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Maharishi Ayurveda
Vata Type

Vata type

Fast & flexible

If you are one of those Vata types who likes to be on the go, this should come as no surprise as Vata stands for movement both at a physical and spiritual level. Vata types are therefore often admired by the people around them for their ideas, eloquence, creativity and ease. People with a Vata constitution enjoy talking quickly and frequently and have an excellent flair for choosing the right words.

Physical build – delicate & slender

In line with their association with the air and space elements, Vata types are generally delicately built and correspondingly light. They may be tall and slim but may also be small and dainty. They often have fine face features, small lively eyes and fairly thin lips. Their blood vessels and tendons are clearly visible, particularly on their hands.

Skin & hair – fine & dry

Vata types tend to have dry skin, which benefits from extra-rich treatment. Their hair tends to be quite thin and dry.

Metabolism & digestion

Vata types usually have a variable Agni (digestive fire, see note). Their appetite fluctuates accordingly. Other people often envy the fact that they hardly ever gain weight even when they eat more. People with a pronounced Vata dosha can be prone to bloating if they drink too much water or are under stress.

Lovers of warmth and gentle tones

Vata types have a strong sense of hearing and touch. They are therefore highly sensitive to loud noises and sounds in their environment. Because they feel easily cold, Vata people love warmth. This includes warm summer days as well as warm food and hot drinks.

Lively spirit – active enthusiasm

Vata types are generally blessed with an alert and quick mind and great enthusiasm. They learn very quickly and have an excellent short-term memory, whilst things from the distant past tend to fade away rapidly. Vata also endows them with a high degree of flexibility, liveliness, sensitivity and a great deal of imagination.

Professions in which Vata types can realise their talents

Thanks to their ingenuity, creativity and skills, Vata types are predestined for artistic, scientific or creative professions. They are also particularly successful in professions which call upon their eloquence, such as journalism or interpreting.

Possible downsides of excess Vata

Excess Vata can lead to anxiety, nervousness and restlessness, which prevent Vata types from falling asleep easily at night or disrupt their concentration during the day. Vata types are not particularly resilient and do not deal well with stress.

Representing the element of movement, Vata is connected to our nervous system, our breathing, circulation, our muscles and joints and excretion. On a physical level, excess Vata can therefore manifest as headaches or back aches, restlessness or constipation. Cold hands and feet also indicate a Vata disturbance.

Tips for vata types

Being kind to yourself – 10 Ayurveda tips for the Vata type

  1. Nutrition: people with high Vata proportion should eat small meals regularly.
  2. The right food: warm, well-cooked foods are ideal for Vata types. Ghee is also good for them.
  3. The right spices: in terms of spices, Vata types should opt particularly for sweet, sour and salty flavours. Ideal spices include aniseed, asafoetida, basil, fenugreek, fennel, fresh ginger, cardamom, cumin, cloves, mustard seeds, liquorice and cinnamon and Vata Churna.
  4. Warmth: whether in the form of a bath, drinks or food, warmth is simply good for you as a Vata type.
  5. Fragrances: sweet, heavy and sour fragrances soothe excess Vata. Aroma oils containing rose oil, basil, germanium, cinnamon, lemon, orange, lavender, lemon balm and ylang-ylang are particularly suitable as room fragrances.
  6. Colours: warm, calming, soft, muted colours support the dosha balance of Vata types. These may include green, beige and delicate pink.
  7. Oil massages: people with a pronounced Vata dosha respond particularly well to regular oil massages (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil or Vata Massage Oil an.
  8. Gentle sounds: Gandharva music is a perfect way to help Vata types relax.
  9. Daily rhythm: a regulated daily routine is particularly important for Vata types. They should get up early in the morning, practice yoga, Pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) and meditation, eat regular meals and go to bed early (before 10 p.m.).
  10. Leisure: a steam bath or a warm bathtub provide the perfect balance to a walk in the cold winter air. Vata types should also make sure that they get enough rest and avoid overstimulation even during their leisure time.

You can find further tips on the best nutrition to suit your type in our article entitled “Ayurveda tips on nutrition and diet”.

References

Schrott, Ernst; Schachinger, Wolfgang: Ayurveda. Grundlagen und Anwendungen. 3. Aufl. 2016, Trias-Verlag (German only)
Bauhofer, Ulrich: Mehr Energie. Wie wir in Balance leben. 2020, Südwest-Verlag (German only)