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The Sanskrit word ‘kala’ (also spelled as ‘kaala’ or kAla) means time. It is accepted as one among the nine fundamental elements (karanadravya) in [[Ayurveda]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48] and Vaisheshika philosophy.<ref name=MisraN>Misra N, editor, (1st ed.). Commentary Prakasika of Dhundhiraja Sastri on Vaishesika Darshan, Chapter 10, Kalaprakaranam. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2011; 41.</ref> Like an entity, kala also possesses qualities ([[guna]]) and effects ([[karma]]). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/49] Destruction and production of beings, the past, present, and future times are effects of kala. The word ‘kala’ is often used for time in general, period or proper time when something occurs. However, it has a broader and deeper interpretation as narrated in [[Ayurveda]] from a medical point of view. Kala is one of the ten factors of clinical examination (dashvidhaparikshya bhava). The vitiation and pacification of [[tridosha]], [[dhatu]], manifestation of diseases, and even management of conditions, daily and seasonal routines, etc. are influenced by kala. The strength and luster of that person are enhanced who knows suitable diet and regimen for every season and practices accordingly. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3] Kala plays a key role in preventing and treating diseases in medical science in many ways. Kala is one of the bases for classifying conditions like acute and chronic diseases; and kalaja (natural or timely) and akalaja (premature or untimely) diseases. Kala has a role in drug collection, formation, preservation, and administration. Kala helps understand physiological functions as many procedures follow the circadian rhythm in the body. Thus, it is also helpful in maintaining health and understanding the etiopathology of diseases. Every drug acts by its specific pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic mechanisms and has definite rate of metabolism and half life. These properties elucidate the role of kala in the treatment of diseases. Difficulty in treating chronic diseases and appearance of grave prognostic signs ([[arishta]]) that are indicative of patient’s approach towards death are the factors that indicate the role of kala in prognosis of diseases.
The Sanskrit word ‘kala’ (also spelled as ‘kaala’ or kAla) means time. It is accepted as one among the nine fundamental elements (karanadravya) in [[Ayurveda]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/48] and Vaisheshika philosophy.<ref name=MisraN>Misra N, editor, (1st ed.). Commentary Prakasika of Dhundhiraja Sastri on Vaishesika Darshan, Chapter 10, Kalaprakaranam. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, 2011; 41.</ref> Like an entity, kala also possesses qualities ([[guna]]) and effects ([[karma]]). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/49] Destruction and production of beings, the past, present, and future times are effects of kala. The word ‘kala’ is often used for time in general, period or proper time when something occurs. However, it has a broader and deeper interpretation as narrated in [[Ayurveda]] from a medical point of view. Kala is one of the ten factors of clinical examination (dashvidhaparikshya bhava). The vitiation and pacification of [[tridosha]], [[dhatu]], manifestation of diseases, and even management of conditions, daily and seasonal routines, etc. are influenced by kala. The strength and luster of that person are enhanced who knows suitable diet and regimen for every season and practices accordingly. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3] Kala plays a key role in preventing and treating diseases in medical science in many ways. Kala is one of the bases for classifying conditions like acute and chronic diseases; and kalaja (natural or timely) and akalaja (premature or untimely) diseases. Kala has a role in drug collection, formation, preservation, and administration. Kala helps understand physiological functions as many procedures follow the circadian rhythm in the body. Thus, it is also helpful in maintaining health and understanding the etiopathology of diseases. Every drug acts by its specific pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic mechanisms and has definite rate of metabolism and half life. These properties elucidate the role of kala in the treatment of diseases. Difficulty in treating chronic diseases and appearance of grave prognostic signs ([[arishta]]) that are indicative of patient’s approach towards death are the factors that indicate the role of kala in prognosis of diseases.
==Importance of concept==
==Importance of concept==
Role in the classification of diseases:
'''Role in the classification of diseases:'''
Some of the diseases in [[Ayurveda]] are classified based on kala. e.g.
Some of the diseases in [[Ayurveda]] are classified based on kala. e.g.
Diseases are classified into seven types. One among them is kalabalapravrittavyadhi (seasonal or time-linked diseases). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/5]<ref name=Susruta/>
Diseases are classified into seven types. One among them is kalabalapravrittavyadhi (seasonal or time-linked diseases). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/5]<ref name=Susruta/>
'''Role in collection, preservation and administration of drugs:'''
Herbs are most potent when collected at a time of optimum potency, preserved and used before the decrease in strength (period of saviryataavadhi). The time of administration of medicine is also essential. Date of manufacturing and expiry dates are printed on the label of drugs guiding the patients to use them in a definite period of optimum potency. The physician advises the administration time of drugs because every drug has a specific half time and rate of clearance, indicating the significance of kala.
