Vata Dosha, energy of movement

In Ayurveda, there are three doshas (vital energies) : Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is the most important dosha, considered to be the leader of the doshas. Leader, because it influences the other doshas and our state of health. Indeed, if Vata is not balanced, it will then shift and displace the other unbalanced doshas in the weak parts of the body. It can therefore participate in the appearance of diseases and it is fundamental to understand its functioning in order to control it.

What is the Vata dosha ?

Vata is composed of two elements : space/ether (akasha) and air (vayu) in equal proportion. Air represents movement and space represents stillness. Vata means that which transports things. It is the dosha relating to movement.

Ayurveda describes everything that exists by referring to different pairs of qualities (gunas). So, the Vata dosha has qualities that allow us to see that we are in the presence of this dosha. Vata has 6 main qualities. It is light (laghu), dry (ruksha), cold (shita), subtle (sukshma), unstable (sara) and rough (khara).

There is a principle in Ayurveda that “like increases like and opposite diminishes”. The gunas, qualities, are present everywhere. They are in our environment (seasons, weather), in our activities (sport, leisure), our food.

So qualities similar to Vata increase it. This is the case for autumn and winter which have the qualities of cold and dry. A rice cake (light and dry). Traveling (unstable). These examples having Vata-like qualities increase Vata in our body.

On the contrary, qualities opposed to Vata diminish it. For example, summer which has the quality of hot (opposite of cold). Meat that has the quality of heavy (opposite of dry). Meditation which has the quality of stable (opposite of unstable).

Where is Vata found in the body ?

In the body, Vata is produced in the colon and rectum where it accumulates as gas.

We also find Vata in different parts of the body characterized by air or space. The thighs which allow us to move are a site for locating Vata. The waist and lower back, which are on either side of the colon, are also locations for this dosha. Just like parts of the body composed of air or in contact with air such as bones, ears or skin.

When Vata is out of balance, it is in these areas that disease can appear.

What does Vata do in the body ?

Vata helps the body perform some of these functions.

On a physical level, Vata is responsible for all movements of the body. These movements can be voluntary or involuntary. These can be muscular movements, movements relating to digestion, thoughts, etc. Vata takes care of breathing, whether inhaling or exhaling. Stimulation is also managed by Vata which is responsible for the nervous system. The organs linked to air, the sensory organs, also depend on Vata. The different sensations of natural needs (desire to urinate, to sleep, hunger, etc.).

On a psychological level, Vata is responsible for enthusiasm which consists of an outward movement.

It is therefore fundamental to have a balanced Vata so that it can perform its functions and support the body in its functioning.

Certain actions produced by the body also involve Vata.

We notice that Vata is in action when we have goosebumps, tingling sensations or pain. The appearance of brown color on the skin is also an action of Vata like dark circles, dark spots... Vata is also in charge in cases of prolapse, spasms, bills, contractures, blockages, injuries, chapping.

You understand now, Vata has a fundamental role within our body. Understanding how it works allows you to better understand it in your daily life. Try to identify when this dosha is in action in your body, do you find that it is functioning correctly ? Is it fulfilling its missions as it should ?