Vata Qualities 

Vata derives from the elements of Space and Air and translates as “wind” or “that which moves things.” It is the energy of movement and the force governing all biological activity. Vata is often called the “King of the Doshas,” since it governs the body’s greater life force and gives motion to Pitta and Kapha.
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Just as the wind in balance provides movement and expression to the natural world, the balanced Vata individual is active, creative, and gifted with a natural ability to express and communicate. When the wind in a Vata type rages like a hurricane, negative qualities quickly overshadow these positive attributes. Common signs of Vata imbalance include anxiety and bodily disorders related to dryness, such as dry skin and constipation.

Health Tips

If Vata is predominant in the personal constitution, fasting should be avoided. Strenuous physical exertion and working in air-conditioned rooms should also be avoided and  should try to stay in warm and humid locations to create a quiet, safe, and comfortable environment.

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​Best Diet for Vata Type  

One nutrition rule applies above all others for Vata types: “Eat hot meals at regular times.” Such a rhythm will be very good for your digestion.​

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Fruits

Sweet Fruits: Apricots Avocados Bananas Berries Cherries Coconut Fresh Figs Papaya Peaches Plums

Sour Fruits: Grapefruits Lemons Grapes Mangoes Sweet melons (not too cooling) Sour Oranges Pineapples

 

Vegetables

Warm Vegetables: Asparagus Beets Carrots Garlic Green Beans Onions, dried Parsnips Peas Pumpkin Squash Sweet Potato Radishes Turnips Leafy Greens (in moderation)

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Nuts, Seeds, Oils

Nuts: Almonds Brazil Nuts Cashews Coconuts Filberts Hazelnuts Macadamia Nuts Pecans pistachios Pinenuts Walnuts Seeds: Chia seeds Flax seeds Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds Sunflower seeds Tahini

*all are acceptable in small amounts.

Sprouted Whole Grains Amaranth Kamut Oats Wheat Brown rice (excellent) Spelt Wild Rice Buckwheat

 

Culinary Spices

Sweet and/or Warming Herbs and Spices: Allspice Anise Asafoetida (hing) Basil Bay leaf Black Pepper (sparingly) Caraway Cardamom Cilantro (green coriander) Clove Cumin Cinnamon Fennel Ginger Juniper Berries Liquorice root Mace Marjoram Mustard Nutmeg Organe Peel Oregano Sage Tarragon Thyme

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Herbal Teas

Sweet, Nourishing Teas: Ajwan Chamomile Comfrey Elderberry Eucalyptus Fenugreek Liquorice Root Marshmallow Lemongrass Lavender Hawthorn Juniper-berry Oat-straw Raspberry Rose-hip Saffron.

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Exercise

30 minutes, 3 times per week: Gentle Movement Yoga Walking, Hiking, Chi Gong Deep Breathing (Pranayama)