Time of administration of medicine ([[aushadhasevana kala]]):
The chrono pharmacology deals with various effects of medications administered at different times. The factors like the circadian rhythm of [[dosha]], and drug-food interactions determine the impact of medicines at other times.
'''Role in understanding physiology:'''
Many physiological functions in the body are bound to specific kala. For example:
*Attainment of puberty at around 13 years and menopause at around 50 years in females, 21-35 days of the menstrual cycle, 38-42 weeks of gestation.
*The development of the fetus during the gestation period and its embryological development is time-specific, where the development of various body parts occurs at specific time intervals. Example: development of the mind ([[manas]]) at 5th and intellect ([[buddhi]]) at 6th month.
*Heart rate (70-80/min), respiratory rate (18/min), urine output (1.5-2 L/day), and other essential vitals are measured in terms of kala.
*According to Sushruta, the body tissues become fully developed at 25 years in males and 16 years in females.[Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 35/15]<ref name=Susruta/>
*Accumulation ([[sanchaya]]), provocation ([[prakopa]]) and pacification ([[prashamana]]) of [[tridosha]] (three body humors – [[vata]], [[pitta]] and [[kapha]]) are confined to kala. Therefore a person must adapt his routines in different seasons. Medical practitioner too must acknowledge the relation between [[dosha]] and season before prescribing medicine.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Relation between [[dosha]] and season
|-
! [[Tridosha]] !! [[Sanchaya]] !! [[Prakopa]] !! [[Prashamana]]
|-
| | [[Vata]] || [[Grishma]] [[ritu]] (Summer season)|| [[Varsha]] [[ritu]] (Rainy season) || [[Sharad]] [[ritu]] (Autumn season)
|-
| | [[Pitta]] || [[Varsha]] [[ritu]] (Rainy season)||[[Sharad]] [[ritu]] (Autumn season) || [[Hemanta]] [[ritu]] (Early winter season)
|-
| | [[Kapha]] || [[Shishira]] [[ritu]] (Winter season)||[[Vasanta]] [[ritu]] (Spring season) || [[Grishma]] [[ritu]] (Summer season)
|-
|}
Childhood (balavastha), middle age (madhyamavastha) and old age (vriddhavastha) are the three stages of life divided by kala. The incidence of certain diseases varies with age. Some diseases that occur at different stages of life and during different seasons are called natural diseases (swabhavika roga). Few examples are hunger, thirst, senescence, death, and sleep.
'''Role in maintaining health:'''
Crucial element to attain sound health is to eat food at appropriate time. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40] The strength ([[bala]]) of person is of three types - constitutional (sahaja), temporal (kalaja) and acquired (yuktikrita). Kalajabala depends on age of the seasons. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/36] Kala affects the health of a person as the air, sunlight and moonlight have got special features in dakshinayanakala (duration of movement of sun towards south) and uttarayana kala (duration of movement of sun towards north). The strength of the person increases in the winter season and decreases in the summer season. This indicates that to maintain health, a person must take adequate precautions at the end of summer and the onset of winter. The drugs incompatible with the season (kala virudhhaushadhi) should be avoided. For example, consumption of spicy and hot substances in summers and cold and dry substances in winters shall be avoided.
Following specific procedures at a particular time in daily routine ([[dinacharya]]) is a key factor in maintaining health. Ancient [[Ayurveda]] scholars emphasized kala at various places in the context of [[dinacharya]] (daily routines) and [[ritucharya]] (according to seasons). For example, medicated smoking (dhoomapana) during eight times (in case of vitiation of [[vata]] and [[kapha]]) after bathing, eating, tongue scraping, sneezing, brushing of teeth, inhalation of medicated materials, after application of collyrium, and after sleep. Application of collyrium once every fifth or eighth night.
Contrarily, following improper [[dinacharya]] is responsible for diseases.
