An Integrative Review About The Physiological Activity Of Saman Vata In Special Reference To Grahani And Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT)

Abstract

Background: According to Sushruta, the definition of healthy indicates, the position of Dosha, Agni, Dhatus, Mala and other physiological systems, in the state of homeostasis and the soul, sense and mind in state of equilibrium. Further, the Saman Vata possesses its Seat in koshtha (Gastrointestinal Tract) and performing the activities like Grahana, Pachana, Vivechana, and Munchana of Anna (food). In Ayurveda, the position of Saman Vata is stated in the area of Agni and Grahani which corelates with the digestive fire or metabolism and control the bowel movements of the entire tract of the intestine, i.e., Gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Methodology: The present review is detailed with the integration of ancient Ayurvedic text books, literatures, modern scientific literatures, published research articles and relevant online material (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to understand the physiological role of Saman Vata in special reference to Grahani for proper evaluation of steps of Digestion and its physiological activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural conduction of ENS and ANS GIT, as defined in modern science literatures and well understood in parallel contemporary biomedical science of Gastroenterology.

Result: The main functions of Saman Vata deals with the activation of the Agni to elucidate digestion, resulting in the catabolic activity of digestion and facilitating the Gut movement of lumen in collaboration with excretion. Specially, the similarity of Saman Vata can be mirrored with the stimulation of Enteric Nervous System (ENS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) across the wall of intestine, which activate the entire Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) via its parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways.

Discussion: The contemporary review of the activities of Saman Vata with Grahani and GIT, opens new area for integrative research scholars and practitioners. It greatly focused over the showcasing of keeping Saman Vata in normal condition to perform the optimum digestive activities and well-being. The functions of Saman Vata, coordinate and maintain the harmony with various metabolic activities like digestion, catabolism, absorption, excretion and various other activities of Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in collaboration with Enteric Nervous System (ENS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).