According to Ayurvedic philosophy, there are three main principles which comprise the human physiology.

These three energies are referred to as doshas and they include Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha is comprised of a combination of two of the following elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. In Ayurveda, it is believed that these five elements make up the earth. Vata is comprised of space and air; Pitta is comprised of fire and water; and Kapha is comprised of water and earth. When combined, these three doshas are responsible for all activities occurring within each of us. At conception, each of us inherits an original combination of the three doshas known as prakriti. For most of us, there are two doshas that are more or less equal in dominance with the third dosha being the least dominant. There are rare exceptions in which the three doshas are nearly equal in proportion or where one dosha is very predominant. In order to maintain good health and well-being, its important that one balance the three doshas within them and maintain their original prakriti as much as possible. This balance can be effected in a variety of ways through dietary and lifestyle choices, climate changes, environmental changes, work, relationships and the simple passing of time, all of which can cause each of the doshas to increase or decrease from their original levels. This results in an imbalance known as vikriti which, when left unchecked, can lead to poor health. Balancing the doshas is central to the ayurvedic approach to health. A program for balancing the doshas can be obtained by visiting an ayurvedic healer and undergoing an ayurvedic pulse assessment and questionnaire. The following link is for a questionnaire that you can take online: http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/ Vata Vata is the dosha comprised of space and air. In the Charaka Samhita, which is the most respected ayurvedic text, the characteristics of Vata are described as follows:

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Rookshaha, or dry and rough Sheetoha, or cool Laghuhu, or light in weight

AcroyogaAnan YogaAnusara Sookhshmaha, or very tiny, penetrating molecules YogaAyurved YogaHatha Yo Chalota, or constantly moving YogaIyengarJi YogaKarma Y Vishadaha, or broad and unbounded YogaKundalin Kharaha, or rough YogaLayaMan YogaNidraNak Individuals with a greater amount of Vata are typically thin and slender framed with delicate, YogaPower Y dry skin and dry, voluminous hair. Their thoughts, speech and actions are generally quick and YogaYoga Da lively and there is a lightness in their laughter. The qualities of air can be seen in their step. BeginnersYog These people tend to make friends easily. They are light sleepers and are typically drawn toward MenYoga for warmer environments. Change is common for those with greater Vata. When Vata is balanced,

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creativity and enthusiasm are characteristic. Those whose prakriti has a greater amount of Vata in it will have many of the characteristics mentioned above. However, these characteristics can become excessive, which may be representative of an imbalanced Vata. Increases in Vata can result from a diet of too many dry or raw foods and ice-cold beverages, exposure to cold and dry winds, a varied day-to-day routine, excessive travel, and excessive mental exertion. Signs that the Vata dosha is in need of balancing include the following: constant worry and anxiety; feelings of fretfulness and being overwhelmed; feeling tired yet unable to relax; difficulty falling asleep at night; restless sleep; dry, taut or flaking skin; brittle hair with split ends; raw, chapped lips; dry throat; irregular digestion and abdominal gas; inability to relax and a need for constant motion; a spaced out feeling; decreased memory and attention span; infrequent bowel movements. To restore Vata to its original level, one can follow a Vata-balancing diet and lifestyle. In general, Ayurvedic philosophy follows a principle of opposites for minimizing an aggravated dosha. Thus, to balance Vata dosha, one must incorporate the opposites of dryness, coolness, roughness, lightness and constant motion into their diet and lifestyle. Vata-Balancing Diet Dryness can be balanced with foods that are liquid or unctuous, lightness can be balanced with