Vata dosha – The Propelling Force

What is Vata Dosha?

Vayu is one of the 5 elements of nature. Vayu is necessary. It causes movement. Its absence causes death. Without Vayu everything will be still. However, the quantity of it that must operate in the body must be harmonious. When Vayu becomes unstable, it causes erratic displacement of matter. Vayu when unstable is called a Vata dosha.

Did you know?

Did you know that the primary cause of ageing is Vayu? When you reduce Vayu, you reverse ageing.

How does it cause displacement in your body?

Vayu can cause displacement very easily. Some of the causes are; too much thinking, speaking too much and loudly, listening more than what is required, talking while eating, excessive eye movement, travelling faster than you can on two legs (car, scooter, air travel), indigestion, fear, anxiety, restlessness, keeping oneself awake at night, disturbing one’s sleep, etc.

The symptoms you may experience include; disturbed sleep, sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, restless leg syndrome, unknown fears, muscle twitching, dry skin, feeling cold, frequent urination, osteoporosis, aches and pains, etc.

How to diagnose displacement of Prana and Apana?

Displacement of Prana and Apana can be diagnosed through Nadi Pariksha. There are no other ways to discover the displacement of Prana and Apana and the manifestations from there on although, one can infer from questioning and coming to a conclusion through other processes of diagnosis such as evaluating the processes of digestion, defecation and so on.

You can maintain your overall health when you balance Vata Dosha.

How to Balance Vata Dosha

There are several foods that may increase Vayu symptoms. Below is a generic list;


Fruits	Vegetables	Pulses/Cereals	Dairy	Others
Apples	Potato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Bitter Gourd, Raw vegetables	Packaged Cereals, Kabuli Chana, Rajma, Hyacinth Beans, Sprouts	Ice creams, cold milk, milkshakes, fruit milkshakes, refrigerated curd	Most dry fruits and nuts excluding cashew and dates, Bread, biscuits, Chocolate, Aerated drinks, carbonated water

Practices to reduce Vayu

There are a few practices that can help reduce aggravated symptoms. These include the following;

Have a hot shower before you eat
Dip your feet in bearably hot water for 10 minutes before you go to sleep
Cover your ears
Meditate regularly (most recommended)
Eat hot, freshly cooked (avoid reheating foods)
Avoid eating sweets after meals
Do not eat ice-creams after meals
Avoid eating raw, uncooked and dry foods
Do not drink cold water or fruit juices with meals
Sleep before 10:00pm
Wake up before sunrise