Are you a Vata-Pitta Dominant?

by Vishakha Gujar   

The doshas are the three bio-energies of the body that determine and shape our basic constitution. The Ayurvedic system analyzes the human body on the basis of the existence of these elements, and knowledge of the elements is essential to understand the interrelation of the mind, body, and spirit in the language of the Doshas. 

The Pitta-Vata Or Vata-Pitta dominance simply means that both Pitta and Vata doshas are very active and express themselves equally in an individual. 

vata-pitta-ayurveda

Let’s understand how Vata and Pitta work Individually in our bodies!

Vata Dosha, commonly translated into “that which moves things”, is driven by the Air and Ether (space) elements. Its force in nature is the Wind. If you have a dominance of Vata dosha, movement and change are characteristics of your nature.  Vata dosha is characterized as being cold, light, dry, moving, quick, clear, and subtle. In the body, it governs the nervous network, the transportation of fluids, blood, lymph, hormones, and foods to the digestive tract. It controls every single movement of the body, from blinking to breathing, everything. In the mind, it governs brainpower and aids in the transmission of information.

Pitta Dosha, commonly translated into “that which digests, cooks and transforms”, is a combination of the Fire and Water elements. 

It is characterized as being hot, sharp, mobile, penetrating, sour, and oily. 

Its main functions include transformation, digestion, and metabolism. In the human body, it transforms food into Chyle – a fluid formed after digestion. The main location or seat of Pitta dosha is the stomach and small intestine. Read more about Pitta Dosha here. 

 

Physical Characteristics of a Vata-Pitta Dominant 

Body Frame & Weight

With both of the powerful doshas in action, Vata- Pitta individuals have a comparatively lean, tall, and skeletal body frame. With a narrow frame and petite structure, you find yourself always under the scale or well balanced weightwise in optimal conditions. 

Skin, Eyes & Hair

With a long- oval face with sharp features, you may suffer from acne or dryness and sunburns more frequently due to sensitive to dry skin type. Other than that, your complexion is tejaswi ( bright ) and attractive. Your eyes may be medium shaped with a piercing, sharp gaze. Your hair may be thin, sometimes rough, or silky with frequent dandruff as a complaint if not taken proper care of. 

Digestion

Warm, cooked meals are what your body desires. With a fairly active metabolism, you may suffer from acidity or constipation if you go overboard with junk. Your appetite is unpredictable which forms an unnamed complex with food so as to what to have and how much. We suggest sticking with fresh warm homecooked and see a difference. 

You can also read a few ways of improving your metabolism or ‘Agni’ here.

Sleep & Stamina

With powerful Vata and Pitta energies, you find it pretty easy to focus and train. Both the doshas perfectly balance each other in every other task to maintain an equilibrium and avoid imbalance. 

As far as sleep is concerned, you may experience not restful sleep with frequent disturbances. Sleep may come to you with ease but you naturally tend to sleep for fewer hours as compared with others. You prefer being a night owl and hence insomnia can be a problem if you ignore your sleeping schedule. Oversleeping may seep in lethargy while less sleep invites crankiness. 

Both the doshas equally contribute to all your physical as well as emotional traits so up and downs in the mentioned characteristics may be observed depending upon the percentage of dosha dominance. 

 

Emotional Characteristics

Both, the Pitta and Vata energies in action strive to maintain a mental equilibrium in order to avoid burnout. The creative Vata nature always goes along with the competitive Pitta energy. 

Individuals with this dosha type are focused and always complete the task given to you on time. You strive to achieve perfection but know when to stop and appreciate the process as well as the progress. 

You are intelligent and smart with a curious and wandering mind. Pitta-Vata dominants possess appreciable leadership qualities. With a goal in mind and a big vision, you are a go-getter, and always like to get things done. You are enthusiastic and a visionary, you know how to make money but find it difficult to keep and tab and save it up. 

When out of balance you tend to be lethargic, unmotivated or you tend to work hard on yourself without realizing the damage that it creates. 

 

Tips for Vata- Pitta dominants 

Daily Routine 

The first and very important lifesaver tip is to maintain a daily routine. A daily routine helps you to maintain a balance in everyday life, which helps you to actively avoid chaos and bring in much-needed stability. 

Read about the Ayurvedic daily routine- The Dinacharya here. 

 

Diet 

What we eat determines who we are, so maintaining a well-balanced diet is absolutely necessary to stay balanced. Include more sweet, bitter taste with spicy in moderation, and try including more fresh fruits, veggies, and legumes in your diet. Spices make life better and easier so make sure you’re having some digestive spices like ginger or cumin in your meals. Make it spicy but keep it in moderation. 

 

Recommended Pitta foods include:

  • Fruits and vegetables: coconut, cranberries, apple, pomegranate, cucumber, asparagus, kale, broccoli, potatoes, peas, cooked carrots, mangoes, etc.
  • Dairy and fats/oils: ghee, whole milk, unsalted cheese, ghee, sunflower oil, coconut oil, cottage cheese but in moderation, sesame oil, etc.
  • Nuts, seeds, and legumes: lentils, chickpeas, peeled almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, etc.
  • Grains: basmati rice, quinoa, barley pasta, couscous, whole wheat, etc.
  • Sweeteners: Honey but in moderation
  • Beverages:  mint tea, chamomile tea, rosehip tea, black tea with milk and honey, etc.

Remember, moderation is the key. Eat everything but keep it in moderation.

Sleep and Movement 

Sleep is very necessary for your body to function optimally. Make sure you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep. Working out doesn’t have to be tiring. Go for a jog in the park, dance, or indulge in a yoga flow. Do whatever your body likes but don’t skip movement. Exercise daily up to half of your body’s capacity to obtain maximum results. 

 

Get oiled up

The Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, or self-oil massage, is recommended in everyday routine. It is a very calming, nourishing, and stabilizing practice. It is preferable to massage oneself in the morning before bathing. Massaging the body helps people with dominant Vata Dosha to feel calm, especially when using herbal oils. If massaging the whole body is not feasible, at least oil the feet, hands, and ears before bed to ground oneself.

Other than that, don’t forget to take frequent breaks, stop and appreciate everything around you and take some time out from your schedule to meditate and bring in balance. 

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