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Writer's pictureAbbie Marshall

Introducing Vata Dosha

Updated: Mar 23, 2022


vata dosha ayurveda

Lets get to know Vata!

Vata has the qualities of dryness, light, cold, rough, subtle and mobile.

There are 5 elements (bhutas) with Ayurveda and Vata is made up of the two elements Air (vayu) and Space (akasha).

The purpose of Vata in the body is movement, propulsion, animation, assimilation, inspiration, expiration, motor activities, proper functioning of tissues and organs, and regulation of bodily urges.

So if you have Vata prominent in your constitution (Prakriti) then you have a higher tendency towards developing a Vata based complaint... makes sense right?

When Vata is balanced you will experience;

  • Mental alertness and abundance of creative energy

  • Good elimination of waste matter form body

  • Sound sleep

  • Strong immune system

  • Enthusiastic and emotionally balanced

  • Orderly functioning of body’s systems

  • Freshness, fun personality and enjoyment of life


When Vata is aggravated (Vikriti or disease state) you may experience;

  • Generalised aches and pains, stiffness, painful or cracking joints

  • Worry, anxiety, fear and feelings of insecurity

  • Tic, twitches, tremors, and spasms, nerve disorders, headaches, earaches and sensitivity to noise

  • Sensitive to wind, cold and dryness

  • Rough, dry and cracked hair, skin and nails

  • Nail biting

  • Constipation, bloating, flatulence, belching and hiccups

  • Agitated movements, difficulty sitting still – busy mind and body

  • Impulsive and erratic, difficult to focus or make decisions

  • Weight loss or under weight

  • Fast speech, impatient and hyperactive

  • Chronic tiredness and exhaustion yet can’t relax

The natural site of Vata is the large intestine but also found in the hips, lower limbs, ears, teeth, bones, hair and nervous system.

The six tastes

Vata increases when eating too much pungent (spicy), bitter or astringent foods and is reduced by eating foods that are sweet, salty and sour.

Vata increases naturally in;

  • the later years of life - post 60

  • Autumn and early winter - when the weather is cold, dry and windy, think joint aches, dry cracked skin and sensitive teeth

  • the afternoon between 2pm and 6pm and the early morning 2am and 6am

So to finish off, if you have a Vata constitution you will need to be strictest with your diet and lifestyle during the autumn / early winter seasons and the later stage of life.

As you will hear from me time and time again, like increases like and opposite qualities pacify - so when looking to pacify Vata choose foods and lifestyle activities that are opposite in quality for example food and activities that are warming, grounding, oily and still reduce Vata. A consistent, predictable routine is also very important to manage your Vata.

Essential oils that can help to balance Vata;

  • Floral oils such as Geranium, Lavender, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose

  • Spices like Cardamom, Ginger, Fennel, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Clove

  • Citrus oils such as Lemon, Lime, Lemongrass, Orange, Pine, Peppermint

  • Resins such as Frankincense, Myrrh

Live Wisely, Abbie x



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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure. It is for informational/educational purposes only, and provides Ayurvedic insight about how you can best support your body through seasonal changes.

Always consult your health care professional.




Note: all essential oils are created equal, make sure you choose a pure quality product as many are synthetic or contain fillers which are more likely to give you a headache or make you feel nausea.



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