The old Hindu system of astrology and astronomy is known as Vedic astrology. This approach can be used to complement your studies of Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda’s core concept of the five elements, which exist both in the natural world and within the body, is shared by Vedic astrology, also known as Hindu or Jyotish astrology. Ether, air, fire, water, and earth are the five elements. They change from finite to form when space gives way to wind, which blows and creates fire. The fire burns so hot that it melts, causing water to flow and harden into earth. Your dosha is the balance of elements present in your natural state of being (constitution).
Each dosha is made up of two basic constituents. The Vata dosha is composed of ether and air, while the Pitta dosha is composed of fire and water, and the Kapha dosha is composed of water and earth. Most persons are a mix of all three types, in various amounts, rather than having all of the traits of one dosha. Because our lifestyle is packed with activities that throw our inherent constitution out of balance, most westerners have a Vata imbalance.
To establish a person’s dosha, Ayurvedic practitioners employ pulse and tongue reading as diagnostic methods. Chart readings are used by Vedic astrologers to reach the same determination. To learn more, I had the pleasure of interviewing Richelle Jarrell, a Vedic Astrologer and a student in our current Certificate program.
Richelle Jarrell has been teaching Reiki since 1996, and she incorporates Vedic Astrology, Ayurveda, and Yoga philosophy into her classes. Her research looks into sign compatibility and other astrological variables that are important for healthy relationships, as well as how your Ayurvedic body type affects your relationships and health.
In This Article...
What are the Vata dosha’s symptoms?
The following are symptoms of a Vata imbalance:
- Skin, hair, ears, lips, and joints are all dry.
- Internal dryness, bloating, gas, constipation, dehydration, and weight loss
- Restlessness, disorientation, and a sense of being ungrounded are all symptoms of a dry and light mind.
- Poor circulation, muscle spasms or constriction, asthma, pain and pains, tightness are all symptoms of the common cold.
What does having a Vata dosha mean?
The vata dosha is associated with being thin, energetic, and creative. They’re known for their ability to think outside the box, but they’re also prone to becoming quickly distracted. Furthermore, their mood is influenced by the weather, the people around them, and the foods they consume ( 4 , 5 ).
What does it mean to have a Vata personality?
Vata types are often thin, with bony arms and straight body forms, but gain weight around the midsection. Their skin is thin and dry, and they are more sensitive to the cold than others. They also have trouble sweating. They have a sporadic and unpredictable appetite. Vata personalities are prone to feeling ‘wired’ and anxious, as well as exhausted in the late afternoon. They are energetic, creative, dynamic, attentive, and restless, bouncing from one idea to the next.
Vata types are fast to learn, spiritually perceptive, and happiest when in contact with nature and the outdoors, despite their poor recall. They have a keen sense of touch and a strong sense of aesthetics. They have their heads in the clouds and talk at a million miles per hour, so you could recognize them.
Vata has light, dry, rough, clear, active, cold, and mobile qualities, as well as pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes. Choosing more of the traits or characteristics that have the opposite effect in food and lifestyle choices, such as heavy, moist, smooth, sticky, slow, warm, stable, salty, sour, and sweet, helps to maintain balance or bring excess Vata back into harmony.
IN THE MIDDLE Vata personalities are vivacious, joyous, sociable, open-minded, free-spirited, embrace change and learn quickly, are clear and alert, sleep long and lightly, have balanced digestion, strong circulation, and an even body temperature.
EXTREMELY OUT OF BALANCE Vata personalities can be lethargic or fatigued, forgetful or spaced-out, nervous and stressed with a lack of attention, have trouble falling asleep, and have poor circulation.
If you’ve completed the Dosha test and know your Prakriti’s dominant dosha, now is the time to discover more about the qualities, foods, and tastes that will either rock the boat… or float it for an easy life that goes with the flow!
What foods should Vata stay away from?
Apples (cooked), bananas (ripe), berries, cantaloupe, grapes, grapefruit, figs (ripe), apricots, dates, kiwi, lime, lemon, mango, papaya, orange, melon, peach, plum, pineapple, prune (ripe), and resin are some of the fruits to indulge in.
