Ashaya as Abode: Reconciling Ayurvedic Vata Theory with Intestinal Neurophysiology

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 12 20
By

Gameti Mansviben,

Kalpana Raje,

Syamlal S,

Dharmendra Mishra,

K. Arul Prasadh,

  1. MD Scholar, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
  2. Proffessor & HOD, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
  5. MD Scholar, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background-Ashaya refers to a site or structure within the body where a substance resides. Ashaya refers to the internal sites or structures within the body where various substances reside Commonly, seven Ashayas are described in males, while in females there are eight, while Sharangadhara has described 9 Ashayas. Vatashaya denotes the specific site of Vata Dosha, which is considered the chief among the three Doshas due to its vital role in governing movement and regulating bodily activities. Although multiple locations of Vata have been mentioned in classical texts, Pakwashaya is regarded as its principal site. In this study, an attempt has been made to explore the concept of Vatashaya and interpret it from an anatomical and physiological perspective.  Aim and objective-To explores the concept of Ashaya in Ayurvedic classics and find out the structure indicated by the name of Vatashaya. Methodology-This study is a conceptual and literary review based on classical Ayurvedic texts (Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi) and modern anatomical and physiological literature, along with journals, research articles, electronic databases, relevant websites were also used as references for the study. Result-The Gunas of Vata such as Ruksha, Laghu, Shita, Sukshma and Chala are reflected in the functional environment of Pakwashaya, where digestion leads to dryness and compaction, resulting in the formation of Vata. Pakwashaya shows a close correlation with the large intestine in modern anatomy, which performs functions like absorption, movement and excretion. These activities are regulated by the Enteric Nervous System, including Auerbach’s and Meissner’s plexuses and are comparable to the functions of Vata, especially Apana Vata. Vata plays a major role in disease manifestation, Basti therapy is considered the most effective as it acts directly on Pakwashaya, the main site of Vata. Conclusion- After studying the structural, functional, pathological and therapeutic aspects of Vatashaya confirms its location as Pakwashaya which may be further corelated with the large intestine and its neural regulation through the Enteric Nervous System.

Keywords: Ashaya, vatashaya, vata, large intestine, enteric nervous system

[This article belongs to Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy ]

How to cite this article: Gameti Mansviben, Kalpana Raje, Syamlal S, Dharmendra Mishra, K. Arul Prasadh. Ashaya as Abode: Reconciling Ayurvedic Vata Theory with Intestinal Neurophysiology. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):12-20.
How to cite this URL: Gameti Mansviben, Kalpana Raje, Syamlal S, Dharmendra Mishra, K. Arul Prasadh. Ashaya as Abode: Reconciling Ayurvedic Vata Theory with Intestinal Neurophysiology. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):12-20. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2026/view=248231

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 22/04/2026
Accepted 15/06/2026
Published 16/06/2026
Publication Time 55 Days

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