Time of life
70 to 75 years and above is the time that Vata will be more prominent in the body.
Vata is responsible for feelings of joy and happiness, as well as creativity, speech, sneezing, movement and elimination.
I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.
–Mahatma Gandhi
VATA OUT OF BALANCE
The site of Vata in the body is the nervous system, and it governs the mind, colon, skin, ears, blood flow and breath – and it is where Vata will present more strongly when it is out of balance.
Signs that Vata is out of balance
When Vata people’s health goes out of balance, the symptoms usually appear first in the gut or the mind. They might complain of an upset tummy, gas, bloating, small pebbly stools that are dry, hard, dark brown and sink. They can easily become constipated or irregular, especially when travelling or away from home. They may strain when passing stools and can find it painful.
Anxiety, weight loss, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia, interrupted sleep or fearful dreams, hypertension, inability to concentrate, tremors or a nervous system disorder are all indications that Vata is out of balance. Other indicators are dry cracked skin and lips, arthritis and joint pain.
Vata types are more likely to go out of balance in autumn and early winter.
Autumn–early winter/Vata health issues: constipation, gas, bloating, anxiety, dry skin.
Habits and lifestyle factors that imbalance Vata
Eating too many cold icy foods and drinks, especially anything with bubbles, such as sparkling mineral water, carbonated drinks and foods that produce gas in the body; excess raw foods such as salads, especially in the colder months; irregular meals or skipping meals; too much travel; being outside in the cold and the wind; lack of sleep and routine; spending too much time in front of the computer and TV; stress, overthinking and over talking all imbalance the Vata dosha.
Environmental effects
Wind will unnerve them and you may notice their behaviour and mood change if exposed to too much of the air element, as they already have this as a major part of their constitution. Unsettled weather can have a strong effect on Vata types. Autumn can be difficult, accordingly.
Air travel can greatly disturb these types and they need to ensure they limit flying if they are feeling insecure, fearful and anxious. Their Vata body needs nurturing. Vatas have cold, dry skin that is very susceptible to the cold and wind. Daily warm sesame oil massage will benefit them greatly. It is essential they keep their bodies warm, both internally and externally. Fear and anxiety can really inhibit the lives of Vata types so it is essential they create a comfortable, safe, stable home for themselves.
KEY Warmth, safe calm environment and routine
AVOID Cold, dry, windy environments, skipping meals, raw food, chilled drinks, carbonated drinks, excess movement and air travel
HOW VATA MANIFESTS IN THE BODY
Cold – Coldness appears in the hands and feet. Vatas will have a tendency to avoid cold temperatures and love warmer climes. They have poor circulation and can suffer from cold bones and stiffness.
Dry – Dryness is a major issue for Vatas. They often have dry skin, hair, lips, tongue and a husky voice. Dryness in their colon usually leads to them suffering from constipation.
Light – Vata individuals are generally light in body weight with fine muscles and bones. They sleep lightly and wake easily, with little noise needed to disturb them.
Rough – Roughness appears in the body as cracked skin, nails, split ends, cracked lips, teeth and joints that creak and crack when moved.
Subtle – They will suffer from an underlying subtle anxiety, fear or insecurity. Vata types are prone to goose pimples, muscle twitches and tremors.
Mobile – Vatas can’t sit still: they walk fast, talk fast and tend to be those people who are incredible at multi-tasking. They are good at making money and great at spending it. Their eyes will dart around the room as they talk to you with their hands or shake their leg or tap. They love to travel and find it difficult to stay in one place for too long. Their moods are ever changing, as are their faith and their thoughts. Vatas love change and do what they can to make it happen often.
Clear –This quality gives Vata their clairvoyant ability, as this is related to the element of space. They can understand easily but forget abruptly, and they often experience a deep sense of loneliness.
Astringent – They can suffer from a dry choking feeling in their throats, and they will often find themselves with hiccoughs or burping. They enjoy oily, sweet, sour and salty foods.
BALANCING VATA
Vatas need routine, warm fluids, rest, massage, steady nourishment, warmth, decreased stress, and they need to avoid skipping meals, eating on the run, fasting and alcohol.
Activities that will calm Vata
Gentle calming exercise such as yoga, quigung (qigong), dance, golf, walking, swimming, listening to calming music, gardening, pottery, cooking, massage, meditation and getting to bed early all help Vatas to settle.
Warming grounding remedies – walking barefoot on the grass, warm sesame oil massage, foot massage, gardening, warm milky drinks with cardamom and cinnamon, ghee added to food and drinks
Warming grounding lifestyle choices – gardening, yoga, guided meditation, creative pursuits, listening to calming music
Lifestyle factors to limit – constant change and movement, overexercise, excess meditation without proper supervision, too much time on devices such as computers, TV, phones
So-called healthy foods that may imbalance you – raw food diets, juices, chilled smoothies and smoothie bowls, sparkling mineral water
Emotions and diet
Vatas are often attracted to cold, dry, crisp foods but these are best avoided. They can easily become imbalanced if they eat too many of these foods. Too much bitter, pungent and astringent food can also have a negative impact on the digestive system of Vata. The skin and body can become very dry in the colder weather and so Vatas should introduce warming spices and increase the amount of protein they are eating.
Soups and slow cooked stews made with plenty of root vegetables are the perfect choice for Vata types in the cooler or more unsettled months, and they do really well to warm their meals with spices like cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom and ginger that will help stimulate their digestion. To calm themselves they need to increase the amount of naturally sweet, salty and sour foods they are consuming. A glass of sweet warm milk before bed is a perfect remedy for any Vata that has trouble sleeping.
Routine and exercise
Vatas need to allow plenty of time for stillness in their day. Moving is what comes naturally to Vatas so they will often want to exercise and be on the go when they are feeling fragile, anxious or emotional. This is not the healthiest option, especially at the Vata time of 2pm–6pm. Their fragile nature demands they don’t allow too much space between meals. For continued wellness, Vatas should eat their meals at the same time every day. Skipping meals is one way to quickly imbalance these people. The digestive system is where Vata types are most susceptible and they may have issues with gas, bloating and constipation. They have