Studies on Functions of Vata Dosha- A Novel Approach

Our human body is consists of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. Among all the Sharira Doshas, Vata Dosha is considered as most important because of its unique properties and diverse functions throughout the body. Vata Dosha regulates the movements of other Doshas as well as Dhatu and Mala. Vata Dosha helps to maintain equilibrium state between Doshas, Dhatus and Mala. During the aggravated states, Vata Dosha transports all other Doshas to various locations where they produce diseases. Vata Dosha helps to excrete Mala from body thus helps to maintain homeostatic condition within body. Moreover Vata Dosha regulates Agni, which is considered to be the most important factor responsible for various physiological functions like digestion, absorption and metabolism, thus Vata Dosha regulates all these processes essential for sustenance of life. Vata Dosha regulates the state of mind and its activities along with the proper functioning of various sensory organs also. Moreover, Vata Dosha regulates the activities of different Srotas and is responsible for different types of Srotadusti which lead to formation of different diseases. The most unique character of Vata Dosha which makes it most unique among all the Doshas is its capability to accentuate the properties of other Doshas without losing its own character. For this unique character it can produce different diseases in association with other Doshas also. Thus Vata Dosha in its aggravated condition produces maximum number of diseases whereas in its normal condition it helps to maintain homeostasis of human body and acts as the most essential factor for sustenance of life.

Critical Study on Role of Nidan in Causation of Disease w.s.r. to Pandu

In the genesis of a disease, Nidan or Hetu (causative factors) play the most crucial role. When vitiated Doshas afflict Dhatus- this conglomeration leads to a state of Vikriti (disequilibrium) in our body which further leads to genesis of one or more disease. In respect of any disease, the role of Hetu can be divided in to three pathways- Dosha Prakopan (vitiation of Doshas by Hetu), Kha Vaigunya (impairment of channels by Hetu) and Dhatu Dusti (vitiation of Dhatus by Hetu). The role of any causative factor in relation with genesis of a particular disease can be viewed in respect with any of these three pathways. In this article, the authors have made an effort to explain the role of Hetu in light of above mentioned concept. To understand it better, we have taken an example of Pandu. Pandu is a disease which has been described with great importance in all major and minor texts of Ayurveda. It is caused by vitiation of Pitta Dosha, mainly Sadhak Pitta and affliction of mainly Rakta Dhatu. The role of each and every Hetu in genesis of Pandu has been explained through their role in Dosha Prakopana (vitiation of Pitta Dosha), Dhatu Dusti (Rakta Dusti) and Kha Vaigunya (impairment of channels).