Ayurvedic Doshas – Vata – Air and Space
Vata means Air and Space. Some of the adjectives associated with vata – which rules things that are primarily dominated by the element of air – have the qualities of air. They are light, cold, dry, brittle, astringent, active, mobile, scattered, clear, irregular, and random. Vata is a dosha associated with all that is ephemeral and quick – changing. In our environment vata increases during the early winter and rainy season. Vata also dominates the afternoon and early night and, in the course of a lifetime, is strongest during old age. Likewise, people who are dominated by the vata elements of air and space have qualities our minds naturally associate with those elements. Vata people tend to be lightweight – thin. They don’ t eat a lot. Their taste prefers mostly sweet, sour, and salty food. Their skin tends to be dry, rough, and carry a darker tone. They prefer climates that are warm and damp. Vata are very active and don’ t sleep much. Some might say restless, and their minds are that way, too. They talk a lot and quickly. Their short – term memories are stronger than their long – term memories, and they have a tendency to be insecure emotionally. The vata elements are responsible for body motion, respiration, sensory impulses, autonomic mind function, circulation, separating digested from undigested food, regulation of menses, and the passage of body fluids. Consequently, it is usually a sign of vata imbalance when one experiences difficulty with those functions as indicated by such ailments as joint pain, arthritis, constipation, heart disease, menstrual disorders, blood pressure problems, and emotional imbalance. The antidotes for these illnesses stemming from vata imbalances are food, people, and activities that have the opposite properties. The recommended diet for people by the vata elements is comprised mostly of food that are heavy and solid. It includes milk, buttermilk, okra, green beans, eggs, fish, basmati rice, oats, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Vata should avoid the following foods, especially during the early winter and rainy season: yogurt, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, peas, potatoes, spinach, peppers, chickpeas, kidney beans, turkey, cold drinks, and coffee. Vata people will be inclined to engage in excessive exercise. Most long – distance runner are vatas. But vatas need also to incorporate more relaxing types of exercise, or they might take their air element out of balance, to excess.
