Difference between revisions of "Satmya"

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The word “Satmya” literally refers to habit, suitability, wholesomeness, agreeability to nature or natural constitution of individuals. etc.<ref>http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=sAtmya&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref> Understanding the concept of “Satmya” is vital for preserving the healthy status of body. It is equally important in the management of a disease.
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{{#seo:
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|title=Satmya
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|titlemode=append
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|keywords=Satmya in ayurveda,Satmya meaning,Satmya,Types of satmya,Components of satmya,Prakriti satmya,Desha satmya,Ritu satmya,Vyadhi satmya,Swabhava satmya,Jati satmya,Vaya satmya,Okasatmya,Natural suitability of dosha,Role of satmya in life-cycle, Importance of knowledge of satmya,Satmya diet in management of diseases,Satmya life cycle
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|description=The word “Satmya” literally refers to habit, suitability, wholesomeness, agreeability to nature or natural constitution of individuals
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|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
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|image_alt=carak samhita
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|type=article
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<p style="text-align:justify;">The word “Satmya” literally refers to habit, suitability, wholesomeness, agreeability to nature or natural constitution of individuals. etc.<ref>http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=sAtmya&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3</ref> Understanding the concept of “Satmya” is vital for preserving the healthy status of body. It is equally important in the management of a disease. </p>
  
 
{{Infobox
 
{{Infobox
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|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
 
|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
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|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Atma]]
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|data1 = Satmya
  
 
|label2 = Authors
 
|label2 = Authors
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|data2 = Anagha S., Deole Y.S.
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|data2 = Anagha S., [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]
  
 
|label3 = Reviewed by  
 
|label3 = Reviewed by  
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|data3 = Basisht G.
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|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]
  
 
|label4 = Affiliations
 
|label4 = Affiliations
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|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
 
|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
  
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|label6 = Date of first publication:
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|label6 = Publisher
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|data6 = March 03, 2020
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|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
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|label7 = Date of first publication:
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|data7 = February 20, 2020
  
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|label8 = DOI
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|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.003 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.003]
 
}}   
 
}}   
  
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सात्म्यं नाम तद् यदात्मन्युपशेते; सात्म्यार्थो ह्युपशयार्थः|
 
सात्म्यं नाम तद् यदात्मन्युपशेते; सात्म्यार्थो ह्युपशयार्थः|
  
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Satmya (habituation) means that which suits the self. Satmya and upashaya have the same meaning. Thus,satmya is integral part of preservation of health and treatment. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana sthana]] 1/20]
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Habituation(Satmya) means that which suits the self. Satmya and upashaya have the same meaning. Thus,satmya is integral part of preservation of health and treatment. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana sthana]] 1/20]
  
 
सात्म्यं नाम तद्यत् सातत्येनोपसेव्यमानमुपशेते|
 
सात्म्यं नाम तद्यत् सातत्येनोपसेव्यमानमुपशेते|
  
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The substance which produces wholesome effect is called 'satmya' to that person. The prefix ‘Oka’ is appliedto denote habituation done after spontaneous exposure.[[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/118]
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The substance which produces wholesome effect is called 'satmya' to that person. The prefix ‘Oka’ is applied to denote habituation done after spontaneous exposure.[[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/118]
 
   
 
   
 
सात्म्यं नाम सुखं यत् करोति तदुच्यते|  
 
सात्म्यं नाम सुखं यत् करोति तदुच्यते|  
  
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Anything that leads to comfort is satmya.<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>
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Anything that leads to comfort is satmya.[Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]
  
 
===Types of satmya===
 
===Types of satmya===
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[[file:Capture.PNG|400px|'''Image 1:Types of satmya'''|thumb]]
 
[[file:Capture.PNG|400px|'''Image 1:Types of satmya'''|thumb]]
  
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Based on one’s habitual usage of [[rasa]] (taste), satmya could be categorized into three types:
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Based on one’s habitual usage of taste([[rasa]]) taste, satmya could be categorized into three types:
  
 
1. Superior: Consumption of all rasas collectively is considered superior
 
1. Superior: Consumption of all rasas collectively is considered superior
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== Components of satmya ==
 
== Components of satmya ==
  
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Satmya is one of the important assessment parameters in examination of patient. It differs according to desha(geographical region), kala(season), vyadhi (disease), prakriti(naturalconstitution), swabhava (inherent nature) and abhyasa(repeated use).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/5]
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Satmya is one of the important assessment parameters in examination of patient. It differs according to geographical region([[desha]]), season ([[kala]]),disease([[vyadhi]]), naturalconstitution([[prakriti]]),inherent nature(swabhava) and repeated use(abhyasa).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/5]
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For understanding and application in the field of health care, following are the components of satmya.
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For understanding and application in the field of health care, the following are the components of satmya.
  
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=== Prakriti satmya ===
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=== [[Prakriti]] satmya ===
  
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It refers to the diet and lifestyle agreeable to natural constitution of the person. Certain regimen is inherently suitable to one’s natural constitution.For example, the food having sweet, sour and salty taste is inherently suitable for a person with vata dominant constitution, because these tastes naturally pacify vatadosha. All tastes are suitable for a person with balanced constitution involving equilibrium of all dosha. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/41]
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It refers to the diet and lifestyle agreeable to natural constitution of the person. Certain regimen is inherently suitable to one’s natural constitution.For example, the food having sweet, sour and salty taste is inherently suitable for a person with vata dominant constitution, because these tastes naturally pacify Vata dosha. All tastes are suitable for a person with a balanced constitution involving the equilibrium of all dosha. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/41]
  
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=== Desha satmya ===
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=== [[Desha]] satmya ===
  
