Study of Vagendriya with its Related Structures - A Review

Abstract

According to Ayurveda classic texts Indriyas are the apparatus to attain knowledge for Atma. Acharya Charaka described Indriya as basic instrument in differentiating the living and non-living matters. Whereas in contemporary science Indriyas are dealt only with structure i.e. sense organ where the actual transduction process takes place. Indriyas are composed of five elements still specific Mahabhuta dominates precise Indriya. This is the reason behind reception of specific sensation by its respective Indriya. Many sensory and motor functions are performed by Indriyas. Indriyas of human body plays a very vital role in carrying out day to day activites of human body. Modern science also accepts the same concept in the form of sensation and perception that allows the human to detect and understand the various stimuli and collect information from internal or external environment of an organism and send them to CNS. All Indriyas work will be meaningless if Vayu will not work hand to hand with these Indriyas. Vagendriya a motor organ which act as a passive partner on receiving command from its higher centre located in Shira, which is ultimately a site for location of control center of all motor as well as sense organs and thus it is said to be ‘Uttamaang.’ Ayurvedic approach towards speech production is reflected as Vak Pravrutti. Speech is multiphase unique phenomenon and is believed to be outcome of combined effort of Acoustic signals, Articulatory signals and Muscle coordination along with Nervous assistance viz. Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area.