If ‘Doshas' are dynamic energies, ‘Vata dosha' is the kinetic energy. Word ‘Vata' means ‘which moves'. Vata dosha is initiator of all forms of activity. It is important in the communication network of the body; from sense organ to brain and consciousness, from tissue to tissue and cell to cell. ‘Vata' is responsible for perception (that includes pain), assimilation and reaction. It brings a thought from memory to consciousness and transfers current experience into memories. It inspires speech and is the base of laughter and exaltation. At the level of physical body it is responsible for micro and macro movement. ‘Vata' is more cerebral. Stress vitiates ‘vata' which in turn alters ‘Pitta' or ‘Kapha' leading to wide variety of symptoms. Lack of sleep, excessive physical activity and long hours of fasting also vitiate ‘ Vata'. There are five types of ‘Vata Dosha' .
