What is Vata Dosha?
Vata means Vahu ( Air) dosha is light, dry, mobile, cold, hard, rough, sharp, subtle, flowing, and clear.The word vata means to blow or move like the wind. Consisting of the elements air and ether, it is the principal force of motion in the body and mind. … A body and mind in which the Vata dosha predominates express or reflects these qualities.
Prana Vayu: Prana Vayu represents the force that draws sensory experience to us. It is the force of attraction and has a magnetic nature. The way it functions determines the types of impressions we expose ourselves to. Prana Vayu resides in the head and heart (chest) where desire dwells, choices are made, and sensory experience is processed. When it is healthy, we are drawn toward that which is harmonious and which brings us health and well-being. When prana vayu is out of balance, we misuse our senses and bring inside of us that which will cause disease.
Samana Vayu: Whereas prana vayu represents the force of attraction, Samana Vayu represents the force of absorption, pulling the impressions we are drawn to toward the center of our being. For example, Samana Vayu carries nutrients from the intestines into the circulatory system, and the sensations of things we touch are carried from the skin to the central nervous system. When Samana Vayu is functioning properly, impressions are properly absorbed. When it is in a state of dysfunction, absorption becomes difficult, and malnourishment or numbness may occur.
Vyana Vayu: Once absorbed, an impression must be acted upon. This is the role of vyana Vayu, which is the force that circulates the response, moving it from the center toward the periphery. Following are examples, in the digestive system blood carries the nutrients throughout the body so that each cell receives its proper supply. In the nervous system, a signal is sent from the central nervous system toward a muscle or organ.
Udana Vayu: Udana Vayu is responsible for action and expression, which means putting the energy received to work. Cells take the energy received and perform their unique functions. Nutrients are used for cellular energy and for building proteins. The nerves instruct muscles and organs to act properly.
Apana Vayu: Cellular activity produces both work and waste. While Udana Vayu is responsible for the work, Apana Vayu is responsible for cleaning up the waste. Apana Vayu eliminates waste primarily through the functions of urination, defecation, and menstruation. It is responsible for all the downward flowing energy of the body and as such is also responsible for the energy needed for carrying the child out of the womb and into the world.
