An observational study on Atiyoga of Vak-Karma with special reference to Atibhashya among teachers: a cross-sectional study

Background: Ayurveda describes Atiyoga of Vak Karma, the Karmendriya of speech, as a causative factor for Vata vitiation and impaired vocal function, manifesting as Atibhashya. Teachers are at high risk of voice disorders owing to continuous, prolonged, forceful vocal use. This study evaluated the association between Atiyoga of Vak Karma and Atibhashya Lakshanas among teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 150 apparently healthy teachers (aged 25-60 years) from private and government schools of Moodubidire, Dakshina Kannada, selected by random sampling. Atiyoga of Vak Karma and Atibhashya Lakshanas were assessed using a structured, validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α=0.897). Data were analysed in IBM SPSS using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and exploratory factor analysis (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin=0.842; Bartlett’s test χ²=1499.00, df=378, p<0.001). Results: Mukha Shosha and Kantha Shosha were the most frequently reported symptoms, each rated “sometimes” by 52.7% of participants, followed by strain of voice (51.3%) and Shirasthapa (49.3%). A significant positive correlation was observed between Atiyoga of Vak Karma and overall Atibhashya Lakshanas (r=0.148, p=0.036). Pipasa (r=0.245, p=0.001), Mukha Shosha (r=0.184, p=0.012), Kantha Shosha (r=0.179, p=0.014), Shirasthapa (r=0.152, p=0.031), Timira (r=0.135, p=0.049) also showed significant associations. Conclusions: Atiyoga of Vak Karma is significantly associated with Atibhashya Lakshanas among teachers, particularly dryness- and fatigue-related manifestations. Findings support the classical Ayurvedic concept of Atiyoga as a causative factor in functional vocal disturbance and underscore the need for preventive vocal hygiene measures in voice-intensive occupations.