Exam eligibility
✓ MCQ✓ SAQ✓ LAQThis topic can be asked as MCQ, SAQ, LAQ.
Syllabus – subtopics
- •Vyutpatti (derivation) and Nirukti (etymology) of the term Vata
- •General locations, general properties and general functions of Vata
- •Five types of Vata – Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana – with specific locations, properties and functions
Notes
Nirukti (Etymology)
Vata is derived from the root वा गतिगन्धनयोः – Va means movement (gati) and perception / enthusiasm (gandhana). Vata is therefore the principle of all movement in the body.
Guna of Vata
रूक्षः शीतो लघुः सूक्ष्मश्चलोऽथ विशदः खरः। (Ch. Su. 1/59)
| Guna | Meaning | Clinical example |
|---|---|---|
| Ruksha | Dry | Dry skin, constipation |
| Sheeta | Cold | Cold extremities, stiffness |
| Laghu | Light | Emaciation, light sleep |
| Sukshma | Subtle | Enters minute channels |
| Chala | Mobile | Tremors, wandering pain |
| Vishada | Non-slimy | Cracking of skin |
| Khara | Rough | Rough hair and nails |
Sthana (General locations) – A.H. Su. 12
- Pakvashaya (main seat)
- Kati, Sakthi (pelvis, thighs)
- Shrotra (ears), Asthi (bones)
- Sparshanendriya (skin)
Five types of Vata
| Type | Sthana | Main Karma |
|---|---|---|
| Prana | Murdha | Buddhi, Hridaya, Indriya & Chitta dharana; Shwasa, Kshavathu, Udgara, Anna-pravesha |
| Udana | Uras | Vak-pravritti, Prayatna, Urja, Bala, Varna, Smriti |
| Vyana | Hridaya | Gati, Prasarana, Akunchana, Utkshepa, Avakshepa, Nimesha-Unmesha |
| Samana | Near Agni (Koshtha) | Grahana, Pachana, Vivechana, Munchana of Anna |
| Apana | Apana (pelvic region) | Nishkramana of Shukra, Artava, Shakrit, Mutra and Garbha |
Exam tips
- LAQ favourite: “Describe the five types of Vata with Sthana and Karma” – draw a table like the one above.
- Remember the Prana–Udana pair: Prana moves inward/downward, Udana moves upward.
- For SAQ, write Nirukti + Guna shloka + 5 types in brief.
Last updated 2026-11-11
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MCQs on this topic
Tap a question to reveal the answer.
Q1. Number of types of Vata Dosha is
- A. 3
- B. 5
- C. 7
- D. 13
Answer: B — Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana and Apana.
Important questions
- LAQ Describe the five types of Vata with their Sthana and Karma. (Practice)