Vata Dosha
Vata dosha embodies the energy of movement which is why it is associated with the elements of air and ether. The Vata personality is very creative and flexibly. this energy governs all bodily movements such as the breath, the pulsation of the heart, all muscle contractions, tissue movements, cellular mobility and communication throughout the mind and the nervous system.
If you have excess vata dosha prakriti present in the body, you may feel:
Nervousness, anxiousness, panic, fear
Twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
Dry or chapped skin
Constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools
Low body weight
Aversion from cold weather and wind
Unable to tolerate loud noises
Poor, interrupted sleep
Feeling spacey, scattered and forgetful
Excess thinking, stress, or worrying
If you have vata imbalances, gravitate towards:
Foods that are naturally sweet, sour, and salty in taste.
Warm, cooked foods, both energetically and in temperature. Avoid excess raw foods.
Mung dahl, tofu, or tempeh that is well-cooked and warm soy milk spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Warming and grounding spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and cumin. Avoid very hot spices.
Room temperature or warm drinks.
Dairy is good without any other food. It is best to have warm milk spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ghee, olive oil, and sesame oil.
Consistent times for your meals.
Eat slowly, avoiding distractions or moving while eating.
Eat your meal in a peaceful and calm environment.
If vata dosha feels imbalanced, avoid:
Foods that are bitter, astringent, and pungent.
Foods that are cooling, both energetically and in temperature.
Dry and light foods (crackers, popcorn, ect.)
Excess raw food, especially in the mornings and evenings (salads, raw veggies, raw juice, ect.)
Most beans, including cold soy products.
Highly processed foods (frozen food, canned food, fried food)
Cold or carbonated drinks.
Caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants.
Overeating or eating very heavy meals.
Eating fruit with any other food.
Hard alcohol.
