If you're a Vata type, you have more of the wind and space elements in you. You will tend to Vata-type ailments such as dryness (in skin, stool, eyes, etc), constipation, gas, bloating and arthritis. Vata's main symptom is pain.
Physical Vata types have a long, thin or small face, skin can be dull, eyes and lips are small. Vatas are often tall or short. The body is thin in relation to height, with an under-developed physique. Vata people easily lose weight and find it hard to keep weight on.
Appetite Variable, erratic, erratic mealtimes, may snack, can feel fearful when hungry.
Stools Dry, small, dark, hard, can be difficult to pass, can come at irregular times. Tends to gas (flatulence) and constipation (often doesn't have a bowel movement every day). The constipation can be chronic.
Menstruation The cycle can be 24-27 days with a flow that is light and irregular. The blood may be dark. Flow lasts two to four days. There may be fatigue, sharp pains and cramps before flow starts and during it. NOTE: when Vata is in balance, the cycle is 28 days with no PMS.
Mental Likes change and stimulation.
Negative tendencies Worry, anxiety, fear, erratic, fickle, unorganised, gets nervous, false enthusiasm. Hard to rest, relax and be still, mentally and physically. Loves movement and activity.
Physical Vata types have a long, thin or small face, skin can be dull, eyes and lips are small. Vatas are often tall or short. The body is thin in relation to height, with an under-developed physique. Vata people easily lose weight and find it hard to keep weight on.
Appetite Variable, erratic, erratic mealtimes, may snack, can feel fearful when hungry.
Stools Dry, small, dark, hard, can be difficult to pass, can come at irregular times. Tends to gas (flatulence) and constipation (often doesn't have a bowel movement every day). The constipation can be chronic.
Menstruation The cycle can be 24-27 days with a flow that is light and irregular. The blood may be dark. Flow lasts two to four days. There may be fatigue, sharp pains and cramps before flow starts and during it. NOTE: when Vata is in balance, the cycle is 28 days with no PMS.
Mental Likes change and stimulation.
Negative tendencies Worry, anxiety, fear, erratic, fickle, unorganised, gets nervous, false enthusiasm. Hard to rest, relax and be still, mentally and physically. Loves movement and activity.
Positive tendencies Artistic, flexible, adaptable, creative, communicative. Desire to help others through sharing and communication.
Vata dosha is dry, light, rough, cold and erratic. Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle that 'like increases like', Vata types will be healthier when they avoid foods and activities that are dry, light, rough, cold and erratic. That includes cold weather, wind and draughts, cold emotions like anxiety, erratic or jarring exercise such as running, cold food, foods that are raw, rough or dry (e.g. salads, cold cereal, biscuits, crisps).
Vata can be balanced by soothing, heavy, warming and nourishing foods and activities, and by regularity. Introduce regularity to your bedtime, mealtimes, and all habits. Eat nourishing foods like cooked wholegrains, vegetables, dairy and fruits, have soups and herbal teas, have warm baths. Your best types of exercise are yoga, tai chi, walks in nature, non-strenuous cycling and swimming especially in natural surroundings. Avoid too much multimedia stimulation and make time for rest and relaxation, especially in the last few hours before bedtime.