What is Vata Dosha?

What is Vata Dosha?

Every one ask's "What is Vata Dosha?" First of the three doshas in the human body, the literal meaning of vata is "wind, to move, flow or command." Vata Dosha is described as one of the tridoshas in ayurveda which is a combination of air and space. It dominates the lower part of the body below the umbilicus and accounts for the regulation of all body functions and metabolism. It is known to control the energy of the body and movement in the mind and body. According to ayurveda, any disease related to the body and mind is a result in the vitiation in vata dosha. Moreover, it is also responsible to maintain the balance between all the three dosha.

Vata is responsible for the regulation of many functions of the body such as breathing, heart pulsation, blood flow, all types of expansions and contractions in the muscles and tissues, action of cytoplam and cell membrane, excretion of urine and feces, nerve control, control of thoughts and emotions such as freshness, anxiety, fear, nervousness and pain.

Vata is known to dominate the lower part of the body such as hips, thighs, bones, large intestine and pelvic cavity but apart from that it also resides in the ear and skin. Any vitiation in vata in the body can lead to several diseases like high blood pressure, constipation, anxiety, dry skin, insomnia and cramps.

The reasons for the imbalance in vata can be untimely and unusual eating habits, eating dry fruits and staying up late in the night. The vata people are physically not very strong and are thin and slender in appearance. The hair is generally brown and the skin looks dry, rough and cracked. The eyes appear dark brown or grey in color. The nails are rough and brittle. Vata people shows quick physical movements followed by irregular appetite and thrust. They show a tendency of cold hands and moderate sweating. They get easily tired by doing a small piece of work. They get easily excited sexually but the excitement does not last long.

Vata people shows some distinctive positive qualities such as high grasping power, good creativity, sharp memory, highly enthusiastic and active. In contrast to that, the negativity are lack in confidence, feeling of fear, anxiety and insecurity. Vata people are always restless, worried and stressed.

A well balanced vata dosha in the body is indicated by good mental alertness, emotional intelligence, good creativity, active nature, normal sleep, proper elimination of body wastes, proper functioning of all body systems and strong immunity of the body whereas any imbalance in vata can be characterized by tiredness, nervousness, lack of patient, anxiety, fear, low stamina, arthritis, weight loss, sore throat, constipation, dry eyes, frustration, aches, depression, nail biting, restlessness, hiccups and sensitivity to cold.

Complications due to Vata Dosha

Any imbalance in the ratio of vata dosha can lead to several health problems. The major problems that can occur due to vitiation of vata dosha are earaches, anxiety, irregular heart beats, headache, hypertension, coughs, sore throats, spasms, lower back pain, constipation, sexual dysfunctions, arthritis, menstrual cramps and premature ejaculation.

Measures to balance vata

Vata is responsible for the regulation of the vital organs of our body and hence need to be in a balance form to avoid any health issues. In order to make a balance in the vata dosha you should follow some points.

• Take sufficient rest.
• Avoid irregular and unusual food habits. Consumption of warm, moderate, slightly fatty sweet and satisfying food is highly recommended.
• You should practice yoga and meditation in daily basis.
• Avoid eating raw and cold food.
• Take a sufficient and sound sleep.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid cold conditions, a steam bath and humidifiers are good for you.

Vata is the most important of the three dosha and need to be properly balanced. By keeping certain things in mind we can balance the vata dosha in the body and avoid any sort of health problem.