Introduction
To VATA
(AYURVEDA)
Body is
supported by
the three
dosas also
called
sakthirupa
dravyas-
Vata, Pitta
& Kapha-
situated
predominantly
in the
lower,
middle and
upper
portions,
respectively,
just like a
house is
supported
firmly by 3
pillars.
Since the
dosas
maintain the
firmness of
the body
they are
called as
pillars.
They are
called as
dhathus
because they
support the
body; as
malas
because they
pollute the
body and
also because
they are the
waste
products of
the food.
They are
called as
dosas
because of
their
tendency of
polluting
others.
The
Importance
of Vata
Among
Thridosas
Vata is the
most
important
among
Thridosas
because
Pitta,
Kapha, all
the dathus
and malas
are Pangu
ie, are like
a lame
animal and
as and how
the vata
carries them
to different
places, they
move
accordingly
like cloud,
that is
carried away
to different
places by
the
wind…………………..(1)
The vayu
through its
vikshepana
kriya
ie,,driving
and
motivating
force
revolves all
the planets
in a
systematized
manner. In
the same way
the sareera
vayu through
its
vitkshepana
kriya
motivates
and
organizes
all the
dhathus,
malas and
structures…(2)
Definitions
Of Vata
a) The root
va means
gamana=movement
&
gandhana=pressure
b) that
which waves
or moves
about is
called as
vayu
The term va
means to
move, to
enthuse, to
make known
and to
become aware
of,
induction,
effort and
to
enlighten.
The synonyms
of vata-
vayu, anila,
pavana,
marutha. It
is seen from
Caraka
samhitha
that the
sareera vata
is Asanghata
(incorporeal)
and
anavasthitha
(unstable).
Vata is
formed out
of (born
from the
combination
of) vayu and
akasa bhuta
Qualities of
Vata
Ruksa(dryness),laghu(lightness),sita(coldness),khara(roughness),suksma(minuteness)and
cala(movement)
are the
qualities of
vata………………………….(5)
Seat of Vata
Though
present all
over the
body, dosas
are
predominantly
found in the
regions-below,
in between
and
above-respectively
of the area
bound by the
heart and
the
umbilicus.
Pakwasaya(large
intestine),
waist,
thigh, ear,
bone and the
organ of
touch(skin)
are the
seats of
vata,
especially,
so the
pakvadhana(large
intestine)…………………….(6)
Functions of
Normal Vata
Vata
sustains the
body with
expiration,
inspiration,
enthusiasm,
movement of
the various
parts,
keenness of
sense
perceptions,
initiation
of the
natural
urges (such
as that of
urine,
faeces) and
many other
functions
Vata vridhi
karana
Vata gets
aggravated
from
consuming
food which
are bitter,
salt and
astringent
in taste, of
less
quantity,
dry
(moisture
less,
fatless)
taking food
long after
usual time,
suppression
and
premature
initiation
of the urges
(of urine,
faeces,
flatus,
etc),
keeping
awake at
nights,
speaking in
high pitch
for a long
time, effect
of
therapies(emesis,
purgation,
etc) in
excess(more
than the
required
degree);
(sudden)
fear, grief
and worry,
excess of
physical
activities
and sexual
intercourse
during
summer,
terminal
part of the
day; night
and food
Vridha vata
karma
Vata
undergoing
vridhi
troubles the
body by
producing
emaciation,
blackish
discoloration,
(unwanted)
movement of
the body,
tremors,
desire for
heat (hot
comforts),
loss of
consciousness
and sleep,
decrease of
strength and
capacity of
sensory
organs,
pains in the
bones,
decrease of
bone marrow,
obstruction
to the
movement of
faeces,
flatulence
(distension
of the
abdomen by
accumulation
of gas),
gurgling
noise inside
it,
delusion,
timidity,
fear, grief,
delirium and
such other
ailments
