What are doshas? A dosha can describe a mind-body-type (you can’t change that) and an imbalance (you can change that). Identifying our imbalances and rectifying them is the best way to feel like our highest selves. Today, we’re talking about one of the doshas: Vata dosha and yoga for Vata dosha. 

What is Vata Dosha?

Vata is a dosha made of the elements ether and air. This dosha’s characteristics are dry, rough, subtle, mobile, cold, and light. Wind acts as its instigator. When you feel scattered and overwhelmed, especially during the dry and cold seasons, it is usually due to an imbalance from excessive Vata in your system. When there is a Vata derangement, we tend to move quickly, sometimes cautiously and often push ourselves harder than what our bodies can cope with. 

The rule for Ayurveda is that like attracts like. Since Vata is dry, dark, and cold, when this dosha becomes unbalanced it can cause:

• Colds
• Poor circulation
• Joint pain
• Poor digestion (constipation and gas)
• Anxiety

Vata governs all mental and bodily functions; it is necessary for nerve impulses, menstruation, muscle movement, and circulation, among other things. It also regulates our speech, quickness of thought, and mental flexibility.

Each of us has a dominant dosha. Someone who is Vata-dominant is usually slender, small-framed, and has a flat chest. They are light, often with a tan skin tone and skin that is rough and dry. Many also have curly hair and visible veins.

Equilibrium for Vata Dosha

Someone who is Vata-prominent should meditate, walk, and perform yoga daily. They should focus on going to bed early and maintaining a daily routine. Vatas should eat plenty of healthy fats, nuts, cooked vegetables, warming spices, and dairy products. 

Foods like peas, cauliflower, and dry grains can aggravate the already-dry Vata, so avoid eating these kinds of foods in large quantities. Vatas should avoid coffee and black tea as well as smoking and alcohol. If you are Vata-dominant, avoid eating when you feel anxious or depressed.

Other foods to pacify Vata include:

• Cooked apples 
• Dates 
• Ripe mangoes and banana 
• Berries 
• Peaches 
• Squash 
• Carrots 
• Avocado 
• Ginger 
• Saffron 
• Garlic 
• Cloves

Vata Yoga Ayurveda Tips

Here are some other tips for balancing our Vata dosha.

Don’t Skip the Yoga

This idea might seem like a no-brainer, but don’t skip your yoga session! Vata can cause stiff joints and more aches and pains. Not making time to roll out your mat every day will only exacerbate these issues – don’t skip it! Especially Savasana!

Stay Warm

Vata is cold all the time. Make sure you don’t drink cold drinks, favor cooked and warm food, add warming spices and smells, and put on enough clothes so you are warm.

Stick to your Routine

Vata is all over the place – mentally and physically. That’s why they often forget to stick to a morning or night routine. Define 3-5 things that you want to do every morning and every night and write them down. Make sure to stick to these things. It doesn’t matter how many things you include in your routine. It matters that you stay consistent.

5 Vata Yoga Poses

Practice with me on YouTube here

Since Vata is mobile, rough, dry, and light your yoga practice should balance these qualities. Practice yoga that is slow, smooth (flowing), and heavy (as in staying in a pose for a long time). Here are some great poses for Vata.

1. Mountain Pose

Mountain Pose connects you to the earth. Practice just standing still and finding your balance. I like to take a few minutes to shift my weight left and right. Then back and forth until I find a stable position.

2. Tree Pose

Vata is all about finding a connection to the earth. Practicing tree pose helps you to find balance which needs calmness of the mind. Visualize roots growing out of your standing foot connecting to the mat.

3. Yogi Squat / Garland Pose

Yogi Squat is a great pose to connect you to your Root Chakra which is located at the base of your spine. This pose opens up your hips and brings you a deep feeling of being grounded and feeling safe.

4. Forward Bend

Forward Bend is a great way to let go. When you are in this pose, take long and deep breaths. Let your head hang heavy and relax every muscle in your face. It can be difficult for Vata dosha to stay in this pose for a long time but it will be very beneficial.

5. Savasana

Savasana or Corpse pose forces us to slow down. Take the first few moments in the pose to make some micro-adjustments and then find stillness. With each exhale relax your body more and more and melt into the mat.

Keeping Our Doshas in Check With Vata Yoga

Our doshas keep us balanced and help us identify imbalances within ourselves. Knowing our dominant dosha can help us identify when we should sleep, what we should eat, and how we should take care of our skin. Our doshas are road maps of who we are and how we can best take care of ourselves.