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The term “indriya” refers to the sensory faculties (jnanendriya) (SAT-B.192)<ref name=sat>Available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>  and motor faculties (karmendriya) (SAT-B.186)<ref name=sat/> along with the internal system of perception of knowledge. Ayurveda describes the concept of indriya in a broader perspective than the structural presence of sense organs like eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue. Each sense has a capacity to connect with the consciousness and develop as a super sense in the presence of mind and soul. Intellect is also involved in the process of perception. This article describes the holistic concept of indriya and its contemporary utility in the preservation of health.  

The term “indriya” refers to the sensory faculties (jnanendriya) (SAT-B.192)<ref name=sat>Available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>  and motor faculties (karmendriya) (SAT-B.186)<ref name=sat/> along with the internal system of perception of knowledge. Ayurveda describes the concept of indriya in a broader perspective than the structural presence of sense organs like eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue. Each sense has a capacity to connect with the consciousness and develop as a super sense in the presence of mind and soul. Intellect is also involved in the process of perception. This article describes the holistic concept of indriya and its contemporary utility in the preservation of health.  

 

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

==Etymology, derivation, and synonyms ==

==Etymology, derivation, and synonyms ==

The Sanskrit word Indriya means – “ that which is related to, or originated from ‘indra’ or created by the supreme power”.<ref>Jha Srujan. Amarkosha online application</ref>  It means prana or vital life force. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]] 1/1-2].  

The Sanskrit word Indriya means – “ that which is related to, or originated from ‘indra’ or created by the supreme power”.<ref>Jha Srujan. Amarkosha online application</ref>  It means prana or vital life force. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]] 1/1-2].  

The word indriya is denoted by synonyms like hrushikam, vishayi, aksham, karanam, and grahanam. All these terms refer to the sensory and motor faculty along with their internal processing system.<ref>Jha Srujan. Shabdakalpadruma online application</ref>

The word indriya is denoted by synonyms like hrushikam, vishayi, aksham, karanam, and grahanam. All these terms refer to the sensory and motor faculty along with their internal processing system.<ref>Jha Srujan. Shabdakalpadruma online application</ref>

 

== Meanings in different contexts: ==

== Meanings in different contexts: ==

*The term indriya is also used to denote the semen virile (shukra). It also indicates any powerful act or bodily power.<ref>Monier-Williams, available from -Jha Srujan. Amarkosha online application</ref>

*The term indriya is also used to denote the semen virile (shukra). It also indicates any powerful act or bodily power.<ref>Monier-Williams, available from -Jha Srujan. Amarkosha online application</ref>

*The presence of “indriya” is the criteria to determine the presence of consciousness (chetana) in a substance. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48]   

*The presence of “indriya” is the criteria to determine the presence of consciousness (chetana) in a substance. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48]   

*The terms Indriya and [[Atma]] are used interchangeably in some contexts. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/18]

*The terms Indriya and [[Atma]] are used interchangeably in some contexts. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/18]

*The term indriya mainly refers to the sensory faculties. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/14] They are considered as the instruments (karana) for the knowledge in the form of direct perception (pratyaksha jnana). [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/4]

*The term indriya mainly refers to the sensory faculties. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/14] They are considered as the instruments (karana) for the knowledge in the form of direct perception (pratyaksha jnana). [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/4]

==Types or classification ==

==Types or classification ==

Indriya are mainly classified into three categories:

Indriya are mainly classified into three categories:

   

   

Mind (manas) is known as supreme faculty (atindriya) or dual faculty (ubhayendriya) which is having control over both sensory as well as motor faculties. [A.S.Sharira Sthana 5/44]

Mind (manas) is known as supreme faculty (atindriya) or dual faculty (ubhayendriya) which is having control over both sensory as well as motor faculties. [A.S.Sharira Sthana 5/44]

===Formation of indriya===

===Formation of indriya===

'''Panchchabhautika constitution'''

'''Panchchabhautika constitution'''

*In embryonic development, indriya formation happens during the third month. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 4/11]

*In embryonic development, indriya formation happens during the third month. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 4/11]

 

===Special locations of Indriya===

===Special locations of Indriya===

In the human body, each sensory faculty (indriya) is located in a particular area with a predominance of the particular [[mahabhuta]].

In the human body, each sensory faculty (indriya) is located in a particular area with a predominance of the particular [[mahabhuta]].

The only exception for this is tactile faculty (sparshanendriya) which is spread all over the body.

