dreddyclinic.com - Ayurvedic Anatomy and Physiology - Ayurveda and subdoshas: Balancing the Subdoshas.

dreddyclinic.com - Ayurvedic Anatomy and Physiology - Ayurveda and subdoshas: Balancing the Subdoshas.: "There are in total five forms each of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, called 'Subdoshas'. They reside in different sites in the body and perform different functions. Through them we can treat the Doshas more specifically and understand their dysfunction in a more particular manner. Of these, the five forms of Vata or the five Pranas are the most important because Prana as the life-force underlies all our activities.

1. THE FIVE TYPES OF VATA (Air or Wind)

1. Prana 2. Udana 3. Vyana 3. Samana 5. Apana

These are the Sanskrit names of the five types of Vata. There are no equivalent terms in English. They are formed by adding various prefixes to the root 'an,' which means to breathe or to energize. They are the most important of these groups of five, as Vata is the most important of the Doshas. They are called 'Vayus,' which also means winds. They show the different kinds of movement of the life-force.

1. PRANA

Prana (pra-ana) means the forward or 'primary air' or nervous force. The prefix 'pra' means forward, towards or prior, and relates to absorption. Pervading the head and centered in the brain, Prana moves downward to the chest and throat. It governs inhalation and swallowing, as well as sneezing, spitting and belching. It governs the intake of impressions through the five senses that reside mainly in the head.
On an inner level, it governs the mind, heart and consciousness and gives them energy, coordination and adaptability. It is our portion of the cosmic life energy and directs all the other Vatas in the body. It determines our inspiration or positive spirit in life and connects us with our inner Self or pure consciousness. (It should be noted that th"