PRAKRITA AND VIKRITA KARMA OF VATA

PRAKRITA AND VIKRITA KARMA OF VATA

• Vāta is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, considered the controller of all bodily movements and neurological functions.

• It is responsible for initiation, regulation, and cessation of physiological processes in the body.

• It is asrayi (pervading all over the body) and is the controller of Pitta and Kapha.

• When in its natural state (Prakrita), it sustains life and health. In its disturbed state (Vikrita), it becomes the cause of various disorders.

ETYMOLOGY

• The term “Vāta” is derived from the root ‘Va gatyau’, meaning movement.

• Vāta is Anila (air) and Akasha predominant, having qualities like Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light), Shita (cold), Khara (rough), Sukshma (subtle), Chala (mobile).

PRAKRITA KARMA OF VATA (NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS)

• According to Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 12/8:
  “वायुरेव स चेष्टयिता स प्रेरकः सर्वदेहिनाम् ।”
  (C.Su.12/8)
  Translation: Vāta is the force responsible for all the bodily activities.

• Normal physiological actions of Vāta include:

  • Chetanakarma (Consciousness) – Maintains alertness and life essence.

  • Indriyabuddhi Pravartaka (Sensory and motor function) – Stimulates sense and motor organs.

  • Utsaha (Enthusiasm and mental clarity) – Encourages motivation and mental agility.

  • Pravartaka of Speech and Respiration – Initiates speech, breathing, and other vital functions.

  • Gati (Movements) – Involuntary (heartbeats, peristalsis) and voluntary (limb movement).

  • Balakara (Strength) – Provides structural and functional strength.

  • Samhati (Integration) – Combines body tissues and maintains compactness.

  • Parvani Sphutana (Joint movement) – Enables articulation at joints.

  • Dhatu and Mala Vikshepana (Circulation and excretion) – Helps in movement of nutrients and waste.

• Charaka Samhita Vimana Sthana 5/6:
  “वायुरेव शरीरस्थो यः सर्वचेष्टितकारकः।
  स एव बलवर्णादीन् धारयत्युपधारय॥”
  (C.Vi.5/6)
  Translation: It is Vāta within the body that governs all activities and sustains strength and complexion.

• Modern correlation:

  • Nervous system activity (CNS and PNS)

  • Autonomic control of respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems

  • Reflexes and motor coordination

  • Hormonal regulation via Hypothalamic-Pituitary axis (movement of impulses)

TYPES OF VATA AND THEIR PRAKRITA KARMA

• Prana Vata: Controls respiration, swallowing, belching, and mental functions.

• Udana Vata: Responsible for speech, enthusiasm, memory, and upward movement.

• Samana Vata: Assists in digestion, assimilation, and regulation of digestive fire.

• Vyana Vata: Circulates blood and nutrients, supports movement and heart function.

• Apana Vata: Governs excretion, menstruation, ejaculation, childbirth.

VIKRITA KARMA OF VATA (ABNORMAL OR PATHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS)

• When Vāta becomes vitiated due to Nidana like excessive fasting, fear, dryness, and exposure to cold, it gives rise to various pathological states.

• Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 28/7:
  “रूक्षशीतलघुच्छिन्नविशुष्कबलहीनकाः।
  शुष्ककण्ठाक्षिशिरसः प्रमुह्यन्ति च वायिनः॥”
  (C.Su.28/7)
  Translation: Those afflicted by vitiated Vāta exhibit dryness, coldness, lightness, cracking, dryness in mouth and eyes, and confusion.

• Abnormal functions include:

  • Tandra, Moha (Delirium, unconsciousness) due to disturbed neural control

  • Kampa (Tremors), Spandana (Twitching), Stambha (Stiffness) – Neuromuscular abnormalities

  • Sosha (Emaciation), Karshya (Weight loss) – Malnutrition or wasting disorders

  • Bhrama (Vertigo), Apasmara (Seizures) – CNS dysfunction

  • Shoola (Pain) – Neuropathic or ischemic in nature

  • Vibandha or Atisara (Constipation or Diarrhea) – Improper colon motility

  • Anaha, Adhmana (Flatulence and bloating) – GI dysregulation

• Modern correlation:

  • Degenerative neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinsonism, ALS)

  • Demyelinating disorders (e.g., Multiple sclerosis)

  • Autonomic dysfunctions (e.g., Orthostatic hypotension)

  • Neuropathies (Diabetic, Alcoholic)

  • Functional GI disorders (e.g., IBS)

  • Cachexia and muscle wasting in chronic illnesses

CAUSES OF VIKRITA VATA

• Nidana (Etiological Factors):

  • Ruksha, Laghu, Shita, Vishama Ahara (Dry, light, cold, irregular diet)

  • Excessive sexual activity, old age

  • Ativyayama (excessive exertion), starvation

  • Mental stress, fear, and grief

  • Suppression of natural urges

• Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 20/11:
  “अतियोगात् प्रवृत्तिनां वायोः स्थानान्तरं गतम्।
  कुर्वत्यन्यथाकर्माणं विकारायोपपद्यते॥”
  (C.Su.20/11)
  Translation: Due to excessive activity, Vāta moves from its natural sites and causes abnormal functions leading to disease.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

• In Ayurvedic diagnostics, understanding the Vikriti of Vāta is crucial in the manifestation of 80 types of Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi (pure Vāta disorders).

• Examples include:

  • Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia)

  • Gridhrasi (Sciatica)

  • Kampavata (Parkinsonism)

  • Avabahuka (Frozen shoulder)

• These conditions are mainly Vataja Nanatmaja disorders, where treatment revolves around Snehana, Swedana, Basti, and Vatahara herbs.

MODERN TEXTBOOK REFERENCE

• Guyton’s Textbook of Physiology:

  • Role of autonomic nervous system parallels Vata's function in regulating involuntary actions like cardiac, GI, and respiratory functions.

• Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine:

  • Degenerative and movement disorders link closely with disturbed Vata functions.

  • Cognitive decline, fatigue, tremors, and neuromuscular loss can be compared to Vikrita Vata manifestations.