A Kriyatamaka basis of Prana Vayu in Swasa-Praswasa Prakriya w.s.r. to Respiration

Abstract

The primary element in the Tridosha, which governs all motions, is Vata. The Sutra Sthana of the Charaka Samhita contains a chapter on Vata Kalakaliya that discusses Vata in detail. The Sharira Vata (biological Vata) and the Loka Vayu (physical Vayu) have been compared here. These two came from the Panchmahabhoota i.e., Vayu and Akash Mahabhoota's dominance. One of the five Vata Doshas, Prana Vayu originates in the Murdha and spreads over the throat and thoracic area. The Prana Vayu is located in the thorax, tongue, mouth and nose. It is responsible for various bodily activities including respiration, spitting, sneezing, swallowing and belching. It is essential for all living things to breathe in order to supply oxygen for metabolic processes and removal of harmful substances from the body. In Ayurveda, the entire idea is explained through Swasa-Praswasa Kriya, which involves Prana Vayu and Pranavaha Strotas. The Swasa-Praswasa Kriya includes Nichwasa (inspiration) which is breathing air into the body through the nose and Ucchwasa (expiration) which is breathing air outside the body through nose. Pranavaha Strotas serve the motivation for Prana Vayu.