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Desha satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area.
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[[Desha]] satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area. ‘[[Desha]] denotes the geographic region relating to that substance(s), suitable to the area. The food items growing in a region inherently have specific properties. For example, those growing in arid areas are light to digest and those in the marshy areas are heavy to digest. Likewise, the animals also possess qualities according to that region. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22(5)]
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‘Desha denotes the geographic region relating to that substance(s), suitable to the area. The food items growing in a region inherently havehas specific properties. For example, those growing in arid area are light to digest and those in marshy area are heavy to digest. Likewise, the animals also possess qualities according to that region. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22(5)]
 
 
   
 
   
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The diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities to those of region are considered suitable for preservation health of people living in that area. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]
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The diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities to those of regions are considered suitable for the preservation of the health of people living in that area. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]
  
 
It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area adopt a specific diet and regimens. It may be because of the availability of substances and suitability to that particular environment in that specific area. Any unwholesome food substance to which a person is habituated should not be withdrawn abruptly.  
 
It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area adopt a specific diet and regimens. It may be because of the availability of substances and suitability to that particular environment in that specific area. Any unwholesome food substance to which a person is habituated should not be withdrawn abruptly.  
  
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Following are examples of desha satmya:
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Following are examples of [[desha]] satmya:
  
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• Balhika (present day Afghanisthan) people are habituated to the intake of mamsa (meat), godhuma(wheat), madhvika ( alcoholic beverages), and they are indicated for Shastrakarma (surgery) and Agnikarma (cauterization).  
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• Present-day Afghanisthan (Balhika) people are habituated to the intake of meat(mamsa), wheat(godhuma), alcoholic beverages(madhvika), and they are indicated for surgery(Shastra karma) and cauterization(Agni karma).  
  
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• People from Prachya(east region) are habituated to the use of fish.
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• People from east region(Prachya) are habituated to the use of fish.
  
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• People living in Sindhadesha (present day Ssindh region) are accustomed to the intake of milk.  
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• People living in the Sindh region (Sindha desha) are accustomed to the intake of milk.  
  
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• Ashmaka (region around and between the river Godavari) and Avantika (Ujjain) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances.  
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• region around and between the river Godavari (Ashmaka) and Ujjain (Avantika) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances.  
  
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• People from Malaya (Malabar region) are habituated to the intake of kandamula (rhizomes, tuber roots) and fruits.  
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• People from the Malabar region (Malaya) are habituated to the intake of rhizomes, tuber roots(kandamula), and fruits.  
  
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• People from south are used to the intake of peya(thin gruel) , and people from north are habituated to the consumption of mantha.  
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• People from the south are used to the intake of thin gruel(peya), and people from the north are habituated to the consumption of mantha.  
  
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• People from central part are accustomed to the use of yava(barley), godhuma(wheat) and gorasa(milk). [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/315-18]
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• People from the central part are accustomed to the use of barley(yava), wheat(godhuma), and milk(gorasa). [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/315-18]
  
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Apart from this, deshasatmya also means that which is suitable for a group. For example, madhura (sweet taste) is suitable to increase group of tissues. It is also applied to denote suitability for an organ or body part. E.g. chakshushya (suitable for eyes), keshya (suitable for hairs).<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>
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Apart from this, [[desha]] satmya also means that which is suitable for a group. For example, sweet taste (madhura) is suitable to increase the group of tissues. It is also applied to denote suitability for an organ or body part. E.g. suitable for eyes(chakshushya), suitable for hairs (keshya).[Dalhana,Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 35/40]
  
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=== Ritu satmya ===
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=== [[Ritu]] satmya ===
  
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Ritusatmya refers tosuitability according to season.  A person who understands the phenomenon of ritusatmya (seasonal adaptations in diet and lifestyle) and practices it, lives healthy and long life. Ritucharya (seasonal regimens) describes specific diet and lifestyle for ritusatmya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3]
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Ritusatmya refers to suitability according to season.  A person who understands the phenomenon of seasonal adaptations in diet and lifestyle (ritusatmya) and practices it, lives healthy and long life. Seasonal regimens(Ritucharya) describes a specific diet and lifestyle for ritusatmya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3]
  
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=== Vyadhi satmya ===
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=== [[Vyadhi]] satmya ===
  
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Vyadhi satmya refers to wholesome for or speciallyespecially effective in a particular disease condition.The regimen possesses specific qualities opposite to aggravated pathological factors of disease. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50] E.g. Yavagu(rice gruel) is effective in management of jwara(fever) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/153]).  
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Vyadhi satmya refers to wholesome for or especially effective in a particular disease condition. The regimen possesses specific qualities opposite to aggravated pathological factors of disease. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50] E.g. Rice gruel(Yavagu) is effective in management of fever ([[jwara]]) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/153]).  
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The other examples are milk in gulma, kshaudra(honey) in prameha, ghee in udavarta. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>
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The other examples are milk in gulma, honey(kshaudra) in prameha, ghee in udavarta.[Dalhana,Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 35/40]
  
 
=== Swabhava satmya ===
 
=== Swabhava satmya ===
  
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Swabhavasatmyameans regimen specific to inherent nature of substance. Certain substances are said to be wholesome by their basic nature. For example, breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome food for infants. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/109, 27/224]  
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Swabhava satmya means regimen specific to the inherent nature of substance. Certain substances are said to be wholesome by their basic nature. For example, breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome food for infants. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/109, 27/224]  
 
The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 22/25]
 
The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 22/25]
  
 
===Jati satmya ===
 
===Jati satmya ===
  
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Jatisatmya refers to suitability of a substance to a specific animal species. E.g. Shali (red rice) is suitable for human beings, grass is suitable for deer.<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>
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Jatisatmya refers to the suitability of a substance to a specific animal species. E.g. Red rice(Shali) is suitable for human beings, grass is suitable for deer.[Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]
  
 
===Vaya satmya ===
 
===Vaya satmya ===
  
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Vayasatmya refers to suitability according to age. The therapeutic measures like agni karma (cauterization), kshara karma(application of alkali), strong emesis, purgation, pungent medicines are not suitable in old age and childhood. <ref>MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net </ref>
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Vayasatmya refers to suitability according to age. The therapeutic measures like cauterization (agni karma), application of alkali (kshara karma), strong emesis, purgation, pungent medicines are not suitable in old age and childhood. <ref>MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net </ref>
  
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=== Okasatmya ===
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=== Oka satmya ===
  
 
It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure.
 
