Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
Vata has several synonyms among which Sadagati is one. The word Sadagati means ‘that which is in constant motion or is constantly moving’. It looks like representing ‘chala guna’ i.e. ‘movement’ quality / attribute of vata. Sadagati is also a ‘functional description’ of vata, since movement is a function or action. The activities, action and functions of vata is due to the elements which make it up i.e. vayu mahabhuta – wind element and akasa mahabhuta – ether element. Action is also due to the Rajo Guna predominance in Vata.
Vata as Sadagati
Acharya Sushruta mentions the word ‘Sadagati’ for ‘Vata’ in the context of explaining the pathogenesis and symptoms of a tooth disorder named ‘dalana’. (Ref – Sushruta Nidana Sthana Chapter 16, verse 28)
Sada = always
Gati = movement
Gati is also a term in the word derivation of vata – ‘Va gati gandhanayoh vata’.
So, gati is related to vata and whenever vata is acting or functional, gati is invariably there. With this nature of ‘constantly able to move’, vata not only moves to every corner of the body, but is also responsible for movement and transportation of many things in the body from place of production to the place of need or to the point of elimination. This action is carried out through the large and small channels in the body – the srotas ecosystem.
Sadagati for health balance
Vata is known as tantra – code which controls the entire yantra – human body (mind and senses) when in a state of balance. All other components which make up the body i.e. pitta, kapha, dhatus and malas are under the control of and are operational through balanced vata. Vata also mediates the mental functions, sensory and motor functions. It is responsible for every single activity in the body including those at cellular level. Therefore, it is essential that vata keeps constantly functioning and at the top of its actions, in a balanced way. The chemistry it has with the other components of the body is also important in the smooth run of the bodily and mental functions.
Subtypes of Vata as Sadagati
Prana Vayu – When in balance and constantly moving, Prana Vayu maintains all functions of the organs of the head, chest and throat, manages movement of all things, actions like flexion and extension, movement of eyelids like closure, opening and blinking etc.
Udana Vayu – When in balance and constantly moving, Udana Vayu maintains all the functions of chest and head organs and senses. It is responsible for production of speech, efforts in doing all actions and activities, energy and enthusiasm, strength, immunity and endurance, complexion and appearance and memory.
Vyana Vayu – When in balance and constantly moving, this vata quickly travels all through the body and is responsible for many functions and actions at the tissue and peripheral levels. It coordinates the functions of other vayu subtypes.
Samana Vayu – When in balance and constantly moving and functioning, samana vayu takes care of all activities related to digestion and distribution of food and nutrients derived from the digestion of food by agni – digestive fire. It helps in reception, digestion, absorption and distribution of food and nutrients. It also helps in bifurcation of useful and waste components of food and helps in formation of urine, feces and sweat along with the help of Pachaka Pitta. Thus, the entire digestive system and its functions are under the control of samana vata.
Apana Vayu – When in balance and constantly moving and functioning, apana vayu helps in proper and timely expulsion of feces, urine, menstrual blood and semen and also helps in easy childbirth. The functions of the excretory and urogenital system are under the control of apana vayu.
There is always a coordination between different subtypes of vata. Example – Coordinated constants of movements of prana and udana vata maintains smooth functioning of central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, deglutition, sensory and motor systems, endocrine systems, locomotion / musculoskeletal systems. They need the support of Vyana Vata in many of these functions since it is one subtype of vata which can move everywhere in the body. Thus, they function in a network.
Similarly, each subtype of vata coordinates with the other subtypes and keeps the show of life constantly going. We can see that all the systems of the body and their functions are under one or the other subtype of vata.
Every single system and its constant and uninterrupted functioning are represented in vata – which is constantly in movement and hence is ‘Sadagati’.
Sadagati and Diseases
On the other hand, if vata ceases to move at any particular level, tissue or organ or system, the functions therein will be immensely hampered. When vata stops to move in more places in the body, multiple tissues or organs will be affected. When vata fails to move at all places and if all subtypes of vata do not move, there will be multi-system failure obviously leading to death because everything is under the control of vata.
Abnormal increase or decrease of vata can interfere with its movements and hence the dependent functions in the body and mind. Avarana i.e. interference of one vata with the other or any other component of the body with vata or displacement of pitta or kapha by aggravated vata as in ashayapakarsha – all these will lead to functional impairments, diseases or death.
Health and happiness depend on keeping Sadagati in a state of balance
It is very important for us to know and understand the subtleties of vata and its functioning in the body. One needs to keep away the etiological factors responsible for aggravation of vata and take care of self in seasons which aggravate vata. Symptoms of vata aggravation should be addressed promptly from time to time through vata balancing foods, activities and therapies. We need to remember that the gati of vata should be kept moving and balanced always. The Sadagati state of balanced vata is the key for health and happiness.
