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=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

Vātavyādhi chikitśītām deals with disorders particularly caused by vāta dosha. It is an important chapter as it encompasses a large spectrum of disorders especially concerned with neurological system, musculoskeletal system, reticulo-endothelial system and further pervades to all other systems in the body.  The chapter highlights the five sub classifications of vāta, their habitat and functions. The etiological factors of vātavyādhi are enlisted and two major pathology viz, dhātukṣaya and āvarana are detailed. In dhātukṣaya vitiated vāta assumes the status of gatavāta (increased movement of vata) and occupies various sites leading to dhātugata (affecting tissues) vāta, āshayagata (affecting various sites) vāta and avayava (organs) gatavāta. Āvarana (obstruction by covering) is a distinct pathology of vāta in which the free mobility of vāta is hampered. Accordingly, āvarana may happen either due to two other dosha, dhātu (rakta etc.) or mala (waste). Āvarana may also happen in between two subtypes of vāta as the direction of movement of various types of vāta differ. This is called anyonyāvarana. The symptomatology, pathology and management strategies of avarana as well as gatavāta are detailed in the chapter. The most common neurological disorders like pakṣāghāta (stroke), ardita (facial palsy), grdhrasī (sciatica), avabāhuka (frozen shoulder), viswāchi (cervico brachial neuralgia) etc. are described. Various formulations including medicated oils and ghee etc. are also included in the chapter. The chapter confirms the difficulty in curability of chronic vātavyādhi affecting debilitated individuals.  

Vātavyādhi chikitśītām deals with disorders particularly caused by vāta dosha. It is an important chapter as it encompasses a large spectrum of disorders especially concerned with neurological system, musculoskeletal system, reticulo-endothelial system and further pervades to all other systems in the body.  The chapter highlights the five sub classifications of vāta, their habitat and functions. The etiological factors of vātavyādhi are enlisted and two major pathology viz, dhātukṣaya and āvarana are detailed. In dhātukṣaya vitiated vāta assumes the status of gatavāta (increased movement of vata) and occupies various sites leading to dhātugata (affecting tissues) vāta, āshayagata (affecting various sites) vāta and avayava (organs) gatavāta. Āvarana (obstruction by covering) is a distinct pathology of vāta in which the free mobility of vāta is hampered. Accordingly, āvarana may happen either due to two other dosha, dhātu (rakta etc.) or mala (waste). Āvarana may also happen in between two subtypes of vāta as the direction of movement of various types of vāta differ. This is called anyonyāvarana. The symptomatology, pathology and management strategies of avarana as well as gatavāta are detailed in the chapter. The most common neurological disorders like pakṣāghāta (stroke), ardita (facial palsy), grdhrasī (sciatica), avabāhuka (frozen shoulder), viswāchi (cervico brachial neuralgia) etc. are described. Various formulations including medicated oils and ghee etc. are also included in the chapter. The chapter confirms the difficulty in curability of chronic vātavyādhi affecting debilitated individuals.  

 

Aksepaka, Anyonyvarana, Apāna, Ardita, Avabāhuka, Āvarana, Ayurveda, Convulsive disorders, Dhātukṣaya, Facial palsy, Gatavāta, General Line of treatment of Vātavyādhi, Gr̥dhrasī, Neurological disorders, Paksāghata, Prāna, Samāna, Sciatica, Specific treatments of Vātavyādhi, Stroke, Udāna, Viswāci, Vyāna.  

Keywords: Aksepaka, Anyonyvarana, Apāna, Ardita, Avabāhuka, Āvarana, Ayurveda, Convulsive disorders, Dhātukṣaya, Facial palsy, Gatavāta, General Line of treatment of Vātavyādhi, Gr̥dhrasī, Neurological disorders, Paksāghata, Prāna, Samāna, Sciatica, Specific treatments of Vātavyādhi, Stroke, Udāna, Viswāci, Vyāna.  

Introduction

 

=== Introduction ====

 

Vātavyādhi chikitśītām exclusively deals with certain common disorders where the specific vitiation of vāta takes place. Before entering the chapter, let us consider the etymological derivations of the term vāta.  The technical term ‘vāta’ is derived from Sanskrit root verb ‘vā’ which means ‘gati gandhanayoh’(movement and continued efforts/enthusiasm.) or by the application of ‘kta’ to the root verb ‘vā’ which again means the same as above, ‘vātiti vāta’, the term vāta is derived.  As all ancient Indian scientific treatise observe strict rules regarding formation of a word, for the brevity and secrecy of expressions, it should be analyzed in detail for better understanding. The meaning of ‘gati’ is  to acquire; and jñāna is to get aware or to sense. The term ‘gandhana’ means to enthuse, to excite or to stimulate. Considering the different meanings of gati, and gandhana it is understood that the term ‘vāta’ itself conveys its role as a receptor as well as stimulator. Hence it can be said that vāta is the biological force which recognizes and stimulates all the activities in the body.

Vātavyādhi chikitśītām exclusively deals with certain common disorders where the specific vitiation of vāta takes place. Before entering the chapter, let us consider the etymological derivations of the term vāta.  The technical term ‘vāta’ is derived from Sanskrit root verb ‘vā’ which means ‘gati gandhanayoh’(movement and continued efforts/enthusiasm.) or by the application of ‘kta’ to the root verb ‘vā’ which again means the same as above, ‘vātiti vāta’, the term vāta is derived.  As all ancient Indian scientific treatise observe strict rules regarding formation of a word, for the brevity and secrecy of expressions, it should be analyzed in detail for better understanding. The meaning of ‘gati’ is  to acquire; and jñāna is to get aware or to sense. The term ‘gandhana’ means to enthuse, to excite or to stimulate. Considering the different meanings of gati, and gandhana it is understood that the term ‘vāta’ itself conveys its role as a receptor as well as stimulator. Hence it can be said that vāta is the biological force which recognizes and stimulates all the activities in the body.

Vāta is the prime dosha. Owing to its incorporeal nature and instability it is inaccessible in comparison to other two dosha. The inaccessibility is characterized in regard to its functional and physical attributes but is more relevant regarding the therapeutic aspect. Vāta is also explained as acintyaveerya (inconceivable prowess) and dosānām netāh (propeller of all functional elements in the body).1

Vāta is the prime dosha. Owing to its incorporeal nature and instability it is inaccessible in comparison to other two dosha. The inaccessibility is characterized in regard to its functional and physical attributes but is more relevant regarding the therapeutic aspect. Vāta is also explained as acintyaveerya (inconceivable prowess) and dosānām netāh (propeller of all functional elements in the body).1