Ayus, or life, is the harmonious union of the body (Sareera), senses (Indriyas), and mind. Whenever there is any imbalance to this union diseases are caused or even death.
Sareera, or the body, refers to what decays. Our body is always undergoing transformation. These transformations are classified into three- Srishti (Creation), Shithi (preservation) and Samhara (dissolution). This is something which is seen throughout the Universe.
All life begins as the subtle forms or the panchamahabhutas. These bring about the gross manifestations. Once dissolution happens the gross form returns to the subtle form or the panchamahabhutas. Everything in the universe is made up of the panchamahabhutas. The word Panchamahabhutas comes from Sanskrit words pancha (five) and Bhutas (elements). They are Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Aakash (space). Humans consist of these elements along with the Atman. The Panchamahabhutas constitute the physical aspect of the body, while the Atman represents its spiritual component. The constant interaction between Agni and Jala under the control of Vayu is the fundamental nature of all body mechanisms. Hence Agni, Jala and Vayu are called the tridoshas or the functional forces of the body. The functional body consists of three Doshas: Vata, which is responsible for movements; Pitta, which facilitates transformation; and Kapha, which serves as a substratum for these functions. Kapha represents Shristi, Pitta Sthiti and Vata Samhara.
The word Dosha indicates impurity. The 3 Doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha sustain life in normal state but produce diseases when they are in imbalance.
The Doshas are constantly moving in the body. Each cell in the body is made up of the 3 doshas. The Shareera in Ayurveda is divided into three. The part above the Hridaya is the Kapha sthana, the area between the nabhi (umbilicus) and the Hridaya is the Pitta sthana and the area below the Nabhi is Vata sthana. This arrangement of the Doshas is ideal for their balanced interaction and hence ideal for a healthy life. The Vata or Vayu acting from below kindles and stimulates the Agni (Pitta) and the Kapha which is situated above the Agni controls it and prevents it from burning everything.
Vata
The term Vayu means to move, and it also means the wind. Vata is the moving force which controls all physical and mental movements. It is responsible for breathing, circulation, thought processes, elimination of waste products from the body etc. Hence if there is some imbalance in Vata then movements of the body and the thought processes of the mind are affected.
Vata is dry, cold, light, minute and moving.
According to its function and location Vata is divided into five types. They are Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana and Apana.
Prana is the Vayu that sustains life. Its seat is the head. It is responsible for breathing, swallowing of food, sensory, mental and intellectual functions.
Udana Vayu is the Vayu that moves upwards between naval, throat and nose. Its seat is the chest. It is responsible for speech, stamina, energy, strength, complexion and memory.
Vyana Vayu moves to every part of the body. Its seat is the Hridaya (heart). It is responsible for circulation of the nutrients to all parts of the body and for movement.
Samana Vayu stimulates the agni and separates the food ingested into Sara (essence) and Kitta or Mala (waste). Its seat is the Amashaya (stomach)and it stimulates agni.
Apana Vayu moves downwards. Its seat is the Guda (rectum). It is responsible for expulsion of wastes like faeces and urine from the body, menstruation, reproduction and childbirth.
. . . to be continued
Mrs. Mira Swami, Dept of Ayurveda