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Vata dosh is considered to be the principle dosha among thee three. It is responsible for the movement of the other two doshas. Following is a brief description of the properties and characteristics of vata as well as steps to be taken to balance vata.

Symbol: Air Constitution: elements of Air(vayu) and Space(Akash).

Principle: Movement of both matter and thought in the body. It is responsible for all movements in the mind and body: the movement of air in and out of the lungs, the flow of blood through the circulatory system, nutrients through the alimentary tract, and thoughts through the mind.

Qualities: Vata is dry, light, cold, mobile, active and clear. These manifest in the body type and mental constitution as follows.

Body characteristics: small body frame; as vata is dry, vata people have dry hair, tendency towards constipation; cold hands and feet, they hate cold weather.

Mental constitution: because vata is clear, vata people have clear understanding and perception; as vata is active therefore vata people can be very active, even fidgety.

Vata in balance: Proper coordination of all body functions
Normal movements associated with eating, digestion, and elimination
Mental activity controlled and precise
Normal sleep pattern

Vata out of balance: Body functions impaired or disorganized.
Movements for eating, digestion, and elimination disturbed (bloating, constipation, gas)
Mental agitation, confusion; impaired memory
Insomnia, light or interrupted sleep.

Diet for Vata: Prefer Avoid
Warm, moderately heavy food Cold, dry food
Rice, wheat Barley, corn
Asparagus, carrots, cooked onions Broccoli, cabbage, raw onions mushrooms
Bananas, cherries, coconut, dates Apples, pears
Chicken Red meat

Likely diseases in vata people
Neurological, muscular and rheumatic diseases
General methods of keeping vata in balance
Avoid excessive stimulation like lot of coffee and watching lot of TV.
Take a stroll in the park barefooted, preferably in the morning.
Maintain a reasonably constant schedule with regular hours of sleeping and meals.

Ayurveda Intro | Kapha Dosh | Pitta Dosh| Tridosha | Panchkarma | Dinacharya
Tips on Diet | Tips on Sleep
Common Problems: Obesity | Common Cold | Arthritis | Constipation
Your mind/body constitution- the ayurvedic view