Among all the body types, Vatas are the most likely to have physical irregularities. Some Vata types
have hands or feet that are too large for their petite body, or they may be too small. Their teeth may be
crooked, protruding or undersized. Vatas may be well shaped, but under stress and when constipated, they
are prone to develop spinal deformities (scoliosis) or other skeletal problems. Some Vatas are born with
very light bones, others with very heavy but elongated bones. You can recognize a Vata by his visible
joints, tendons and veins. This is due to low fat content under their skin. Another typical indication of a
Vata physiology is the audible cracking of joints.
A balanced Vata type is enthusiastic, energetic and uplifting in spirit. Her generally clear mind and
exalted sense of awareness makes her the best candidate for spiritual development. Vatas are ruled by
their heightened sense of touch and hearing. They feel and hear the world more than they see it, a reason
why they need frequent cuddling and words of encouragement. Sex in itself is not so important to Vatas,
but the feeling of being loved and cared for is. They have no difficulties in going for long periods of time
without sex, but once they have found a partner who truly accepts and loves them for who they are, they
are very fulfilling sexual partners. Vata types need matured Kapha-Pitta or Pitta-Kapha types to give their
best in a relationship.
Since Vata is the principal force of movement in the body, it regulates bowel activities, absorption of
food, breathing, speaking, nerve impulses, and the transport of blood and lymph. It is also in charge of the
movement of the muscles and the body as a whole. Vata is very pronounced in the nervous system.
Therefore, Vata imbalances are likely to show up as nervous disorders, including tremors, spasms,
seizures, anxiety, depression and clinical mental disorders. Once Vata has returned to balance, such
disorders, which otherwise may defy conventional treatment, often disappear spontaneously.
Vatas who are out of balance tend to worry a lot, even when there is really nothing to worry about.
This may end up as insomnia, as well as constant restlessness and fearfulness. Fear, which is the Vata
type's most typical emotion, affects his digestion and, particularly, the elimination of bodily waste. Vata’s
main seat is in the colon. When disturbed in the colon, it causes constipation and gas which, in turn, lead
to increased restlessness and nervousness. Also, when Vata is deranged, the stomach and intestines may
cramp due to trapped air putting strong pressure on the gastrointestinal and abdominal structures. Irregular
menstrual cycles, PMT and menstrual cramps are also more often found among Vata types than other
body types.
Vatas easily get unbalanced when they don’t get enough rest and sleep, and particularly, when they
miss out on the two hours of sleep before midnight. By pushing themselves too hard and engaging in an
irregular lifestyle, they easily overexert themselves. This may lead to chronic fatigue and any of the
above mental or physical problems. The main key to balancing Vata is “regularity.”
The following factors are the most irritating for the Vata type:
- Excessive exercise and physical strain
- Sleep deprivation (especially the lack of
before-midnight sleep) - Falling
- Irregular mealtimes
- Sitting for many hours
- Tuberculosis
- Suppression of natural urges
- Cold climate
- Cold foods and beverages
- Stimulants of any kind
- Excessive noise
- Fear and grief
- Fasting
- Pungent, astringent and bitter foods
- Late autumn and winter