39. The Natural Urges — Not to Suppress, and to Restrain

Charaka lists thirteen natural urges (adharaniya vega) that should not be suppressed, because suppressing them disturbs Vata and causes disease. He also lists mental urges that a wise person restrains (dharaniya vega). For older adults, the first list has practical implications: easy access to toilets, unhurried mornings, not holding urine on outings.

Urge not to suppress	Possible effect of suppression (classical)	Practical support
Flatus	Bloating, pain, Vata disorders	Unhurried toilet breaks; ajwain water
Stool	Cramps, headache, constipation	Regular morning time; footstool
Urine	Bladder pain, difficulty passing urine	Toilets near rooms and dining hall; outings with stops
Sneezing	Headache, facial pain	Cover with elbow; do not hold
Thirst	Dryness, fatigue	Water always available
Hunger	Weakness, body ache	Meals on time
Sleep	Heaviness, yawning, fatigue	Allow rest; short nap
Cough	Breathlessness, hiccups	Warm water; medical advice if persistent
Breathlessness on exertion	Heart and lung strain	Stop and rest
Yawning	Stiffness of neck	Yawn freely
Tears	Eye and head discomfort	Allow grief and emotion
Vomiting	Skin problems, nausea	Seek medical help if repeated
Semen	Discomfort	—

Urge to restrain	Sanskrit
Greed	Lobha
Grief (excessive)	Shoka
Fear	Bhaya
Anger	Krodha
Pride, ego	Mana / ahankara
Shamelessness	Nirlajjata
Envy	Irshya
Excessive attachment	Atiraga
Malice, desire to harm	Abhidhya