Chapter 9

VATA DOSHA

Vata – Principle of Movement

Synonyms of Vata :

The god of wind (maruta), movement (chala), wind (anila), present everywhere (samirana), pure (pavana), gives sensation of touch (sparshana), full of strength (mahabala), life (jivana), sadagati, help in perception of smell (gandhavaha), self-existent (swayambhu) [Su.Sa. Nidana Sthana 1/5], air, wind, blown, desired for, wished for, solicited, and god of wind.

Elemental composition : Air and Ether

The characteristics of Vata dosha  :

  1. Dryness (ruksha) 
  2. Coldness (shita)
  3. Lightness (laghu)
  4. Micro or subtle nature (sukshma)
  5. Mobility (chala)
  6. Clearness(vishada)
  7. Roughness(khara)
  8. Hardness(daruna)
  9. Synergistic in action(yogavahi)
  10. Formlessness (amurtatva)
  11. Frequent (bahu)
  12. Swift (sheeghra)
  13. Coarseness or harshness (parusha)
  14. Assessed through its functions
  15. Movements in all direction
  16. Having predominately raja quality Unpredictable potential(achintyavirya)
  17. Quick(ashukari)
  18. Ashtanga Hrdaya describes qualities of Vata Dosha as :
  • Dry: Vata tends to dry out the body tissues, which can lead to dryness of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
  • Light: Vata is a light dosha, meaning it is easily influenced by external factors. This can make individuals with a dominant Vata constitution prone to anxiety, fear, and restlessness.
  • Cold: Vata is associated with coldness, which can manifest as feeling cold easily, even in warm environments.
  • Rough: Vata can cause roughness in the body, leading to dry, rough skin, constipation, and rough hair.
  • Mobile: Vata is responsible for movement in the body, including the movement of thoughts, emotions, and bodily functions.

Seat of Vata Dosha :

The sites of Vata dosha include pakvashaya (large intestine), katti (waist), sakti (thighs), srotra (ears), asti (bones), and sparsha (skin). Among these, the pakvashaya (large intestine) is the special site of Vata.

In Ashtanga Hrdaya, the predominant location of Vata dosha is described as follows

  1. Colon (Large Intestine):
    • Vata is primarily associated with the colon, where it governs the process of elimination and the movement of waste.
  2. Pelvis:
    • This area houses various organs and is crucial for the mobility and reproductive functions influenced by Vata.
  3. Lower Abdomen:
    • Vata affects digestion and the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the lower abdominal region.
  4. Nervous System:
    • Vata is linked to the nervous system, particularly in the brain and spinal cord, influencing nerve impulses and communication throughout the body.
  5. Joints:
    • Vata governs joint movement and flexibility, making it essential for musculoskeletal health.
  6. Skin:
    • The skin’s texture and moisture levels are also influenced by Vata, particularly its ability to maintain hydration.

Functions of Vata dosha :

Vata dosha governs all bodily functions. The ability to provide other bodily entities, such as other doshadhatu, and mala, mobility belongs to the vata dosha in the human body. Vata is responsible for all motion, so this dosha is also known as life in living beings. The principal functions of vata dosha are as below

  • To sustain the body
  • Maintaining and controlling all the/ human machinery or body
  • The originator of all kinds of movements
  • Regulates and guides the mind
  • Stimulates all sensory and motor organs
  • Directs senses to their respective objects
  • Responsible for proper building of the tissues and organs of the body
  • Connects the different tissues
  • Induces speech
  • Causative factor of sound and touch sensation
  • Cause of pleasures and determination
  • Stimulates digestive power
  • Dries up the excessive moisture
  • Excretion of waste products
  • Formation of every kind of channel, fine and coarse
  • Regulates the formation of the different structures of the fetus and provides specific size/shape
  • Sustain the life
  • Control the segmentation or division of cells
  • Inhalation and exhalation
  • Proper movements of dhatu

1. Muscular system :

  • Muscle Function: Vata governs all types of movement, including the contraction and relaxation of muscles. It is crucial for mobility, coordination, and physical activity.
  • Circulation: Vata influences the circulation of blood and lymph, facilitating the transport of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
  • Joint Movement: Vata supports the flexibility and agility of joints, enabling a wide range of motion.

2. Nervous System Regulation :

  • Neural Communication: Vata is fundamental to the functioning of the nervous system. It governs the transmission of nerve impulses, ensuring effective communication between the brain and various body parts.
  • Sensory Perception: It plays a vital role in sensory functions, including sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, enhancing awareness of the environment.

3. Respiration :

  • Breathing Mechanism: Vata regulates the inhalation and exhalation of air, maintaining the respiratory cycle. This function is critical for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.

4. Digestion and Elimination :

  • Peristalsis: Vata governs the movement of the digestive tract, influencing peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the gastrointestinal system.
  • Waste Elimination: It aids in the proper elimination of waste, ensuring that toxins and undigested food are expelled from the body.

5. Cognitive Function :

  • Mental Clarity and Creativity: Vata enhances cognitive functions such as quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability. It allows for the free flow of ideas and innovation.
  • Emotional Regulation: A balanced Vata promotes enthusiasm and joy, while an imbalance can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and mood swings.

6. Fluid Regulation :

  • Fluid Balance: Vata influences the movement of bodily fluids, including blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid, ensuring proper hydration and nutrient transport.
  • Excretion of Fluids: It also governs the excretion of bodily fluids, playing a role in urination and sweating.

7. Growth and Development :

  • Cellular Growth: Vata is involved in cellular turnover and regeneration, contributing to overall growth and repair processes in the body.
  • Life Transitions: It plays a significant role during developmental stages, such as childhood and adolescence, where adaptability and change are prevalent.

