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Ayurveda

Vata Dosha

Vata Dosha – Vata is a combination of these two elements. Although Vata is also subtle, its presence can be felt only through its actions in the body.

Table of Contents

  1. Vata Dosha | What is the principle of Vata Dosha :
  2. Vata Dosha | What are the Properties of Vata Dosha :
  3. Vata Dosha | What are the Functions of Vata :
  4. Vata Dosha | Where is the main Place of Vata in the Body :
  5. Vata Dosha | What are the types of Vata : 
  6. Vata Dosha | What is PRANA VAYU :
    1. Place of air in the body –
    2. What are the Normal Functions of Prana Vayu
    3. Diseases Caused by Increase of Prana Air
  7. What is UDANA VAYU
    1. location of Udan Air in the Body –
    2. What are the Functions of Udan Air :
    3. Diseases Caused by Rising Udan Air –
  8. What is SAMANA VAYU
    1. Position of Samana Air in the Body
    2. Work of SAMANA VAYU :
    3. Diseases Caused by Increasing SAMANA VAYU :
  9. What is VYANA VAYU
    1. Vyana Vayu’s place in the body
    2. General functions of Vyana Vayu 
    3. Diseases Caused by Increasing Vyana Vayu –
  10. What is APANA VAYU :
    1. Apana Vayu Space in the Body –
    2. Diseases caused by Aggravation of Apana Vayu :
  11. Taking Medicines According to Vata Dosha :
  12. What is the Relation Between Vata and Weather :
    1. Summer and Vata
    2. Rainy season and Vata
    3. Winter Season and Vata
  13. Vata Imbalance and its Symptoms
  14. Decreased Vata Symptoms & Health Conditions
  15. Increased Vata Symptoms & Health Conditions 

Vata Dosha | What is the principle of Vata Dosha :

The principle of Vata dosha is based on sky air. Akash is the first element in these two components, which is a very subtle element and which is also called sky or space. Vayu is the second major element after ether which is a component of Vata dosha. It develops from the ether which is called air.

Vata Dosha

Vata Dosha | What are the Properties of Vata Dosha :

Vata dosha has been explained very effectively in Ayurveda. According to which the translation in English of Sanskrit words used in Vata dosha is as follows.

  •  
  • Dry
  • Cold
  • Light
  • Subtle or Fineness or Minute
  • Moving or Mobile
  • Clear (flowing and clear)
  • Rough or Coarse
  • Hard

Although Vata is considered cold, Vata acts as a Yogavahi. This means that when it mixes with hot materials, it exhibits a warm quality. But when it meets cold materials then its nature becomes cold. However, Vata never loses its intrinsic qualities. But it can affect the properties of other substances associated with it.

It produces heat when combined with pitta. Similarly, when it connects with Kapha, it can give a feeling of coolness. Pitta and Kapha cannot work without Vata, but Vata can work without Pitta and Kapha. This is the independent nature of Vata. Vata has its own independent functions but Pitta and Kapha depend on Vata for their functions.

Vata Dosha | What are the Functions of Vata :

Simply put, Vata is responsible for all the major functions of the nervous system. The Vata functions are written below.

  • Senses
  • Communication
  • Conductivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Permeability
  • Sensitivity
  • Transportation
  • Circulation
  • Elimination
  • Movement
  • Respiration
  • Thought
  • Produces Roughness
  • Produces Lightness

Vata controls communication, movement and transport in living cells. It determines the movement of molecules in the cellular structures thereby controlling the movement of the body. Vata also plays an important role in the conduction of other parts and organs of the body from the brain.

Cellular division in our body is not possible without Vata. It is essential for cellular organization and formation of tissues. It is helpful in conjugating Kapha molecules and cells in tissues. Therefore Vata has a more important role in the body. The main functions of Vata for the body are as follows:

  • Embryo size – The shape of the fetus is due to the action of Vata, Vata plays an important role in forming and determining the size of the fetus.
  • It causes dryness in the body.
  • Vata induces physical activities and movement, thereby causing catabolism in the body.
  • Vata determines the speed of bodily activity and controls Pitta.
  • Vata is a major component that is important for almost all activities from the development of the fetus to the destruction of life.
  • All the functions of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves are due to Vata. It plays a role in the stimulation of impulses in the nervous system.

Vata Dosha | Where is the main Place of Vata in the Body :

It is difficult to determine in which major part of the body Vata occurs. Because Vata is present throughout the body and in living cells. But still Ayurveda has specified certain major parts of the body where the actions and manifestations of Vata in the human body are commonly seen. According to Ayurveda, all the organs below the navel are considered as Vala Kshetra. Including:

  • Pelvic Colon
  • Bladder
  • Pelvis
  • Kidneys
  • Bones
  • Ears
  • Skin
  • Lower Limbs – Legs & Feet

Vata Dosha | What are the types of Vata :

Generally there are 5 types of Vata which we know by these names.