Apples (raw), cranberries, pears, figs (dry), dried fruits, dates (dry), green bananas, pomegranate, raisins (dry), prunes (dry), and watermelon should all be avoided.
Vegetables
Avocado, asparagus, cilantro, beets, carrots, green chillies, green beans, garlic, leek, okra, mustard greens, olives, onion, peas, parsnip, pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet potato, and zucchini are some of the foods to indulge in.
Artichokes, bitter melon, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots (raw), bell peppers, cauliflower, celery, chillies, eggplant, corn, dandelion (green), kale, lettuce, mushroom, olive (green), potato (white), radish, spinach (raw), sprout, tomato, and turnip are all foods to avoid.
Legumes
Moong dal, toor dal, urad dal, miso, red lentil, soy milk, soy cheese, and tofu are all delicious.
Beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lima beans, brown lentils, pinto beans, soybean, soy flour, tempeh, white beans, and split peas should all be avoided.
Nuts and seeds
Coconut, macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, pine nuts, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are just a few of the nuts to indulge in.
Spices
Indulge in: Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, basil, ajwain, caraway, anise, bay leaf, cumin, coriander, turmeric, hing, fennel, garlic, ginger, poppy seeds, peppermint, oregano, nutmeg, pepper, paprika, parsley, mustard seeds, rosemary, thyme, saffron, salt, vanilla, ne
Lunch:
- Vegetables that have been boiled or sauted and eaten with rice or whole-grain pasta.
- Served with split moong dal and basmati rice
- Sauteed okra on whole wheat bread with coriander leaves and grated coconut on top.
Cooking fats such as butter or edible oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or mustard oil can be utilized.
Conclusion
Fasting, severe physical activity, chiropractic treatments, and working in a closed air-conditioned environment should all be avoided by people with a Vata dominant body type. They should also avoid foods that are dry, light, and chilly, as well as foods that are bitter, pungent, or astringent in flavor. Regular Abhayanga, or oil massage, specifically with sesame oil, is extremely useful for Vata-governing individuals.
What is the English name for Vata?
It is the principle force of motion in the body and intellect, made up of the elements air and ether. When the vata dosha is balanced, the body’s movements are graceful, uninhibited, and yet controlled. Movements become irregular, excessive, diminished, or blocked when out of balance.
It is necessary to comprehend the attributes of the vata dosha in order to comprehend it. Vata dosha is characterized by its lightness, mobility, coldness, hardness, roughness, sharpness, subtlety, fluidity, and clarity. These attributes are expressed or reflected in a body and mind when the vata dosha predominates.
The subdoshas of the vata dosha, which are the five varieties of vata or five types of movement, are the best way to understand the dosha. Each subdosha directs certain actions in the body and defines a movement direction.
Prana Vayu: The power that draws sensory experience to us is represented by Prana Vayu. It has a magnetic character and is the power of attraction. The way it works determines the kinds of impressions we are exposed to. Prana vayu is found in the head and heart (chest), where desire is expressed, decisions are made, and sensory information is processed. We are drawn to that which is harmonious and provides us health and well-being when it is healthy. When the prana vayu is out of balance, we misunderstand our sensations and bring disease into our bodies.
Samana Vayu: Whereas prana vayu indicates attraction, samana vayu represents absorption, drawing the impressions we are drawn to closer our center of being. For instance, samana vayu transports nutrients from the intestines to the circulatory system, and samana vayu transports sensations from the skin to the brain. Impressions are properly absorbed when samana vayu is working appropriately. Absorption becomes difficult when it is dysfunctional, and malnutrition or numbness may result.
Vyana Vayu: An impression must be acted upon once it has been absorbed. Vyana vayu, the force that circulates the answer and moves it from the center to the periphery, plays this duty. Following our examples, blood transports nutrients throughout the body, ensuring that each cell receives the right supply. A signal is conveyed from the central nervous system to a muscle or organ in the nervous system.
Udana Vayu is in charge of action and expression, which entails putting the energy acquired to good use. Cells use the energy they get to carry out their specific jobs. Nutrients are required for cellular energy and protein synthesis. Nerves tell muscles and organs how to function properly.
