The roots of ayurveda
Ayurveda,the oldest system of
medicine in the world, traces its roots to the Vedic period in ancient India.
The Vedas contain
practical and scientific information on various subjects beneficial to the
humanity like health, philosophy, engineering, astrology etc.
Vedic Brahmans were not only
priests performing religious rites and ceremonies, they also became the Vaidyas (Ayurvedic Physicians). The Sage- Physician- Surgeons of that time were the same sages
or seers, deeply devoted holy people , who saw health as an integral part of
spiritual life. It is said, that they received their training of Ayurveda through direct
cognition during meditation. In other words, the knowledge of the use of
various methods of healing, prevention, longevity and surgery came through
Divine revelation . These revelations were transcribed from the oral tradition
into book form, interspersed with the other aspects of life.
Consequently Ayurveda grew into a respected and widely used system of healing in
India.Around CA.1500 Before.Common era. Ayurveda was delineated into
eight specific branches of medicine and there were two main schools - Atreya, the school of
physicians, and Dhanvantari , the school of surgeons.These two schools made Ayurveda a more
scientifically verifiable and classifiable medical system.
People from numerous countries came to Indian Ayurvedic schools to
learn this medical science.They came from China, Tibet, Greece, Rome, Egypt
,Afghanistan, Persia etc. to learn the complete wisdom and bring it back to
their own countries. Ayurvedic texts were translated in Arabic and
physicians such as Avicenna and Razi Sempion, who both quoted Ayurvedic texts ,
established Islamic Medicine. This medicine became popular in Europe and
helped to form the foundation of the European tradition in medicine.In the
16th Century Europe , Paracelsus , who is known as the father of modern
Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine which borrowed
heavily from Ayurveda..
The main authentic texts of Ayurveda in its early History are:
Rig Veda CA.3000 Years Before.Common era. : Verses on the nature of existence , on nature of health and
disease, pathogenesis and principles of treatment. Among the Rig-Veda are found
discussions of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha and the use of herbs to
heal the diseases of the mind and body and to foster longevity.Atharva Veda CA.800 Years Before.Common era. : Lists the eight divisions of Ayurveda - Internal Medicine,
Surgery of Head and Neck,Opthalmology and Otorinolaryngology, Toxicology,
Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Gerontology or Science of Rejuvenation and Science of
FertilityCharaka Samhita CA.600 Years Before.Common era.: A major work on internal medicine , written by the physician
Agnivesa, modified by charakaSushrutha
Samhita CA.500 Years Before.Common era. : Sushrutha , a surgeon who developed the operative techniques
of rhinoplasty (plastic surgery), wrote the Sushrutha Samhita which describes a
highly developed surgery.Samhitas of Vagbhata
CA.600 Years A.D. : This
text deals with all aspects of life, health, disease and treatment.
It is because these texts contain the original and comlete
knowledge of life, Ayurveda is known today as the only complete medical system still in
existence.
Basics Principles of Ayurveda
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS
|
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Elements
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Essential
|
Auxiliary
|
Related to
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Ether (AKASHA)
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Sound
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Non-resistance
|
Rarefaction
|
Air ( VAYU)
|
Touch
|
Vibration
|
Propulsion
|
Fire (TEJAS)
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Appearance
|
Heat & Color
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Conversion
|
Water (APAS )
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Taste
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Fluidity
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Degree of Liquidity
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Earth (PRITHIVI )
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Smell
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Solidity
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Density of Particles
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RELATION OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS
TO THE THREE ENERGY PRINCIPLES IN THE UNIVERSE |
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STRUCTURE OF UNIVERSE
|
FUNCTIONS IN UNIVERSE
|
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Ether (space)
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WIND
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(Principle of propulsion, movement)
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Air (motion)
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Fire (energy)
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SUN
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(Principle of conversion, transformation)
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Water (cohesion)
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MOON
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(Principle of cooling, cohesion or preservation)
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Earth (mass)
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Thrigunas
There are three primary qualities, which are
omnipresent at work behind all material forms in nature, i.e, Satwa
(consciousness or intellect), Rajas (motion or action) and Thamas (inertia or
resistance).
