So what is Vata?

ayurveda fall vata winter Oct 21, 2024

You may have heard me mention Vata, as a season, as a dosha. What do we mean when we talk about Vata or even doshas?

To understand, we first have to look at Ayurveda’s grounding philosophy which states that all things in existence are made up of the five elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and earth. These elements are the building blocks for all that is contained within matter, including nature herself as well as our physical bodies. They are the reason for our form, how the mind works, the energy we have, and how we move, think, and feel.

All things in life are influenced by the five elements and the qualities associated with them. All living beings are made up of these 5 elements in slightly different proportions. This makes each of us unique with individual needs regarding diet and lifestyle. The elements have qualities associated with them such as heavy, light, cold, hot, oily, dry, smooth, and rough that Ayurveda looks very closely at when examining imbalances in the body.

The elements with their qualities make up the Doshas -Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Doshas are the three metabolic types which govern the unique psychophysiology of the individual. All functions of our minds and bodies are dependent upon the balanced or unbalanced state of the doshas.

Vata is associated with Fall/Early Winter and is a combination of air and space and means “that which moves things”.

Vata type people tend to be light in structure and may find it difficult to gain weight.
Vata in balance is joyful, creative and filled with ideas. When out of balance, the air quality can create instability, poor digestion, sleep problems and psychological problems.
It’s important to know that Vata usually goes out of balance first. This means that the nervous system is disturbed which can cause the early stages of disease. Balancing Vata is always addressed in an Ayurvedic consultation.
Vatas need to get plenty of rest, stay warm, have a consistent daily routine, and not overdo things.
Keyword: changeable
Main site in the body: colon
Season: Fall/Early Winter
Examples: hummingbird, hurricane, bamboo, Woody Allen, Olive Oil, popcorn
Tastes associated with air and space: bitter, astringent, pungent (spicy) - may cause imbalance
Tastes needed to be emphasized to balance: sweet, sour, salty

Vata governs the energies of the nervous system, the rhythms of the body, respiration, and all movement within the body and mind.

_{Thank you for visiting Ayurveda Yoga Center. My mission is to help women come in to their power and reconnect to their ancient wisdom so they live a soul-fed life. If you are enjoying this content, please check out my Radiant Living Membership for more indepth resources, teachings, and recorded workshops and practices.
Blessings,
Deb}