Author: Dr. Murlidhar Paliwal, Associate Professor & Head Deptt. of Samhita and Sanskrit IMS, BHU,Varanasi

1. Concept of Vedana in Ayurveda
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Dr. Murlidhar Paliwal
Associate Professor & Head
Deptt. of Samhita and Sanskrit
IMS, BHU,Varanasi

2. Introduction
 Ayurveda is the science of life1 which focuses upon the quality of life mainly
longevity.
 It covers all the aspects of life either it is individual or social, physical or
psychological, philosophical or spiritual, cultural or ethical , economical or
political and so on.
 The first and foremost aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the dhatusamya2 which
leads to health and accordingly discussed the preventive and promotive as well
as curative measures.
____________________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-30/23 , Sushrut-Samhita Sutrasthan-1/15, Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-1/2
2. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-1/53
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3.  After all because of the ignorance or carelessness in use of diet and
faulty life style or past deeds or both of them , a man suffers from
different diseases and vedana takes place.
 As the word vedana has been used in two sense in Ayurveda i.e.
sukhatmaka vedana (feeling of happiness)and duhkhatmaka vedana
(feeling of unhappiness)1.
____________
1. Charak-Samhita Sharirsthan-1/133
स्पर्शेन्द्रियसंस्पर्शशः स्पर्शो मानस एव च ।
द्ववववधः सुखदुःखानां वेदनानां प्रवर्शकः ॥
-चरकसंहिर्ा र्शारीरस्थान-1/133
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4.  Looking towards the statement of Acharya Charaka, it becomes clear
that area of vedana is very wide which includes both the healthy and
diseased conditions.
 Here we should discuss the exact meaning of the word ‘vedana’ in the
light of different dictionaries.
According to Shabdakalpadruma- Vedana word is derived by the ‘vid’
root and ‘lyut’ suffix. It means feeling, knowledge, unhappiness1.
_____________________
1. Shabdakalpadrum- 4th volume, page no.-500
(वेदनं / वेदना- ववद् + ल्युट् । (Vid root + ‘lyut’ suffix)
अनुभवः ।र्त्पर्ययाशयः। संवेदः । इत्यमरः। ज्ञानम्। दुःखम्।
इतर् मेहदनी।
- र्शब्दकल्पिुम- चर्ुथश भाग, पृष्ठ संख्या-५००)
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5.  According to Sanskrit-English dictionary of Vamana Shivram Apte-
Vedanam /vedana- 1. Knowledge, perception
2. Feeling, sensation
3. Pain, torment, agony
4. wealth, property1
 In Ayurveda vedana word has been used in the sense of
perception, knowledge, feeling and pain.
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1. Sanskrit-English Dictionary- V. S. Apte
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6.  So all the types of pains come in the purview of vedana, which are the challenges
for a physicians in clinical practices.
 The substratum of all types of vedana is manas (mind) and deha (body) with
indriyas as stated by Acharya Charaka1.
 The role of physician is to relieve the duhkhatamak vedana and to maintain the
sukhatmaka vedana.
 We will discuss the duhkhatmaka vedana or different types of pains in this
presentation as per Ayurveda.
___________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-1/55, Sushrut-Samhita Sutrasthan-1/23
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7. Causes of vedana
 All types of vedana or pain is caused by three general causes of the
diseases. Such as-
1.Unwholesome contacts of sense organs with their objects
2.Intellectual blasphemy
3.Unhealthy seasons1
 All types of ailments either it is somatic or psychological are due to
ignorance where as understanding of things lead to complete happiness of
both the body and mind2.
_______________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-1/54, Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-1/30
2. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-30/84
(समग्रं दुःखमायत्तमववज्ञाने द्वयाश्रयम्।
सुखं समग्रं ववज्ञाने ववमले च प्रतर्न्द्ष्ठर्म् ॥
-चरकसंहिर्ा सूत्रस्थान-30/84)
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8.  Disequilibrium state of doshas is the root cause of all the diseases1
excluding exogenous diseases. Pain takes place in both the
endogenous as well as exogenous diseases.
 Acharya Charaka says that pravritti is responsible for all types of
miseries where as nivritti leads to complete happiness2.
 According to Acharya Sushruta, ruja or pain is due to vitiation of
Vata dosha3.
_______________
1. Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-1/31
2.Charak-Samhita Sharirsthan-5/8
3. Sushrut-Samhita Sutrasthan-17/7
वार्ादृर्े नान्द्स्र् रुजा न पाकः वपत्तादृर्े नान्द्स्र् कफाञ्च पूयः।
- सुश्रुर्संहिर्ा सूत्रस्थान-17/7
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9.  Vedana takes place due to Kha-vaigunya (obstruction of circulation) as
perAcharya Sushrut1.
 Vedana takes due to disequilibrium of dosha, dhatu, upadhatu, mala and
agni . As equilibrium of these entities causes health as per Acharya Sushrut
and others.
