The Vata Dosha; In-Depth

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Imagine the typical fall day; cold, windy, dry, cloudy. This is a perfect description of the qualities of the Vata Dosha. This Dosha is responsible for movement of our body, mind and senses.

A person dominant in Vata will most likely be thin and have trouble gaining weight. Their body is narrow, skin is cold and dry, hair is thin. They tend to have a quick mind, are flexible with their schedule, and resourceful. They are the ones that are always on the go, forget to eat meals, and seem disorganized.

A person not dominant in Vata can still go out of balance in this Dosha in many ways. If your anxiety or stress levels suddenly increase, you consume high amounts of cold, raw, bitter foods, or you become overworked, skip meals, and don’t sleep you can aggravate your Vata Dosha. The Fall and Winter seasons also naturally increase your Vata.

What does an aggravated Vata Dosha look like?

  • Constipation, IBS, gasy

  •  Aching joints

  •  Dry, rough skin

  •  Muscle spasms

  •  Worry, anxiety, impatience

  •  Overactive mind, lack of focus

  •  Insomnia, fatigue, restlessness

  •  Low appetite

Don’t worry, there are things you can do to prevent Vata from going out of balance and to help bring Vata back into balance. The easiest way to do this to adapt Kapha-like qualities into your routine.

  •  Movement that is slower, calming, stabilizing, restorative

    • Ex. Yoga Nidra

  • Warm, soothing, nurturing foods

  • Soups, stews, root vegetables

  • Include warm baths and oils in your self-care routine

Looking for more information and advice on creating a balanced lifestyle?

Email me at info@katieschlieppwellness.com for more opportunities to learn about developing your best life.