Maulik Siddhant : Basic Principles
Every medical science has some basic principles on which the
structure of the science is built and fabricated. Ayurveda has the
Maulik Siddhant ("Basic Principles") according to the
findings of the keen observers. These Maulik Siddhants are:
- Dosha: normal equlibrium = normal health / abnormal:
Aetiological factors of diseases, predisposing factor of diseases
- Dosha Bhed: When not affected by the Doshas : normal physiology
/ abnormal : pathophysiology of the organs : Physiological basis
of diseases
- Dhatus: abnormal pathology : Pathological basis of diseases
Malas: Ketabolic products, substances ; helps in diagnosis of
diseases
- Agni: Digestive Hunger : related to metabolism
- Oaj: estimation of Vitality / equivalent to "vital
power" or "life force"
- Prakrati
- Deh Bal: Constitution / body built /body strength
Temperaments
- Ritu: weather
- time
- Area / place of living/ Domecile
- Nidan Panchak
Doshas: Aetiological factors of Ayurveda
Doshas are known as Tridosha, which is a part of the Maulik
Siddhant (Basic Principles) of Ayurveda. Doshas are three mainly, but
when combines, total makes Seven. These are known as Dwidoshaj, if
combines two and when all three combines, known as Tridoshaj or
Sannipataj. The 3 main doshas (sometimes translated into English as
humours) are: Vata (combination of the space and air elements), Pitta
(analogous to the fire element), and Kapha (combination of water and
earth elements). However there is no equivalent word to translate
"Dosha" in the English language, because the concept of
Humour is different to the concept of 'Ayurvedic Tridosha'.
All bodily processes are believed to be governed by a balance of
the 3 doshas. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior
and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type
has particular strengths and susceptibilities. 'Tridoshas are
considered similar to Aetiological factors responsible to derange
normal health condition.
Vata
Vata, composed of space and air, governs all movement in the mind
and body and must be kept in good balance. Too much vata leads to,
"worries, insomnia, cramps and constipation. Vata controls blood
flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts
across the mind." Vata activates the nervous system, hearing and
speech; and expresses as enthusiasm and creativity. Vata also controls
the other two principles (Pitta and Kapha) and is usually the first
cause of disease. Another word for Vata is Vayu - it is the more
traditional Sanskrit word for air.
Those who are classified as Vata tend to have lighter frames, and
are either short or tall and thin. Their skin tends to be dry and cold
with dark, thin hair. They have dark brown or grey eyes. Movements and
speech is quick and sleep is light, interrupted, and fitful. Mentally,
they are restless and have lots of ideas. They are creative and
imaginative, but are fearful, anxious, and insecure.
Vata doshas' corresponding colors are warm and gentle, such as
yellow, ochre, or brown. Amethyst is the stone associated with Vata.
Pitta
Pitta is said to be composed of fire; it governs, "all heat,
metabolism and transformation in the mind and body. It controls how we
digest food, how we metabolize our sensory perceptions, and how we
discriminate between right and wrong." Pitta must be kept in
balance, too. "Too much Pitta can lead to anger, criticism,
acidity, ulcers, rashes and thinning hair.". A balanced Pitta
mind makes one a good leader with a warm personality.
Pitta types are generally average physically. They tend to have
fine, soft, red or fair hair (though Pittas have been known to have
dark hair.) Eyes tend to be blue, grey, or hazel. Their moods change
slowly and they are busy people, usually achieving much in their
lives. They are more intellectual and speech is clear, sharp, and
precise. They are fiery, angry and judgemental.
The Pitta doshas' corresponding color are cool, calming colors such
as blue, green, or purple. Their stone is Moonstone.
Kapha
Kapha is the watery humour, consisting of the water and earth
elements. "Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the
material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body
resistance....Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the
skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives
biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention;
gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity...Kapha is
responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy;
it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and
love." Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well
as congestion and allergies.
Kaphas' body types are sturdier and thicker than the other body
types. Hair is thick and lustrous and eyes are blue or brown. They
have the best strength and endurance and have a slow, steady pace.
Mentally they are calm, steady, and stable. They can be greedy and
possessive but are caring and not easily irritated.
Kapha governs bright, vibrant colors such as red, pink, and orange.
Their corresponding stone is Lapis.
