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The word ‘vayu’ literally means ‘wind’ or ‘air’ or ‘vital air’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, vayu, Page 942</ref> It is one among the [[panchamahabhuta]]([[Sharira sthana]] 1/27). In Ayurveda, it is applied to denote mahabhuta and [[dosha]] in body.   

The word ‘vayu’ literally means ‘wind’ or ‘air’ or ‘vital air’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, vayu, Page 942</ref> It is one among the [[panchamahabhuta]][Cha.Sa.[[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).<ref> 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/</ref> This article deals with sthoola vayu in the form of mahabhuta. The concept and practice about [[vata]] [[dosha]] is dealt separately.   

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).<ref> 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/</ref> This article deals with sthoola vayu in the form of mahabhuta. The concept and practice about [[vata]] [[dosha]] is dealt separately.   

==Etymology and definition==

==Etymology and definition==

The word ‘vayu’ originates from the ‘va’ dhatu(Sanskrit root), which means ‘movement’. The word Vayu is derived from the word ‘vagatigandanayoho’, which means it exerts motility and pressure(Su.sa.su.21/05).<ref name=Dingari2012>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 10,Vayu nirupana;p.62.</ref>Vayu possesses specific property of touch. It doesn’t have any shape.(Tarksangraha)<ref name=Dingari2012 />

The word ‘vayu’ originates from the ‘va’ dhatu(Sanskrit root), which means ‘movement’. The word Vayu is derived from the word ‘vagatigandanayoho’, which means it exerts motility and pressure[Su.Sa.Su.21/5].<ref name=Dingari2012>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 10,Vayu nirupana;p.62.</ref>Vayu possesses specific property of touch. It doesn’t have any shape.(Tarksangraha)<ref name=Dingari2012 />

==Synonyms==  

==Synonyms==  

#Wind  

#Wind  

#Vatadosha

#Vatadosha

#Factor responsible for transformation(digestion, assimilation and metabolism) of food([[Sharira Sthana]] 06/14)

#Factor responsible for transformation(digestion, assimilation and metabolism) of food[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 06/14]

==Evolution==

==Evolution==

In the sequence of evolution, vayu evolves from the [[akasha]] mahabhuta. Shabda and sparsha tanmatra unify to form vayumahabhuta(Su.sa.sa.01/04).Vayu shows autonomy in its functions(Su.sa.ni.01/05).

In the sequence of evolution, vayu evolves from the [[akasha]] mahabhuta. Shabda and sparsha tanmatra unify to form vayumahabhuta[Su.Sa.Sha.1/4].Vayu shows autonomy in its functions[Su.Sa.Ni.1/5].

==General characteristics==

==General characteristics==

The substance with the predominance of vayumahabhuta possesses the following properties (Su.sa.su.41/04(4)).

The substance with the predominance of vayumahabhuta possesses the following properties [Su.Sa.Su.41/4(4)].

*Light (laghu)

*Light (laghu)

*Dry (ruksha)

*Dry (ruksha)

*Clear (vishada)

*Clear (vishada)

*Subtle/minute (sukshma)

*Subtle/minute (sukshma)

*Touch (sparsha) dominantly ([[Sutra Sthana]] 26/11)

*Touch (sparsha) dominantly [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/11]

*Shabda(sound) ([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/27)

*Shabda(sound) [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/27]

==Specific characteristics==

==Specific characteristics==

Movement (chalatva) is the characteristic feature of vayumahabhuta([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/29). It can move in all directions. That may be the reason for considering ‘tiryakgamana’(movement in all directions) as a property of vayu(Chakrapani on [[Sutra Sthana]]11/12).

Movement (chalatva) is the characteristic feature of vayumahabhuta[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/29]. It can move in all directions. That may be the reason for considering ‘tiryakgamana’(movement in all directions) as a property of vayu(Chakrapani on [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]11/12).

Among the three fundamental qualities (triguna), vayumahabhuta is raja guna dominant(Su.sa.sa.01/20).

Among the three fundamental qualities (triguna), vayumahabhuta is raja guna dominant[Su.Sa.Sha.1/20].

==Importance==

==Importance==

Vayu is represented as prana (vital force) in [[purusha]]. It is also responsible for utsaha (initiation of any movement)([[Sharira Sthana]] 05/05). Therefore, vayu is directly responsible for vitality and all functions in an individual.  

Vayu is represented as prana (vital force) in [[purusha]]. It is also responsible for utsaha (initiation of any movement)[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 5/5]. Therefore, vayu is directly responsible for vitality and all functions in an individual.  

===Functions in embryogenesis and human body===  

===Functions in embryogenesis and human body===  

*During embryogenesis, Vayu mahabhuta is responsible for the functions of development of touch sensation and its perception, roughness, impulsion, structure and functions of body tissues and all types of movements, transportation in channels([[Sharira Sthana]] 04/12).

*During embryogenesis, Vayu mahabhuta is responsible for the functions of development of touch sensation and its perception, roughness, impulsion, structure and functions of body tissues and all types of movements, transportation in channels[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 4/12].

*Vayu mahabhuta is also responsible for the dominancy of [[vata]][[dosha]] in [[prakriti]] of an individual([[Vimana Sthana]]08/95).

*Vayu mahabhuta is also responsible for the dominancy of [[vata]][[dosha]] in [[prakriti]] of an individual[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]]8/95].

*Vayu mahabhuta carries out the function of division or separation of garbha into [[dosha]], [[dhatu]], [[mala]], different body parts(Su.sa.sa.05/03).

*Vayu mahabhuta carries out the function of division or separation of garbha into [[dosha]], [[dhatu]], [[mala]], different body parts[Su.Sa.Sha.5/3].

*All these functions are carried out in postnatal life too.  

