Article by: Dr. MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD (Ayu).
Udavarta is a Sanskrit word; it means the upward or backward or reverse movement of Vata Dosha. Usually obstruction to the normal pathway of Vata results in reverse movement. Most commonly, this condition is resulted due to the suppression or obstruction to the natural urges or natural functioning of vata. Rarely it occurs as a secondary to organic obstruction.
Acharya Sushruta explains that complete obstruction of Vata in its pathway by any suppression of the urges, constipation, dryness of the minute channels etc, lead to upward /backward course of Vata and hence Udavarta is caused. So, he emphasizes to treat all such conditions by Vata pacifying measures.
Table of Contents
Udavarta features
Specific features of various udavarta:
1) Udavarta caused due to suppression of Apana type of vata (flatus)
Improper evacuation of flatus, constipation, gaseous distention of abdomen, fatigue, abdominal pain etc.
Abdominal distention or fullness of the abdomen is the characteristic feature of this condition.
Line of treatment
Oleation (Snehana), Sweating therapy (Svedana), Enema by vata pacifying Kashayams (Niruha Basti) etc.
Medicines
Hingwastaka choorna
Agnitundi vati
Hinguvachadi choorna
Rasna erandadi kashaya
Vaishwanara choorna
Pancha sama choorna
2) Udavarta caused due to suppression of faeces
Gurgling sound in the abdomen, abdominal pain, fissure in ano, constipation, gaseous regurgitation, foul smell in the mouth etc.
Line of treatment
Oleation, sudation, mild purgation (Mridu Virechana), decoction enema, anal suppositories (Guda varti) etc.
Medicaments
Naracha churna
Haritakyadi choorna
Trivrit lehya
Abhaya modaka
Amla kanjika – sour, fermented gruel
3) Udavarta caused due to suppression of urine
Pain in the urinary bladder and genitalia, difficulty in miturition, headache, sensation of stiffness and sound in ileo-inguinal joint etc.
Line of treatment
Line of treatment of urinary calculi and dysuria is followed.
Medicaments
Gokshuradi Guggulu
Punarnavadi kashaya
Shweta Parpati
Punarnavashtaka kashaya
Punarnavadi guggulu etc
4) Udavarta caused due to the suppression of yawning
Stiffness /rigidity of neck and throat, various discomforts of the head, diseases of eyes nose and face (mouth) and ear.
Line of treatment
Mild oleation and sudataion
Medicines
Chukra taila
Dhanyaka ksheerapaka – a coriander milk remedy
Ksheerabala 101 avartana
Balarishta etc
5) Udavarta caused due to suppression of tears
Headache, eye disorders, running nose etc.
Line of treatment
Oleation, sudation, collyrium (Anjana), fumigation etc
Medicines
Sameera Pannaga rasa
Saptamruta loha
Dhatri loha etc
Yogas From Sahasra Yoga Text Book
- Dantitrivrutadi choorna
- Agnimukhachoorna
- Kalyana kshara
- Kumaryasava
- Chandabhaskara Rasa
- Antrakutara Rasa
6) Udavarta caused due to suppression of regurgitation
Sensation of fullness of throat and mouth, pricking pain, gurgling sound, blockage of the flatus, Vataja complaints etc.
Line of treatment
Oleaginous fumigation (Snaihika Dhumapana), wholesome and tasty diet
Medicaments
Samirapannaga rasa
Sootashekara rasa
Jeerakarishta etc
7) Udavarta caused due to suppression of sneezing
Rigidity of the neck, headache, facial paralysis, hemicrania (partial headache), fatigue of the sense organs etc.
Line of treatment
Watching the sun and stimulating the sneezing mechanically
Medicaments
Parpatakarishta
Shireeshadyarishta etc
8) Udavarta caused due to suppression of vomiting
Skin diseases, itching, blisters all over the body, tastelessness, discoloration of the face, edema of the face, anemia, fever, herpes, excess salivation/nausea etc.
Line of treatment
Emesis, oleaginous errhines (Sneha Nasya) etc
Medicaments
Trinapanchamoola kwatha
Madiphala rasayana
Matala lehyam etc
9) Udavarta caused due to suppression of semen
Pain and swelling in the bladder, rectal pain, orchitis (swelling of the testicles), pain during urination, spermolith, undue discharge of semen etc.
Line of treatment
Oleaginous food, oil massage, tub bath.
Medicaments
Kapikacchu paka
Kandarpa paka
Madanakameshwari lehya
Panchajeeraka guda etc
10) Udavarta caused due to suppression of thirst
Dryness of the throat and mouth, impaired hearing ability, discomfort in chest etc.
Line of treatment
Sweet wines, gruels etc
Medicaments
Drakshasava
Ushirasava
Chandanasava etc
11) Udavarta caused due to suppression of appetite
Drowsiness, bodypain, tastelessness, tiredness, clouding of vision etc.
Line of treatment
Tasty food and wholesome diet
Medicaments
Balarishta
Jeerakarishta
Jeeraka guda etc.
12) Udavarta caused due to suppression of respiration
Cardiac disorders, hallucination/ giddiness, gaseous distension, tumour etc.
Line of treatment
Rest, wholesome diet etc
Medicaments
Pippalyasava
Drakshasava etc
13) Udavarta caused due to suppression of sleep
Yawning, bodypain, eye disorders, headache, drowsiness etc.
Line of treatment
Buffalo’s milk, oil massage.
Medicaments
Mridweekasava
Drakshadi vati
Drakshavaleha
Madhupakwa amalaki etc
Last drop:
It is very difficult to equate the condition of udavarta to any particular disease of modern medicine system. Many a time, this feature appears more as a prodromal sign or as a subclinical feature. But, surely we come across this condition very often; if, neglected as it is not causing major disturbance.
However above citations will give us the idea that long term negligence of this may lead into chronic health ailments of various kinds. So, it will be wise to identify the exact reason for such kind of reverse movement of Vata Dosha and to treat with proper medicines at the earliest.
2 comments on “Udavarta – Reverse Movement Of Vata Dosha Causing Disease”
V.R.K. Raman
V.R.K. Raman
Very informative article.
Vide Item 12, udavarta due to suppression of
respiration :- in pranayama, breath retention is practiced.(antar kumbak and Bahya kumbak)
Can it be called udavarta ,since there is
suppression of respiration during the kumbak?
Pl. clarify.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Usually Pranayamas requiring long periods of breath-holding are prescribed to fully healthy people.
For those who are prone to Vata increase, if they do such Pranayamas for a very long times, yes it can cause Udavarta.