Satwa
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Rajas
|
Thamas
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Whatever is pure and illuminating. Inferred as pleasure.
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Whatever is active, energising & activating.
Inferred as pain.
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Whatever is passive and offers resistance and
restraints. Inferred as delusion.
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Thridoshas
There are three biological humors or doshas. VATHA
- the energetic humor controls destruction; PITTA - the thermogenic humor
organises body activities after transformation; and KAPHA - the cohesive humor
is responsible for maintaining creation.
Properties
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Vatha
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Pitta
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Kapha
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Rooksham (dry)
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Snigdham (unctuous)
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Snigdham (unctuous)
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Laghu (light)
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Theekshanam (sharp)
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Seetham (cold)
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Seetham (cold)
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Ushnam (hot)
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Guru (heavy)
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Kharam (rough)
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Laghu (light)
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Mandam (dull)
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Sookshmam (subtle)
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Visram (foul smelling)
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Slekshnam (smooth)
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Chala (mobile)
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Saram (flowing)
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Mrusthnam (soft)
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-
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Dravam (fluid)
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Sthira (firm)
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Functions
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Dosha
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Normal function
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Vatha
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Energy, inspiration, expiration, actions,
mechanism of impulse, proper functions of dhathus and of indriyas.
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Pitta
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Digestion, body temperature, hunger, thirst,
taste, beauty, intellect, grasping power, courage, body softness.
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Kapha
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Stability, unctuousness, strength of joints.
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Seats of Doshas
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Vatha
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Adharangam
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Lower part of the body
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Pitta
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Madhyangam
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Middle part of the body.
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Kapha
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Urdhwangam
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Upper part of the body
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Divisions of Doshas
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Vatha
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Name
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Functions
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Prana
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It is responsible for receiving substances like
air, water, food and impressions through the five sense organs from the
outside world.
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Udana
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It is responsible for rendering the received food
in the stomach in fluid or solid. Speech and memory are also functions of
Udana.
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Samana
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Digestion and absorption.
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Apana
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It is for controlling movements of constituents
like urine, faeces, flatus, menstrual discharge. It is responsible for
delivery and ejaculation as well.
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Vyana
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It is responsible for the propulsion from center
to periphery; movements of limbs, flow of blood and sweat.
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Dhathus
Dhathus are tissues of the body that are maintained
within a particular limit and do not get eliminated (except the reproductive
one - shukra).
NAME
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CHARACTER
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FUNCTION
|
Rasa (CHYLE)
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Nutrient fluid
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Nutrition
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Rakta (BLOOD)
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Blood
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Oxygenation
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Mamsa (MUSCLE)
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Muscular tissue
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Movement
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Medas (FAT)
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Lubricating fat deposits
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Lubrication
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Asthi (BONE)
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Supporting and accommodating bony structures
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Support
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Majja(BONE MARROW)
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Tissues inside the bone
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Support
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Shukra (REPRODUCTIVE)
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Reproductive system
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Reproduction
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Dosha - Dhathu relationship
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VATHA
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destructive to
|
all dhathus
|
PITTA
|
enhancing
|
rakta dhatu and sweda mala
|
KAPHA
|
enhancing
|
all dhathus
|
Malas
They are waste products from the metabolic
activities of the body. They are
Dosha - Dhathu relationship
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|
Mala
|
Function
|
Pureesha (faecal matter)
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gives strength to stand erect.
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Moothra (urine)
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gives slimy character to the body.
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Sweda (sweat)
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makes the skin unctuous.
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Dooshikadimala (excreta from eyes, nose, ears)
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protects and lubricates.
|
Agni
It is the digestive power of the human system, but
also appears throughout the universe in various changes of substances such as
those observed in chemical, bio-chemical and nuclear processes. However it is
to be distinguished from Agni Bhutha, which is a principle. Agni works at 3
different levels.
Jataragni
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The digestive fire or the power to digest food.
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Dhatvagni
|
Special digestive agencies for various bodily
tissues dependent on Jataragni.