A Primer for a Biochemical Understanding
The purpose of this section is to provide some thinking tools for
someone well versed in a model of medicine based on biology, chemistry
and physics. It raises a few possibilities on how to shed light on
these often opaque or disarmingly simple terminology when presented in
English. This section is speculative.
Ayurvedic Methods versus Biochemical Methods of Inquiry
Ayruvedic methodology revolves around the physician's sensual
experience of the world. All techniques of knowledge are based on
insights gained from touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, and
listening, both to patients and the medicines involved.
It's important to understand how to map concepts from Ayurveda that
derive from insights from the senses, to the modernism of scientific
inquiry, which has benefitted from microscopy and other
"extensions" to the senses.
It's misleading to assume that the biomedical model has a superior
"resolution" because the technology has provided methods to
see much smaller than the eye. Many diagnostic methods, such as the
reading of the pulse in Ayurveda, are considered high arts that
require perhaps decades to perfect, but could potentially have
incalculable value for a practising biomedical physician, should they
be able to incorporate it into their practice.
Thus consider that, first, translating these concepts is an ongoing
process as Ayurveda and Biomedicine explore each other. Second,
translation should not be an attempt to reduce these concepts, but to
enrich both sets of knowledge.
An "Element" as a State of Matter
The term element in Chemistry refers to one of the 92 naturally
occurring atomic elements, identified by the number of protons, and
given properties according to the combined electromagnetic properties
of the full and empty electron orbitals.
Elements have a different meaning in Ayurveda, because of the
nature of the methods of inquiry.
One possible way to "translate" the five elements into a
western conception is see them as the "states of matter" of
substances that exist in the body at body temperature: solid, liquid,
gas, redox reactions (fire) and charged particles (the electromagnetic
aspect of matter). Matter in different states of density, and with
different physical properties.
The element vayu, or air for example is not so much about the
properties of a specific elemental gas, but of gases which behave more
or less like ideal gases at body temperature, and that occur naturally
as various compounds in the body.
The physical properties of gases may be at the core of the
understanding of the "element" of "air". Gases can
dissolve in fluids, can in gaseous and in dissolved form exert
pressure on the body. We cannot also neglect to consider specific
chemical properties of commonly found biological gases, water vapor,
oxygen molecules, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulphide.
Nor the chemical reactions in the body that evolve and consume gases.
An "Element" may therefore be more richly understood as a
collection of basic physical laws that govern the behaviour of common
biological substances occurring both in living beings and their
environment that share a common physical state
Tejas as Oxidation-Reduction
The Element Tejas, may refer collectively to different forms of
oxidation-reduction reactions. It's quality of being an
"element" may refer more to the ubiquity of such reactions,
and the associated the laws of thermodynamics.
Tejas may include such concepts as Heat, Internal Energy, Enthalply,
Entropy, Radiant forms of energy
Indeed pitta understood as "biological fire" can
encompass so many chemical reactions by virtue of the fact that all
burning or oxydation-reduction reactions in the body occur in
solution, thus, the "fire" and "water"
"elements" of pitta.
The thought of "fire" as an entity or element to be
perceived, suggests heat, radiant energy, and temperature changes, and
suggests a medical line of inquiry of managing the body's
thermodynamics.
Towards a western understanding of "Dosha"
By the time we get to the concept of a dosha, which cobmines
elements, we end up with a very complex biochemcial, biophysical idea
that does not easily translate into a specific fluid that flows in the
body.
Since a Dosha is often translated as a "problem", it's
worthwhile to examine diseases caused by excesses of these doshas to
get a better understanding of what exactly is meant biologically by a
dosha and their corresponding "elements"; which biochmical
pathways are involved, which systems in the body ? which organs,
tissues, cells and organelles ? what about intercellualr fluids?
Kapha: an example of trying to understand a Dosha Biochemically
If we take as a starting point, the densest matters,
"earth" and "water" combining to create kapha, we
must ask ourselves? what in the body and in circulation in the body
has the qualities of solids, liquids, is sweet, slimy, dark,
consistent? what are "kapha" type diseases? (obesity, poor
circulation, respiratory problems, and many more). perhaps then the
concept "kapha" actually maps out to a variety of
biosynthetic and circualtory pathways of a variety of biological
compounds involving production of mucus, animal starches, fats, and
the circulation of these substances in the body seen as a whole, via
the blood, lymph, and intercellular fluids.
