Vata

(pron: vat-tah). Your dynamic energy is light, dry, changeable and governs bodily functions associated with movement, including the flow of fluids, of cells, feelings, breath and nerve impulses. Given your elemental make-up, you are an adaptable, creative, imaginative and impulsive person. You relish learning new things, but are not as keen on retaining knowledge and need change . Such is your quick mind and boundless energy, that you race from one topic to another, sometimes not even finishing your sentences. While you need routine, it’s something you struggle with and you are likely to change your plans at the last minute. You work well in short, sharp bursts and your appetite tends to vary, in that you will eat and drink lots and then not at all. You enjoy spending money and lavishing it on others. A natural multi-tasker, when in balance you have an amazing ability to get things done with vision and flair.

Make sure that you are indeed a Vata dosha, take our Dosha quiz

Signs of imbalance:

An excess of the powerful Vata energy leads to a lack of focus, forgetfulness and dips in energy, which further cause mood swings, anxiety, insomnia and low self-esteem. When the flow of Vata energy is restricted, physically you will experience poor circulation, constipation, headaches, sore throat, cramps, abnormal blood pressure and arthritis. These potential concerns can all be diminished by simply becoming aware of imbalances and the triggers and requires that you work with and not against your unique DNA; which is one that creates magic in the world by bringing its vision alive for all to enjoy and appreciate. 

When you find yourself feeling out of balance, the first thing to do is create consistency in your life in terms of daily rituals. By all means plan variety into your rituals, be it choosing a day a week to try different activities or foods but also keep those to set times, as opposed to whenever the mood takes you. The ideal exercise regimes for you are walking outdoors for a daily dose of vitamin D, yoga and pilates, as you can suddenly become sensitive to loud, stressful environments if you have not taken time away to still your active mind. Begin and end each day with meditation and if it’s easier, start by using guided meditation to calm the mind and once that feels comfortable, aim to progress to periods of complete silence. A nightly bath with healing salts and massaging with Surrender Vata Oil, will help release toxin, get energy flowing and relax an anxious mind. Food-wise, you can go for naturally sweet, sour or salty foods and healthy fats such as ghee and nuts. Drink hot water throughout the day and cut down on raw foods and sprouted vegetables. Above all, be kind to yourself as you of all the doshas have a tendency to expect too much of yourself.

Your Dosha-balancing essentials: