The Characteristics of Vata

In Aryuvedic medicine, there are three main doshas, or energies, that govern the human body. These doshas combine and interact to create the individual characteristics of every person, but only one or two will emerge as the dominating dosha. The vata dosha, which means "wind" in Sanskrit, controls the movement of the body, as well as the activities of the nervous system and the bowels. People with a predominantly vata constitution exhibit specific characteristics that the other doshas do not exhibit. Similarly, an imbalanced vata displays specific signs unique to that dosha.

Physical Appearance

• People with a vata constitution tend to be slender or slim, even to the point of appearing physically underdeveloped. Their skin is dry and delicate, making the veins or tendons beneath much more prominent. Finger- and toenails are brittle or rough.

Physiological Aspects

• When the vata dosha rules, sleep is light and often disturbed. Energy comes quickly and is replaced by sudden fatigue. The digestion system is sensitive and stool is dry, hard and scant. The hands and feet are often cold.

Emotional Constitution

• Predominantly vata doshas love change, excitement and the allure of something new. Vatas have little willpower and may understand quickly but soon forget. They are highly spirited and make friends with ease, and showcase a high degree of creativity and passion. They do everything quickly, whether it's walking, talking or changing moods.

Signs of Imbalance

• Each dosha displays unique signs of balance, and the same goes for an aggravated dosha. Emotionally, an imbalanced vata will experience excessive anxiety or worry, depression, feelings of shyness or inferiority and mental agitation. Physically, they experience restlessness, weight loss, constipation, sensitivity to cold or fainting spells.