  1. PRANA VAYU
  2. UDABA VAYU
  3. SAMANA VAYU
  4. VYANA VAYU
  5. APANA VAYU

Vata Dosha | What is PRANA VAYU :

In yoga, Prana Vayu represents life force and vital energy. In Ayurveda it is the basic functional unit of the mind, intellect, discretion, nervous system, sense organs, motor organs and respiration.

Place of air in the body –

Prana Vayu is present in specific organs or parts of the body. As if :

  • Brain
  • in the heart and lungs
  • Neck
  • Tongue
  • mouth
  • Nose

However, many people have different views regarding the presence or location of Prana Vayu. But it is working throughout the body from cellular levels. Its observable functions are visible between the head and the navel. Nevertheless, according to the experts, there are three main main places of Prana Vayu.

  • Head
  • Heart
  • navel area and its surrounding area

What are the Normal Functions of Prana Vayu

The general functions of prana vayu are as follows

  • To Breathe
  • Make Swallowing Food Easier
  • Spitting
  • Sneeze
  • Belching or Burp
  • Five senses
  • Function of nerves
  • Cough and Expel Mucus

Diseases Caused by Increase of Prana Air

Some general or serious health problems can occur if there is more quantity of Prana Vayu in the human body than required. which are like this

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Common Cold
  • Hick up
  • Hoarseness of voice

Generally due to excess of prana vayu, all respiratory diseases to people are due to increase in prana vayu.

What is UDANA VAYU

Udana Vayu is mainly responsible for controlling speech or voice. It supports the functions of the diaphragm, chest, lungs, pharynx and nose. UDANA means that which moves and works in the upper parts of the body. The main function of Udana Vayu is to produce sound which helps in talking to someone and making sound.

location of Udan Air in the Body –

Udana Vayu is present on certain parts of the body. which are like this :

  •  
  • diaphragm
  • Chest
  • Lungs
  • food in the stomach
  • Nose

Apart from this, according to Charaka Samhita, Udan Vayu is mainly located in the following three areas.

The navel and its surroundings, chest and throat. According to the Bhagwat, Udana Vayu in the human body is in the throat, around the navel and in the nose.

Note: There is both Prana Vayu and Udana Vayu in the chest. The only difference is that Prana Vayu comes and goes in this area whereas Udan Vayu stays permanently in the chest.

What are the Functions of Udan Air :

Udan Vayu has special importance in our daily life. The main functions of Udan Vayu are as follows.

  • speech – producing sounds and words
  • Effort – Enables a person to try.
  • Enthusiasm – Makes the person enthusiastic to do the work.
  • Strength – To maintain the strength of the body by eliminating gaseous waste products during exhalation.
  • Colour – It helps in maintaining the colours.

According to other ancient Maharishis, UDANA VAYU is also responsible for the following works.

  • Satisfaction
  • Memory
  • Determination
  • Recitation
  • thinking

Udana Vayu is also responsible for the functions of the diaphragm in respiration. This causes contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Diseases Caused by Rising Udan Air –

Due to the excess of Udan Vayu in the body, diseases of the upper parts of the body can occur. These types of diseases include nose, throat, eyes and ears etc. Apart from this, along with Prana Vayu, it is also responsible for diseases like cough, hiccups and shortness of breath.

What is SAMANA VAYU

Samana air remains in the channels of the tributary canal from the stomach to the colon. It specifically regulates the peristalsis of the alimentary tract in the intestine and the stomach. It also helps in carrying the food into the canal.

Position of Samana Air in the Body

SAMANA VAYU The main place of SAMANA VAYU in the body is stomach and small intestine. But according to Charaka, samana vayu resides in the channels of sweat, dosha and fluids in the body. It is also present in the stomach and intestines where it maintains the functions of Pachaka Pitta.

Work of SAMANA VAYU :

Samana Vayu is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food which aids in the further processing of digestive juices or enzymes. It separates the useful part and the waste part of the food and helps in the absorption of nutritious parts of the food and elimination of fecal matter.

Diseases Caused by Increasing SAMANA VAYU :

Digestive problems can occur if there is an excess or imbalance of samana air in the body. Its growth can alter digestion and lead to defective assimilation. Due to which problems like diarrhea and sour belching can occur.

What is VYANA VAYU

According to Charaka, Vyana Vayu is present throughout the body. All movements in the body are due to this. Vyana Vayu causes flexion and expansion of the body, contraction and relaxation, opening and closing of the eyelids, etc. It is the functional unit of autonomic centres, motor centres, sensory nerves, motor nerves, reflex arteries, etc. It mainly regulates the permeability of capillaries, circulation and sweat.

