tends to maintain uniform state in the metabolism of the body, (protoplasmic, Agni[1]) and helps the organs of sense-perception in discharging their specific functions. The bodily Váyu, like the Pittam in the organism, is grouped under five different subheads according to the difference in its functions and locations, and is classified as the Prána, Udána, Samána, Vyána and Apána.[2] These five classes of Váyu, located in their specific regions, contribute towards the integration and maintenance of the body. 4 — 6
The Prána Váyu:—The Váyu, that courses in (governs)the cavity of the mouth,[3] is called the Prána, its function being to force down the food into the cavity of the stomach, and to assist the different vitalising principles of the body (such as the internal heat or fire etc.) in discharging their functions in life, and to contribute to the general sustenance of the body. A deranged condition of this particular kind of Váyu (Prána) is usually followed by hic-cough, dyspnœa and other kindred distempers. 7.
The Udána Váyu:—The most important of the vital Váyus, which courses (sends its vibrations) upward, is called the Udána. It produces speech, song, etc. In its deranged state it brings on diseases which are specifically confined to regions lying above the clavicles. 8.
The Samána Váyu:—The Samána Váyu courses in (governs) the stomach (Ámáshaya) and in the
- ↑ See Introduction Vol. I. p.p. XLVIII— XLIX Mahâmahopâdhyâya Dvárkâ Nâtha Kavlratna interprets this Agni as digestive heat (Jatharágni).
- ↑ The Prána Váyu is identical with the energy of the nerve centre in the medulla; the Udána with that of the one which is situated in the speech centre. The Samána is same as the energy of the epigastric plexus, the Udána is same as the energy of the Motor-Sensory Nerves, and the Apána is identical with the force of the Hypogastric plexus.
- ↑ The field of its action includes the regions of the heart, throat, head and the nose.