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Bhuthagni
|
Required for the formation of specific material
in the body such as rods and cones responsible for photosensitivity in the
eye, special liquids around the taste buds in the tongue and so on.
|
Each of these three divisions have further
subdivisions not mentioned here.
Koshtam
This is the character of bowel movements, which are
of four types.
Kruram (Constipative)
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Vatha predominant
|
Madhyam (Medium)
|
Pitta predominant
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Mridhu (Loose)
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Kapha predominant
|
Samam (Naturally formed)
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Vatha-Pitta-Kapha balanced
|
Each of these three divisions have further
subdivisions not mentioned here.
Prakrithi
Prakriti is the natural thridosha constitution of
the body which results from the predominance of Doshas right from the moment of
conception of a person.
Prakriti is the natural thridosha constitution of
the body which results from the predominance of Doshas right from the moment of
conception of a person. Based on the permutations and combinations of the three
Doshas, seven types of constitutions can be formed.
·
Vatha
·
Pitta
·
Kapha
·
Vatha-Pitta
·
Vatha-Kapha
·
Pitta-Kapha
·
Sannipatha or balanced constitution (Sama
Prakriti).
Doshic constitution takes shape right from the
moment of conception. The types are classified by their predominance. A purely
single Dosha constitution is seldom found and a balanced constitution, though
extremely good, is also rare.
Constitution Chart
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PHYSICAL FEATURES
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VATHA
|
PITTA
|
KAPHA
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Body frame
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Lean & thin.
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Moderate.
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Large & thick.
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Body weight
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Low.
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Moderate.
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Overweight.
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Skin
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Dry, rough, cool, black, brown.
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Soft, oily, warm, fair, yellowish, red.
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Thick, oily, cool, pale, white, glistening.
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Hair
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Dry, rough, brittle, blackish, brown.
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Soft, oily, early grey, baldness, yellow, red.
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Thick, oily, wavy, dark, glistening, white.
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Teeth
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Irregular, protruded, crooked, thin gums,
tendency towards tooth decay.
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Regular, moderate, soft, gums, yellowish.
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Regular, strong, white, healthy.
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Eyes
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Small, dull, attractive, brown, black iris.
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Medium, sharp, penetrating, green, grey,
yellowish iris.
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Big, blue iris, thick eyelashes.
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Joints
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Bony markings seen.
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Just visible.
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Not seen.
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Musculature
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Slender but hard.
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Loose.
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Firm, stout.
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FUNCTIONAL FACTORS
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VATHA
|
PITTA
|
KAPHA
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Appetite
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Variable, scanty.
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Good, excessive.
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Low, but steady.
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Thirst
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Variable.
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Excessive.
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Less.
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Sweating
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Variable.
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Excessive.
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Less.
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Sleep
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Scanty, interrupted.
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Moderate, 4-6 hours, slightly disturbed.
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More than 6 hours, sound.
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Taste they like
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Sweet, sour, salty.
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Sweet, bitter astringent.
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Pungent, bitter, astringent
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Elimination
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Irregular, dry, hard, constipated.
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Regular, soft, oily, loose.
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Regular, oily.
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Physical Activity
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Fast & very active.
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Medium.
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Lethargic and slow.
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Sexual Vitality
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Less.
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Moderate.
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Good.
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Pulse
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Thready and weak.
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Jumping .
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Broad & slow.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
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VATHA
|
PITTA
|
KAPHA
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Emotional temperament
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Unpredictable, anxious, insecure.
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Irritable, aggressive, greedy, jealous.
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Calm, quiet.
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Mind
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Restless, active.
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Aggressive, intelligent.
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Calm.
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Faith
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Changeable.
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Fanatic.
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Steady.
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Memory
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Recent - good;
remote - poor. |
Sharp.
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Slow but prolonged.
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Interests
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Recreation, dance, drama, cultural activities.
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Dress and ornaments.
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Philosophical topics.
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- See more at:
Dinacharya
The daily practices to be
carried out to promote optimal health and optimal use of our faculties.
Activities
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Description
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Indicated for
|
Contra- indicated in
|
Udhanam.
