In Ayurveda, there are three main doshas or bioenergies that govern the functioning of the body and mind: vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata is the energy that governs movement, circulation, and the nervous system. It is associated with the elements of air and space, and is said to be light, dry, and cool in nature.
There are five subtypes of vata, each related to a different aspect of the body and mind:
Prana vata governs the head, neck, and respiratory system.
Udana vata governs the throat and speech.
Samana vata governs digestion and metabolism.
Vyana vata governs circulation and the heart.
Apana vata governs the elimination of waste and reproduction.
Each person has a unique balance of all three doshas, and vata is often the most unpredictable and prone to imbalance. Imbalance in vata can manifest as anxiety, fear, and difficulty sleeping, as well as physical symptoms such as dry skin and constipation.
