Ah, sounds like you’re dealing with quite a mix there. In Ayurveda, those symptoms do suggest a Vata imbalance, but let’s dig a bit deeper into this. You’re right, there are three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They can all get out of whack, but it does sound like Vata might be the main culprit here, especially with the dry skin and racing mind. Vata, associated with air and space, tends to get aggravated with anxious thoughts and dryness – kinda like the wind scattering everything, if you will.
Now, figuring out which dosha is off can be a bit tricky, especially without a professional assessment. Those online quizzes can be inconsistent because they’re often simplified. There’re more to discovering your dosha than just ticking boxes – things like pulse diagnosis, examining lifestyle habits, and even how your skin and tongue look play a part. If you’re not able to see a practitioner in person, a reputable online consultation could be decent. But yeah, a face-to-face meeting might give a clearer picture because they’d be able to vedically check your pulse – quite important in Ayurveda.
For Vata, if that’s the issue, there’re things you can try. Warm, cooked foods, are definitely a good start because they help pacify Vata – think soups, stews, anything nurturing and easy to digest. You’d want to avoid cold and raw foods, which can be unbalancing. Drinking herbal teas, like ginger or fennel, might help with your bloating. Oil massages with sesame oil can do wonders for your dry skin and relax that anxious mind of yours. Don’t forget about routines – Vata loves regular schedules. Try eating and sleeping at the same times each day.
As for stress, you’re spot on. Vata, when it’s all up in arms, can make anxiety worse. But stress does affect all doshas—each in its own way. Keeping a routine can really help here too, and some meditation or yogic breathing—like pranayama—can help in grounding and calming Vata.
It’s absolutely worth seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner if you can. An expert will guide you through a more personalized plan that explores your unique body type (prakriti) and current imbalances (vikriti). So try that path out and see if it brings about the balance you’re after. No pressure, but there’s a wisdom in Ayurveda that’s been around for thousands of years—it just might be the keys you’re seeking.


