The Sanskrit term Vata is related to the verb Vah, meaning vehicle, to carry or to move. So Vata Dosha represents the principle of mobility that regulates all activity in the body, from how many thoughts one might have during a given period to how efficiently food moves through the intestines. Vata is responsible for initiating all process of life, for all the natural urges such as sneezing or yawning, for breathing, talking, creativity, enthusiasm, sense organs perception, and nervous system, the feeling of joy and happiness, and interaction with the world.
Space and Air elements give Vata the universal attributes of Dry, Light, Cold, Rough, Subtle, Mobile and Clear. It is associated with brownish and blackish colors.
Times of increased Vata:
- Between 2:00 – 6:00 A.M.
- Between 14:00 – 18:00 P.M.
- Time of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) during sleep.
- Autumn.
- Old age.
Primary seats of Vata in the body:
- Large intestine – Influences all the body’s level of moisture. If it is dry, all the body will suffer of dryness and if it is lubricated well, all the body will be sufficiently moist.
- Ears – ringing in the ears is a sign of excess dryness
- Skin
- Brain and nervous system – are sites of intense movement. The normal function of the nervous system requires abundant fat tissue for nerve isolation. If it is dry, hyperactive thinking or mental noise or short circuit phenomena will arise.
- Diaphragm
- Bones – tend to dry up with age and cause osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
- Joints – need lubrication for smooth function. Dryness may create clicks and joint pain.
- Hips
Sense organ related to Vata:
- Hearing – related to Space element. When noise is unbearable this is a sign of excess Vata.
- Touch – related to Air element. Helps to balance and relax excess Vata.
Tastes That Increase and Decrease Vata
Along with the main qualities of Vata, it is also helpful to know those tastes that increase and decrease Vata.
Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes increase Vata by increasing its drying and cooling qualities. An example of the pungent taste is chili peppers. Bitter and astringent tastes are common in most leafy greens and many herbs.
The sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease Vata by bringing moisture, bulk, and warmth to the body, which are opposite qualities to those of Vata. An example of a naturally sweet taste is wheat; of sour: pickles; of salty: seaweed.
Signs of increased (excess)Vata Dosha:
Nervousness, anxiety, panic, fear
Twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
Dry or chapped skin
Constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools
Low body weight
Dislike of cold and wind
Difficulty tolerating loud noises
Light, interrupted sleep
Spacey, scattered feeling
Excess thinking or worrying
Signs of decreased (deficient) Vata Dosha:
Dysfunction of the body
Decrease in activity and talking
Loss of sensitivity
Loss of consciousness
Exaggerated Physical attributes of Vata characters:
Vata persons have light flexible bodies, slim structure, occasionally very tall or very short. They have small, recessed, dry eyes, visible veins and joints and protruding bones.