Vata

Vata is the dosha of movement, composed of air and space elements. It governs all motion in the body: nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, elimination, and the movement of thoughts.

Vata’s qualities are: dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile, and clear. When balanced, vata provides creativity, enthusiasm, flexibility, and quick comprehension. When imbalanced, it causes anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dry skin, and scattered attention.

Vata is considered the “king of doshas” because it initiates all movement - including the movement of pitta and kapha. Most diseases involve vata imbalance at some stage.

Vata is balanced by opposite qualities: warm, moist, heavy, smooth, and stable. Regular routine, warm nourishing food, oil massage, and grounding practices all pacify vata.

There are five sub-types of vata (prana, udana, samana, apana, vyana) governing different functions and body regions.