What Is Vata Dosha?

Vaidya Vishwanath Vata

By Vaidya Vishwanath July 20, 2022

Kottakkal-Ayurveda-USA-What-Is-Vata-Dosha?

The first principal of Ayurveda is the five great elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space that combine to create the entire universe. The second principal is the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha, biological energies that are formed from the five great elements.

Vata dosha is a combination of space and air elements and represents movement. Pitta dosha is a combination of fire and water elements and represents transformation, and Kapha dosha is a combination of earth and water elements and represents structure.

These three biological energies control and monitor all the functions of the mind and body. They are the forces that govern all psycho-physiological systems and serve to maintain a dynamic state of health or illness. Doshas are susceptible to vitiation and are constantly changing; this greatly affects our biological functions and can create an imbalanced state of health without a consistent diet and lifestyle.

More About Vata Dosha

Vata is a Sanskrit word that means “the wind”. Ayurveda says that vata dosha governs all communication and movement, as well as blood flow, breathing, body movements, expression of speech and regulation of metabolism. It's also the motivating force behind the other two doshas, pitta and kapha, as they are inert by nature.

Physiological actions controlled by vata dosha

Movements of joints
Transportation of oxygen and other nutrients
Contraction and dilatation of muscles and arteries
Elimination of urine, stool and sweat
Signaling of nerves
Autonomic nervous system: blinking, sneezing, swallowing
Secretion and circulation of enzymes
Circulation of glucose, cholesterol, proteins and nutrients
Regulation of hormonal secretion

Qualities of Vata

Vata dosha has six qualities: rough, light, cold, unstable, coarse, dry and slimy. When a person overindulges in foods and lifestyle activities with an abundance of these six qualities, the result is increased vata aggravation.

When vata becomes chronically aggravated, it affects the body with various disorders and diminishes strength, complexion and happiness. Vata, when aggravated, tends to disturb the mind, destroy the faculties of the five senses, early elimination or delayed retention of the embryo, intensifies emotional states of fear, grief, attachment, humility, delirium, and diminishes the life span.

The healthy existence or destruction of all living beings and their happiness or grief depends on the influence of vata. It is the god of death, the controller and regulator of all creatures, aditi (the first one), vishvakarma (creator of the universe), vishvarupa (omniform or having innumerable forms), sarvaga (omni-pervading), regulator of all actions and thoughts; it is subtle and omnipresent. Lord Vishnu permeates the whole universe and is lord vayu alone.

One should always take action to balance the energies of vata dosha!

Herbal supplements to Balance Vata Dosha

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

Author

Vaidya Vishwanath

Vaidya Vishwanath grew up in Pune, India which is hub of traditional Ayurvedic gurukul teachings, following the principles of Ayurveda as part of his culture. He has dedicated his career over the past 1 ½ decades to the science of Ayurveda.

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