What is Vata dosh:
Vata is governing manifestation and principle force, which is responsible for movement, communication, transportation, respiration, circulation, elimination and thinking. Vata is one of the three body humors (Dosha). Ayurveda has divided manifestations and effects into three categories. Vata is governing manifestation and principle force among three humors (Tridosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Vata means air or wind. It consists of ether and air elements. Ether is the highest element before air. It is very subtle element and also called AKASHA and SPACE. Air is second element after ether. It evolves from the AKASHA (ether). It is also called VAYU.
Vata is a combination of these two elements. Vata is also subtle, so its presence can only be felt or proved by its actions in the body.
With the qualities of winter often being cold, damp and windy in North America, it is very easy for Vata Dosha to get out of balance. This is especially true for your clients who are newer to Ayurveda and may not be incorporating all of the principles yet or who are still recovering from an illness. Here are some of the most common symptoms of excess Vata Dosha and three products that are powerful Vata-calmers.
Excess Vata Dosha In the Mind
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Insecurity
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Feeling always “on edge”
- Insomnia
- Fear of commitment
- Mental instability
- Vata-type depression
Excess Vata Dosha In the Intestines
- Burping
- Hiccups
- Excessive thirst
- Gas
- Gurgling intestines
- Constipation
- Irregular appetite
- Weight loss
- Dry taste in the mouth
- Hemorrhoids
- Emaciation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Excess Vata Dosha in the Circulatory System
- Dry skin
- Dry, cracked lips
- Split ends
- Acne on lower half of the face
- Dandruff
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dehydration
- Brittle nails and teeth
- Varicose veins
Vata in the Muscles, Bones, Joints and Nervous System
- Physical weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle fatigue
- Trembling/shaking
- Tightness and stiffness
- Cracking, popping and pain in the joints and muscles
- Numbness
- Sciatica
- Nerve pain
- Stiff neck
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
- Convulsions
- Incontinence
- Parkinson’s disease
Overall Excess Vata
- Breathlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Hoarse voice
- Receding gums
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Cavities
- Severe PMS symptoms
- Irregular, infrequent periods
- Low libido
- Severe asthma
- Premature aging
- Weak immune system
3 Vata-Balancing Ayurvedic Products
Bala Arishtam is a liquid Ayurvedic product used to remedy diseases that stem from a Vata Dosha imbalance such as physical weakness and neuromuscular disorders. This arishtam tones and strengthens nerves, muscles and bones. It nourishes the body overall, increases physical strength and heals disturbed and weak digestion. It balances all three of the Doshas, especially Vata Dosha.
Ashtavargam Kwatham Tablets balance Vata Dosha. These herbal tablets are useful in relieving joint stiffness, strengthening the immune system and improving blood circulation.
Balajirakadi Kwatham Tablets balance both Vata and Kapha Dosha. They are used to support the treatment of respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma, coughs and colds, and they have anti-tussive and bronchodilator properties.