VATA

Ether and Air / Moving Force

Vata is the subtle energy consisting of the elements of ether (space) and air. The qualities of Vata are light, cold, dry, mobile, subtle, clear and rough. The Vata dominate individual is tall or short with a thin build and long, narrow or small features. In balance the Vata person is lively, creative, quick and spontaneous. When Vata is in excess anxiety, fear, insomnia, indigestion and fatigue may be experienced. The light, cold and irregular nature of Vata is grounded by warm, wet, heavy and nurturing methods.

Characteristics

  • Height, Body frame, Weight

  • Face

  • Eyes

  • Hair

  • Joints

  • Skin

  • Circulation

  • Eating & Sleeping Habits

  • Appetite & Thirst

  • Digestion - upper

  • Elimination

  • Energy & Endurance

  • Immunity

  • Routines

  • Memory

  • Decisiveness

  • Speech

  • Personality

  • Stress Response

  • Social Preferences

  • Spending Habits

  • Sleep Quality

  • Climate Preference

  • Very tall or very short – thin, lanky or underdeveloped – doesn’t gain weight easily

  • Small, thin or long facial features

  • Small, unsteady or active eyes

  • Dry, thin, course, or tight curly hair

  • Irregular, prominent, stiff, or cracking joints

  • Thin, dry, rough, or fine pored, skin that rarely burns

  • Cold hands and feet – poor circulation

  • Irregular eating or sleeping habits

  • Variable appetite or thirst – dizzy or weak between meals

  • Irregular digestion – difficulty with large meals – fast metabolism

  • Irregular elimination – may have gas or constipation

  • Energy fluctuates or comes in bursts – low endurance

  • Low resistance to illness

  • Prefers change and movement – dislikes routine – restless

  • Quick to memorize, but absentminded

  • Difficulty making decisions or staying focused

  • Talkative/talks quickly – high pitch/irregular speech patterns - change subject often

  • Imaginative, creative or inventive

  • Sensitive, anxious, nervous, worried, fretful or fearful

  • Prefers large gatherings, know a lot of people, few close friends

  • Spends impulsively, money is to be used

  • Difficulty falling asleep or having a sound night’s sleep – tired upon waking

  • Prefers a tropical climate – dislikes dry, cold and windy weather