The only exception for this is tactile faculty (sparshanendriya) which is spread all over the body.

|Ghranendriya(Olfactory sense)||[[Prithvi]]||Gandha (smell) ||Nose||Sense of olfaction  

|Ghranendriya(Olfactory sense)||[[Prithvi]]||Gandha (smell) ||Nose||Sense of olfaction  

|}

|}

 

===Difference between sense (indriya) and organ (indriya adhishtana)<ref>Aniket A. Shilwant, Indriya Shaarir. Life Sciences Medical Publisher, Mumbai. 1st Edition, 2018.</ref>  ===

===Difference between sense (indriya) and organ (indriya adhishtana)<ref>Aniket A. Shilwant, Indriya Shaarir. Life Sciences Medical Publisher, Mumbai. 1st Edition, 2018.</ref>  ===

To know physiological process of sensation, it is important to know the difference between sense and sense organs.  

To know physiological process of sensation, it is important to know the difference between sense and sense organs.  

|4||Primary contact with the source of knowledge ||Secondary contact with the source of knowledge

|4||Primary contact with the source of knowledge ||Secondary contact with the source of knowledge

|}

|}

 

===Functioning of indriya===

===Functioning of indriya===

'''Process of perception of knowledge'''

'''Process of perception of knowledge'''

|5||Reproduction (upastha)||Sex organs and genitalia, receptors|| Association area, Hypothalamus, Limbic system, Centre of arousal in Hypothalamus,Limbic system ||Satisfaction, pleasure, reproduction

|5||Reproduction (upastha)||Sex organs and genitalia, receptors|| Association area, Hypothalamus, Limbic system, Centre of arousal in Hypothalamus,Limbic system ||Satisfaction, pleasure, reproduction

|}

|}

 

== Similarity of receptor theory with indriya ==

== Similarity of receptor theory with indriya ==

Receptors are specialized materialistic structural interfaces made up of proteins. They have the ability to receive and transduce the signals received. This ability to transform and convert any form of energy into electrical energy makes the receptor behave as ‘biological transducers’. These can get saturated due to a finite number of binding sites. They have a high affinity towards respective ligands within physiological limits and concentrations.<ref>Alberts B, Bray D, et.al , Essential Cell Biology,New York, NY, USA: Garland Science, 4th edition,2014, Pg. No. 534</ref> The impulse generated by receptors is further carried to higher centers situated in the brain and spinal cord to analyze and interpret the stimulus. This conduction of impulse on reaching the brain may either have or do not have a conscious perception of knowledge.  

Receptors are specialized materialistic structural interfaces made up of proteins. They have the ability to receive and transduce the signals received. This ability to transform and convert any form of energy into electrical energy makes the receptor behave as ‘biological transducers’. These can get saturated due to a finite number of binding sites. They have a high affinity towards respective ligands within physiological limits and concentrations.<ref>Alberts B, Bray D, et.al , Essential Cell Biology,New York, NY, USA: Garland Science, 4th edition,2014, Pg. No. 534</ref> The impulse generated by receptors is further carried to higher centers situated in the brain and spinal cord to analyze and interpret the stimulus. This conduction of impulse on reaching the brain may either have or do not have a conscious perception of knowledge.  

The above observations and discussion indicate striking similarities between the mechanism of indriya and receptors.<ref>Aniket Anil Shilwant, Role of indriya in cognition as explained in Ayurveda with reference to receptors, International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2020, 8(6), 23-30. Retrieved from https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1513</ref> The processes of acquiring knowledge, memory, and various physiological reactions can be seen in terms of indriya and receptor theory.  

The above observations and discussion indicate striking similarities between the mechanism of indriya and receptors.<ref>Aniket Anil Shilwant, Role of indriya in cognition as explained in Ayurveda with reference to receptors, International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2020, 8(6), 23-30. Retrieved from https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1513</ref> The processes of acquiring knowledge, memory, and various physiological reactions can be seen in terms of indriya and receptor theory.  

The existence, structural modifications, and functional responsibilities of receptors can be justified by deeper perspectives. The excitability of receptors is manifested due to the presence of a state of consciousness (chetana adhishtana bhutam). The specificity of receptors and discrimination ability is due to a similar elemental constitution (samana / tulya yonitva). The conductivity of impulses through receptors reflects balanced and efficient nervous as well as endocrinal control over all the structures (samayogvahi). Thus, the properties of receptors befit into the mechanisms of perception of knowledge described in Ayurveda. However, this correlation needs more research to establish its utility in the treatment of diseases.