It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure.
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This is a very the most important concept of satmya having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is an acquired type of satmya due to repeated or habitual use of a particular substance or following a particular regimen for a long time. By repeated use or spontaneous exposure in small quantity, the person gets adapted to a substance/ regimen. It may or may not be beneficial for health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable without causing any harmful effect. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>
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This is very the most important concept of satmya having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is an acquired type of satmya due to repeated or habitual use of a particular substance or following a particular regimen for a long time. By repeated use or spontaneous exposure in small quantities, the person gets adapted to a substance/ regimen. It may or may not be beneficial for health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable without causing any harmful effect. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]
  
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Oka satmya depends upon the upayokta(consumer). It is one of the important components of diet. Pathya(wholesome) and apathya(unwholesome) highly depend upon okasatmya of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22]
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Oka satmya depends upon the consumer (upayokta). It is one of the important components of diet. Wholesome(Pathya) and unwholesome(apathya) highly depend upon okasatmya of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22]
  
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=== Natural suitability of dosha ===
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=== Natural suitability of [[dosha]] ===
  
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The dosha viz. vayu, pitta and kapha never destroy each other inspite of having contradictory properties, they coexist in a harmonious state. This happens because of their sahaja- satmya (natural wholesome disposition of coexistence), as even fatal poison does not affect snakes. [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/293]
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The [[dosha]] viz. [[vayu]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]] never destroy each other in spite of having contradictory properties, they coexist in a harmonious state. This happens because of their natural wholesome disposition of coexistence (sahaja-satmya), as even fatal poison does not affect snakes. [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/293]
  
 
===Role of satmya in life-cycle===
 
===Role of satmya in life-cycle===
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[[File:Pic 2.JPG|400px|'''Image 2:''' '''Satmya in life cycle'''|thumb]]
 
[[File:Pic 2.JPG|400px|'''Image 2:''' '''Satmya in life cycle'''|thumb]]
  
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The role of satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of embryo and continues throughout life.  Adaptations during intrauterine period are influenced by the diet and lifestyle of mother. Adaptations after birth are influenced by the geographical area, seasons and habitual use of substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy and diseased state of an individual. One should follow the rules of satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one gets diseased the physician should consider satmya as an important contributing factor. Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and its effect reflects in the next generation also.
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The role of satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of the embryo and continues throughout life.  Adaptations during the intrauterine period are influenced by the diet and lifestyle of the mother. Adaptations after birth are influenced by the geographical area, seasons, and habitual use of substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy and diseased state of an individual. One should follow the rules of satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one gets diseased the physician should consider satmya as an important contributing factor. Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and its effect reflects in the next generation also.
  
 
===Importance of knowledge of satmya===
 
===Importance of knowledge of satmya===
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==== Diagnostic importance ====  
 
==== Diagnostic importance ====  
  
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• Satmya is important assessment parameter in examination of patient in perspective of the field of action (karyadesha).[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]
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• Satmya is an important assessment parameter in the examination of patients from the perspective of the field of action (karyadesha).[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]
  
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• Upashaya(alleviation of disease by treatment) is inferred by satmya. Likewise,satmya is also used as a tool to reveal diseases with unclear pathologies. For example, if the pain gets relieved by application of oil massage, then oil is suitable for the person and the condition is caused due to nirama (…) condition of aggravated vatadosha.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 4/8]  
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• Upashaya(alleviation of disease by treatment) is inferred by satmya. Likewise,satmya is also used as a tool to reveal diseases with unclear pathologies. For example, if the pain gets relieved by the application of oil massage, then oil is suitable for the person and the condition is caused due to aggravated [[vata dosha]].[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 4/8]  
  
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• Satmya is important component of examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94]  
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• Satmya is an important component of the examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94]  
  
 
==== Therapeutic importance ====  
 
==== Therapeutic importance ====  
  
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• Satmya is considered while planning the post therapy regimen after panchakarma along with other factors like variations in dosha, medicinal drugs, place of residence, time, strength, body, diet, suitability, mind, constitution, and age. These should be factored in while administering this therapy [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/17]
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• Satmya is considered while planning the post-therapy regimen after panchakarma along with other factors like variations in dosha, medicinal drugs, place of residence, time, strength, body, diet, suitability, mind, constitution, and age. These should be factored in while administering this therapy [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/17]
  
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• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/249]
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• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/249]
  
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• The measures such as oleation, corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of basti), and appropriate internal administration of unctuous substances following specific procedure also depend upon assessment of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]
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• The measures such as oleation, corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of [[basti]]), and appropriate internal administration of unctuous substances following specific procedure also depend upon assessment of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]
  
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• Success of a therapy depends upon administration of satmya therapies.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/130]
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• success of a therapy depends upon the administration of satmya therapies.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/130]
  
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• Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya (wholesome) to the patient. Medicines given with satmya food are quickly effective and do not create much untoward effects.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/319-20]
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• Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya (wholesome) to the patient. Medicines given with satmya food are quickly effective and do not create many untoward effects.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/319-20]
  
 
• The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes.
 
