The word ANULOMA is described as the direction of the movement of VATA DOSHA  which becomes the most important perspective to analyse and understand the action ANULOMANA. The word ANULOMA refers to the direction to which the body hairs are pointing. LOMA refers to body hairs while the prefix ANU refers to the ‘in line’ direction of movement and the classical references denote that the DOSHA which moves in ANULOMA direction is VATA DOSHA. Thus the substance that tends to normalise the movement of VATA DOSHA is said to be ANULOMANA.

The VATA DOSHA usually loses its normal direction when its pathway is blocked (मार्गावरोध or आवरण) or vitiated by loss of tissues (धातुक्षय). In the present context when we analyse the definition, the substances with ANULOMANA action deals with the condition of abnormal movement of VATA DOSHA caused due to the blocked pathway.

The action ANULOMANA is resulted when the cause of block is removed by metabolising it and controlling the movement of VATA DOSHA by normalising it.

As the activity facilitates the normalcy of VATA DOSHA movement, especially with respect to the excretory function, this is considered to be a variety of VIRECHANA (Purgation) along with SRAMSANA, BHEDANA & RECHANA but of a mild nature.

The properties that are necessary for purpose of ANULOMANA action is लघुगुण (Light), उष्णगुण (Hot), तीक्ष्णगुण (Penetrating), स्निग्धगुण (Unctous), अम्लरस (Sour), लवणरस (Salty), उष्णवीर्य (Hot) and अम्लविपाक (Sour metabolite). These properties facilitate digestion and removal of the blocks and evacuation of contents.