![]() Vata is said to exist below the naval and the lower part of the body. Ashtanga Ayurveda considers the human body to be composed of five elements - space, air, fire, water and earth, which are collectively termed as the Pancha Mahabhutas. From these elements originate the three bodily humours or doshas - Vata, pitta and kapha. These three administer all the physical and mental functions of the body and thus are necessary for good health, vitality and immunity. Characteristics of Vata Dosha People who have vata type of constitution are usually physically active and thin. Their skin and hair are dry and joints are prominent. Under stressful conditions, they tend to lose their decision-making power and become insecure, fearful and anxious. They are light sleepers and prefer warm climate. The vata people are characterised by immense creativity and enthusiasm. Their digestive system, particularly the colon is vulnerable and often gives rise to problems. The renowned Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, precisely lays down the characteristics of Vata Dosha: dry and rough (rookshaha), light or lacking weight (laghuhu), cool (sheetoha), always moving (chalota), unbounded (vishadaha) and rough (kharaha). ![]() Types of Vata Dosha Vata Doshas are of five types, namely; pran vata dosha, apan vata dosha, saman vata dosha, vyan vata dosha and udan vata dosha. Remedies for Vata Dosha Vata Dosha is stimulated by pungent, bitter and acidic food products and weakened by sweet, sour and salty tasting foods. Ashtanga Ayurveda recommends sweet, sour or salty food to a person with Vata personality. These people should refrain from watching too much television or from rushing around doing many things at the same time because these activities stimulate vata. Deficiency of vata in the body leads to uneasiness, languor and loss of consciousness while vata excess is responsible for thinness of the body, dark complexion, roughness of the voice, desire for heat, hard stool, insomnia, throbbing sensation and weakness. Apart from these, the vitiation of vata can cause swelling in the abdomen and rumbling sound in the intestines. Thus people in whom vata dosha dominates, Ashtanga Ayurveda suggests proper diet and various Yoga therapies. |
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Vata Dosha