UNDERSTANDING PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF PRANA VAYU AND UDANA VAYU W.S.R. TO RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – A RIVIEW

Introduction: In Ayurveda, Vata Doṣa governs all dynamic physiological activities in the body. Among its five subdivisions, Praṇa Vayu and Udana Vayu play an imporant role in maintaining respiratory and vital functions. While Praṇa Vayu is primarily responsible for inhalation, perception, and autonomic regulation, Udana Vayu governs exhalation, phonation, and effortful respiratory activities. Understanding these concepts in relation to modern respiratory physiology provides integrative insight into neuro-respiratory coordination. Methods: A conceptual analytical study was conducted through Ayurveda classical texts including Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and Astanga Hridaya, correlating their descriptions with contemporary knowledge of respiratory physiology, neuroanatomy, and pulmonary mechanics. Comparative analysis was performed to identify functional parallels. Results: Prana Vayu, located in the head and thoracic region, correlates functionally with the medullary respiratory centers, autonomic nervous system regulation, and inspiratory mechanisms involving diaphragmatic contraction. It governs oxygen intake, swallowing coordination, and protective airway reflexes. Udana Vayu, situated in the chest and throat, corresponds to expiratory control, vocal cord function, speech production, and voluntary respiratory efforts mediated through cortical and brainstem pathways. The synergistic action of Prana and Udana Vayu resembles the integration between involuntary respiratory rhythm generation and voluntary modulation such as phonation and forced expiration. Discussion: The physiological interpretation suggests that Prana Vayu represents afferent sensory integration and inspiratory drive, whereas Udana Vayu represents efferent motor expression and expiratory force. Their balance ensures efficient gaseous exchange, voice production, and maintenance of life. Disturbance may manifest as dyspnea, speech disorders, or neuromuscular respiratory dysfunction.