What is Vata?
Ayurveda is a wellness science and perspective that comes from observing nature. By developing insight, wisdom and knowledge from nature we can maximize our health and 
minimize imbalances in our bodies, minds and emotions. Ayurveda is based in understanding the common patterns of combinations of the basic elements of earth, fire, water, air and space, and observing our responses to various events and conditions that arise. We can avoid problems before they occur, and create remedies for the troubles we can’t prevent.
The three Ayurvedic constitutional types are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Within these three types of energy, we all have predominant, native tendencies or balanced patterns of the three influences, aka constituion. Beyond our inherent constitution, we all are influenced by these three doshas according to our diet, habits, and routines ( that is, factors within our control) and weather, season and time ( not within our control.)
Vata is the constitutional dosha, or collection of characteristics and qualities, that peaks in the winter season. I’m going to tell you a little more about Vata because right now in February with the deep cold and snow, Vata’s influence is the most intense and active. Vata is also the most changable of the doshas (for better and for worse) and has the most influence on the other two doshas.
Vata’s defining qualities are: Cold, dry, mobile, rough, light, irregular, changeable
Vata is a combination of nature’s elements air and space, and governs all the movements within the body: nerve signals between and brain and the rest of the body, circulation, and 
digestion, just to name a few. Quick thinking, creativity, wit, imagination, energy, enthusiasm and intelligence are Vata’s positive influences.
Because it controls the movement of the forces within the body, it also influences the balance or imbalance of the other two doshas, so it is vital to good health overall. It is also easy for an imbalanced Vata to push everything else out of balance because Vata is not steady and stable to begin with.
Symptoms that might indicate imbalance in Vata dosha: Feeling restless, spacey or irritable ( cabin fever anyone?); anxiousness or fearful responses; bloating, constipation or gassy digestion; insomnia; dry skin.
The cold we are subject to because of the winter temperatures can be counteracted in your diet by emphasizing warm food and drinks, preferable cooked fresh and eaten while hot. The dryness is counteracted by unctuousness, or oiliness, so using a little more ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in your food preparation helps a lot too. Sip hot water during the day. I often take a thermos of hot water with me to soothe Vata.
Another way to counteract the dryness—Practice self-massage with oil, preferably sesame or almond oil. This practice, called Abhyanga, is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that will calm and soothe at a very deep level. Try it: The tendencies toward worry and emotional or mental stress will begin to fade. Seriously, it calms the nervous system, through pacifying the Vata dosha. Here is a link to Banya Botanicals resources on how to do it, and a long list of benefits. There is even a special oil for calming Vata.
The imbalanced Vata traits of mobility, changeability and irregularity cause trouble for our sleep cycles and for stable focus and concentration. To create better balance with this aspect of Vata, stick to a regular routine as much as possible, and get to bed by 10:00 or 10:30 pm. Use oil to massage your feet at night and wear some old socks to keep your sheets clean. Do a brief yoga movement (asana) practice in the morning, and meditate for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes after your movement.
Stick to a regular routine, and follow some of these practices suggested above– you will find your Vata bringing you the positive energy, creativity and joie de vivre, without so much restlessness and agitation.
These tips are just a beginning and I would be happy to help you understand where to continue in your understanding of your own experience of Vata and its impact in your native constitutional constellation. Contact me!