CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF VEDANA IN AYURVEDA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF PAIN

Abstract

Vedana, commonly translated as pain or sensation, is an important concept in Ayurveda that extends beyond the narrow biomedical interpretation of pain as a localized symptom. Classical Ayurvedic literature describes Vedana as a subjective experience arising through the interaction of body (deha), mind (manas), senses (indriya), and consciousness. It includes both pleasurable (sukhatmaka vedana) and painful (duhkhatmaka vedana) experiences. In clinical practice, Vedana is most often associated with suffering, discomfort, or disease manifestation. However, its intensity, quality, and perception vary according to constitution (prakṛti), dosic imbalance, mental state, and site of involvement. Among the three dosas, Vata is regarded as the principal factor in the genesis and transmission of pain, while Pitta and Kapha modify its character and associated features. Ayurveda also recognizes the psychological dimension of pain, emphasizing the central role of manas in amplifying or alleviating suffering. Classical texts further classify pain into multiple categories such as adhyatmika, adhibhautika, and adhidaivika duhkha, reflecting physical, environmental, and subtle causes of distress. Management of Vedana is not limited to symptomatic relief but includes correction of causative factors through sodhana, samana, lifestyle regulation, herbal therapies, and mental equilibrium. This review presents a conceptual and clinically relevant understanding of Vedana in Ayurveda and highlights its potential contribution to contemporary multidisciplinary pain science.