PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF VEGA DHARAN: THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUPPRESSING NATURAL URGES AND THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBES IN HEALTH ANDDISEASE

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, focuses on maintaining the health of healthy and managing diseases through its holistic principles. It encompasses every dimension of life, emphasising both disease prevention and comprehensive care for the sick. Acharya Charaka systematically divided the Sutra Sthana into seven Chatushkas, among which the Swastha Chatushka outlines four essential steps for sustaining health. Key concepts such as Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara Vidhi Vidhana (dietary rules), and Na Vegadharana (non-suppression of natural urges) are highlighted to preserve well-being. In modern science, the Ayurvedic concept of Vega corresponds to natural biological reflexes governed by the autonomic nervous system, where suppression can lead to Vata vitae and subsequent pathologies. In contemporary times, due to stressful lifestyles, lack of proper facilities, hesitation, or work commitments, individuals often suppress these natural urges. Ayurveda identifies fourteen types of Vegas, and their suppression or forceful initiation disturbs the Dosha balance, becoming a fundamental cause of disease. This article discusses diseases arising from the suppression of natural urges, their management according to classical texts, and presents an analytical overview of the pathophysiological changes occurring across different organ systems.