Dosha Facts: Understanding the Vata Body-Type
What does DOSHA mean?
Ayurveda started in ancient India 5000 years ago, Ayurveda translated into English means ‘Science of life’ it is a healthcare system that focuses on the mind-body connection. There is an understanding that every individual has different needs even if two people have the same health problem the patient must be treated with medicine that suits them as an individual. In Ayurvedic text, there is a quote that says “One man’s medicine is another man’s poison.”
If you go to an Ayurvedic practitioner they will assess you to determine your dosha so that they can get to the root of the problem and treat you the best way possible based on your Doshic needs. Dosha means mind-body type, dosha consists of five elements that are grouped in 3 doshas. The elements that form the doshas are ether, air, fire, water and earth.
The 3 different types of Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Many people have a combination of two doshas and even though it is rare it is possible to be tri-doshic. Knowing your dosha helps you understand why you do things and why you are prone to certain health issues
Elements of the Vata Dosha
The elements of Vata are air and ether(space) vatas are known to be quite airy and dreamy, their heads are in clouds constantly coming up with new ideas. Because Vatas are a part of ether and air element they are not usually grounded to earth because they are constantly moving like the wind.
Vata are creators whose minds are so active it is easy for the come up with amazing creative ideas. When a Vata is out of balance they tend to lose interest and not finish the project they started just as quickly as they began to start a project. Vatas can be indecisive and known for changing their minds very regularly. When vatas are out of balance they find it difficult to focus and centre their minds.
Characteristics of the Vata Body-Type
Vatas generally feel cold no matter what the temperature is however people that are Vata really dislike cold environments. Unfortunately vatas are prone to suffer from poor circulation which causes them to have cold hands and feet constantly.
The physical characteristics of Vata are thin frame, small wrists, aching joints, they can be extremely tall or short, they have dry skin and hair. When Vata’s are out of balance they experience gas, bloating, insomnia, poor coordination, anxiety, forgetfulness and for vata women they are susceptible to experiencing menstrual cycle spasms. When vatas are out of balance inevitably that can put on weight and they tend to gain weight around the midsection of their body, chest and stomach area.
To balance your Vata dosha, follow a diet that is right for your dosha, Eat, Feel, Fresh written by Sahara Rose is the perfect book to guide you to eat the right foods for your dosha. Vatas need to be active to remain balanced, low-intensity workouts are best, the best exercises for vata are dancing, yoga, pilates, jumping on a rebounder, and jump-rope.
Foods that Vatas Should Stop Eating
Vatas are generally cold and dry and so they need to eat foods that counteract those qualities, foods that are warm, moist and oily. Vatas can eat many things however there are few things they must avoid vata imbalances so I put together a list of what vatas should NOT eat.
Raw Apples
Unripe Bananas
Dry Dates
Dried Fruit
Raw vegetables
Dairy made from cows
Lamb, Pork, Turkey & Venison
Palm oil, Peanut oil & Canola oil
White sugar & cane juice
The correct diet for vata body-types will change their negative qualities into qualities that will make vatas thrive. Vatas that eat raw, cold and dry food will only deplete the digestive and create an imbalance that can compromise their health. Creating a diet and routine that supports your vata dosha is the key to living a life of optimal health and wellness.
