Signs and Causes of Vata Dosha Imbalance

As we have seen in previous articles, the Vata dosha is composed of the elements space and air (https://www.iam-yam.com/post/vata-dosha-movement-energy). A person with a Vata constitution is physically slim and slender. She’s taller or much shorter than average. Mentally, she’s curious, creative, and enthusiastic (https://www.iam-yam.com/post/vata-prakriti).

However, sometimes the Vata dosha can become unbalanced. Indeed, diet, activities, and environment can unbalance the Vata dosha within us. This is called Vikriti, a state of imbalance.

Which are the signs of excess Vata dosha ?

When Vata dosha is excessive, it can cause digestive problems.

Excess air can cause flatulence and bloating. Excess dryness can cause constipation (internal dryness) as well as dry skin (external dryness). Excessive movement can cause diarrhea. People with excess Vata often experience digestive irregularities, alternating between diarrhea and constipation.

Stools can also be hard, black and dry.

Physically, an excess of the Vata dosha can cause sleep disturbances with insomnia and broken sleep. Excessive movement can also affect communication with logorrhea, slurred speech or hyperactivity.

Often, a person with excess Vata appears weak, she’s physically exhausted and lacks strength. She’s often thin and seeks out any source of warmth (drinks, food, the weather).

Finally, in terms of physical appearance, the body may appear black. Stools are black, teeth may have cavities, or black spots in the eyes.

What are the causes of Vata dosha aggravation ?

Vata dosha isn't unbalanced without reason. There is a principle in Ayurveda that states that like increases like and opposites balance. Thus, all activities and foods with the same qualities as the Vata dosha (i.e., light, dry, cold, subtle, unstable, and rough) increases it.

Diet

Consuming foods that are astringent (black tea), pungent, bitter (cocoa), dry (rice cakes), light (chips), raw (salad), and cold (ice cubes) significantly increase Vata.

Just like eating too little or fasting, these habits increase the space in the body and therefore increase the Vata dosha.

Psychologically, some emotions and behaviors aggravate Vata. For example, exhaustion, worry, fear, anxiety, or grief.

Environment

Wind and cold increase Vata. Just like fall, winter and evening are periods during which the Vata dosha naturally increases.

Finally, strenuous physical activity and staying up at night are also causes of Vata dosha aggravation.

Ayurveda invites us above all to know and understand ourselves better, so try this exercise of observing your body and how it functions. Do you recognize signs of Vata dosha aggravation in yourself ? Do you have any habits in your daily life that could aggravate Vata ?