Ayurveda is the science of life or longevity, which helps in the promotion of health, prevention of diseases and in achieving a long life. The basic philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the panchamahabhoota (five elements) theory. This theory states that the universe as well as the human body is made up of five elements, namely air (vayu), space (akash), earth (prithvi), fire (agni) and water (jal). These elements combine to form controlling forces or biological humours called Dosha. These dosha are responsible for sustaining the living body in its normal state and are of 3 types: Vaata, Pitta and Kapha.
These controlling forces or the doshas act on the tissues of the body known as the Datus and help in the various physiological functions. The waste products formed as a result of various bodily functions are Malas, which are end products of the body. Thus the science of Ayurveda deals with Doshas, Dhaatus & Malas.
VAATA
It is responsible for active movements of different organs and parts of our body.
There are 5 types of Vaata:
1. Praana: Praana refers to functions of the brain and nervous system i.e. sensations of smell, taste, touch, hearing and vision, movements of upper and lower limbs, rectum and sex organs and breath.
2. Udaana: Udaana refers to movements of the chest, diaphragm and voice box. It controls movements of breathing out, sneezing and speech.
3. Samaana: Samaana refers to movements of the intestine along with digestion and absorption of food substances.
4. Apaana: Apaana refers to the movements of the bladder, rectum, uterus and is important for passing urine, stools, menstrual fluids, semen and foetus (delivery).
5. Vyaana: Vyaana is concerned with movements of all kinds of voluntary and involuntary muscles. It is responsible for movements of the heart e.g. blood vessels, lymph is a white fluid present in different parts of the body) glands and glands which produce hormones. The diseases caused by the disorders of Vaata arc: Asthma, Epilepsy (lils) and other mental disorders, Urticaria (a skin disease), Viral fever (due to temperature changes), Anaemia (lack of iron in blood), Obesity (increased weight gain), Diabetes, Diarrhoea, constipation and reduced functions of thyroid and adrenal glands.