VYAVAYI KARMA

DEFINITION OF VYĀVAYĪ

• Vyāvayī is a specific property of certain dravya (substances) in Ayurveda.

• It refers to a dravya which spreads (vyāpaka bhāva) throughout the body before undergoing digestion.

• Such substances exhibit their action at multiple sites in the body rapidly and simultaneously.

MEANING AND DERIVATION

• The word ‘Vyāvayī’ is derived from the Sanskrit root:

  • ‘vyā’ = to spread

  • So, Vyāvayī means "that which spreads throughout the body".

CHARACTERISTICS OF VYĀVAYĪ DRAVYA

• The dravya enters the srotasa (channels) and spreads quickly before digestion.

• It does not wait for digestion to start acting.

• It acts systemically, not restricted to the site of digestion (āmāśaya/pakwāśaya).

• The effect is seen before the dravya is digested/metabolized.

• Usually, these dravyas are sūkṣma (subtle), prabhāvavat (potent), and teekṣṇa (sharp).

Sanskrit Śloka (from Caraka Saṃhitā Sūtrasthāna 1/54):

TYPES OF DRAVYA BASED ON ACTION TIME

1. Āśukārī Dravya

   • Acts immediately after intake.

   • Mostly includes vyāvayī and vīkāśī dravyas.

2. Madhyakālīna Kārī Dravya

   • Acts after some time, post-digestion.

   • Examples: Most food items.

3. Cirakālīna Kārī Dravya

   • Takes longer time to act.

   • Example: Heavy medicines like metals (after proper processing).

VYĀVAYĪ DRAVYA VS. AVYĀVAYĪ DRAVYA

EXAMPLES OF VYĀVAYĪ DRAVYA

• Madya (Alcohol)

  • Spreads rapidly, causes immediate effect like stimulation or intoxication.

• Taila (Oil)

  • Spreads through srotas, gives nourishment and unctuousness.

• Ghṛta (Ghee)

  • Immediately spreads to brain and tissues, used in medhya rasāyana.

• Ahiṅguka (Asafoetida)

  • Acts rapidly on vāta, relieves colic pain quickly.

PHARMACODYNAMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF VYĀVAYĪ DRAVYA

• Helps in emergency conditions where quick action is required.

• Useful in nāḍivraṇa, sandhiśūla, śūla, and manasik vikāra.

• Ideal for śodhana (cleansing) when deep tissue penetration is needed.

• Enhances bioavailability of other drugs when used as anupāna (vehicle).

RELATED TERMS

• Vīkāśī – A dravya that expands or opens up channels. Many vīkāśī dravyas are also vyāvayī.

• Sūkṣma guṇa – Subtle quality, allowing the dravya to penetrate deep tissues.

ADDITIONAL ŚLOKA (Suśruta Saṃhitā Sūtrasthāna 38/25):