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Getting up in Brahma muhoortham means 2
hrs. before sunrise.
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Brahma muhoortham is the suitable time to
acquire Brahmam or jnanam(knowledge).
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Diseased conditions.
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Mala-moothra Pravarthanam
(defaecation & micturition). |
Perform these, whenever the urge comes
naturally. Do not inhibit or stimulate these urges.
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To make the body systems clean and to
expel the waste materials.
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Soucham.
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After defaecation clean the organs with
pure water.
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Cleaning.
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Dantha dhavanam
(Cleaning the teeth). |
Clean the teeth with 12 finger long,
straight, sharp one end crushed fibrous root, which is taken from herbs
having astringent, hot and bitter tastes like Calotropis gigantia. Ficus
bengalensis, Acacia catechu, Pongamia glabra etc. Then massage the gums with
a herbal powder mixed with honey. This is to be done especially in the
morning and after every food intake.
|
To make the teeth and gums clean &
healthy.
|
Indigestion, nausea, respiratory
disorders, facial paralysis, stomatitis, diseases of heart, eye, head and
ear.
|
Jihwa nirlekhanam
(Cleaning the tongue). |
Clean the tongue with a thin 10 finger
long spatula made of gold, silver, copper or soft wood or leaf. This is to be
done only in the morning.
|
To make the tongue clean.
|
Nausea and vomiting.
|
Mukha dhavanam
(Washing the face & mouth). |
Wash the face, mouth, eyes, ear and nose,
with cold water in hot season and luke warm water in cold season.
|
Cleansing to impart freshness.
|
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Anjanam
(Use of collyrium). |
Apply the preparation of collyrium viz. souveeranjanam daily in both eyes. Apply the anjanam called Rasnjanam every 7th day.
|
Improves visual power, protects the eyes
from Kapha dosha.
|
Diseases caused by Vata.
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Nasyam (Nasal drops).
|
Apply nasal drops prepared using oils,
viz. Anuthailam.
|
For healthy head, shoulders & chest,
sense organs. Also prevents wrinkles, baldness & discolourations.
|
Toxic conditions, indigestion,
respiratory diseases and post natal care.
|
Gandoosham / Kabalam (Gargling).
|
Gargling with oils, decoctions, honey,
milk, water etc.
|
For healthy mouth, teeth, tongue, gums
and lips.
|
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Dhoomapanam
(Inhalation of medicinal fumes). |
Burning herbal medicines and inhaling the
fumes.
|
To make the head, sense organs &
respiratory system clean and healthy.
|
Diseased conditions.
|
Thamboola Charvanam (Chewing).
|
Chewing betel leaves with spices.
|
To impart freshness in mouth.
|
Toxic con- ditions, mental diseases,
tuberculosis and diseases of head.
|
Kesha-Nakha-Samrakshana (Care for hair, nails, etc.).
|
Shaving, nail cutting, maintenance of
hair, etc. on time.
|
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Abhyangam (Massage).
|
Apply oil all over the body especially on
head, ear and feet and gently massage.
|
Reduces fatigue & ailments associated
with ageing. For healthy eyes, sound sleep, longevity and nourishment.
|
Conditions with aggravated Kapha,
immediately after food intake, after Sodhana treatments and in indigestion .
|
Vyayamam (Exercise).
|
Carrying out exercises daily using half
the physical strength of the person till sweating.
|
For lightness of body, provides strength,
improves digestive power & reduces obesity.
|
Conditions, like aggravated Vata & Pitta in childhood, old age and in indigestion.
|
Udvarthanam
(Massage with powders). |
Massage with herbal powder opposite to
the direction of hair growth.
|
To provide strength to organs and health
to skin. Reduces excessive Kapha, imparts sturdy
body, proper functions of organs and comely skin.
|
Diseases of Vata.
|
Snanam (bath).
|
Take bath with luke warm water or wash
the head with boiled and cooled water only.
|
Improves digestion, longevity, energy to
keep the body clean & healthy.
|
Facial paralysis, diseases of eye, mouth,
ear, flatulence, sinusitis, indigestion, diarrhoea and immediately after food
intake.
|
Sugandhalepanam
(use of perfumes). |
Apply perfumes made out of herbal
materials.
|
For pleasing the mind.
|
|
Pushpadharanam/Abharanam
(Use of flowers/ ornaments). |
Use ornaments and flowers according to
the culture of the society.
|
For pleasing the mind.
|
|
Vasthradharanam (Dress).
|
Dress neatly.
|
For pleasing the mind.
|
The Three Pillars of Life
The key to health depends not
only in the application of drugs but on the prime factors of life and vitality.