 Vedana occurs when we take improper diet or medicine or follow any
activity in undesired way.
______________
1. Sushrut-Samhita Sutrasthan-24/10
कु वपर्ानां हि दोषाणां र्शरीरे पररधावर्ाम्।
यत्र संगः खवैगुण्यार्् व्याधधस्र्त्रोपजायर्े॥
-सुश्रुर्संहिर्ा सूत्रस्थान- 24/10
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10. Manifestation of Vedana
In Vataja-vikara 1
Type of vedana Meaning in English
Bhedana Splitting type of pain
Shula Ache
Suptata Numbness
Graha / Stambha Stiffness
Udveshtana Cramps like pain
____________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan -20/11, Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-20/15
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11. Type of vedana Meaning in English
Sada pain
Akshepa convulsions
Udgharsha- rubbing type of pain
Toda pricking pain
Sankocha contraction of body parts
Ruk- pain
Sphutana- cracking of body parts, crepitus
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12. In Pittaja-vikara 1-
Type of vedana Meaning in English
Osha heating
Plosha scorching
Daha burning
Davathu boiling
Dhumaka fuming
Vidaha pirosis
Antardaha burning sensation inside the body
Ushmadhikya excessive temperature
Avadarana cracking of skin
_________________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan -20/14, Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-20/16
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13. Type of vedana Meaning in English
Trishnadhikya excessive thirst
Paka suppuration
In Kaphaja-vikara 1-
Type of vedana Meaning in English
Staimitya Timidness
Gaurava heaviness
Alasya Laziness
Srava Secretions from body parts
Upalepa patient feels as if adhered to body part
_______________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan -20/17, Ashtanga-Sangraha Sutrasthan-20/17
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14. Other types of vedana1 meaning in English
Vinama Bending of body parts
Shrama exertion
Klama exhaustion
Kampa tremors
Shosha dryness of body parts
Sparshasahyata tenderness
Utklesha nausea
Vyadha puncturing like pain
Chhedana cutting pain
Glani fatigue, unhappiness
____________
1. Charak-Samhita, Sushrut-Samhita, Ashtanga-Samgraha, Ashtanga-Hridaya
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15. Pipilika-sarpana-vat patient feels as if ants crawling on body
Shaithilya looseness, flabbiness
Chimchimahat Tingling sensation as if covered with mustard paste
Ayama expansion of the body parts
Avamarda grinding pain
Harsha Horripilation
Shukopahat-vat pain as if inflicted with bristles
Vrishchika damshavat scorpion bite like pain
Sada/sadanam lassitude
Kandu Itching
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16. Analysis of pain1
 Pain is the commonest complaint which brings a patient to a doctor.
 Systematic analysis of this symptom is essential in clinical practices. we
should analyze any pain under the following considerable issues-
A. Site of pain- local or generalized. specific spot or in whole the affected
area.
B. Radiation of pain- Static or spread
C. Severity- interfere with daily activities or night sleep
________________
1. Hutchison’s clinical methods-21st Edition, page no. -8
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17. D. Timing and duration-
when did it start? How long it persist?
E. Character-
whether it is pricking, rubbing, burning type of pain.
F. Occurrence or aggravation-
what brings it on? What makes it worse?
G. Relief-
What makes it better?
Musculoskeletal pain- is relieved by change in position
Pain of duodenal ulcer- is relieved by eating
Lower gastrointestinal pain- is relieved by defecation or passage of wind
Cardiac pain- caused by exertion is relieved by rest.
.
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18. Management of Vedana in Ayurveda
 Nidana parivarjana1 (To avoid the causative factors)
 Nidanaviparit-chikitsa 2- (treatment opposite to the qualities of
causative factors)
 Vyadhi viparit-chiktsa2
A. Amapradoshaja vedana- langhana, pachana
B. Sandhivata janya shula- vatashamaka and Brimhana
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1. Sushrut-Samhita Uttartantra-1/25
2. Charak-Samhita Nidansthan-1/10
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19. C. Vibandhajanya-sirahshula- laxatives
D. Sirahshula associated with common cold- treatment of
common cold
E. Ashayapakarshajanya-vedana- Vatashamaka treatment
F. Avrittadoshajanya-vedana- treatment of Avaraka dosha
Dushya-specific chikitsa 1
 Rasadushtijanya-vedana- Langhana, Deepana-pachana
 Raktadushtijanya-vedana- Raktapittahara chikitsa,
Virechan,Upavasa, Raktamokshan
________________
1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-28
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20.  Mansadushtijanya-vedana- Shastrakarma, ksharkarma,
Agnikarma
 Medojanya-vedana- Kapha-Medohar chikitsa
 Asthijanya-vedana Vatahara chikitsa- Basti etc.
