AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE PRĀKṚTA GUṆA KARMA OF VĀTA DOṢA AND THEIR PATHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VĀTAVYĀDHI IN CARAKA SAṂHITĀ

Vāta Doṣa, among the Tridoṣas, holds a pivotal role in Āyurveda, regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. According to Maharṣi Caraka, Vāta is the essence of life, responsible for sustaining strength and integrity of the body. Its normal functioning is determined by prakṛta guṇa-karma (natural qualities and actions), while deviations lead to pathological conditions collectively termed Vātavyādhi. Despite its clinical significance, interpretation of Vāta’s guṇa-karma and their pathological variations remains underexplored. This dissertation presents an exploratory study of the prakṛta guṇa-karma of Vāta Doṣa, as described in classical texts—primarily Caraka Saṃhitā—and investigates their pathological alterations in various Vātavyādhi. By critically analyzing derangements of Vāta guṇa-karma and incorporating expert perspectives, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding to inform precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies grounded in guṇa-siddhānta. Study Design: Conceptual and qualitative research integrating classical textual analysis with in-depth interviews of domain experts. Objectives 1. To examine the prakṛta guṇa-karma of Vāta Doṣa and its role in physiological balance. 2. To analyze pathological variations of Vāta guṇa-karma in Vātavyādhi described in Caraka Saṃhitā. 3. To develop a conceptual framework linking guṇa-karma to cikitsā (treatment) of Vātavyādhi. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literary review of the Bṛhattrayī—Caraka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya—focused on normal (prakṛta) and abnormal (vikṛta) guṇa-karma of Vāta, excluding āvaraṇa and gata vāta conditions. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with Āyurveda experts, analyzed qualitatively, with visual representation of findings. Conclusion: The study elucidates how alterations in Vāta guṇa-karma contribute to specific Vātavyādhi pathologies. Integrating textual knowledge with expert insights reinforces the application of guṇa-siddhānta in diagnosis and treatment planning, advancing evidence-based Āyurvedic practice.