You have Vata Body

Usually slim with bony limbs and straight body shapes, Vata types gain weight in the middle. Their skin is fine and dry, they feel the cold more than others and have difficulty sweating. They have an irregular and erratic appetite. Vata types are prone to feeling ‘wired’ and stressed, and may feel tired come late afternoon. They are creative, enthusiastic, active, alert and restless, jumping from one idea to the next.

  • Despite not having a great memory, Vata types are quick to learn.
  • They  are spiritually perceptive and are happiest when in contact with nature and the outdoors.  
  • They have a heightened sense of touch and an appreciation for beauty.
  • You might recognise them as having their head in the clouds and talking at a million miles per hour.

OUT OF BALANCE Vata personalities can be tired or fatigued, forgetful or spaced-out, anxious and frazzled with a lack of focus, have difficulty falling asleep, suffer occasional constipation and poor circulation.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

You may be experiencing some of the following signs or symptoms:

  • nervousness, anxiousness, panic, fear
  • twitches, tics, tremors, spasms
  • dry or chapped skin
  • constipation, gas, bloating, dry, hard stools
  • low body weight
  • dislike of cold and wind
  • difficulty tolerating loud noises
  • light, interrupted sleep
  • spacey, scattered feeling
  • excess thinking or worrying
  • Foods that are naturally sweet, sour, and salty in taste.
  • Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature. Whole, freshly cooked foods.
  • A limited selection of legumes, including mung dahl, tofu, or tempeh that is well-cooked and warm soy milk spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and cumin, but not extremely hot spices like cayenne pepper.
  • Plenty of room temperature or warm drinks.
  • Dairy, as long as it is not very cold. Avoid drinking milk with your meals. It is best to have it warm and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, at least an hour before or after other food.
  • A generous amount of high-quality oils or ghee in your daily diet.
  • Routine times for your meals.
  • Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
  • Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
  • Foods that are bitter, astringent, and pungent.
  • Foods that are cooling, both energetically and in temperature.
  • Dry and light foods (e.g. popcorn and crackers).
  • Too much raw food, especially in the mornings and evenings (salads, carrot sticks, raw fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, etc.)
  • Most beans, including cold soy products.
  • Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
  • Cold or carbonated drinks.
  • Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants.
  • Overeating or eating very heavy meals.
  • Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within 1/2 hour of any other food.
  • Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
  • Deep-fried foods.
  • Hard alcohol.
  • Live as you would imagine a master would: with calm awareness and a gentle pace.
  • A regular, daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping, working, etc.
  • A daily 10–20-minute self-massage with 1/2 cup warm sesame oil. Click here for more information on abhyanga.
  • A gentle exercise routine that includes a calm, stretch-focused form of yoga, Tai qi (tai chi), qi gong (chi gong), walking, swimming (but don’t get chilled) about five times per week.
  • Keeping warm, no matter what the weather.
  • Sweet, soothing music, smells, scenes, and company.
  • Vata-reducing oils.
  • Vata-reducing herbs and remedies.