All About Vata

Vata-type people are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Because of this, Vatas have very little energy reserve and can tire easily and get themselves out of balance. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, stay warm, and keep a regular lifestyle routine.

The Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion, and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation, cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata imbalance.

The most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas. Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well.

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Vata & Stress

Ojas is an Ayurvedic word that refers to our life energy. Translated, it means “vigor.” Stress greatly reduces ojas, which then weakens the immune system. When ojas is low, disease can follow.

To replenish ojas, follow the routine for your mind/body type. Some foods, such as milk and ghee, are especially good for increasing ojas. Meditation is the best thing you can to alleviate stress and thereby increase ojas.

Vata Tea is calming and soothes the nerves. It is delicious with a little bit of brown sugar.

Vata & Digestion

Ayurveda teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning your meals.

Vata digestion varies and can be delicate. Vatas should favor warm foods with moderately heavy textures. Foods should include salty, sour, and sweet tastes.

Print the Vata Diet Info Sheet

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Vata & Sleep

Vata mind/body types often have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Their minds are active, imaginative, and restless and may be hard to quiet down at night. Vata mind/body types need a lot of sleep or they become groggy and ineffective.

Ayurveda recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine. Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M. The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and proceed with your daily rituals.

Vata Tea (containing the herbs licorice, ginger, cardamon and cinnamon) is calming and aids in a good night’s sleep.

Moisturizing Massage Oil for Vata followed by a warm bath or shower is also very relaxing and will help get you to sleep.

Vata & Colds

The cold winter months, November through February are the Vata season in Ayurveda. This is the time when Vata is more likely to become out of balance and result in a cold or flu. Ayurveda traditionally recommends a routine for each season to maintain balance during that season. Of course, you should follow your own daily Ayurvedic plan, but make adjustments to fit with the season. To balance Vata, it is important to keep warm. Eat warm foods, especially foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. Drink Vata Tea.

Vata colds generally include a dry cough, hoarseness, or laryngitis. A few drops of warmed sesame oil can be rubbed in the nasal passage to help soothe it. A Vata diet should be followed.

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Vata Ayurveda Products

See all Vata products on MAPI here