Comprised of Air and Space Elements: Creating Wind

Think of MOVEMENT. An individual with Vata governance tends to be always moving, going, traveling. These individuals enjoy change. They often skip meals as times they are ravenous and times not hungry at all.

In balance, an individual governed by Vata tends to be vivacious, talkative, quick thinking and active, with a small bone structure and thin body. But, with wind blowing through your body, imbalance can occur. Imbalanced Vata can lead to dry skin, cold hands/feet, restless mind, difficulty focusing and staying on task, neck and body discomfort, ‘band-like’ headaches, adrenal issues, difficulty falling asleep, worried mind and/or constipation. Vata discomfort may have a tendency to be in a specific location of the neck and head. The key is to understand your nature, birth state (Prakriti) and how imbalanced your current state is, known as Vikruti.

You may be a Pitta type at birth (Prakriti), but have been moving and going too much over the last few years, thus developed a Vata imbalance (Vikruti). Vata pacifying herbals, foods and exercise can bring you into balance again.

How Vata Are You?

Take the Dosha Quiz to find out how much Vata imbalance you have!
Receive supplement and dietary suggestions, along with yoga poses that balance the Vata state.

Take the Dosha Quiz

DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VATA

This state leads to feeling cold and dry; with too much movement element. Think of “Wind blowing through and around you”

  • No cold foods or cold drinks, favor warm drinks (teas) and warm foods. Never drink ICE cold water. Lukewarm is good, warm is better. Avoid raw vegetables as much as possible.
    WHY? Because it increases cold state. Keep liquids at least an hour away from eating food so you body focuses on digesting foods. Few sips of lukewarm or warm liquid during a meal is fine, but not more than that!
  • Eat your meals at the SAME TIME each day. Never skip a meal.
    WHY? Because it increases movement state.
  • Lunch should be your biggest meal, ideally between 11:30am -1pm
    WHY? Vata digestion is irregular and during the lunch hours, digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid release is at the highest, thus you have the greatest opportunity to digest your meals well during this time. Heavier foods such as meats, should be eating during lunch.
  • Bedtime should be 10pm (and no later) nightly.
    WHY? Because 10pm -2 AM is Pitta time, the time of metabolism and detoxification. Foods and thoughts get processed and cleansed during this time. We need to be sleeping during this time so we wake up with a clear mind and body.
  • Consider Restorative Yoga, gentle walking, meditation or breath work to calm, ground and center
    you.
  • Do not over schedule yourself.
    Give yourself time to relax and unwind each day. Turn cell phones and technology off for at least 1-2 hours before bedtime to allow for a deeper, more restful sleep.