Vyana Vayu’s place in the body

Vyana Vayu is present throughout the body and is mainly present in the heart.

General functions of Vyana Vayu

व्‍यान वायु शरीर के सभी स्‍वैच्छिक और अनैच्छिक मूवमेंटों को नियंत्रित करता है। यह रिफ्लैक्‍स एक्‍सन और तंत्रिका आवेगों के संचरण के लिए जिम्‍मेदार होता है। यह हृदय की लय को नियंत्रित करता है। इसके अलावा वयान वायु पसीने के स्राव को प्रेरित करता है।

Diseases Caused by Increasing Vyana Vayu –

When there is an increase or imbalance in the level of Vyana Vayu in the body, some physical problems can also occur. Fever and circulatory diseases are more likely to occur in such problems.

What is APANA VAYU :

 APANA VAYU controls the lumbosacral plexus. It mainly plays a role in elimination or excretion.

Apana Vayu Space in the Body –

Apana Vayu is present in almost all parts of the body. Nevertheless, according to experts, the main places in the body of Apana Vayu are as follows:

  • Pelvis
  • Bladder
  • Uterus
  • Thighs
  • Testes
  • Abdominal muscles
  • Pelvic colon
  • Normal function
  • Defecation
  • Micturation
  • Expulsion of menstrual discharge
  • Expulsion of menstrual discharge

Diseases caused by Aggravation of Apana Vayu :

Some health problems can occur due to the imbalance or excess of Apana Vayu in the body. In which diseases related to constipation, bladder, uterus, testicles etc.

Taking Medicines According to Vata Dosha :

This principle is applied when there is generalization of Vata disorder in one and Vata symptoms are visible throughout the body. Medicines should be taken 2 to 3 hours after having a meal to cure Vata diseases. This means that medicines should be consumed after the food has been digested.

This position is for those patients who are troubled by stomach related problems due to Vata. Apart from this, Vata patients can also take related medicines in the evening or late at night. This is applicable when you are suffering from neurological disorders, generalized body pain and arthritis etc.

What is the Relation Between Vata and Weather :

Vata or Vata diseases show their effects according to the season. According to Ayurveda, there is accumulation of Vata (VATA SANCHAYA) in the summer season. There is an excess of Vata (VATA PRAKOPA) in the rainy season while the suppression of the increased Vata (VATA PRASHAMA) occurs in the winter season. Let us go through the relationship between Vata and Weather in detail.

Summer and Vata

In summers, the power of the body decreases, due to which the digestive power also becomes weak. Due to excessive sweating, there is also a loss of water in the body. In nature there is presence of dry and small quality food items during summers. Due to which Vata accumulates in the body. However, Vata does not increase during this time. But due to excessive heat in the summer season, it gets stored in a buried form. This is called Vata Sanchaya.

Rainy season and Vata

In the rainy season, the body’s strength and digestion fire is low. But during this the body temperature keeps changing from hot to cold. Which increases the suppressed vata in the summer season. This phase is called Vata Excess or Vata Prakopa (Vata PRAKOPA).

Winter Season and Vata

In the winter season, due to the wetness of the soil and the heat in the atmosphere, there is a reduction or end of Vata. This phase is called Vata mitigation (VATA PRASHAMA).।

Vata Imbalance and its Symptoms

If Vata is in a balanced state in the body then it is good for better health. But the imbalance of Vata or increase or decrease in Vata can cause many types of diseases and diseases. A decrease or increase in Vata can be termed as Vata imbalance. Both increase or decrease in Vata have different symptoms.

Decreased Vata Symptoms & Health Conditions

When a person feels the symptoms mentioned below. Such a condition indicates the deficiency of Vata in the body. These symptoms include

  •  
  • Desire to eat pungent, bitter and astringent tastes.
  • Prefers food with intrinsic qualities like dry, rough and light.
  • Diminished sensations
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Drowsiness
  • Feeling of exhaustion
  • Laziness
  • Sluggish movement
  • Sluggish speech
  • Weak digestive power

Generally the symptoms of decreased Vata are relative to the increased Kapha in the body. Therefore the following symptoms may also appear.

  • Excessive salivation
  • Nausea
  • Anorexia

Increased Vata Symptoms & Health Conditions

  •  
  • Any of the following symptoms indicate aggravated Vata.
  • Desire to eat more hot and more sweet tasting foods.
  • To be weak
  • Body weight is an automatic phenomenon.
  • Darkening or darkening of the skin.
  • Feeling of loss of strength.
  • Constipation, dry and hard stools.
  • To have swelling
  • To be drowsy
  • Dizziness.
  • Doing irrelevant things

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