 Majja-shukrajanya-vedana Madhura-tikta aushadha, shodhana
 Purishjanya vedana Atisar/Vibandha chikitsa
 Mutrajanya-vedana Mutrakrichchhra/Prameha chikitsa
 Swedajanya-vedana Jwara-chikitsa
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21. Vyadhi-Ashraya based chikitsa
1. Sharirika vedana chikitsa 1-
 र्शोधन उपक्रम- बन्द्स्र्वाशर्िराणाम ्, ववरेचनं वपत्तिराणाम ्, वमनं श्लेष्मिराणाम ्।
 र्शमन उपक्रम- सवपशवाशर्वपत्तप्रर्शमनानाम ्,र्ैलं वार्श्लेष्मप्रर्शमनानाम ्, मधु
श्लेष्मवपत्तप्रर्शमनानाम्, अरनं वृवत्तकराणाम्, सुरा श्रमिराणाम ्,स्नानं श्रमिराणाम्, रास्ना
वार्िराणाम ्,एरण्डमूलं वृष्यवार्िराणाम ्,
हिंगुतनयाशसश्छेदनीयदीपनीयानुलोममकवार्कफप्रर्शमनानाम ्, गोक्षुरको
मूत्रकृ च्छ्रातनलिराणाम ्..|
____________________
1. Charak-Samhita, Sushrut-Samhita, Ashtanga-Samgraha, Ashtanga-Hridaya
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22. 2. Manas-vedana chikitsa 1
 Sattvavajaya-chikitsa (Psychotherapy)
 िषशः प्रीणनानाम ्
 प्रर्शमः पथ्यानाम ्
 सद्वचनमनुष्ठेयानाम ्
 सवशसंरयासः सुखानाम ्
 Adhyatma-gyan (spiritual knowledge)
 Vigyan (scriptural knowledge)
 Dhairya (patience)
 Samadhi (meditation)
______________
1. Charak-Samhita, Sushrut-Samhita, Ashtanga-Samgraha, Ashtanga-Hridaya1

23. Specific approach to relieve pain1
 Yoga
 Moksha
________________
1. Charak-Samhita Sharirsthan- 1/137
(योगे मोक्षे च सवाशसां वेदनानामवर्शनम्।
मोक्षे तनवृवत्ततनशःर्शेषा योगो मोक्षप्रवर्शकः॥
-चरकसंहिर्ा र्शारीरस्थान-१/१३७)
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24. Analgesics in Ayurveda1
Shulaprashamana mahakashaya
Vedanasthapana mahakashaya
Aṇgamardaprashamana mahakashaya
Shramahara mahakashaya
Ḅrimhaniya mahakashaya
Snehopaga mahakashya
Swedopaga mahakashya
Vatashamana gana
Pittashaman gana
Kaphashaman gana
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1. Charak-Samhita Sutrasthan-4, Sushrut-Samhita Sutrasthan- 39
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25. Discussion
 The term ‘vedana’ has different connotations. In Ayurveda, it has
been used in the sense of feelings both the happiness and
unhappiness.
 Feeling of happiness reveals good health and unhappiness shows
painful condition or ill health.
 Vedana and shula are two terms which are used in the sense of
pain. The area of vedana is wider than shula as shula is also a type
of vedana.
 Vedana are of many types on the basis of intensity, Dosha involved,
affected part and different types of manifestation of pain.
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26.  Manifestation of pain is considered due to pathology of Vata-dosha but it
is observed in the vitiation of other doshas, dhatus and malas also. But
Vata-dosha plays key role in the movement of dosha, dhatu and mala.
Again sensations are due to Vata-dosha.
 Causes of vedana may be related to improper contact of sense organs with
their objects or intellectual blasphemy or unhealthy season. Again it can be
related to improper diet or life style or medication.
 As there are different causes ,therefore the treatment also differ according
to the cause. Vedana due to excessive use of cold substances are relieved
by hot, snigdha by ruksha, heavy by light and so on.
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27. Conclusion
 Concept of vedana is very vividly discussed in all the classics of Ayurveda.
 Vedana means knowledge, feeling, agony or pain.
 Ayurveda advocates two types of vedana i. e. sukhatmaka vedana and
duhkhatmak vedana.
 All the diseases possess specific type of vedana.
 Difference in vedana occur due to etiological factors, dosha involved and
specific pathogenesis
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28.  Treatment plan depends upon the cause, dosha involved and basic
pathology.
 Analgesics are not the only remedy of all the cases of painful dispositions
that’s why Ayurveda advocates the rational use of shulaprashaman,
vedanasthapan, angamarda-prashama, vatashaman, pitta-shaman, kapha-
shaman and brimhaniya gana (group of medicine).
 Ayurveda mainly focuses upon the establishment of sukhatmaka-vedana
(feeling of happiness) by relieving all the miseries.
 Ayurvedic approach includes scientific approach in general and spiritual in
particular to eradicate sufferings.
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29. THANKS!
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