The Vata dosha is comprised of the air and ether elements. This means that it has qualities that are similar to these elements. Vata is very much like the wind — it is light, cold, dry, and mobile.People with a Vata nature experience these qualities by having bodies with low weight, thin bones, and dry skin and hair. They often move and speak quickly. When out of balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in their immune and nervous systems.
People who have a Vata personality reflect the qualities of lightness, coolness, dryness, and mobility. They tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. When out of balance, they may become easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or making decisions, and have trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions like worry, fear, and anxiety.
Vata is balanced by the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (or nourishment), moistness, and stability. In the diet, this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains (such as rice and cooked vegetables), as well as the intake of warm milk with ghee and spices. Warming herbs (like ginger, cumin or cinnamon) increase internal heat, and nourishing herbs (like ashwagandha) bring balance to Vata.