8. Temperature Regulation :

  • Thermoregulation: Vata helps regulate body temperature by managing heat distribution and the movement of energy. This function is critical for maintaining homeostasis.
  • Factors that Increase Vata Dosha :

1. Dietary Factors

  • Dry and Light Foods: Consuming excessive dry foods, such as crackers or chips, can increase Vata. Foods that are light and airy (like popcorn) can also aggravate it.
  • Cold and Raw Foods: Foods served cold or raw, including salads and smoothies, can exacerbate Vata’s cold and dry qualities.
  • Spicy and Pungent Foods: Overconsumption of spicy, bitter, or astringent foods can lead to Vata imbalances.

2. Environmental Factors

  • Cold and Windy Weather: Exposure to cold, windy conditions can enhance Vata qualities. Seasonal changes, particularly in fall and winter, can lead to Vata aggravation.
  • Dry Climates: Living in dry or arid regions can increase Vata in the body.

3. Lifestyle Factors

  • Irregular Routine: An inconsistent daily routine, including erratic sleep patterns, eating at irregular times, and inconsistent exercise, can elevate Vata levels.
  • Excessive Travel: Frequent traveling, especially by air or in vehicles, can disturb Vata balance due to changes in environment and routine.
  • Stress and Anxiety: High levels of mental stress and emotional upheaval can aggravate Vata, leading to restlessness and anxiety.

4. Physical Factors

  • Overexertion: Excessive physical activity, particularly activities that require quick, jerky movements, can lead to an increase in Vata.
  • Insufficient Rest: Lack of adequate rest and sleep can exacerbate Vata, leading to fatigue and burnout.

5. Psychological Factors

  • Overthinking and Worry: Mental agitation, anxiety, and excessive worry can disturb Vata balance, resulting in symptoms like insomnia and restlessness.
  • Fear and Emotional Imbalance: Strong emotions like fear and insecurity can lead to Vata aggravation, affecting mental clarity and stability.

6. Seasonal Changes

  • Transitional Seasons: The transition from warm to cold seasons (like autumn) is when Vata tends to increase due to the natural characteristics of the season.

Diseases caused due to Vata Dosha when aggrevated :

  1. Digestive Disorders
  • Constipation: Due to irregular peristalsis and dryness in the intestines.
  • Bloating and Gas: Accumulation of air and improper digestion can lead to discomfort.
  • Nervous System Disorders
  • Anxiety and Insomnia: Vata’s qualities can cause mental restlessness and difficulty sleeping.
  • Nerve Disorders: Conditions like sciatica or neuropathy due to impaired nerve function.
  • Musculoskeletal Issues
  • Joint Pain and Arthritis: Increased Vata can lead to dryness and stiffness in the joints.
  • Muscle Weakness or Spasms: Irregular muscle contraction and relaxation can result from Vata imbalance.
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Asthma and Allergies: Vata can lead to increased sensitivity and airway constriction.
  • Dry Cough: Lack of moisture in the respiratory tract can cause a persistent cough.
  • Skin Conditions
  • Dry Skin and Eczema: Vata aggravation can lead to lack of moisture and irritation in the skin.
  • Rashes: Skin may become reactive due to increased sensitivity.
  • Reproductive Disorders
  • Irregular Menstruation: Vata imbalances can disrupt hormonal cycles.
  • Fertility Issues: Vata’s impact on the reproductive system can affect conception.
  • Age-Related Disorders
  • Cognitive Decline: Increased Vata with age can lead to memory issues and cognitive decline.
  • General Weakness and Fatigue: Ageing Vata can cause lethargy and decreased vitality.
  • General treatment for imbalanced Vata Dosha (Samanya Chikitsa of Vata) :
  1. Not indulging in factors that cause imbalance of vata dosha (Nidana Parivarjana).
  2. Opposite quality substances should be used that are antagonist to Vata imbalance (Guna Viruddha Chikitsa).
  3. Should aim to correct the Agni or Increase the digestive power as per the individual (Agni Anusara Chikitsa).
  4. The above applications should not cause imbalance to other two doshas.

Dietary modifications (Ahara Niyama)

  • Usage of hot, oily, sweet, sour food substances.
  • Intake of warm soups, light and easily digestible food like cooked rice, wheat etc..
  • Administration of fats like oil, ghee, milk and dairy products that causes nourishment to combat the excess dryness caused due to imbalanced Vata dosha.
  • Herbs like black pepper, garlic, ginger, Ashwagandha and food like green gram soups, meat soups will help balance Vata Dosha.

Lifestyle Modifications (Vihara)

  • Taking adequate rest by avoiding restless hasty actions,
  • Practice of Yoga, Breathing exercises (Pranayama),  Meditation and other activities like gardening, engaging in relaxed mindful activities.
  • Effective stress management should be adopted by limiting excess sensory and mental input, avoiding over thinking and over imagination that disrupt the mental  balance.

Environmental modifications

  • Avoid the exposure to cold, moist environment. Ensure to stay warm by covering with thick blankets, or stay near a fire place.

Summarization :

  • Composition of Vata dosha – AIR + ETHER element.
  • Principle – The principle of “Movement” governs all the physiological and psychological functions related to mobility, signalling, circulation.
  • Qualities – Dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobility.
  • Pre-dominance – large intestine, pelvis, thighs, circulatory channels, bones, skin.
  • Causes of imbalance – Indulging in the similar qualities of Vata dosha physically (food -dry, cold, fast food), Mentally (excessive thinking, sorrow, grief), Environmental (dry arid lands) and seasonal changes (summer, autumn) contribute to imbalance.
  • Treatment Principle – Opposing qualities should be used that are antagonist to Vata to bring back to balance always considering the Agni of the individual as a prime factor that ensures health.Â