For a sound health both psyche and physique
should be normal and also in equilibrium.
For maintaining physical health, Ayurveda
describes the natural urges that should not
be suppressed. On the contrary, for mental
health, it describes the suppression some
rash urges.
Non-suppressible
urges: For physical health
Ayurveda identifies 13 natural urges that
should not be suppressed.
1. Suppression
of Micturition.
Suppression of the urge of urination causes
pain in bladder and penis. Due to regular
suppression of urge to urinate leads to lack
of muscular strength of the bladder, urinary
stones inflammation and infection of urinary
tract. For these complications, according
to Ayurveda, one should resort to tube bath,
massage and three types of enemas ( Vasti
Karmas)
2. Suppression
of Defecation
If one holds the urge of defecation, it causes
abdominal pain, headaches, retention of stools,
gas in the digestive tract, cramps in the
calf muscles and abdominal distention.
To upshot this suppression, one should apply
Suppositories, tub bath, Fomentation and intake
of laxative foods.
3. Suppression
of Flatus.
If one suppresses the urge for passing flatus,
this causes retention of stool, urine and
gas in the digestive tract, abdominal distention
& pain, heart diseases, constipation or
diarrhoea and other abdominal diseases due
to the vitiation of Vata. In that case, unction,
fomentation, suppositories, intake of carminative
food and drinks and enema are the best.
4. Suppression
of Semen.
Just before the time of ejaculation, if semen
is suppressed then it may produce stones,
pain in the penis and testicles, chest pain,
retention of urine and difficulty in intercourse.
In that case, massage, tub-bath, and a diet
of wine, chicken, rice and milk, along with
non-greasy enema and sexual intercourse are
prescribed.
5. Suppression
of Vomiting.
When any indigestible or poisonous materials
get ingested into the body, the body responses
it to expel out. If this act is suppressed,
then, these materials are circulated in the
body, thereby producing different types of
diseases and conditions like urticaria, allergy,
giddiness, loss of appetite, black pigmentation
on face, oedema, anemia and skin diseases
etc. in such cases, induction of vomiting,
medicated smoke inhalations, fasting, blood-letting
(Rakta Mokshna), purgation (Virechana Karma)
and physical exercises are prescribed.
6. Suppression
of Sneezing.
Sneezing is, produced due to the irritation
of foreign matter, for clearing the nasal
passage. If this is suppressed, the foreign
matter may produce rhinitis and chronic cold,
headache, sinusitis and other respiratory
diseases. In addition to these, due to excessive
strain in the neck, face and associated muscles
and other structures, aliments like stiff
neck, facial paralysis, migraine and weakness
of the sense organs are caused. One should
take Vata alleviating foods, fomentation,
medicated smoke inhalations along with nasal
drops.
7. Suppression
of eructation:
This leads to hiccups, breathlessness (dyspnoea),
and pain in the chest, cough, and loss of
appetite (anorexia).
8. Supperssion
of yawning:
This leads to diseases of the eyes, throat,
ear and nose. Suppression of yawning also
causes bending, convulsions, contractions,
numbness, tremors and shaking of the body.
for the treatment of these ailments, one should
use drugs for alleviating vata.
9. Suppression
of hunger:
desire to take food is suggestive of requirements
of nutrition or some emotional breakdown.
By keeping hungry, either nutritional disorders
or debility or irritability are produced.
By suppressing hunger, one subjects oneself
to emaciation, weakness, change in complexion,
discomfort (malaise), loss of appetite, and
giddiness. One should take unctuous, hot and
light food.
10. Suppression
of thirst:
Desire to drink water is suggestive of requirement
of the bodily fluid or replacement of fluid
loss. Suppression of thirst causes dryness
of throat and mouth, deafness, exhaustion,
weakness, dehydration and cardiac pain. In
that case one should take cold demulcent drinks.
11.
Suppression of tears:
Emotional condition like pleasure or grief
can bring down the tears and if suppressed,
eye diseases, rhinitis, mental disorders,
pain in chest, giddiness and digestive disorders
can take place. Sleeps, intake of wine and
pleasant conversation are helpful in overcoming
this.
12. Suppression
of respiration:
Breathing caused by over-exhaustion should
not be suppressed. Sudden holding of breath
may cause suffocation, respiratory disorders,
heart diseases and even death. Pranayama is
an important yogic exercise for this disorder.
13. Suppression
of sleep:
Due to suppression of sleep, the sense organs
like eye and other voluntary organs get tired.
As a result, diseases like insomnia, mental
disorders, digestive disorders and diseases
of sense organs and skin are caused. To overcome
them, a part from rest and sleep, Vata alleviating
factors are preferable.