• The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes.
  
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• The rasayana (rejuvenatiotherapes) should be administered after appropriate consideration of age, constitution and suitability.[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/25-28]
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• The rejuvenation therapies (rasayana ) should be administered after appropriate consideration of age, constitution, and suitability.[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/25-28]
  
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• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/45]  
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• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of Rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/45]  
  
 
==== Satmya diet in management of diseases====
 
==== Satmya diet in management of diseases====
  
 
Satmya diet considered highly important in management of following diseases:  
 
Satmya diet considered highly important in management of following diseases:  
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*Jwara (fever) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 2/1/45, 153,156,319]  
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*Rajayakshma (wasting disease) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/69]  
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*Fever(Jwara) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/45, 153,156,319]
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*Kshataksheena (chest injury) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/94]
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*Wasting disease([[Rajayakshma Chikitsa|Rajayakshma]]) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/69]
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*Shotha(swellings)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/20]
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*Chest injury(Kshata ksheena) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/94]
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*Pandu (anemia)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/76]
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*Swellings([[Shotha]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/20]
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*Atisara (diarrhea) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/24,50]
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*Anemia([[Pandu]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/76]
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* Trishna (thirst)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/61]
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*Diarrhea([[Atisara Chikitsa|Atisara]]) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/24,50]
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* Madatyaya(chronic alcoholism)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/119]
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*Thirst([[Trishna Chikitsa|Trishna]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/61]
 +
*Chronic alcoholism([[Madatyaya Chikitsa|Madatyaya]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/119]
  
 
==== Importance in health ====  
 
==== Importance in health ====  
  
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• Satmya is one of the six factors along with maternal, paternal, psychological, spiritual and nutritional, which contribute to the origin and development of an organism. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/14].
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• Satmya is one of the six factors along with maternal, paternal, psychological, spiritual, and nutritional, which contribute to the origin and development of an organism. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/14].
  
−
• During the process of embryogenesis, satmya leads to ''arogya'' (the state of freedom from diseases), ''analasya'' (freedom from laziness),''alolupatva'' (freedom from greed), clarity of senses, excellence of voice, fertility and optimum libido. [Cha.Sa.[[ShariraSthana]] 3/11].  
+
• During the process of embryogenesis, satmya leads to the state of freedom from diseases(''arogya''), freedom from laziness (''analasya''), freedom from greed (''alolupatva''), clarity of senses, excellence of voice, fertility and optimum libido. [Cha.Sa.[[ShariraSthana|Sharira Sthana]] 3/11].  
  
−
Suitable diet and lifestyle are ofutmost importancet for all humans, especially for expectant mother to have healthy child. Not following the regimen can result in a child prone to disease and congenital disorders.
+
Suitable diet and lifestyle are of utmost importance for all humans, especially for expectant mothers to have healthy children. Not following the regimen can result in a child prone to disease and congenital disorders.
  
−
• Following suitable regimen is considered the best for development of [[purusha]] in [[agryasamgraha]]( group of best wholesome practices) [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40]
+
• Following a suitable regimen is considered the best for the development of [[purusha]] in the group of best wholesome practices([[agryasamgraha|agrya samgraha]]) [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40]
  
−
• The strength or immunity of a person depends upon excellence of satmya (adaptability to various factors responsible for the maintenance of the body)[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/13]
+
• The strength or immunity of a person depends upon the excellence of adaptability to various factors responsible for the maintenance of the body. (satmya)[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 6/13]
  
 
*Status of health depends upon the inherent as well as acquired adaptations of an individual.
 
*Status of health depends upon the inherent as well as acquired adaptations of an individual.
 
*Diet and lifestyle opposite to the qualities of the habitat of the individual and of the causative factors of the diseases prevalent in the location will prevent the occurrence of diseases. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]
 
*Diet and lifestyle opposite to the qualities of the habitat of the individual and of the causative factors of the diseases prevalent in the location will prevent the occurrence of diseases. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]
  
−
====Satmyaviruddha (antagonism of suitability) and its management====
+
====Satmya viruddha (antagonism of suitability) and its management====
  
−
If an individual consumes diet that he is not accustomed to, then it leads to incompatibility and causes disease. For example, consumption of sweet and cold substances by a person accustomed to pungent and hot is antagonism in terms of suitability. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]26/91]
+
If an individual consumes a diet that he is not accustomed to, then it leads to incompatibility and causes disease. For example, consumption of sweet and cold substances by a person accustomed to pungent and hot is antagonism in terms of suitability. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]26/91]
  
−
The diseases caused due to this can be managed by therapeutic purgation, emesis, pacification or prior use of wholesome substance and rejuvenation therapy. The adverse effects can be neutralized by slow and spontaneous exposure of antagonistic substance in small quantity, enhancing digestive power, young age, unction therapy, physical exercise and enhancing strength. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]26/106]
+
The diseases caused due to this can be managed by therapeutic purgation, emesis, pacification, or prior use of wholesome substance and rejuvenation therapy. The adverse effects can be neutralized by slow and spontaneous exposure of antagonistic substances in small quantities, enhancing digestive power, young age, unction therapy, physical exercise and enhancing strength. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]26/106]
  
−
The unwholesome substances like kshara(alkali) and lavana(salt) shall not be consumed in excess quantity and for long time. It is beneficial to wean off the unwholesome substances by tapering down their consumption sequentially. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/19]
+
The unwholesome substances like alkali (kshara) and salt (lavana) shall not be consumed in excess quantity and for a long time. It is beneficial to wean off the unwholesome substances by tapering down their consumption sequentially. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/19]
  
