Varna means colour or complexion and is referred to assess skin colour. It is important biologically, cosmetically, and socially. Modern literature considers that differences in skin colour among individuals is caused only by variation in pigmentation. This is a result of genetics (inherited from one's biological parents and or individual gene alleles), exposure to the sun, natural and sexual selection, or all of these. Apart from these factors, Ayurveda considers other factors too like daily regimen, excxellence of body tissues, constitution (prakriti) of the person, etc as the factors affecting varna.Equilibrium of dosha is essential for healthy varna.Derangement in the homeostasis of dosha often causes discoloration of varna. Bhrajak pitta[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/10] [Ast. Hri. Sutra Sthana 12/14] and udanavayu[A. Hri. Sutra Sthana 12/5] carry the physiological functions for maintaining varna. Several medicinal formulations for the enhancement of varna are mentioned in ayurveda texts. E.g. group of ten herbs for improving colour of skin (varnyadashemani) includes Chandana (Santalum album), Tunga (Calophylluminophyllum), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), Ushira (Vetiveriazizanioides), Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Payasya (Pueraria tuberosa), Sita (Cynodondactylon) and Lata (Cynodon linearis). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/8] This article describes the physiological and pathological aspects of varna and its importance in healthcare.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts / Varna |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Bhojani M.K.1, Yadav Vandana 1 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.2 |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Kriya Sharira, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence email |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of first publication: | May20, 2023 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2023.e01.s09.139 |
Classification
Human skin colour ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues. Ayurveda scholars have classified varna based on proportions of mahabhutacomposing them as follows:
| S. No | Type of Varna | CharakSamhita ShariraSthana |
CharakSamhita IndriyaSthana |
SushrutaSamhita ShariraSthana |
Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaura | √ | √ | White/fair complexion | |
| 2 | Krishna | √ | √ | √ | Black/dark complexion |
| 3 | Shyam | √ | √ | Dark blue/brown | |
| 4 | Shyamavdata | √ | Bluish white | ||
| 5 | Avadata | √ | White/fair | ||
| 6 | Krishna Shyam | √ | Bluish black complexion | ||
| 7 | Gaur Shyam | √ | Bluish white cmplexion |
| Varna | Mahabhuta Acc. To Charak | Mahabhuta Acc. To Susruta |
|---|---|---|
| Gaura | Agni+Jala+Akash | Jala+Agni |
| Krishna | Agni+Prithvi+Vayu | Prithvi+Agni |
| Shyam | Akash+Vayu+Agni+Jala+Prithvi | |
| Gaura Shyam | Jala+Akash+Agni | |
| Krishna Shyam | Prithvi+Akash+Agni |
[Cha. Sa. ShariraSthana 8/15],[Cha. Sa. IndriyaSthana 1/8],[Su. Sa. ShariraSthana 2/37]