The word ‘vayu’ literally means ‘wind’ or ‘air’ or ‘vital air’.[1] It is one among the panchamahabhuta. (Sharira sthana 1/27) In Ayurveda, it is applied to denote mahabhuta and dosha in body.
There are two forms of vayu: sukshma (subtle) and sthoola (gross). The subtle form is present as ‘prana’ (vital force) in pranamaya kosha (sheath of vital force). Sthoola (gross) vayu is present in the body as mahabhuta and dosha in annamaya kosha (sheath formed by food).[2] This article deals with sthoola vayu in the form of mahabhuta. The concept and practice about vata dosha is dealt separately.
- ↑ Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, vayu, Page 942
- ↑ Joshi Prama. Vayu viveka available from https://charakameemansa.wordpress.com/2018/06/01/%e0%a4%b5%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%af%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%b5%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b5%e0%a5%87%e0%a4%95/