Summary:
Not just the evacuation but timely evacuation is the function of Apana Vayu.
Defects in this become cause of many diseases.
Functions of Apana Vayu:
As we read in texts functions of Apana Vayu are -
1. Evacuation of stools
2. Evacuation of urine
3. Evacuation of flatulence
4. Menstrual flow
5. Expulsion of the fetus
6. Ejaculation of semen
That's it?
Is the evacuation of all these only functions of Apana Vayu?
In Bhavprakash,
पक्वाशयालयोsपान: काले कर्षति चाप्ययम् |
समीरण: शकृन्मूत्रगर्भार्तवान्यध: || - भा. पू २ /११२
In this shook functions of Apana Vayu are explained, a word is used "काले" means timely evacuation of all... What does that mean? Before evacuation, Apana Vayu holds those things for a specific time for processing. 1. Stools are held at the angle of the rectum till you feel like evaluation. During that time many micronutrients get absorbed. 2. Urinary bladder can hold more than 500ml of urine than only you feel like urinating. 3. Flatulence can behold with effort. 4. Menses comes every month when the ovum is not fertilized. 5. Semen formed & kept in glands till the time of ejaculation. 6. Foetus stays in the uterus for nearly 9 moon cycles for its proper growth. So, Apana Vayu not only evacuates/expulse all the things but can also hold them till a specific time is required for the processing. If it cannot hold till that specific time then it's a vikruti of Apana Vayu. And if it can't evacuate after that specific time then also it's Apana Vayu vikruti. In that case, many serious diseases may arise related to the bladder, uterus, rectum, and reproductive system. क्रूद्धस्तु कुरुते रोगान् घोरान्बस्तीगुदाश्रयान् | शुक्रदोष प्रमेहांश्च व्यानापानप्रकोपजान् || - भा. पू २/११३ Both conditions need to be corrected in such diseases. Herbal medicines, diet & postural corrections all work hand in hand for this. Comment below if you want to know specific medicines & postural corrections used in the above diseases! Drop your queries in the comment box. For more info about Ayurveda click here.
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