Cellular activity generates both work and waste, according to Apana Vayu. While udana vayu is in charge of doing the labor, apana vayu is in charge of cleaning up the mess. Urination, feces, and menstruation are the primary ways in which Apana vayu removes waste. It is in charge of all the body’s downward flowing energy, as well as the energy required to bring the child out of the womb and into the world.
The Qualities and Presentation of Vata Dosha
The traits inherent in the dosha are reflected in the natural expression of vata dosha in the constitutioni of the body and mind. The following are some examples of how these qualities manifest:
Subtle: The intellect is broad, receptive to new ideas, and curious about the arcane.
Hard: When the body’s tissues become dry, they become hard; this is most easily seen as an imbalance.
Sharp: Compared to other constitutional kinds, the bridge of the nose is thinner and sharper.
Rough: As skin dries out, it becomes rougher, which can be seen as an imbalance.
When the vata dosha is out of equilibrium, the traits that define the dosha are in excess. Which srota (channel system) and which dhatu (tissue) within that channel are impacted determines the precise symptoms produced as a result of the imbalance. The following are some generalized examples of excess vata characteristics (imbalances) in the body:
Managing Vata Dosha
Ayurveda has a variety of methods for balancing the vata dosha. The concepts utilized to restore to balance are the same whether the methods used are dietary, herbal, colors, scents, mantras, massage oils, or lifestyle. It is vital to boost the traits that counterbalance the imbalance. We enhance heaviness where there is an excess of lightness; we increase heat where there is an excess of coldness; we increase softness where there is an excess of hardness; and so on. While each of the therapeutic methods mentioned above is beneficial, the most significant tool is one’s way of life. The vata dosha can only be balanced and the source of disease removed by adopting an acceptable lifestyle.
The adoption of regular healthy routines that are in sync with the rhythms of nature is one of the most significant lifestyle aids for preserving health and aiding recovery in the vata individual. Eating and sleeping at the same times every day considerably improves stability.
It is preferable to get up within half an hour of the sun rising. In addition to good daily cleanliness, the morning regimen should include time for self abhyanga (oil massage), meditation, and yoga asana practice. Meals should be had on a regular basis throughout the day; up to five small meals should be consumed every three hours. These meals should be consumed on a daily basis at the same time. Both the heavy and stable properties are improved as a result of this. The dishes should be slightly greasy (wet), cooked (warm), and seasoned moderately (warm). Bedtime should be around 9 or 10 p.m., though this is dependent on the rhythm of the sunset, which changes by season and latitude. To promote consistency, wake-up and sleep timings should be consistent from day to day.
Almost every known ailment in the body has a specific therapy, and symptoms can be defined in terms of the 10 pairs of opposite traits. Knowing the qualities of the remedies and the qualities of the patient’s constitution and condition, the competent practitioner can construct a treatment regimen that brings these opposing qualities into harmony. These attributes provide the body with the fundamental energies and raw materials it requires to heal.
Vata is in charge of what?
Vata governs all mental and physical actions by containing elements such as air and space. It regulates blood flow, waste removal, breathing, and the flow of thoughts across the brain. Vata is characterized by its dryness, coldness, lightness, movement, changeability, subtlety, roughness, and speed.
Vata is expelled from the body in a variety of ways.
External remedies for vata imbalance include: Massage your body and brain on a daily basis. Fasting or going on an empty stomach for an extended period of time should be avoided. Take steam baths on a regular basis. Mild purifying processes, such as basti or vamana, should be used.
Is it possible for the Vata dosha to gain weight?
Vata-predominant people are typically slender and wiry. However, this does not rule out the possibility of weight increase in the future. Vata types can be slender all their lives and then gain weight suddenly due to a change in their metabolism. People who are Vata-dominant are prone to mental stress since they tend to overuse or misuse their intellect. They also have a tendency to forget to eat on a regular basis when they are stressed, disrupting their digestion, causing ama, and blocking the channels. This is frequently the first sign of weight gain.