The three most important factors according to Ayurveda are food, sleep and
sexual energy.
AHARAM (Food)
Food sustains the life of all
living beings.
Properties of
food
All food
articles are composed of these three factors
·
The five elements i.e., Panchabhuthas.
·
The six tastes (Shad
Rasas) .
·
The twenty attributes (Vimsathi
Gunas)
Rules for
taking food Aharakalam (time for food intake)
·
When previously taken food is completely digested.
·
After defaecation and micturition.
·
When belching is pure i.e, devoid of the smell of any food.
·
When proper hunger arises.
Aharamathra (quantity of food)
·
Half the capacity of stomach alone be filled with food
materials.
·
¼th space of the stomach needs to be filled with water.
·
The balance space to be spared to facilitate smooth movement of
air.
Other factors
·
Food must be fresh and consumed in a clean place in a
comfortable environment, without talking and laughing and with concentration.
·
While taking food, mind should be peaceful.
·
Do not take excessive quantity of food; do not take inadequate
quantity also.
NIDRA (Sleep)
When the body gets tired and
mind turns away from the sense organs owing to the increase of the quality of
Tamas in the mind, person falls asleep. Just as we require proper food, rest to
the body and mind are also essential. Happiness and misery, obesity and
leanness, strength and weakness, sexual vigor and impotence, consciousness and
loss of sensory acuity, life and death all depend upon proper and improper
sleep.
Depending upon the causative
factors; sleep can be classified into
·
Natural.
·
Due to exhaustion of mind and body.
·
Due to increase in Tamas or dullness in the mind.
·
Owing to aggravation of Kapha which causes heaviness and fatigue.
·
Caused by external injury (as to the head).
·
Due to diseases and fatigue they cause.
·
Due to the advent of the night or according to the movement of
time.
Complications
of day sleep
·
Aggravation of Kapha and Pitta and diseases caused by them.
·
Obesity and associated complications.
·
Indigestion.
Permitted day
sleep
·
In Greeshma Rithu (summer)
Complications
of Insomnia
·
Body pain.
·
Indigestion and vomiting.
·
Giddiness.
·
Laziness.
·
Yawning and weakness.
·
Senselessness.
·
Diseases of aggravated Vata.
Measures to
induce good sleep
·
Unctousness of the head, eyes, ear.
·
Massage.
·
Intake of milk, wine, soup.
·
Bathing.
·
Psychic pleasure.
·
Hearty sounds and smell.
ABRAHMACHARYAM
This deals with sexual
enjoyment.
Rules
·
Both partners must want to perform the act.
·
Both of them should be good in physical and mental health.
·
Should not engage in sex with a woman in her menstrual period..
·
Avoid women who are devoid of passion, not clean, too old, too
young, sick or pregnant.
·
Both partners after enjoying the sexual intercourse, should take
a cool bath, drink cool water, milk or wine or food containing natural sugar .
·
Those who regulate their sexual energy will have increased
memory, power, intelligence, health and longevity.
Sadvritha (Ethical Regimen)
Ayurveda prescribes certain
rules for maintaining healthy mind. These are principles of right conduct that
are applicable to all people at all times and places. Practicing them gives
balance and peace to the mind. Mind has a strong relation to the Thridosha
balance and thereby health. They are
·
Always speak the truth.
·
Do not lose your temper under any circumstances.
·
Do not get addicted to sensory pleasures.
·
Do not harm anyone.
·
As far as possible, do not expose yourself to hardships.
·
Try to control your passions.
