Category

Rheumatic (Vata)-Related Disorders

Among the Three Bio Energetics or Three Bodily Humors, Vata is regarded as the principal one. According to traditional Ayurvedic understanding, when Vata becomes imbalanced, it may contribute to a variety of disorders and physical ailments. Rheumatic conditions, joint pain, lower-back and knee pain, paralysis, swelling of the body, and numbness in any part of the body are traditionally regarded among the major disorders associated with Vata
Vata is inherently dynamic and, according to traditional wisdom, governs the body’s gross as well as subtle movements. As taught in the traditional wisdom of Dadi and Nani, Vata is described as having five principal forms—Prana Vayu (Inward Movement), Udana Vayu (Upward Movement), Samana Vayu (Linear/Equalizing Movement), Vyana Vayu (Outward/Circulatory Movement) and Apana Vayu (Downward Movement).
Prana Vayu is traditionally associated with the chest and the process of respiration; Vyana Vayu with the heart; and Udana Vayu with the upper food passage. Samana Vayu is associated with the intestines and is traditionally believed to regulate digestion and the formation of waste. Apana Vayu is associated with the rectum and urinary system and is traditionally linked with functions such as elimination, ejaculation, and childbirth.
Among the five elements (Panca Mahabhuta), Vata is traditionally described as light, cool, and dry in nature. It is not considered to simply increase or decrease; rather, it becomes

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