 
=== Asatmya(unsuitable)===
 
=== Asatmya(unsuitable)===
Line 211: Line 225:
 
असात्म्यार्थं दर्शयति- असात्म्यमित्यादि| सहेति मिलितं शरीरेण| आत्मताम् अविकृतरूपतां न याति; एतेन, यदुपयुक्तं प्राकृतरूपोपधातकं भवति, तदसात्म्यमिति||१२७||
 
असात्म्यार्थं दर्शयति- असात्म्यमित्यादि| सहेति मिलितं शरीरेण| आत्मताम् अविकृतरूपतां न याति; एतेन, यदुपयुक्तं प्राकृतरूपोपधातकं भवति, तदसात्म्यमिति||१२७||
  
−
A substance which is not conducive to the body is regarded as asatmya or unwholesome and which becomes responsible to provoke all the doshas. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/127]
+
A substance which is not conducive to the body is regarded as asatmya or unwholesome and which becomes responsible to provoke all the [[dosha]]<nowiki/>s. [Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 1/127]
  
 
==== Adverse effects of asatmya====  
 
==== Adverse effects of asatmya====  
  
−
Asatmyaindriyarthasamyoga (contact of sense and motor organs with unsuitable objects) is one the three fundamental causes of disease. Asatmyasevana (adopting unwholesome regimen) especially in terms of diet is causative factor for a number of diseases as below.
+
Contact of sense and motor organs with unsuitable objects (Asatmya indriyartha samyoga) is one of the three fundamental causes of disease. Adopting unwholesome regimen (Asatmya sevana) especially in terms of diet is a causative factor for a number of diseases as below.
  
 
==== Role of asatmya in disease====
 
==== Role of asatmya in disease====
Line 221: Line 235:
 
Unsuitable diet is listed among causative factors of following diseases:  
 
Unsuitable diet is listed among causative factors of following diseases:  
  
−
*Vidradhi(abscess) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/91],  
+
*Abscess(Vidradhi) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/91],  
 
*Parasites of shleshma origin.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 7/12],  
 
*Parasites of shleshma origin.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 7/12],  
 
*All morbidities [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/3]
 
*All morbidities [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/3]
−
*Unmada(psychosis disorders)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/87]
+
*Psychosis disorders([[Unmada]]) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/9]
−
*Arsha(hemorrhoids)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/9]
+
*Digestive disorders([[Grahani Chikitsa|Grahani]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/42]
−
* Grahani(digestive disorders)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/42]
+
*Anemia and blood disorders ([[Pandu]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/7]
−
*Pandu (anemia and blood)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/7]
+
*Cough of various origin([[Kasa Chikitsa|Kasa]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/24]
−
*Kasa(cough of various origin)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/24]
+
*Diarrhea([[Atisara Chikitsa|Atisara]])[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/4]
−
* Atisara(diarrhea)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/4]
+
* Healing process of ulcer([[Dwivraniya Chikitsa|vrana]]) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/33]
−
* Healing process of vrana(ulcer) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/33]
+
*impotence(Klaibya) due to erectile dysfunction(dwajabhanga) and emaciation(kshaya) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30 /163]
−
* Klaibya (impotence) due to dwajabhanga (erectile dysfunction) and kshaya (emaciation) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30 /163]
+
* Klaibya due to emesis([[Chhardi Chikitsa|Chhardi]]) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/44]
−
* Klaibya due to Chhardi (emesis) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/44]
 
 
* Vitiation of breast milk [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/232]
 
* Vitiation of breast milk [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/232]
−
* Kushtha(skin disease) [Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 9/3]
+
* skin disease([[Kushtha]]) [Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/3]
−
*Hridroga (cardiac diseases) [Sushruta Samhita Uttar Tantra 43/3]
+
*cardiac diseases(Hridroga) [Su.Sa. Uttar Tantra 43/3]
−
*Unsuitable odour causes Jwara [Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 1/28]
+
*Unsuitable odour causes [[Jwara]] [Cha.Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 1/28]
 
*The polluted air has unwholesome odour and can cause epidemic diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/6]
 
*The polluted air has unwholesome odour and can cause epidemic diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/6]
  
Line 243: Line 256:
 
===Current Researches===
 
===Current Researches===
  
−
The concept of satmya is applied in view of development of personalized medicine. Ayurnutrigenomics approaches personalized nutrition and therapeutics based upon a person’s genetic mark-up and nutritional suitability. This includes various aspects of satmya like prakriti satmya, deshasatmya, jatisatmya, ritusatmya as described above. <ref>Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228-233.</ref>  
+
The concept of satmya is applied in view of the development of personalized medicine. Ayurnutrigenomics approaches personalized nutrition and therapeutics based upon a person’s genetic mark-up and nutritional suitability. This includes various aspects of satmya like [[prakriti]] satmya, [[desha]] satmya, jati satmya, [[ritu]] satmya as described above. <ref>Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228-233.</ref>  
−
 
 
−
The concept of satmya has a huge scope of research in view of genetic suitability, adaptations and its utility in treatment. It is also applied to understand allergy and its etiopathogenesis.
 
−
 
 
−
===List of thesis done===
 
−
 
 
−
== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==
 
−
In Charak Samhita, the term satmya appears 83 times in original verses and 64 times in commentary by Chakrapani. The contextual meanings and application & categorization of the term with references are listed in table 1 and table 2 and are described below.
 