*All these functions are carried out in postnatal life too.  

Mahabhutas contribute in determining colour and complexion.  

Mahabhutas contribute in determining colour and complexion.  

*[[Prithvi]] and vayu are responsible for black complexion

*[[Prithvi]] and vayu are responsible for black complexion

*An equilibrium of all the five mahabhutas result in shyamavarna i.e. sky-like bluish complexion([[Sharira Sthana]] 08/15)

*An equilibrium of all the five mahabhutas result in shyamavarna i.e. sky-like bluish complexion[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/15]

===Role of vayubhutaagni in digestion of food===  

===Role of vayubhutaagni in digestion of food===  

*In the process of digestion and metabolism, the food passes through three levels of action of [[agni]]. During the action by bhutagni, the vayu dominant [[agni]] acts upon vayu dominant components of food. It further nourishes vayu dominant body components([[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/12-14).

*In the process of digestion and metabolism, the food passes through three levels of action of [[agni]]. During the action by bhutagni, the vayu dominant [[agni]] acts upon vayu dominant components of food. It further nourishes vayu dominant body components[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/12-14].

===[[Marma]] (vital points) and its Vayu mahabhuta constituation===

===[[Marma]] (vital points) and its Vayu mahabhuta constituation===

*Vishalyaghna[[marma]] (vital points affected by foreign body) have predominance of vayumahabhuta. The individual survives as long as vayu remains inside as obstructed by the foreign body.

*Vishalyaghna[[marma]] (vital points affected by foreign body) have predominance of vayumahabhuta. The individual survives as long as vayu remains inside as obstructed by the foreign body.

*Rujakara[[marma]](painful vital points) have dominance of [[agni]] and vayu. Pain is caused as a result of these two mahabhutas(Su.sa.sa.06/16).

*Rujakara[[marma]](painful vital points) have dominance of [[agni]] and vayu. Pain is caused as a result of these two mahabhuta[Su.Sa.Sha.6/16].

==Importance in clinical practice==

==Importance in clinical practice==

===Application in diagnosis===

===Application in diagnosis===

Movement is the property attributed to vayu. Therefore, it is responsible for all physiological functions related to transport and movements inside and outside body. Vayu mahabhuta carries out basic function of nourishment of its own components as in skin and touch sensation. Apart from this, lightness (loss of weight and volume), dryness, roughness, fatigue, disintegration are observed([[Sutra sthana]] 26/11). Abnormalities in these functions and features can be diagnosed and treated.  

Movement is the property attributed to vayu. Therefore, it is responsible for all physiological functions related to transport and movements inside and outside body. Vayu mahabhuta carries out basic function of nourishment of its own components as in skin and touch sensation. Apart from this, lightness (loss of weight and volume), dryness, roughness, fatigue, disintegration are observed[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra sthana]] 26/11]. Abnormalities in these functions and features can be diagnosed and treated.  

===Application in treatment===

===Application in treatment===

*The vatadosha is constituted from vayu and [[akasha]] mahabhuta.<ref>Shivprasad Sharma, editor. Astaangasamgraha by vridhavaagbata with SasilekhaCommentry. 3rd edition. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office, 2012. Sootrastaana 20/02; p..</ref> In vata [[prakriti]] individual, the dominance of properties of vayumahabhuta is observed.  

*The vatadosha is constituted from vayu and [[akasha]] mahabhuta [AS.Su.20/2]. In vata [[prakriti]] individual, the dominance of properties of vayumahabhuta is observed.  

*Similarly, in conditions of [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravation, vayumahabhuta predominance is observed. The treatment of such conditions is done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with vayu predominance.   

*Similarly, in conditions of [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravation, vayumahabhuta predominance is observed. The treatment of such conditions is done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with vayu predominance.   

*On the other side, the vayumahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravation(Su.sa.su.41/07-08).

*On the other side, the vayumahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravation[Su.Sa.Su.41/7-8].

*The substances which are pungent, bitter and astringent in taste have dominancy of  vayu and [[akasha]] mahabhuta(Su.sa.su.42/03). By wisely prescribing the drugs having the above said tastes, one can treat various conditions of doshas.  

*The substances which are pungent, bitter and astringent in taste have dominancy of  vayu and [[akasha]] mahabhuta[Su.Sa.Su.42/3]. By wisely prescribing the drugs having the above said tastes, one can treat various conditions of doshas.  

*Medicines for therapeutic emesis (vamana) have [[agni]] and vayu mahabhuta dominance. Since both of these mahabhutas have lightness as their property, it carries the dosha in upward direction and thus it helps in expelling the doshas through mouth(Su.sa.su.41/06).

*Medicines for therapeutic emesis (vamana) have [[agni]] and vayu mahabhuta dominance. Since both of these mahabhutas have lightness as their property, it carries the dosha in upward direction and thus it helps in expelling the doshas through mouth[Su.Sa.Su.41/6].

*The drugs having predominance of vayumahabhuta cause sangrahi (withholding) effect in body, since vayu does shoshana (absorption of fluid)(Su.sa.su.41/06).

*The drugs having predominance of vayumahabhuta cause sangrahi (withholding) effect in body, since vayu does shoshana (absorption of fluid)[Su.Sa.Su.41/6].

*To attain the scrapping (lekhana) effect, drugs having more vayu and [[agni]]guna predominance are selected(Su.sa.su.41/06).

*To attain the scrapping (lekhana) effect, drugs having more vayu and [[agni]]guna predominance are selected[Su.Sa.Su.41/6].

==Current views and researches==

==Current views and researches==

*[[Jala mahabhuta]]  

*[[Jala mahabhuta]]  

*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]

*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]

=== List of references ===

=== List of references ===