Charaka Samhita, the traditional Ayurvedic textbook, mentions 13 body urges, known as “Vega” that one living being should not suppress or try to control.
The article shared by the specialists at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda is written in consideration of the information mentioned in Charaka Samhita and the personal experience of Ayurveda expert, Dr. Mukesh Sharda. It is an effort to make everyone realise why ignoring or suppressing the body’s natural signals can be life-threatening.
Exploring 13 Natural Urges that one should never suppress:
1. Mutra Vega (Urge to Urinate)
The waste products and toxins in liquid form are eliminated by the body in the form of urine on a routine basis. However, if someone holds the urge to urinate, they are risking their life against issues like urinary tract infections, bladder issues, kidney stones, and so on.
As per Ayurvedic ideologies, one must urinate as soon as one feels the urge so that Vata dosha stays under control and the body’s natural and health balance can be maintained.
2. Purisha Vega (Urge to Defecate)
Just like the urine, the body eliminates solid waste materials throughout the body via stool. But if for some reason bowel movements are delayed, then concerns like constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, etc, can arise.
Ayurveda highlights the urge to defecate as of utmost process. Because the suppression of the urge to defecate can highly disturb the digestive system functioning and may cause further health problems.
3. Apana Vayu Vega (Urge to Pass Gas)
There is nothing to be ashamed of farting or passing the gas. It is a natural and necessary body process that needs to be performed as soon as you feel the urge.
Controlling the urge and not passing the gas may lead to abdominal aches, discomfort, indigestion, bloating, and colon Irritation. That’s why Ayurveda advises the release of natural gas to maintain digestive harmony.
4. Chardi Vega (Urge to Vomit)
The process of vomiting may be unpleasant, but it could be the body’s natural response to expel toxins. In fact, in many Panchakarma practices, Vamana (to vomit) is performed to rejuvenate the body.
Suppressing this urge can cause nausea, indigestion, throat irritation, chest heaviness, and accumulation of waste materials and undigested particles in the stomach for prolonged periods.
5. Kshavathu Vega (Urge to Sneeze)
Do you also think that Sneezing is just a mere sign or symptom of viral infections, cold, or flu? But that’s not always true. It is one of the natural urges described by the Charaka Samhita that an individual must never suppress.
But in reality, sneezing can be helpful as it helps to clear the nasal passages. But if you suppress sneezing, then it may lead to sinus issues, headaches, and facial pressure. That’s why Ayurveda allows sneezing so that respiratory health is not compromised.
6. Udagara Vega (Urge to Belch)
Belch simply means burps. It is a process through which the body releases excessive air from the stomach. If the urge to belch is suppressed, then it can lead to bloating and discomfort.
Sometimes, individuals often say that after burping, they feel light and often get relief from gas and abdominal heaviness. So in order to keep overall health in harmony, Ayurveda advises to burp without any suppression.
7. Jrumbha Vega (Urge to Yawn)
Yawning is often considered a sign of laziness, but in reality, it has several benefits, such as increased alertness, reduced fatigue/stress, regulation of the oxygen/carbon dioxide levels, and cooling the brain.
However, suppression of yawning can lead to multiple counter-adverse effects, like compromised blood flow, muscle contractions, tremors, facial pain, or trembling. That’s why Ayurveda allows yawning to align with the natural rhythm of the body.
8. Kshudha Vega (Urge to Eat in Hunger)
Eat whenever you feel hungry, that’s the simple Ayurveda math. Ignoring hunger signals leads to overeating later, which directly affects the metabolism.
Problems like easy irritability, high anger, unhealthy weight loss, fatigue, headaches, and stomach pain become common in such individuals who try to kill their hunger. To keep all these complications at bay, Ayurveda emphasizes eating at the right time, which is to say when you feel the urge.
9. Pipasa Vega (Urge to drink in thirst)
Not drinking water can be counterproductive in countless possible ways. Firstly, it leads to dehydration, fatigue, and dizziness.
Besides these short-term issues, when the urge to drink when thirsty is ignored for extended periods, it may lead to chronic constipation, abdominal pain, and reduced metabolism, etc. To maintain bodily functions smoothly, Ayurveda recommends drinking water as soon as the individual gets thirsty.
10. Vashpa Vega (Urge to Cry)
Suppression of the urge to cry results in both physical and cognitive imbalances. High stress buildup, depression, anxiety, compromised immune system, and weak cardiovascular health are some of the complications that may arise if the urge to cry is suppressed for extended periods.
Ayurveda advice expressing out the emotions and letting the tears out through crying, not only for mental health but also for physical and emotional well-being.
11. Nidra Vega (Urge to Sleep)
Sleep is the fuel of the body that keeps it fresh and energetic. When you lack sleep or sleep late or less, it can result in cognitive problems such as reduced concentration, memory collapse, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or irritation.
Thus, to keep both mental and physical health in a good state, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep and avoiding any kind of sleep deprivation.
12. Shramashwas Vega (Urge to Breathe)
Suppression of breathing can be a wise option, as it is the basis of living. Rapid breathing is necessary for you to oxygenate the body, permitting cellular function, and releasing carbon dioxide.
When a person tries to hold this urge or Swasa (breath), his/her oxygen levels tend to be low, and carbon dioxide levels high, resulting in dizziness, fatigue, respiratory failure, chest pain, and so on. Ayurveda advises allowing natural breathing patterns to maintain health.
13. Retas Vega (Urge to Ejaculate)
As per Ayurveda, ejaculation is also a natural and healthy urge that is linked with several potential benefits such as stress reduction, pain relief, and even reduced prostate cancer risk in males.
Ayurveda suggests that natural release is essential for maintaining balance, and one should not suppress it in any way. Otherwise, it may lead to pelvic discomfort and other associated health concerns.
Final Words
Staying healthy always comes with some conditions. Listen to your body and follow the urges that are crucial for maintaining health and balance. Ayurveda, the 5000+ years old healing approach, never advises the suppression of any of the mentioned 13 urges in any manner.
By responding promptly to these signals, you are ensuring your well-being and harmony of the body, mind, and soul most effectively and easily.
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