−
 
 
−
==Table 1: References of Satmya in Charak Samhita ==
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Sr. No. !! As a Factor to be considered before planning the treatment of a disease !! Preventive Aspect/ for preserving healthy status !! “Asatmya” as a Nidana (causative factor) for Disease !! As a factor contributing to the formation,growth and development of fetus
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Sutra sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1 || Chapter 15 verse 5 || Chapter 7 verse 41 || Chapter 17 verse 91 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2 || Chapter 15 verse 17 || Chapter 25 verse 40 || Chapter 26 verse 91 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3 || -- || -- || Chapter 26 verse 106 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4 || -- || -- || Chapter 27 verse 347 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Nidana sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
|5 || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 28 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Vimana sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 6 || Chapter 1 verse 3 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 6 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 7 || Chapter 2 verse 13 || -- || Chapter 7 verse 12 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 8 || Chapter 4 verse 8 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 9 || Chapter 8 verse 94 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 10 || Chapter 8 verse 130 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Sharira sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 11 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 7 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 3
 
−
|-
 
−
| 12 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 13 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 4
 
−
|-
 
−
| 13 || -- || Chapter 8 verse 32 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 11
 
−
|-
 
−
| 14 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 4 verse 14
 
−
|-
 
−
| 15 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 4 verse 32
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Chikitsa sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 16 || Chapter 1 part 1 verse 28 || -- || Chapter 1 part 2 verse 3 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 17 || Chapter 1 part 2 verse 8 || --|| Chapter 14 verse 9 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 18 || Chapter 1 part 2 verse19 || -- || Chapter 14 verse 42 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 19 || Chapter 1 part 3 verse || -- || Chapter 16 verse 7 || --|
 
−
|-
 
−
|20 || Chapter 2 part 1 verse 45 || --|| Chapter 18 verse 24 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 21 || Chapter 3 verse 156 || --|| Chapter 19 verse 4 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 22 || Chapter 8 verse 69 || -- || Chapter 19 verse 8 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 23 || Chapter 9 verse 88 || -- || Chapter 25 verse 33 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 24 || Chapter 11verse 94 || --|| Chapter 30 verse 163 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 25 || Chapter 12 verse 20 || -- || Chapter 30 verse 183 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 26 || Chapter 16 verse 76 || -- || Chapter 30 verse 232 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 27 || Chapter 19 verse 24 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 28 || Chapter 19 verse 50 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 29 || Chapter 20 verse 44 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 30 || Chapter 28 verse 249 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 31 || Chapter 30 verse 293 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Kalpa sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 32 || Chapter 1 verse 6 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| Total || 23 || 7 || 16 || 5
 
−
|}
 
  
−
==Table 2: References of Categorization Satmya in Charak Samhita==
+
The concept of satmya has a huge scope of research in view of genetic suitability, adaptations and its utility in treatment. It is also applied to understand allergy and its etiopathogenesis.
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Sl.No !! Desha Satmya !! Purusha Satmya !! Kalasatmya/Ritu Satmya !! Vyadhi Satmya !! Prakruti /Sahaja Satmya !! Swabhava Satmya !! Oka Satmya
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Sutra sthana'''  ||  ||  || || || ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1 || Chapter 6 verse 50 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 3 || Chapter 6 verse 50 || -- || Chapter 1 verse109 || Chapter 6 verse 49
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 22 verse 25 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 25 verse 40 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 27 verse 224 || --
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Vimana sthana'''  ||  ||  || || || ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5 || Chapter 1 verse 40 || Chapter 3 verse 5 || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 20
 
−
|-
 
−
| 6 || Chapter 1 verse 22 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 19
 
−
|-
 
−
| 7 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 22
 
−
|-
 
−
| 8 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 27
 
−
|-
 
−
| 9 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 8 verse 93
 
−
|-
 
−
| 10 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 8 verse 118
 
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''Chikitsa sthana'''  ||  ||  || || || ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| 11 || Chapter 30 verse 315 || Chapter 30 verse 315 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 153 || Chapter 26 verse 293 || -- || Chapter 24 verse 119
 
−
|-
 
−
| 12 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 3 verse 319 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| 13 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 22 verse 61 || -- || -- || --
 
−
|-
 
−
| Total || 4 || 2 || 1 || 4 || 1 || 4 || 8
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==More information==
 
==More information==
Line 384: Line 268:
  
 
[[Yonivyapat Chikitsa]]
 
[[Yonivyapat Chikitsa]]
 +
 +
'''Abbreviations'''
 +
 +
Cha. = Charak
 +
 +
Su. = Sushruta
 +
 +
Sa. = Samhita
 +
 +
== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==
 +
In Charak Samhita, the term satmya appears 83 times in original verses and 64 times in commentary by Chakrapani. The contextual meanings and application & categorization of the term with references are listed [[index.php?title=Media:Satmya-list of references.pdf| here.]]
 +
 +
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==References==
 
==References==
 +
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Latest revision as of 19:11, 23 February 2024

Cite.png

The word “Satmya” literally refers to habit, suitability, wholesomeness, agreeability to nature or natural constitution of individuals. etc.[1] Understanding the concept of “Satmya” is vital for preserving the healthy status of body. It is equally important in the management of a disease.

Contributors
Section/Chapter/topic Satmya
Authors Anagha S., Deole Y.S.
Reviewed by Basisht G.
Affiliations Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar
Correspondence email: carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of first publication: February 20, 2020
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.003

Etymology and derivation

Satmya(सात्म्य).—a. Wholesome, agreeable to nature. -tmyaḥ 1)Suitability. 2) Habit, habituation, diet. [2]

Contextual meanings

The term Satmya denotes following meanings in different contexts.