·
Endeavor to speak pleasant and sweet words.
·
Meditate everyday for tranquility of mind.
·
Observe cleanliness in all things.
·
Be patient.
·
Observe self control.
·
Try to distribute knowledge, good advice and money to others.
·
Whenever possible, devote your services to God, to the wise and
to respectable or elderly individuals.
·
Be straightforward and kind.
·
Avoid irregularity in daily activities.
·
Avoid over eating, overdrinking, too much sexual activity, too
much or too little sleep.
·
Behave according to the time and place where you are residing.
·
Act always in a courteous and polite manner.
·
Control your sense organs.
·
Make a habit of doing all that is good and avoiding all that is
bad.
The ten sins
1.
Himsa (Homicide).
2.
Astheyam (Theft).
3.
Anyadha kamam (Desire for another's spouse).
4.
Paisoonyam (Gossip).
5.
Parusha (Harsh speech).
6.
Anrutham (Lying).
7.
Sambhinnalapam (Meaningless and ugly conversation).
8.
Vyapadam (Venomous act with vengeance).
9.
Abhidya (Desire for other's possessions).
10.
Drik viparyayam (Atheism).
Rithucharya
Rithucharya are activities that
are specified to be done during the different seasons. They are, in fact,
variations to be effected in the Dinacharya.
Eg: In summer daytime sleep is
recommended.
Seasons taken into account are
Greeshmam
|
Summer
|
Varsham
|
Rainy season
|
Sarath
|
Winter
|
Rogi Pareeksha
It is the examination of the patient and is divided
into 3 steps
DARSANAM
|
Inspection, Observation.
|
SPARSANAM
|
Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation.
|
PRASNAM
|
Interrogation.
|
These steps are applied to a further detailed
examination of the patient that is conducted in two ways - Dasavidha Pareeksha
(tenfold examination) and Ashtasthana Pareeksha (eightfold examination).
Dasavidha
Pareeksha
|
||
1.
|
Dooshyam
|
Regarding the structural and functional
abnormalities of the body.
|
2.
|
Desham
|
Geographical situation of the place where patient
lives (eg: marshy).
|
3.
|
Balam
|
Physical strength.
|
4.
|
Kalam
|
The season and climatic conditions.
|
5.
|
Analam
|
The digestive power of the patient.
|
6.
|
Prakrithi
|
The natural Thridosha constitution of the body.
|
7.
|
Vayas
|
Age of the patient.
|
8.
|
Satvam
|
Regarding the structural and functional
abnormalities of the body.
|
9.
|
Sathmyam
|
General and personal habits of the patient.
Eg: smoking, hard working, day sleeping etc. |
10.
|
Aharam
|
Nature of food (eg. vegetarian or
non-vegetarian).
|
Ashtasthana
Pareeksha
|
||
1.
|
Nadi
|
Pulse.
|
2.
|
Moothram
|
Urine.
|
3.
|
Malam
|
Faecal matter.
|
4.
|
Jihwa
|
Tongue-taste.
|
5.
|
Sabdam
|
Voice and speech of the patient.
|
6.
|
Sparsham
|
Touch, skin and tactile sense.
|
7.
|
Drik
|
Eyes and vision.
|
8.
|
Akrithi
|
General body build,
eg: lean, muscular, etc. |
Roga Pareeksha
It is the diagnosis of the disease and is done by
ascertaining the following five factors.
1.
|
Nidanam
|
Causative factors of the disease.
|
2.
|
Purvaroopam
|
Prodromal symptoms.
eg : excessive sweating in Diabetes. |
3.
|
Roopam
|
Sign and symptoms.
eg : increased blood sugar in Diabetes. |
4.
|
Upashayam
|
Alleviating factors.
|
5.
|
Samprapthi
|
Pathogenesis.
|
Diagnosis and treatment are also based on the
sources of knowledge.