The existence, structural modifications, and functional responsibilities of receptors can be justified by deeper perspectives. The excitability of receptors is manifested due to the presence of a state of consciousness (chetana adhishtana bhutam). The specificity of receptors and discrimination ability is due to a similar elemental constitution (samana / tulya yonitva). The conductivity of impulses through receptors reflects balanced and efficient nervous as well as endocrinal control over all the structures (samayogvahi). Thus, the properties of receptors befit into the mechanisms of perception of knowledge described in Ayurveda. However, this correlation needs more research to establish its utility in the treatment of diseases.

 

==Importance in examination of patients ==  

==Importance in examination of patients ==  

Indriya are the means of direct observation. (pratyaksha jnana) [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/4], [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/39] They are the tools that provide information to the physician about the health condition of a person. Therefore, a physician shall develop his senses to access the knowledge about patient and diseases.

Indriya are the means of direct observation. (pratyaksha jnana) [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/4], [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/39] They are the tools that provide information to the physician about the health condition of a person. Therefore, a physician shall develop his senses to access the knowledge about patient and diseases.

Different sounds produced in the body like  heartbeats, bowel sounds, the sound produced from joints, etc. are assessed using auditory faculty (shrotrendriya). [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/7]

Different sounds produced in the body like  heartbeats, bowel sounds, the sound produced from joints, etc. are assessed using auditory faculty (shrotrendriya). [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/7]

 

== Diagnosis of diseases of indriya==

== Diagnosis of diseases of indriya==

The vitiated [[dosha]] affecting indriya can result in two types of pathology.

The vitiated [[dosha]] affecting indriya can result in two types of pathology.

b)Complete and permanent damage (upaghata) [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/20]

b)Complete and permanent damage (upaghata) [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/20]

 

===Weakness of indriya (indriya daurbalya) ===

===Weakness of indriya (indriya daurbalya) ===

The indriya become weak and less efficient due to abnormal increase of [[pitta]] [[dosha]] and decrease of [[vata]] and [[kapha]] dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/60], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15 /13].The weakness may be either due to anatomical abnormality of the structural abode of these faculties or the functional abnormality in their controlling system. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15 /13].  

The indriya become weak and less efficient due to abnormal increase of [[pitta]] [[dosha]] and decrease of [[vata]] and [[kapha]] dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/60], [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15 /13].The weakness may be either due to anatomical abnormality of the structural abode of these faculties or the functional abnormality in their controlling system. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15 /13].  

The important cause of this condition is the consumption of incompatible foods (viruddha ahara). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/19].

The important cause of this condition is the consumption of incompatible foods (viruddha ahara). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/19].

Studies have shown that dietary intake of green leafy vegetables, glycaemic index, and omega-3 fatty acid, as well as overall dietary pattern, can influence the risk factors of visual impairment.<ref>Broadhead, G. K., Hong, T., Bahrami, B., Flood, V., Liew, G., & Chang, A. A. (2020). Diet and risk of visual impairment: a review of dietary factors and risk of common causes of visual impairment. Nutrition Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa100</ref> Low intakes of fat and protein have been associated with hearing discomfort.<ref>Kim SY, Sim S, Kim HJ, Choi HG. Low-fat and low-protein diets are associated with hearing discomfort among the elderly of Korea. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(10):1711–7</ref>  

Studies have shown that dietary intake of green leafy vegetables, glycaemic index, and omega-3 fatty acid, as well as overall dietary pattern, can influence the risk factors of visual impairment.<ref>Broadhead, G. K., Hong, T., Bahrami, B., Flood, V., Liew, G., & Chang, A. A. (2020). Diet and risk of visual impairment: a review of dietary factors and risk of common causes of visual impairment. Nutrition Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa100</ref> Low intakes of fat and protein have been associated with hearing discomfort.<ref>Kim SY, Sim S, Kim HJ, Choi HG. Low-fat and low-protein diets are associated with hearing discomfort among the elderly of Korea. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(10):1711–7</ref>  

 

===Complete functional loss of indriya ===

===Complete functional loss of indriya ===

When abnormally increased [[vata]] [[dosha]] affects the sensory faculties, they have a total loss of function (indriya vadha).[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/29], [Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 1/24]   

When abnormally increased [[vata]] [[dosha]] affects the sensory faculties, they have a total loss of function (indriya vadha).[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/29], [Su. Sa. Nidana Sthana 1/24]   

Improper, less or excess indulgence in sensory and motor activities is an important fundamental cause of any disease. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/15] The diseases related to indriya (aindriyaka vyadhi) are caused by non – utilization (ayoga), excessive utilization (atiyoga) and malpractice (mithya yoga) of sense or motor faculties. [ Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/128]