  • Adaptation
  • Suitable habitat
  • Wholesome diet and lifestyle
  • Natural wholesome disposition of coexistence
  • Habitual use

Definition

सात्म्यं नाम तद् यदात्मन्युपशेते; सात्म्यार्थो ह्युपशयार्थः|

Habituation(Satmya) means that which suits the self. Satmya and upashaya have the same meaning. Thus,satmya is integral part of preservation of health and treatment. [Cha.Sa.Vimana sthana 1/20]

सात्म्यं नाम तद्यत् सातत्येनोपसेव्यमानमुपशेते|

The substance which produces wholesome effect is called 'satmya' to that person. The prefix ‘Oka’ is applied to denote habituation done after spontaneous exposure.[[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/118]

सात्म्यं नाम सुखं यत् करोति तदुच्यते|

Anything that leads to comfort is satmya.[Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]

Types of satmya

Image 1:Types of satmya

Based on one’s habitual usage of taste(rasa) taste, satmya could be categorized into three types:

1. Superior: Consumption of all rasas collectively is considered superior

2. Medium/average: Consumption of two to five rasa in combination is medium

3. Inferior: Consumption of only one rasa is considered inferior

Effort should be made to gradually move up from the inferior and the medium types of satmya to the superior type.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/20]

Components of satmya

Satmya is one of the important assessment parameters in examination of patient. It differs according to geographical region(desha), season (kala),disease(vyadhi), naturalconstitution(prakriti),inherent nature(swabhava) and repeated use(abhyasa).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5] For understanding and application in the field of health care, the following are the components of satmya.

Prakriti satmya

It refers to the diet and lifestyle agreeable to natural constitution of the person. Certain regimen is inherently suitable to one’s natural constitution.For example, the food having sweet, sour and salty taste is inherently suitable for a person with vata dominant constitution, because these tastes naturally pacify Vata dosha. All tastes are suitable for a person with a balanced constitution involving the equilibrium of all dosha. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 7/41]

Desha satmya

Desha satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area. ‘Desha denotes the geographic region relating to that substance(s), suitable to the area. The food items growing in a region inherently have specific properties. For example, those growing in arid areas are light to digest and those in the marshy areas are heavy to digest. Likewise, the animals also possess qualities according to that region. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/22(5)]

The diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities to those of regions are considered suitable for the preservation of the health of people living in that area. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/50]

It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area adopt a specific diet and regimens. It may be because of the availability of substances and suitability to that particular environment in that specific area. Any unwholesome food substance to which a person is habituated should not be withdrawn abruptly.

Following are examples of desha satmya:

• Present-day Afghanisthan (Balhika) people are habituated to the intake of meat(mamsa), wheat(godhuma), alcoholic beverages(madhvika), and they are indicated for surgery(Shastra karma) and cauterization(Agni karma).

• People from east region(Prachya) are habituated to the use of fish.

• People living in the Sindh region (Sindha desha) are accustomed to the intake of milk.

• region around and between the river Godavari (Ashmaka) and Ujjain (Avantika) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances.

• People from the Malabar region (Malaya) are habituated to the intake of rhizomes, tuber roots(kandamula), and fruits.

• People from the south are used to the intake of thin gruel(peya), and people from the north are habituated to the consumption of mantha.

• People from the central part are accustomed to the use of barley(yava), wheat(godhuma), and milk(gorasa). [Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/315-18]

Apart from this, desha satmya also means that which is suitable for a group. For example, sweet taste (madhura) is suitable to increase the group of tissues. It is also applied to denote suitability for an organ or body part. E.g. suitable for eyes(chakshushya), suitable for hairs (keshya).[Dalhana,Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 35/40]

Ritu satmya

Ritusatmya refers to suitability according to season. A person who understands the phenomenon of seasonal adaptations in diet and lifestyle (ritusatmya) and practices it, lives healthy and long life. Seasonal regimens(Ritucharya) describes a specific diet and lifestyle for ritusatmya. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/3]

Vyadhi satmya

Vyadhi satmya refers to wholesome for or especially effective in a particular disease condition. The regimen possesses specific qualities opposite to aggravated pathological factors of disease. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/50] E.g. Rice gruel(Yavagu) is effective in management of fever (jwara) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/153]). The other examples are milk in gulma, honey(kshaudra) in prameha, ghee in udavarta.[Dalhana,Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 35/40]

Swabhava satmya

Swabhava satmya means regimen specific to the inherent nature of substance. Certain substances are said to be wholesome by their basic nature. For example, breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome food for infants. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/109, 27/224] The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 22/25]

Jati satmya

Jatisatmya refers to the suitability of a substance to a specific animal species. E.g. Red rice(Shali) is suitable for human beings, grass is suitable for deer.[Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]

Vaya satmya

Vayasatmya refers to suitability according to age. The therapeutic measures like cauterization (agni karma), application of alkali (kshara karma), strong emesis, purgation, pungent medicines are not suitable in old age and childhood. [3]

Oka satmya

It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure. This is very the most important concept of satmya having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is an acquired type of satmya due to repeated or habitual use of a particular substance or following a particular regimen for a long time. By repeated use or spontaneous exposure in small quantities, the person gets adapted to a substance/ regimen. It may or may not be beneficial for health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable without causing any harmful effect. [Dalhana, Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/40]

Oka satmya depends upon the consumer (upayokta). It is one of the important components of diet. Wholesome(Pathya) and unwholesome(apathya) highly depend upon okasatmya of an individual. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/22]

Natural suitability of dosha

The dosha viz. vayu, pitta and kapha never destroy each other in spite of having contradictory properties, they coexist in a harmonious state. This happens because of their natural wholesome disposition of coexistence (sahaja-satmya), as even fatal poison does not affect snakes. [Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/293]

Role of satmya in life-cycle

Image 2: Satmya in life cycle

The role of satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of the embryo and continues throughout life. Adaptations during the intrauterine period are influenced by the diet and lifestyle of the mother. Adaptations after birth are influenced by the geographical area, seasons, and habitual use of substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy and diseased state of an individual. One should follow the rules of satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one gets diseased the physician should consider satmya as an important contributing factor. Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and its effect reflects in the next generation also.

