Volume III · Part IV · Chapter 39
The Natural Urges — Not to Suppress, and to Restrain
Lifestyle — Vihara
About 1 min read
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 |