Improper, less or excess indulgence in sensory and motor activities is an important fundamental cause of any disease. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 8/15] The diseases related to indriya (aindriyaka vyadhi) are caused by non – utilization (ayoga), excessive utilization (atiyoga) and malpractice (mithya yoga) of sense or motor faculties. [ Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/128]

 

== Effect of ageing on indriya ==

== Effect of aging on indriya ==

The power of sensory and motor faculties decreases with age. It is evident that after the age of forty years, the power starts decreasing gradually and it becomes more evident after the age of seventy years. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/29]  

The power of sensory and motor faculties decreases with age. It is evident that after the age of forty years, the power starts decreasing gradually and it becomes more evident after the age of seventy years. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/29]  

In a research study, it is found that an increase in the threshold for odour detection, lower perceived odour intensity, and a decreased ability to identify food-related odours occur in old age.<ref>Rolls BJ, Do chemosensory changes influence food intake in the elderly? Physiol Behav. 1999 Apr;66(2):193-7. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(98)00264-9. PMID: 10336143.</ref> Current research suggests that some nutritional deficiencies (e.g. zinc) are associated with taste disturbances in older individuals.<ref>Pisano M, Hilas O, Zinc and Taste Disturbances in Older Adults: A Review of the Literature. Consult Pharm. 2016 May;31(5):267-70. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2016.267. PMID: 27178656</ref>

In a research study, it is found that an increase in the threshold for odour detection, lower perceived odour intensity, and a decreased ability to identify food-related odours occur in old age.<ref>Rolls BJ, Do chemosensory changes influence food intake in the elderly? Physiol Behav. 1999 Apr;66(2):193-7. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(98)00264-9. PMID: 10336143.</ref> Current research suggests that some nutritional deficiencies (e.g. zinc) are associated with taste disturbances in older individuals.<ref>Pisano M, Hilas O, Zinc and Taste Disturbances in Older Adults: A Review of the Literature. Consult Pharm. 2016 May;31(5):267-70. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2016.267. PMID: 27178656</ref>

 

== Preservation of health of indriya and management of disease ==

== Preservation of health of indriya and management of disease ==

'''Daily regimen:'''

'''Daily regimen:'''

Walking for a comfortable distance in a particular manner(chamkramana)is also good for all sensory faculties.[Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/80]. Recent researches also describe the functional roles of sense organs in the control of locomotion.<ref>Delcomyn F, Nelson ME, Cocatre-Zilgien JH. Sense Organs of Insect Legs and the Selection of Sensors for Agile Walking Robots. The International Journal of Robotics Research. 1996;15(2):113-127.</ref> A cross-sectional study (n = 22,804) revealed that high physical activity levels are associated with fewer visual impairments.<ref>Vancampfort D, Koyanagi A, Ward PB, Rosenbaum S, Schuch FB, Mugisha J, Richards J, Firth J, Stubbs B. Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity and physical activity across 46 low- and middle-income countries. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2017;14(1):6.</ref> High physical activity levels are also associated with better sensitivity to tastes.<ref>Fuchida S, Yamamoto T, Takiguchi T, Kandaudahewa G, Yuyama N, Hirata Y. Association between underweight and taste sensitivity in middle- to old-aged nursing home residents in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(11):854–63</ref>

Walking for a comfortable distance in a particular manner(chamkramana)is also good for all sensory faculties.[Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/80]. Recent researches also describe the functional roles of sense organs in the control of locomotion.<ref>Delcomyn F, Nelson ME, Cocatre-Zilgien JH. Sense Organs of Insect Legs and the Selection of Sensors for Agile Walking Robots. The International Journal of Robotics Research. 1996;15(2):113-127.</ref> A cross-sectional study (n = 22,804) revealed that high physical activity levels are associated with fewer visual impairments.<ref>Vancampfort D, Koyanagi A, Ward PB, Rosenbaum S, Schuch FB, Mugisha J, Richards J, Firth J, Stubbs B. Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity and physical activity across 46 low- and middle-income countries. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2017;14(1):6.</ref> High physical activity levels are also associated with better sensitivity to tastes.<ref>Fuchida S, Yamamoto T, Takiguchi T, Kandaudahewa G, Yuyama N, Hirata Y. Association between underweight and taste sensitivity in middle- to old-aged nursing home residents in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40(11):854–63</ref>

 

== More information ==  

== More information ==  

#[[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]

#[[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]]