Importance of knowledge of satmya

Diagnostic importance

• Satmya is an important assessment parameter in the examination of patients from the perspective of the field of action (karyadesha).[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 2/13]

• Upashaya(alleviation of disease by treatment) is inferred by satmya. Likewise,satmya is also used as a tool to reveal diseases with unclear pathologies. For example, if the pain gets relieved by the application of oil massage, then oil is suitable for the person and the condition is caused due to aggravated vata dosha.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 4/8]

• Satmya is an important component of the examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/94]

Therapeutic importance

• Satmya is considered while planning the post-therapy regimen after panchakarma along with other factors like variations in dosha, medicinal drugs, place of residence, time, strength, body, diet, suitability, mind, constitution, and age. These should be factored in while administering this therapy [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/17]

• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/249]

• The measures such as oleation, corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of basti), and appropriate internal administration of unctuous substances following specific procedure also depend upon assessment of these factors. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 2/13]

• success of a therapy depends upon the administration of satmya therapies.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/130]

• Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya (wholesome) to the patient. Medicines given with satmya food are quickly effective and do not create many untoward effects.[Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/319-20]

• The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes.

• The rejuvenation therapies (rasayana ) should be administered after appropriate consideration of age, constitution, and suitability.[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 1/1/25-28]

• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of Rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies.[Cha.sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/45]

Satmya diet in management of diseases

Satmya diet considered highly important in management of following diseases:

Importance in health

• Satmya is one of the six factors along with maternal, paternal, psychological, spiritual, and nutritional, which contribute to the origin and development of an organism. [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 3/14].

• During the process of embryogenesis, satmya leads to the state of freedom from diseases(arogya), freedom from laziness (analasya), freedom from greed (alolupatva), clarity of senses, excellence of voice, fertility and optimum libido. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 3/11].

Suitable diet and lifestyle are of utmost importance for all humans, especially for expectant mothers to have healthy children. Not following the regimen can result in a child prone to disease and congenital disorders.

• Following a suitable regimen is considered the best for the development of purusha in the group of best wholesome practices(agrya samgraha) [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40]

• The strength or immunity of a person depends upon the excellence of adaptability to various factors responsible for the maintenance of the body. (satmya)[Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6/13]

  • Status of health depends upon the inherent as well as acquired adaptations of an individual.
  • Diet and lifestyle opposite to the qualities of the habitat of the individual and of the causative factors of the diseases prevalent in the location will prevent the occurrence of diseases. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/50]

Satmya viruddha (antagonism of suitability) and its management

If an individual consumes a diet that he is not accustomed to, then it leads to incompatibility and causes disease. For example, consumption of sweet and cold substances by a person accustomed to pungent and hot is antagonism in terms of suitability. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana26/91]

The diseases caused due to this can be managed by therapeutic purgation, emesis, pacification, or prior use of wholesome substance and rejuvenation therapy. The adverse effects can be neutralized by slow and spontaneous exposure of antagonistic substances in small quantities, enhancing digestive power, young age, unction therapy, physical exercise and enhancing strength. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana26/106]

The unwholesome substances like alkali (kshara) and salt (lavana) shall not be consumed in excess quantity and for a long time. It is beneficial to wean off the unwholesome substances by tapering down their consumption sequentially. [Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 1/19]

Asatmya(unsuitable)

असात्म्यमिति तद्विद्याद्यन्न याति सहात्मताम्||१२७|| असात्म्यार्थं दर्शयति- असात्म्यमित्यादि| सहेति मिलितं शरीरेण| आत्मताम् अविकृतरूपतां न याति; एतेन, यदुपयुक्तं प्राकृतरूपोपधातकं भवति, तदसात्म्यमिति||१२७||

A substance which is not conducive to the body is regarded as asatmya or unwholesome and which becomes responsible to provoke all the doshas. [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 1/127]

Adverse effects of asatmya

Contact of sense and motor organs with unsuitable objects (Asatmya indriyartha samyoga) is one of the three fundamental causes of disease. Adopting unwholesome regimen (Asatmya sevana) especially in terms of diet is a causative factor for a number of diseases as below.

Role of asatmya in disease

Unsuitable diet is listed among causative factors of following diseases:

It is important to know the unsuitable factors causing disease.

Current Researches

The concept of satmya is applied in view of the development of personalized medicine. Ayurnutrigenomics approaches personalized nutrition and therapeutics based upon a person’s genetic mark-up and nutritional suitability. This includes various aspects of satmya like prakriti satmya, desha satmya, jati satmya, ritu satmya as described above. [4]

The concept of satmya has a huge scope of research in view of genetic suitability, adaptations and its utility in treatment. It is also applied to understand allergy and its etiopathogenesis.

More information

Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya

Upakalpaniya Adhyaya

Rasa Vimana

Yonivyapat Chikitsa

Abbreviations

Cha. = Charak

Su. = Sushruta

Sa. = Samhita

References in Charak Samhita

In Charak Samhita, the term satmya appears 83 times in original verses and 64 times in commentary by Chakrapani. The contextual meanings and application & categorization of the term with references are listed here.

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References

  1. ↑ http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=sAtmya&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3
  2. ↑ https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/satmya
  3. ↑ MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net
  4. ↑ Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228-233.
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