The Ayurveda Experience Blog
If you’re a Vata body type, one of the three Ayurvedic body types, you may have experienced some Vata dosha symptoms.
When the three Dosha are in balance they assist in the healthy nourishment, repair and growth of the body and mind. They are responsible for physical strength, complexion and a sense of joy. But if they are vitiated or out of balance, these dosha produce disease symptoms.
Functions Of Vata Dosha In A Balanced State
Vata is responsible for all movements in the body, from the movement of blood in the blood vessels to the movement of nutrients and the air in the lungs. In its normal state Vata causes enthusiasm, regulates breathing and all locomotor movements. It also regulates all activities of the mind, speech and the initiation of natural urges (tears, feces, urination, sneezing, coughing, vomiting and yawning). Vata maintains all the tissues in their normalcy and is responsible for the proper functioning of the sense organs.
Signs Of An Increase Of Vata Dosha
When Vata is provoked it produces emaciation, pain, black discoloration, a desire for hot things, tremors, bloating, fullness, distention of the abdomen, constipation, loss of strength, loss of sleep, loss of sensory functions, irrelevant speech, giddiness and timidity.
How To Pacify Vata Dosha
Follow a Vata pacifying diet. Use foods with a sweet, sour and salty taste. Apply oil to the body (preferably sesame), head (preferably coconut) and massage. Also put lukewarm sesame oil in the nose and ears ( 2-3 drops). Take a steam bath. Use spices which are hot in nature like ginger, pepper, cinnamon and garlic. Use herbs like ashwagandha, dried ginger and turmeric with milk for generalized Vata aggravation. For bloating take 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds along with a pinch of rock salt with warm water. For sleep take 2 capsules of Gotu Kola and 2 capsule of Tagar at night with warm milk or almond milk. Use medicated oils like MahaNarayan oil on painful parts. Use ghee and sesame oil or olive oil or mustard oil for cooking. Do yoga and breathing exercises.
Signs Of Vata Depletion
Similarly a Dosha can become depleted from the normal baseline level and produce symptoms of depletion.
Decreased Vata dosha produces symptoms of debility of the body. The person speaks very little. There is loss of sensation (awareness) and of consciousness and occurrence of all the symptoms of increased Kapha.
Vata does not necessarily get aggravated on its own but may be accompanied by an aggravation of Kapha or Pitta so the treatment of the other aggravated dosha should also be done simultanepously. Further indulge in activity you enjoy, socialize and keep proper sleeping habits.
