Your Body Type
"Prakriti is Vata"
Tri-energies are the major concept in Ayurveda that revolves around the three major components of the world – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Of this, Vata is related to motion. It depicts the movement of the body and the physiological process of eliminating or excreting waste materials from the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the nervous system. Most importantly, Vata has influenced action on other doshas as well. Due to the fact that Vata is regarded as the leader of the three principles, Kapha and Pitta cannot move at all without it. Vata is the main governing energy, which focuses on the movement of the body as well as the mind.
Characteristics of Vata
The following are the major characteristics and qualities of Vata:
- Light
- Cold
- Dry
- Rough
- Irregular
- Quick
- Moving
- Changeable
Physical Characteristics of Vata
Following are the main physical traits of those with a predominance of Vata:
- A frame of agility will be light, thin and excellent.
- Hair and skin will be dry.
- Fatigue
- Feet and hands will be cold,
- Not able to have a deep sleep
- Digestion will be sensitive.
Emotional Characteristics of Vata
- New excitement and experience
- Gets angry quickly
- Easily forgives
- Energetic
- Flexible and creative
- Loves to start and run processes
- Lively conversations
Characteristics When Vata Goes Out of Balance
Vata, being the leader among the tri-energies, needs to maintain a perfect balance.
The following are the characteristics which show that vata is out of balance:
- Weight loss
- Hypertension
- Constipation
- Arthritis
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- Digestion related problems
- Insomnia
- Anxiousness
- Worries
- Dry skin
- Agitation
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort in joints
- Forgetfulness
An individual who maintains a perfect balance of Vata qualities has a slim physique and leads an enthused, active life.
Recommended Diet for Pacifying Vata
- Dairy products – Any dairy product pacifies Vata. Boil milk and drink warm milk, but do not consume milk after having a full meal.
- Eat a lot of food, but don’t go over your allotted amount. Such that it must not exceed that you fail to digest it easily.
- Sweeteners
- Bananas, oranges, grapes, avocadoes, peaches, cherries, melons, plums, berries, pineapples, papayas, and mangoes are examples of sweet and sour fruits. Limit/ maintain the consumption of light and dry fruits like pears, apples, cranberries and pomegranates.
- Cucumbers, beets, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots should not be consumed uncooked. Always wash and cook the vegetables properly. It is recommended to consume less cabbage and sprouts.
- Spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and a little amount of black pepper are recommended
- Nuts
- Oils
- Beans except for mung dal, tofu
- Reduce the intake of food items, which are bitter, astringent or pungent in taste
Balancing Vata – Healthy tips in Lifestyle
To maintain a balance between the Vata characteristics properly slight changes are required in lifestyle.
Some of them are given below:
- Abhyanga: A daily Ayurvedic sesame or almond oil massage for relaxation
- Maintaining a warm temperature
- Early to bed
- Sufficient rest
- Consumption of warm and oily food
- Daily elimination
- A lot of rest
- Have seasonal meals and drink organic herbal tea
- Avoiding the stimulants completely
- Eat warm heavy and oily food
- Maintain a routine
- Do not skip between the meals
- Maintain the warmth of the body. Avoid being chilled
- Enjoy music, which imparts a soothing impact on the body.
- Yoga, walking, cycling, golf, light tennis, aerobics and other light exercises must be practised daily.
- Wear warm-coloured clothes like pastels, browns, earth colours, and yellows.
- Favour the fragrances of bay, basil, lavender, pine, vanilla, citrus, cloves, cinnamon, and sage, which are sweet, warm, and heavy.
If you have the predominant characteristic of Vata it is important to maintain stability, warmth and consistency in life.
