Vata

Print

Vata is the mechanical, functional constituent of the body, and it is derived from "va-gati gandhayoh".

"Va" means movement and pressure.

The functions of movement and pressure present in the body are due to vata.

Functions of Vata:

Energy, breathing, movement, maintenance and proper nourishment of body tissues, contractions and relaxations of body structures are the functions of vata.

General Places of Vata:

The large intestines, pelvic area, lumbar area, ears, bones and skin are the places of vata.

Properties of Vata:

Dryness, lightness, cold, roughness, penetration or subtleness and movement are the properties of vata.

Major Classifications of Vata:

• Prana Vata: Situated in the head and moving in the neck and thorax. It maintains buddhi and sustains hridaya, the sense organs and the mind.
• Apana Vata: Helps in the downward movements of the body. It is situated in the pelvis, bladder, penis and thighs. It helps in excretion, menstruation, pregnancy and the elimination of sperm, stools and urine.
• Udana Vata: Situated in the thorax, and moves from the nose to the umbilicus (navel). It aids in speech, energy, respiration, strength, skin complexion and memory.
• Samana Vata: Situated in the intestines, it helps in improving the gastric fire (agni). It collects, digests, separates and excretes food from the stomach.
• Vyana Vata: Situated in the hridaya, it has a high speed and helps in bodily functions like contraction, relaxation and the opening and closing of the eye lids.

If vata is reduced, it creates weakness of the limbs and body; one cannot talk in a loud voice, feels drowsy and experiences a partial loss of consciousness. If vata is increased, the person becomes emancipated, talks excessively, desires a hot climate and has tremors or shaking of the body, sleeplessness, reduced complexion, weakness and a loss of strength and vigor.