8/17/2018 The Different Aspects of Vata « Ayurveda in Nepal

To carry out this function, the Vata substance requires proper food and
behavior. The bitter, pungent and astringent tastes contain more Air Element
in comparison to the other tastes. Intake of this taste in the form of foods or
drugs is necessary in the proper amount to keep the balance of the Air Element
in the body construction and to counteract the effects of the other tastes. The
balance of the Air Element in the body results in the proper function of the
nervous system, and a healthy nervous system mobilizes the physical energy
and the sources of energy.

The Air Element in the form of the air of atmosphere is everywhere. The air of the body is classified according
to the five significant activities mentioned earlier: air of inhaling, air of exhaling, air of assimilating, air of
circulating and air of excretion. The proper function of these airs is called “Anulomana”. For health, it is very
important that air–and the associated substances carried with or propelled by the airflow–moves in and out
properly. Inhaled air, Prana, is very important for the proper function of the heart and brain. Exhaled air, Udana,
is very important for the proper function of the throat and lungs. The air of assimilation, Samana, plays an
important role for the proper movement of nutrients in the stomach and intestine. The air of circulation, Vyana,
is very important for the proper function of the blood circulatory system including the liver, spleen and
lymphatic duct system. And the air of excretion, Apana, is very important for the proper function of the colon,
urinary system, uterus and testicles etc. The reversed function of these airs is called “Udavarta,” a disease entity
that causes many physical disorders (see page 133 and page 185).

Vata in the Sense of Disease

The imbalance or under-balanced Vata substance is called Vata Kshaya and the
over-balanced Vata substance is called Vata Vriddhi or Kruddha Vata. With
the exception of short term problems, any under-balance or over-balance of the
Vata substance, as well as interference with or reversed functioning of the vital
air, will cause diseases related to the nervous system. These imbalances can
also affect the opposing forces of energy (Pitta) and the “sources of energy”
(Kapha).

The under-balance of Vata substance means that the Air Element or the
physical properties of the air formula have either become less in their natural proportion within the body
construction, or else they have become less active. The over-balanced Vata substance means the Air Element or
the physical proportion of the properties of the air formula has become too high in their natural proportion
within the body construction, or else they have become overactive. Whenever the physical properties of the air
formula go down in relative proportion, the nervous system by nature becomes less active or inactive. When
there is an increase in the physical properties of air, the nervous system in the same way becomes overactive.

Under activity or over activity of the nervous system–in the body as a whole, in any part of the body or in any
organ–results in many physical disorders. For example, such under activity results in sensations of weakness,
weak function, irregular functioning, or no function at all in the affected part or organ. Sadness and lack of
desire to talk are usually the most prominent symptoms of an under-balanced nervous system. Nervous system
over-balance in the body, any part of the body or any organ causes dryness, loss of weight, loss of attachment,
poor blood circulation and over activity. Dislocation, prolapse, dilation, breakage, fatigue, shaking or vibration,
strong pulsation, atrophy, colic pain, strong pain, contraction, retraction, numbness, paralysis, spasms, jerking
etc. are the characteristic physical symptoms.

Vata Vikara / Diseases of the Vata system

The disease processes listed here are the ones most commonly listed in the early texts. This list is by no means
exhaustive.

1. Breaking of the nails

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