Abstract

STUDY OF PRANAVAHA SROTAS W.S.R. TO RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

*Dr. Vishal Sharma

.

Abstract

Ayurveda is the science that imparts all the knowledge of life. It defines health and factor responsible for its maintenance and promotion. Health is essential for enjoyment of all the worldly pleasures in a righteous manner, promotion of positive mental health is essential for acquiring a state of eternal and supreme happiness. It defines a useful and harmful, happy and unhappy life and gives guidelines on what it is beneficial and harmful to life. Ayurveda regards the human life is the epitome of the universe and it is carved out of the universal elements which are closely knit, both together. This is the basics of the ayurvedic theory of “Panchmahabhutic siddhanta “which is the foundation of Ayurveda. The natural properties of all the basic elements and their combinations e.g. heat of fire, fluidity of water, lightness of gases etc; which have not changed from the beginning of the universe and will remain constant. The basic elements are represented in our human body also by these structural organic units in three biological elements which are termed as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Thus Vata originates from the biochemical combination of Akasha and Vayu Bhuta. The word Vata is derived from the verb “Vaa” which signifies movement. Ordinarily Vata is Air or wind. In the universe Vata is responsible for all movements. Vata is minute, light, rough, clear and dry i.e. Sukshma, laghu, Khara, ruksha and vishad. It is always mobile and moves in all directions. Pranavayu is represented by the functional units of respiratory centre, sensory and motor organs, mind, intellect and conscience. It maintains the life and life process by supplying Amber Piyush (oxygen). It supports the function of Heart. It supports and maintains the efficiency of sensory and motor organs, the mind and intellect. Inspiration, deglutition, sneezing and expectoration, are controlled by Pranavayu. “Nabhisthah Pranapavanah Sprishtwa Hrithkamalantaram Kanthathbahirv Iniryathi Pathum Ishnupadmamritum Peetwachambara Peeyusham Punarayati Vegathah Preenayan Dehamakhilam Jeevamcha Jatharanalam”. Acharya Sharangdhara said that Hridaya (Heart) is the seat of Chetana: life, soul) also Ojas (essence of Dhatus). Siras and Dhamanis (veins, Arteries) arise from the Nabhi (umbilicus) spread throughout the body and supply air to the Dhatus (tissues) continuously. The Pranavayu located near the Nabhi moves upwards to the Hridaya and comes out of the throat to drink the Vishnupadamrita (nectar of the atmosphere viz. oxygen) and having partaken it moves quickly inside to enliven the gastric fire (digestive power). Because of this combination of vayu and sharir, ayu is exiting. When they get separated in course of time, Panchatama supervenes. No human is immortal in this world; death is unavoidable where as dieses can be avoided.

Keywords: Pranavayu, Hridaya, Oxygen, respiratory, Dhatu, Dosha, Inspiration, Expiration, Dhamanis, Srotas, Nabhi, Mana, Lungs.