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4
THE SUSHRUTA SAMHlTA.
[Chap.I.

region of intestines (Pakvashaya). Its functions consist in digesting the chyme brought down into the intestines in unison with the digestive ferment (Agni), and especially in disintegrating its essence from its refuse or excreted matter. A deranged or aggravated condition of the Samana Vayu causes dysentery, Gulma, and impaired digestion, etc. 9.

The Vyana Vayu:—The Vayu known as the Vyana courses (acts) through the whole organism, and its functions consist in sending the lymph chyle, etc. all through the body and in helping the out-flow of blood (Asrik) and perspiration. Five kinds of muscular move-ments *[1] are ascribed to the action of the Vyana Vayu, a deranged condition of which is generally attended with diseases which are not confined to any particular region, member, or organ of the body, but are found to affect the whole organism (such as, fever, etc), 10.

The Apana Vayu:—The Vayu known as the Apana acts in the lower region of the intestines (Pakvadhana). Its functions consist in bearing down the foetus and the faeces and in evacuating the urine, semen and catamenial blood. An enraged condition of this vayu tends to bring on serious diseases, which are peculiar to the urinary bladder and the distal portion of the large intestine (Guda). An aggravated condition of both the Vyana and Apana Vayus may produce Prameha and disorders of the seminal fluid, while a simultaneous excitement of the five vital Vayus leads to a sure and speedy termination of life. 11-12.

Now we shall describe the nature of diseases, brought about by the localization of the variously aggravated Vayus in the different parts of the body. — In the cavity

  1. *Such as expansion, flexion, lowering down and lifting up or lateral thrusting of any part of the body.