Chaturvidha Jnanas (4 sources of knowledge)
|
||
1.
|
Pratyaksham
|
from what is observed.
|
2.
|
Anumanam
|
what is inferred.
|
3.
|
Aptopadesam
|
from authority.
|
4.
|
Yukti
|
according to logic.
|
-
Medicines and their properties
RASA
It is the examination of the patient and is
divided into 3 steps
Madhura (Sweet)
|
V-
|
P-
|
K+
|
Amla (Sour)
|
V-
|
P+
|
K+
|
Lavana (Salty)
|
V-
|
P+
|
K+
|
Tikta (Bitter)
|
V+
|
P-
|
K-
|
Kadu (Pungent)
|
V+
|
P+
|
K-
|
Kashaya (Astringent)
|
V+
|
P-
|
K-
|
Where
|
||||
V = Vatha
|
P = Pitta
|
K = Kapha
|
+ = Causes increase
|
- = Causes decrease
|
Rasa - Bhutha Relation
|
|
Elements
|
Rasas
|
Ether + Air
|
Tikta - bitter
|
Air + Fire
|
Katu - pungent
|
Fire + Water
|
Lavana - saline, salty
|
Water + Earth
|
Madhura - sweet, plain taste
|
Earth + Fire
|
Amla - sour
|
Earth + Air
|
Kashaya - astringent
|
GUNA
Guna is a quality, mode or property. Out of
the Gunas, only twenty are used in Pharmacology. They are known as Gurvadi Guna
(Vimsathi Gunas).
Guna
|
Composition
|
Action
|
Guru (Heavy)
|
E-W
|
Building (Brimhana)
|
Laghu (Light)
|
F-A-
|
Eth Reducing (Langhana)
|
Seetham (Cold)
|
W
|
Cooling (Stambhana)
|
Ushnam (Hot)
|
F
|
Heating (Swedana)
|
Snigdham (Unctuous)
|
W
|
Moistening (Kledana)
|
Ruksham (Dry)
|
E-F-A
|
Absorbing (Shoshana)
|
Mandam (Dull)
|
E-W
|
Slowing-pacifying (Shamana)
|
Theekshanam (Sharp)
|
F
|
Penetrating-purifying (Shodhana)
|
Sthiram (Firm)
|
E
|
Stabilizing (Dharana)
|
Saram (Mobile)
|
A
|
Stimulating (Prerana)
|
Mridu (Soft)
|
W-
|
Eth Loosening (Shlathana)
|
Kadhina (Hard)
|
E
|
Hardening (Dridhikarana)
|
Vishadam (Clear)
|
E-F-A-
|
Eth Cleansing (Kshalana)
|
Pichilam (Sticky)
|
W
|
Adhering (Lepana)
|
Slekshnam (Smooth)
|
W-E
|
Healing (Roopana)
|
Kharam (Rough)
|
A
|
VEERYA
The potency by which the action of a
substance is taking place.
Type
|
Action on Doshas
|
General Effect
|
Hot
|
Pacifies Kapha and Vatha, aggravates
Pitta.
|
Helps digestion, causes hot sensation,
thirst, diaphoresis.
|
Cold
|
Pacifies Pitta, aggravates Kapha and
Vatha
|
Cooling, exhilarant, moistening,
enlivening, enhances reproductive functions.
|
VIPAKA
The food ingested is acted upon by the
digestive fire, in the process of which the six tastes (Rasas) are resynthesised
into post digestive effect. This is called Vipaka. And the post digestive
effect is inferred from the final action of the ingested food or medicine.
Tastes
|
Post-Digestive Effect
|
Action
|
Madhura (sweet) Lavana (saline)
|
Sweet
|
Promotes Kapha, smoothly eliminates
faeces and urine, increases reproductive fluids.
|
Amla (sour)
|
Sour
|
Promotes Pitta, smoothly eliminates
faeces and urine, diminishes reproductive fluids.
|
Kadu (pungent) Tikta (bitter) Kashaya
(astringent)
|
Pungent
|
Promotes Vatha, suppresses faeces and
urine, diminishes reproductive fluids.
|
PRABHAVAM
Specific potency of a herb is called
Prabhava, which is observed irrespective of the tastes and post digestive
effects. eg. Cardiotonic activity of the plant Terminalia arjuna.
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