What is Vata?
Vata, often referred to as Vayu, consists of air and ether. The standard translation of Vata is “that which moves things.” Vata is the foundation of our well-being, which is why keeping this dosha in balance is vital. It’s lightweight, cold, and dry in its essence.
Vata accounts for vitality and governs all movement processes at a microcellular as well as macroscopic level – from the blinking of your eyelids to the movements of your muscles.
It is also responsible for circulation, respiration, digestion and the nervous system. Processes like blood flow, elimination, breathing, and the movement of thoughts in your mind, are also guided by Vata.
Vata is one of the basic constituencies of the human body. The equilibrium state of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha is defined as health according to the Indian system of medicine.
At Niraa Wellness, our individualised healing packages focus on Naturopathy and non-invasive therapies to treat and help manage imbalances in a better way.
Importance of Balanced Vata:
People with balanced Vata are energetic and excited about life while being alert. They can sleep well, develop a strong immune system, have a good appetite, and maintain a healthy weight. They also tend to be more flexible and they have normal movement throughout their physiology both inside and out.
On the other hand, if Vata is imbalanced, people can experience issues like constipation, hypertension, weakness, arthritis, restlessness and digestion-related problems as Vata is responsible for the entire movement inside our bodies as well. Therefore, Vata calming foods and a diet of fresh cooked meals or food that are soft & mushy are recommended by our Indian Ayurveda practices to keep the Vata balanced.
What is Vata imbalance?
Vata imbalances can be experienced by anyone, but Vata dosha dominant individuals are more vulnerable to them.
The following symptoms show an imbalance in Vata:
- Nervousness, anxiousness, panic, and fear.
- Twitches, tics, tremors, spasms.
- Dry or chapped skin.
- Constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools.
- Low body weight.
- Disliking cold and wind.
- Difficulty tolerating loud noises.
- Light and interrupted sleep.
- Spacey and scattered feelings.
- Excess thinking or worrying.
Causes of Vata Imbalance
There are many potential causes of Vata imbalance, some of which may be closely tied to lifestyle and environmental factors, even hidden internal emotions. Other possible causes include:
- Dry and cold weather conditions.
- Pungent, bitter, dry, and cold food.
- Excessive fasting or excessive workouts.
- Injuries to the vital points in the body.
- Dry emotions (such as jealousy, unforgiveness, and absence of affection).
- Repressed anger and cold behaviour.
General Guidelines to Calm Down Vata Imbalance
A combination of diet and lifestyle adjustments can return Vata to balance and prevent seasonal allergies, colds, and flu.
- Regular intake of warm, oily, moist, smooth and nourishing foods.
- A good amount of high-quality oils or ghee in your diet.
- Avoid fasting or having an empty stomach for a long time.
- Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
- Wear warm and layered clothes
- Take regular steam baths
- Administer regular body and head massages
- Practice Vata Dosha Yoga.
- Take time to slow down and turn inward with meditation.
Daily routine or the “Dincharya” at Niraa are designed in such a way by our experts that if one could corporate that in regular life, anyone could recover from irregularities in their body and mind.
Join us at Niraa Wellness Center for a life-changing experience that will put you on the path towards natural healing through a healthy and wholesome diet and routine along with yoga and meditation.
FAQs About Vata Dosha
What is Vata Dosha in simple terms?
Dosha means elements. Each person is influenced by certain elements more than others because of their natural constitution. Vata dosha is where a person is dominated by air and space elements.
Characteristics of people with Vata Dosha:
- Small or thin frame
- Dry skin and hair
- Sensitive to cold weather
- Personalities are entertaining and dynamic
Is Vata Dosha and Vata Imbalance the same?
- No, Vata Dosha and Vata Imbalance are not the same.
- Vata Dosha is where a person is dominated by air and space elements.
- Vata imbalance or Vata Vikara indicates that a change in atmosphere, food, or weather can cause joint pains, headaches, cramps, or even phobias in a person who is dominated by Vata Dosha.
Can Vata imbalance be cured?
Yes, adjusting your diet according to changing seasons can alone reduce the chances of Vata imbalance. Along with it, keeping yourself warm, oil massage, hydrating, meditating, and keeping yourself calm can negate the effects of Vata imbalance.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for Vata dosha?
As Apple Cider Vinegar is sour and warm, it can definitely calm Vata. It is a digestive and circulatory stimulant. But you have to be careful in its consumption as it can imbalance Pitta and sometimes Kapha.
Why does Vata increase in the body?
Excessive fasting, workouts, brisk walks, and activities for weight loss along with foods that increase dryness aggravate the Vata. People with dominant Vata should take special care in extremely cold or dry weather.
How can I reduce my Vata immediately?
- Stay warm, calm, and relaxed.
- Try naturally sweet and salty foods.
- Avoid junk and processed foods.
- Practice yoga at a slow pace.
- Meditate.
Can you reduce Vata Dosha with Yoga?
- Yes, Yoga helps with Vata Dosha.
- Here are some yoga poses that you can practice to reduce Vata Dosha.
- Vajrasana (Adamantine Pose).
- Marjariasana (Cat Stretch).
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation).
- Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose).
- Vriksasana (Tree Pose).
- Purn Pavanmukt asana (wind relieving pose).
- Shavasana (corpse pose).
Is coconut good for Vata dosha?
Coconut oil balances Vata dosha by moisturizing hair, whereas tender coconut balances Vata as well as Pitta.
What foods to avoid for Vata dosha?
Avoid stimulating drinks like cola, coffee and black tea and foods that are bitter or pungent like raw onion, lettuce etc.
What is Vata in English?
Vata is translated to wind in English. Containing elements like air and space, Vata manages all the movements in the mind and body.
Does Vata imbalance cause advanced periods in women?
Yes, an imbalance of Vata dosha is directly responsible for the irregular menstrual cycle.
Staying away from spicy, fried, and junk food and consuming plenty of fruits and fibrous food should be added to the daily diet helps balance Vata and thus balances the menstrual cycle.