Samana Vayu

Samana vayu is present in the small intestine and navel region. It moves the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, providing the stimulus for the secretion of digestive juices. Samana vayu is closely connected with agni (digestive fire). There are agnis in the liver, and samana vayu provides the energy to secrete liver enzymes.

The bile secreted from the liver, along with the liver enzymes, are accumulated in the gallbladder by samana vayu. It constricts the gallbladder and pushes the bile through the bile duct into the duodenum. All of these movements are governed by samana vayu.

Samana vayu plays an important role in creating hunger. When one feels hungry, samana is awake. It sends a message to prana asking for food. When one eats, samana vayu stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and opens the pyloric valve for movement of foodstuff into the duodenum. Samana vayu brings the foodstuff into the cecum, which is called the second stomach.

The movement of samana vayu is linear and outward, like peristalsis. This contrasts with prana (downward), udana (upward), vyana (circular), and samana (linear). Samana vayu governs digestion, absorption, and assimilation.

Samana vayu is one of the five subtypes of vata, with linear and outward movement. Located mainly in the small intestine and navel area, it stimulates appetite and digestive secretions and is responsible for peristalsis and the opening and closing of the pyloric and ileocecal valves.