Since Kapha is considered "sweet" naturally we turn to
sugars. following the pathways of sugars in the body, and where these
compounds end up and are transformed, we start to get a
"fluid" picture that is much more far reaching and
profoundly useful than just "phlegm".
Tridosha existence in Human body
According to Ayurved, the site of the existence of Tridosha is
established by the keen observers.Charaka, Sushruta and others have
finalised the locations in human body, where tridosha are mainly
existed.Bhav Praksha clearly locates the part of human body where
Tridoshas are presents.
- Vata: existed below the naval and lower part of body. {Draw
Horizontal line from naval to round back to naval}
- Pitta existed in between the naval line and epigastrium line
{Draw horizontal line from xephoid process of sternum -epigastrium-
to round back to epigastrium}
- Kaphha existed in upper part of the body above from the
epigastrium line, includes thoracic cavity upper limbs and head.
Although the main site of Tridosha's are as described above, but
they help eachother in their respective functions to make equality and
harmony in the functions of body smoothly. Thus plays a comprehensive
role for the comprehensive diagnosis and for the comprehensive
treatment of human body.
Tridosha Bhed : The Physiological Basis Of Diseases According To
Ayurveda
Ayurved have its own philosophy for concieving Physiological basis
of diseases as of concieved by the Modern Western Medicine. Thousands
years before, the practitioners of the Ayurveda, observed the
Physiological phenomenon of the body and pathophysiology.
These are grouped according to the Doshas.
- Vata have five bhed 1.Pran 2.Apan 3.Saman 4.Udan 5.Vyan
- Pitta' have five kinds 1. Sadhak 2. Bhrajak 3.Pachak 4.Lochak 5.
Ranjak
- Kaphha have five Bhed {kinds} 1. Snehan 2. Avalamban 3. Rasan 4.
Shleshman 5. Kledan
Short details of vata five kinds
- Pran vata: the vayu existed in Oral Cavity, in head, in throat,
in Ear, in tongue, in chest and in heart. It help in Deglutition
of food and water, act of swallowing, acts of sneezing, spitting,
eructations, acts of respiration etc. this vayu-bhed helps to
place properly the Vital elements like Pitta and Kaphha, Satva,
Raj, Tam and Maan, panch gyanendriya in their own work and
functions. When this vayu-bhed deranged, causes repiratory
disorders, pulmonary problems, bronchitis, Asthama, Coryza,
Hoarseness, Hiccough, Tuberculosis and Lungs disorders etc.
- Apan vata: is existed Sigmoid Colon and Rectum [Paquaashaya],
Testicles, Scrotum, Urinary Bladder, Male and Female Genital
Parts, Navel, Loins and Groins. The Function of this Vayu-Bhed is
the excretion of the Stool, Urine, Semen, Menstrual discharges,
expulsion of full term baby at proper time. When this bhed becomes
abnormal, it causes Urinary Stones, Frequent Urination, Polyuria,
difficult, painful, obstructive, burning urination, Urinary
bladder problems, Heamorrhoids, prolapsus of Rectum , Fistula,
constriction of Anus, anomalies of Semen, Semen related problems,
Obstruction of Flatus etc.
- Saman vata: is existed near at 'Pachak Agni' [Digestive fire],
in Stomach and duodenum. Its function is to help to digest food,
to maintain the vitality of digestive power and help to isolate
the "Ras Dhatu", Stool, Urine. It helps to regulate the
process of sweating, dosha excretion and water expulsion process.
When this Vata-bhed becomes abnormal, creates the loss of
Appetite, diminished hunger, indigestion, loose stool, tympenitis,
etc. It helps to assimilate the food and food contents and finally
help to supply the assimilated matter to blood stream and Heart.
- Vyan vata: is existed in whole body. Sapta Dhaut (All Seven
Vital Elements) are carried and transferred to the Vital Part of
the human body , by holding its own natural action. Acts of
contraction, relaxion, spasmodic effects, colic, pain, neuralgia,
aches, inflammation, rigidity, paralysis etc. are produced by the
Vyan Vayu, when it deranged. It causes also Fever, diarrhoea,
heamorrhagic conditions, in any part of the body.
- Udan vata: is existed at Navel, Thoracic Cavity, Chest, Throat
and Throat pit. The functions are act of speech, act of talking,
act of singing, enthusiasm, mental strength and capacity support,
helps to make body strong, brightens color and texture of skin.
When it deranges, produces diseases of eyes, mouth, nose, ear,
larynx, pharynx, head, vertex complaints each.
