The element of Air which circulates in our body is termed as Vata (Vayu). This vayu element is responsible for the movement in the bodily functions. As per the classical ayurvedic texts such as Charak Samhita, the body is composed of three main elements or Doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha which when present in their natural form, maintain the body and perform the required tasks.

But when any one of them is disturbed, there is an upheaval in the natural system and as a result, we are a victim of a particular disease. This also indicates that some of the positive planetary influences have been distorted and hence, there is a requirement of rectification.

Out of these three elements, the Vata element is of prime importance since the natural movement of everything in the body is done by the same element. Vata forms the major element of importance in the system of human body. As per ayurvedic texts, the number of diseases due to Vata disturbance are maximum in number since they involve malfunctioning of the locomotory aspect of the system.

The Vata element of the body is divided into five types, each of which is located in different parts of the body. The five types of Vata are

• Prana Vata (प्राण)
• Apana Vata (अपान)
• Vyana Vata (व्यान)
• Samana Vata (समान)
• Udana Vata (उदान)

The major place of location of Vata element is the large intestine, which is indicated by the absorption of large amounts of water, resulting in drying of the undigested food in the body.

Vata element is responsible for functions like circulation, respiration, excretion, sensory signal transmission, digestion, locomotion etc. The principal action of Vata is to regulate the natural movements in the body and hence, as soon as there is some unnatural activity being done by an individual, the first doshwhich gets aggreviated is the Vata element.

As per Vedic astrology, there are some planets and their associated zodiac signs which are associated with the Vata element. The planets and the zodiac signs have Vata element as their essential principle and hence, they become Vata planets. They are as follows:

Zodiac signs: Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius

Planets: Mercury, Saturn, Venus (secondary), Rahu.

These planets have their central element of support as Vata and hence, when they become the Lagna planet or have an effect on the central houses of the Kundali chart, the influence of these planets causes disturbance or regulation of Vata in the body of the individual. Depending upon their own positions in the Kundali, these planets have their multiple effects on the Vata element and hence, the effect can be seen in miniscule or macroscopic form.

The Vata element is affected by many of the processes happening inside the body, primarily digestion. When digestion is impaired, the process of Vata circulation is obstructed due to toxins acting as obstruction. These toxins are free radicals which have been formed out of undigested food. Therefore, the food must be allowed to digest itself completely so as to allow complete regulation of the Vata movement.

There are six tastes as per ayurvedic texts, viz. Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Hot and Astringent. The first three tastes are beneficial for vata balancing and the rest three are helpful in vata aggravation. Therefore, a diet comprising of sweet, sour and salty taste shall be helpful in the balancing of Vata.

Properties of Vata:

• Cold.
• Dry.
• Light.
• Irregular.
• Mobile.
• Rarefied.
• Rough.

The physical characteristics of a Vata person are:

• Frame:   Thin.
• Weight:   Low.
• Skin:   Dry, Rough, Cool and Dark.
• Hair:   Full colour and Dry.
• Teeth:   Protruding with space in between.
• Eyes:   Small, Dry, Active, Brown or Black.
• Forehead:   Small and Wrinkled.
• Neck:   Thin and Long.
• Eye lashes:   Small, Dry and Firm.
• Nose: Thin, Small, Long, Crooked and Dry.
• Voice:  Low, Weak and Hoarse.
• Speech:   Fast and Interrupted.
• Nails:   Rough & Brittle.
• Sweating:   Scanty.
• Faeces:   Hard and Dry.
• Urine:   Scanty.
• Pulse rate:   Thready, Feeble (moves like a snake).
• Physical activity:   Very active.
• Sleep:   Scant, Interrupted.
• Thirst:   Varied.
• Appetite:   Varied to low.
• Joints:   Stiff and crack easily.
• Circulation:   Poor, Variable.
• Endurance:   Poor and gets easily exhausted.
• Habits/Hobbies:   Speed, Travelling, Parks, Jokes, Stories, Trivia, Artistic activities & dancing.
• Tendency to contract disease (type):   Nervous and Pain.
• Tendency to spend:   Spends quickly.

The mental characteristics of a Vata person are:

• Mind:   Restless, Active & Curious.
• Emotion:   Fearful, Insecure & Anxious.
• Faith:  Wavering and Changeable.
• Memory:   Recent = Good.  Remote = Poor.
• Dream Running:   Flying/Jumping.
• Mental nature:   Quick, Adaptable, Indecisive.
• Neurotic tendencies:   Hysteria, Trembling & Anxiety Attacks.
• Temperament:   Nervous and Changeable.
• Positive emotions:   Adaptability.
• Negative emotions:   Fear.

Signs of increased Vata in a person:

• Decrease in weight.
• Poor circulation.
• Darkness in skin and around eyes (Synosis).
• They eat more hot food and drinks and need a warm environment.
• Tremors.
• Fullness of abdomen.
• Constipation.
• Loss of energy.
• Loss of sleep.
• No co-ordination between sensory organs.
• Too chatty with irrelevant speech.
• Vertigo.
• Un-confident.
• Un-decisive.

Signs of de-creased Vata in a person:

• Weakness in all body parts.
• Lazy when working.
• Heaviness in body.
• Oversleeping.
• Likes to speak very little.
• Confused mind.

The methods to balance Vata are just opposite to the nature of Vata. The regular use of unrefined oils helps a lot in regulation of vata.

And moreover, the planets associated with Vata can be calmed by the respective pujas which we arrange at #Shubhpuja.