Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. Since Pitta and Kapha cannot move without it, Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. It's very important to keep Vata in good balance.
 
Some factors that can create imbalance in Vata:
 
Exposure to cold , no routine in your life, eating too much dry, frozen or leftover food, or food with bitter, pungent or astringent taste.  Fasting, too much traveling, too much or inappropriate exercise, suppressing natural urges, abdominal surgery.
Not oiling the skin.
 
Here are some tips for balancing vata:
 
  1. •Abhyanga (daily ayurvedic massage with sesame oil)
  2. •Warm temperatures
  3. •Warm, cooked foods (less raw foods)
  4. •Early bedtime, lots of rest
  5. •Favor warm, oily, heavy foods and sweet, sour, and salty tastes
  6. •Reduce light, dry, cold foods and pungent, bitter and astringent tastes
  7. •Regular daily routine
  8. •Avoid stimulants
  9. •Regular, daily elimination
  10. •Stay warm in cold, windy weather
 
 
Vata Governs:
 
Prana Vata

The senses, creative thinking, reasoning,
enthusiasm, leader of all 15 categories of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
 
Udana Vata

Quality of voice, memory, movements of thought
 
Samana Vata

Movement of food through digestive tract
 
Apana Vata

Elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle
 
Vyana Vata

Blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration, sense of touch
 
 
Vata out of Balance
 
Prana Vata

Worries, overactive mind, sleep problems, difficulty breathing
 
Udana Vata

Dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, general fatigue
 
Samana Vata

Slow or rapid digestion, gas, intestinal cramps, poor assimilation, weak tissues
 
Apana Vata

Intestinal cramps, menstrual problems, lower back pain, irregularity, diarrhea, constipation, gas
 
Vyana Vata

Dry or rough skin, nervousness, shakiness, poor blood flow, stress-related problems
 
 
 
 
 
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People with more Vata in their constitutions tend to be thin, with a slender frame, delicate skin that is naturally dry, and dry puffy hair.  They are quick and lively in thought, speech and action and make friends easily.  They are light sleepers and gravitate towards warm environments.  Creativity and enthusiasm are hallmarks of balanced vata.