Vega (वेग)

Vegas are the natural bodily urges. Ayurveda identifies 13 non-suppressible urges (Adharaniya Vegas), including the urge.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Sanskrit Verse

न वेगान् धारयेद् वातविण्मूत्रक्षुतृडासनान्। निद्राकासश्रमश्वासजृम्भाश्रुच्छर्दिरतेसाम्॥

— (Ashtanga Hrudayam, Sutrasthana 4/1)

Explanation

Vegas are the natural bodily urges. Ayurveda identifies 13 non-suppressible urges (Adharaniya Vegas), including the urges for flatus, feces, urine, sneezing, thirst, hunger, sleep, cough, breathlessness on exertion, yawning, tears, vomiting, and ejaculation. Suppressing these urges obstructs the flow of Vata dosha and is a primary cause of many diseases.

Clinical Importance

Inquiring about the suppression of urges is a key part of taking a patient’s history. Many neurological (Vata) disorders, digestive issues, and even heart problems can be traced back to the chronic suppression of these natural Vegas.