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Vata Dosha

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As mentioned in earlier post, Vata dosha is one of the shaaririk dosha, and is having the dominancy of air and ether elements. In this post, we'll explore more about the Vata Dosha, its types, its functions, its locations in our body, etc.

The word Vata translates into air. Just like all the movements in world is due to air element, all the movements in our body is due to Vata Dosha.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

If we relate it with modern concepts, it can be compared with the nervous activity of our body, as all the movements are due to nervous system, whether voluntary or involuntary.


Locations of Vata Dosha*

Basti (Urinary bladder), 
Pureeshadhan (Rectum), 
Kati (Hip region), 
Sakhti (Lower extremities), 
Pakvashya (Intestines), are the general sites of Vata dosha, though all the three doshas are present in whole body. 
From these sites, Pakvashya is considered the main site of Vata dosha.


Functions of Vata Dosha*

Utsah (Excitement), 
Uchwas nishwas (Inspiration & Expiration), 
Chestha (Physical & Mental activities), 
Dhatu gati sama (Proper movements of all the dhatus, i.e. body fluids, blood, bones, muscles, etc.), 
Samo moksho gatimataam (Proper movements of excretory materials out of the body).
These are all the general functions of balanced Vata dosha.


Types of Vata Dosha**

Vata Dosha is divided into five types, Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana.
Prana vayu is considered to be the one which is responsible for life.

Prana Vayu
It is located in chest region, neck, tongue, and nasal region. And its functions include spitting, sneezing, belching, breathing, intake of food and transfer it to stomach.

Udana Vayu
It is located in umbilical region, chest region, and neck. And its functions include activities related with speaking, conation, energy and immunity, and complexion production.

Samana Vayu
It is located in sweat secreting channels, water secreting channels. And is helpful in secretion of enzymes from pancreas.

Vyana Vayu
It is located in the whole body, and is of fast movement. Its functions include movements, twitching, blinking, etc.

Apana Vayu
It is located in testis, bladder, penis, umbilical region, chest region, inguinal region, rectum. Storage and expulsion of faeces, urine, sperm, and egg, and even foetus, is due to apana vayu.


Effects of Increased Vata Dosha

An increase in vata dosha from its balanced state causes weakness, lean, and shivering of body. It causes retention of faeces in body.

*   References from Charak Sutrasthana
** References from Charak Chikitsasthana
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