Pitta-bhed
- Sadhak pitta is situated at Cardiac region. It supports and
develops individual intelligence, intellectual capacity, natural
qualities of human, perception, conception, experience,
concentration, mental capacity, memory, behavour etc. When is
deranges, crates Fear, Anxiety, Anger, Uncontrolled Emotions,
Maniacal problems, forgetfulness etc.
- Pachak oitta is situated in between Pakashay [Pancreas] and
Amashay [Stomach]. It supports to nourish all Seven Dhatus step by
step in their established increasing order. Its work is to digest
the food, whatever is eaten and churn and converts food in small
particals. It maintains the human body temperature and warmth of
body etc. When it deranges, creats sensation of Chilliness,
coldness and Dhatu Kshaya etc.
- Ranjak pitta is situated in Liver and Spleen. Its function is to
provide good quality of digestive and assimilative power.
Bharajak pitta is situated in the Skin. All Skin problems are
covered by its action. However its area of functions are in the
whole body.
- Lochak pitta is situated in the Eyes and Eye cavity. All
Ophthalmic problems are covered by this Dosha bhed. Problems
related to Vision, Ophthalmopathy and the organs near the eyes
etc.
Kaphha bhed
- Kledan kaphha is situated in the stomach. It provides support to
lubricate the joints, head, nourishing the Vital parts.
Snehan kaphha is situated in the head. It nourishes the brain. It
supports the Vital functions of senses, of nose, eyes, tongue,
taste etc. It helps to increase the performance of the
intellectual behaviour of the brain like knowledge, excuse,
intelligence, memory etc.
- Shleshman kaphha is situated in between two joints or layers. It
provides lubrication in joints to save the vital parts from
friction by forming layer in between the smaller and bigger
joints.
Rasan kaphha is situated in tongue, taste buds, salivary glands,
oral and mouth cavity, taste of food is perceived.
- Avalamban kaphha is situated in the Chest, Thoracic cavity,
Problems of Lungs, pulmonary disorders, Heart, Nape of Neck,
Thyroid, Thymus, Pituitary Glands, Neck, Cercvico-thoracic region,
upper extremeties both etc. Problem in these parts are covered by
this Kaphha bhed.
Sapta Dhatu: The Pathological Basis Of Diseases According To
Ayurveda
Ayurved perceives its own phenomenon to conceive the Pathological
Basis of disease conditions. These DHATUS are divided into seven
parts, which are again divided according to tridosha dominant factors.
The Sapta Dhatus [Seven Vital elements] are considered to be :
- Ras
- Rakta
- Maans
- Med
- Asthi
- Majja
- Shukra
Short description on these elements
1- Ras Dhatu
No desire for food, perverted taste. Diminished hunger, unable to
feel the real taste of the food, insufficient saliva, nausea, loss of
Appetite, heaviness feeling in body. After meal, after physical
exertion, sleepiness in day time, bodyache, feels aching like pain in
wholebody, sensation as if having temeparature, fever like sensation,
feels as if entering in a dark place, Jaundice like syndromes,
assimilative disorders, sexual weakness, impotency like symptoms, weak
and lethargy feeling, weight loss with sick feeling, emaciation, white
hairs, skin shrinkage, old look in young age.
Modern Ayurved experts understand that Ras [Fluid] Dhatu : Derived
from the digested food and it nourishes each and every tissue and cell
of the body and is analogous to the plasma.
2- Rakta Dhatu:
Skin diseases, Dermatitis, Erythema, Lichen, Ringworm, Urticaria,
Allergic reactions, Spleenomegaly, Stomatitis, Boils, Dandruff,
seborrhoic capatis, eczema, moles, inflammation of rectum, anus, of
glans penis, bloody leucorrheal discharge, swelling, Skin discharges,
Leucoderma, Leprosy, black patches and spots, scabies, Ichthyosis,
Psoriasis. All Anomalies of Blood, etc.
Modern Ayurvedic experts understand that RAKTA [blood] DHATU
regarded as the basis of life, analogous to the circulating blood
cells. It not only nourishes the body tissues, but provides physical
strength and color to the body. Hb% TLC, DLC, ESR, infections, blood
sepsis, problems related to blood serum is covered by this Dhatu.