The most important thing for a Vata person is to eliminate mental tension and nourish their bodies with light, readily digestible foods. You can practice the Transcendental Meditation program to relieve mental stress, which has been established in hundreds of scientific studies to be the most effective strategy for reducing mental, emotional, and physical stress. It just takes twenty minutes twice a day, yet it has a huge impact on one’s quality of life.
To balance the uneven, changeable nature of Vata dosha, those with a preponderance of Vata dosha need a regular regimen. They must go to bed early, well before 10 o’clock, and rise early, before six a.m. One of the strongest antidotes to Vata imbalance is a regular routine with appropriate sleep. Meals should be eaten on a regular basis, with three warm, cooked meals per day. Because Vata digestion is uneven, it’s vital to eat them at the same time every day. Your digestive enzymes will prepare to digest the meal if you eat at the same time, and your digestion will be stronger. Avoid mentally taxing tasks and engage in soothing activities such as yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises). Vata benefits from daily oil massages, and the Youthful Skin Massage Oil can aid with dry skin, which is often a result of Vata imbalance. Because the skin is one of the key seats of Vata dosha in the body, rubbing your body with warm, Vata-calming oil every morning will help to calm your nervous system and emotions. The more calm you are and the more consistent your routine, the better you will be able to handle day-to-day stress and the less probable you will get overweight.
People with Vata issues are frequently in a hurry, always in a hurry. It’s not healthy for anyone to be continuously hurrying around, and it’s more bad for people who have Vata imbalances. If you find yourself in this circumstance, it’s critical to develop the practice of slowing down and taking it easy. Learn how to create a more calm and royal daily schedule. This is critical for one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
When Vata dosha is the root of a weight problem, it’s critical to eat a well-balanced, easy-to-digest diet that’s also nurturing. Choose the middle route and eat a tridoshic diet, which balances the three doshas. Avoid foods that are too hot and spicy (such as chilies, cayenne pepper, and black mustard seed), as well as those that are too cold, such as ice cream, iced drinks, and cold, heavy sweets. Avoid foods that are excessively heavy (such mature cheeses, meats, and heavy sweets), as well as those that are too light and dry (like crackers, cold cereals, and packaged snacks). In general, stay away from leftovers, frozen, canned, or packaged foods, and all processed foods.
Consume fresh, organic, and whole foods. Rather than ama, choose foods that quickly change into ojas, the product of excellent digestion that boosts immunity, joy, and happiness in the body. Try stewed apples and pears for breakfast; whole grains and soups made with fresh vegetables and pulses for dinner; and organic vegetables like zucchini and loki squash, grains like quinoa, light proteins like split mung dhal soups, and light dairy products like lassi and panir for the main meal at noon. Light, nutritious oils like ghee and olive oil, as well as spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fennel, are used in cooking.
Rasayana for women or rasayana for men is beneficial for people who have a Vata-related weight problem. These herbal remedies boost creativity, mental capacities, and emotional equilibrium while strengthening resilience to stressful situations. They also help the body’s natural digestive, excretion, and purifying processes work more efficiently. Boosting the body’s natural processes has the overall effect of increasing energy and vitality. Peace of mind and the peace of mind tablets would also be beneficial to someone who has acquired weight as a result of Vata issues. These natural products nourish the mind and aid in the relief of mental stress, which Vata-dominant persons are prone to. Brahmi, a herb known for lowering stress and anxiety, is found in Peace of Mind tablets and tea.
Peace of mind tablets are beneficial in lowering the impacts of day-to-day mental stress, according to a pilot research study conducted at the University of California, San Diego. It’s really good at helping people fall asleep when they’re having trouble falling asleep due to stress. Ashwagandha and Arjuna are two other herbs utilized in peace of mind tea. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which means it fights physical exhaustion that leads to mental drowsiness. Arjuna appears to assist both the physical and emotional heart, according to research. The Blissful Joy tablets contain this ancient herb Arjuna, which can aid with mental stress, which is another cause of weight gain.
Is milk beneficial to the Vata dosha?
Milk is recommended by Ayurveda for all healthy people of all ages since it balances the doshas of vata and pitta while increasing the dosha of kapha.