liquid state of matter required moistness, softness and nourishment.

Earth: Solid matter, represents structure, strength and stability.

 

The concept of the five elements and the three doshas provide the foundation for understanding yourself and the world around you, as the universe is constructed from and functions in accordance with their properties. When they are in a balanced state, they are responsible for stabilizing the body and are known as “Dhatus”, which means ‘to support’ or ‘to sustain’. In this state all bodily systems will function normally. When abnormal, the same three energies cause aging and illness. The literal meaning of the word “Doshas” is ‘to spoil’, ‘to ruin’ or ‘to destroy’. 

 

From day to day, the Doshas fluctuate in response to everything we are doing, from the food we eat, to our jobs and interactions with others, our thoughts and emotions, and the season and time of day. If the effect is minimal and we are in balance, we are unlikely to notice any change in our health, because the body is able to cope and adapt to the changes. If we are out of balance, the effect of the changes will be much more profound. 

 

Combinations of the elements contain physiological properties that give rise to a particular function in nature. In the physical body, Vata is the subtle energy of movement, Pitta the energy of digestion and metabolism, and Kapha the energy that forms the body's structure. 

 

The three Doshas have acquired specific qualities based on the five elements. 

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VATA

 

VATA is responsible for all movement - composed of Space and Air.

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Qualities and Effects of Vata 

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Rough (Khal) Rough, cracked skin, hair and nails, teeth, hands and feet, cracking joints. 

Dry (Ruksha) Dryness of skin, lips, tongue, dry colon (tendency for constipation), broken or hoarse voice, insomnia

Cold (Sheeta) Cold hands and feet, poor circulation, hates cold and loves heat, stiffness of muscles. 

Light (Laghu) Light muscles and bones, thin body frame, light scanty sleep, underweight, light inconsistent digestion and gait. 

Mobile (Sara) Fast walking and talking, unstable and erratic, constantly moving joints, eyes, shaky faith, mood swings, scattered mind.

Abundant (Bahul) Talkative. 

Subtle (Sukshma) Subtle fear and anxiety, minute muscle twitching and tremors.

Clear (Vishad) Clear open mind, experience void and loneliness, understands then forgets immediately. 

Astringent taste: Dry, choking sensation in the throat, gets hiccoughs, burping, and cravings for sweet, sour, salty foods. 

Brownish/black color: Dark complexion, hair and eyes, dark Vata ama on tongue.

 

Functions of Vata

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Vata regulates all movement in the body via the nervous system. It governs inspiration and exhalation and the movement of oxygen throughout the body, the beating of the heart and circulation of blood, impulses and reflexes such as blinking, swallowing, sneezing, tears, and the expression of emotions, talking, the stimulation of nerves and transmission of sensory stimuli, thoughts, emotions and creativity, muscle and tissue movement, the stimulation of digestive juices, peristalsis and movement of nutrients throughout the body, urination, elimination, ejaculation, menstruation and delivery of fetus.

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Its main site is in the colon.

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In balance, Vata types are open-minded, enthusiastic, creative, flexible and entertaining.

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Out of balance, they may experience restlessness and indecisiveness, fear, anxiety and insomnia, abnormal movements, weight loss, dryness, fatigue, arthritis and constipation. 

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Balancing Vata
 

To counterbalance the rough, dry, cold, light and mobile nature of Vata, we can use warmth, regularity and routine. Following Dinacharya/Daily routine is a must for a Vata dominant person.

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Diet: Vata types are more likely to suffer from dryness, emaciation, or wasting of tissues, therefore, require a calming, grounding and nourishing diet with plenty of warm fluids. Food should be warming, moistening and strengthening with generous amounts of healthy fats. Food should be predominantly salty, sour and sweet. Agni under the influence of Vata can be irregular in nature. Regular, or more frequent mealtimes are encouraged and fasting (without the supervision of a Practitioner) or skipping meals should be avoided. Minimize foods that have the qualities of being cold, rough, dry, light. Examples include: Cold and frozen foods, ice-cream and cold milk, cereals, raw foods and salads, popcorn, corn chips, biscuits and crackers, carbonated drinks.

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Lifestyle: Vata dominant people should focus on staying warm and calm. As sleep is likely to be on the lighter side, establish regular sleeping habits, avoiding using devices or working late into the night, going to sleep by 10pm and waking before sunrise. Self-massage/abhyanga is essential to counter dryness in the body and balance the nervous system. As energy levels can be variable with bursts of energy followed by fatigue, ensure plenty of rest, avoiding an excess of depleting activity and strenuous exercise.  Yoga is the best form of exercise for the Vata dominant types, otherwise a 15 minute evening and morning walk is good.