3- Maans Dhatu
Glands, Buboes, Abscess gland, tumours, cysts, ulcers, cancerous
glands and cancerous ulcers, warty growth, corn, warts,
lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis, hard flesy, extra fleshy growth,
hardness of muscles, fibrositis, myositis, tendinitis, rigidity,
shortness of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Anomlies of Flesh and
muscular system etc.
Modern Ayurvedic experts understand that MAANS [the muscle
tissues]: its function is to provide physical strength and support for
the MEDA DHATU.
4- Meda Dhatu
Deposition of extra fat, obesity, accumulation of Fat, early
syndromes of Polyuria, Glycosuria, growth of glands, fat due to
hyperglyceamia, excessive sweating, etc.
Modern experts understand, MEDA DHATU ; consiste of adipose tissue
providing support to Asthi Dhatu. It also lubricates the body.
5- Asthi Dhatu
Extra Bony growth, extra formation of Teeth, tooth problems, caries
of tooth, caries of Bone, Osteoporosis, Ostitis, Calcium Metabolism,
weak bones, calcium deposits in joints, anomalies of calcium,
formation of Renal Calculus, Gall Bladder calculus, problem related to
skeletal system etc.
Modern Ayurvedic experts thinks that ASTHI DHATU : comprisinf of
bone tissue, including cartilages. It s main function is to give
support to the MAJJA DHATU and provide support to MAANS Dhatu, Serum
Calcium etc.
6- Majja Dhatu
Pain in joints, fear, unconsciousness, collapse, seeing dark in day
light, problems of bone marrow and reticulo-endothelial system, extra
hard root like formation in joints, anomalies of Bone marrow and
reticuloendothelial system etc.
Modern Ayurvedic experts thinks MAJJA DHATU : denoting the yellow
and red bone marrow tissue, its main function is to fill up the Asthi
and to oleate the body.
7- Shukra Dhatu
Anomalies of Semen, semen contents, semen quality, impotency,
incomplete erection, impotency due to insufficient quantity of semen,
desire for coition but fails, infertility, miscarriage, irregular
menstrual cycles, painful menstruation, other menstrual problems,
Pelvic Inflammatory diseases. Problem related to male and female
reproductive systems, genito urinary male and female disorders etc.
Tridosha effect on the Sapta Dhatus
Sapta Dhatus are affected by the Tridosha. For example, when Rakta
Dhatu is affected by the 'Pitta Dosha', the condition is known as 'Rakta-Pitta'.
'Rakta-pitta' presents syndromes equal to Haematomasis, Haemophillia,
purpura conditions. When Rakta is affected by the Vata Dosha, the
condition is known as Rakta-Vata, the syndromes are equal to Gout and
Uric Acid diathesis. When Kaphha affects the Rakta-Dhatu, the
condition isBloody Dysentery, Bloody Mucous Colitis etc.
Malas : The Ketabolic Products
Ayurvedic Malas are three in number, and aid in in diagnosis i.e:
- 'Pureesh' [Stool]
- 'Mootra' [Urine
- 'Swed' [Sweat]
Agni : Digestive Fire
Concept of Ayurveda-Agni is very important in Ayurveda. It is
instructed by the practitioners of the Ayurved that Agni [digestive
fire]should be maintained of sick persons.
Oaj : Vital power / Vital Force
Sushrut writes about Oaj that the last remaining conclusive
material of the Sapta Dhatu, is known Oaj. In other words Oaj is known
as 'Bal' [Bodily strength]. Some says that Oaj is equivalent to 'Vital
force'. When Oaj is less than the normal limit, as a consiquence it
creates Unknown Fear, Constant Anxiety, Anxiety Neurosis, Worries,
trouble to senses and sensory organs, weakness of the joints, low
enthusiasm, Low Vital Power, Weak vigour etc. When Oaj is high than
the normal limit, it creates more allertiveness, aroused senses,
hurryness etc.
Panchakarma
This is a high profile process of cleaning internally the entire
human body, described in Ayurvedic Science. Panchakarma is a
purification and cleaning process of human body. It counts five steps
to complete the process.
- Vaman
- Virechan
- Anuvasan
- Niruhan
- Navan/Nasya
The process is still practiced today. Many Panchakarma centers are
opened in the big and small cities over all in India, where specially
qualified Ayurvedic physician provides the panchakarma treatment. In
South India, there is still big Ayurvedic Centers exists, in Madhya
Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh etc. Among them Kerala is
ahead in Panchakarma Therapy with world class facilities.
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