'''Role in understanding etiopathology:'''
There are three etiological factors of diseases - [[asatmyaindriyartha]] samyoga (incompatible contact of the sense organs with their objects), [[prajnaparadha]] (intellectual error), and kala parinama (being out of harmony with the rhythms and cycles of nature). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/43]. Kala parinama may occur in three ways: firstly, atiyoga, i.e, by over-manifestation of a season (e.g. excess raining in rainy season), secondly, ayoga, i.e., lesser manifestation of a season (e.g. less rain in rainy season), thirdly, mithyayoga, i.e., unusual manifestation of a season (e.g., high temperature in winter season). The vitiation of air ([[vayu]]), water ([[jala]]), location ([[desha]]) and time (kala) may lead to epidemics (janapadodhwansha). [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/6]
Some diseases have a specific duration of pathogenesis. Five types of intermittent fevers (vishama jwara) are described based on frequency and time of manifestation viz. continuous (santata), two times in a day (satata), alternate day (anyedyushka), every third day (tritiyaka), and every fourth day (chaturthaka).
The predominance of [[dosha]] varies with age (avastha kala) in the following manner:
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: [[Dosha]] predominance at various ages
|-
! Avastha kala !! [[Dosha]]s
|-
| | Childhood (balyaavastha) || [[Kapha dosha]]
|-
| | Youth/middle age (madhyamavastha) || [[Pitta dosha]]
|-
| | Old age (jaraavastha)|| [[Vata dosha]]
|-
|}
In children, [[kapha dosha]] is dominant; it may be responsible for most cases common in children like pneumonia, cough, cold, etc. At a young age, [[pitta]]'s predominance might be responsible for diseases like acne and cholelithiasis. Similarly, in old age, when [[vata dosha]] is predominant, most old-aged people suffer from insomnia, tinnitus, and joint pain.
The progression of the disease is divided into six stages. A disease progresses to an advanced stage if not treated on time. These stages are described as [[Shat-kriya kala]] as follows-
# Stage of accumulation ([[sanchaya]])
# Stage of provocation ([[prakopa]])
# Stage of propagation (prasara)
# Stage of localisation (sthanasamshraya)
# Stage of manifestation (vyaktibhava)
# Stage of complication (bheda)
Efforts made at early kala will prevent the progression of the disease to advanced stages of [[Shat-kriya kala]].
'''Role in treatment:'''
Oleation ([[snehana]]) is one of the steps carried out on a patient before [[panchakarma]] (five methods of cleansing of body). The duration till which [[snehana]] should be done depends whether person has smooth bowel movements (mridukoshtha), moderate bowel movements (madhyamkoshtha) or hard bowel movements (kroorakoshtha).
*Mridu Koshtha – 3 days
*Madhyama Koshtha - 5 days
*Krura Koshtha -7 days [Cha.Sa.[[Siddi Sthana]] 1/6]
The kala for digestion of this [[snehana]] is longer if administered in more quantity (matra). The quantity of sneha that gets digested in 3 hours is called prathama matra. Similarly the quantities of sneha that require longer digestion are mentioned below. [Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 31/25-29]<ref name=Susruta/>
#Prathama matra: 3 hours
#Dvitiyamatra: 6 hours
#Tritiya matra: 9 hours
#Chaturthamatra: 12 hours
#Panchama matra: 24 hours
Various types of medicated enema ([[basti]]) are effective when given at a specific kala. Normally [[basti]] is advised in pravrit (before rains) season but can be advised at any time if a person suffers from a disease.
Time for the administration of decoction enema (niruha basti): when a patient has an empty stomach and after digestion of previous food, the best time is the afternoon.
Time for the administration of oil enema (anuvasana basti): in winter and spring - day time; autumn, summer, and rainy season- night time. [Cha.Sa.[[Siddhi Sthana]] 1/22-23]
Time for administering uttara basti - morning, during ovulation period (ritukala). [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/77]<ref name= Hridaya > Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref>
The suitable kala for administration of emesis ([[vamana]]) is spring season (for [[kapha]] dominant disorders), purgation ([[virechana]]) is autumn season (for [[pitta]] dominant disorders) and enema ([[basti]]) is end of summer (for [[vata]] dominant disorders). This is because [[vamana]], [[virechana]] and [[basti]] are most efficient in pacification of [[kapha]], [[pitta]] and [[vata]] respectively. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40] Natural vitiation of [[kapha]], [[pitta]] and [[vata]] occurs in spring, autumn, and end of summer, respectively.
Kala for nasal administration ([[nasya]]) as mentioned in ayurvedic literatures is twice a day in hiccup (hidhma), convulsion (apatanaka), loss of voice (svarabhramsha), etc and alternate days in other diseases. [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 20/14-16]<ref name=Hridaya/>
As mentioned in Sushruta samhita, 100 years old ghee (ghrita) has properties of pacifying [[kapha]]-[[vata]]. It is efficient in providing strength and good for the eyes and intellect. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 45/110]<ref name=Susruta/>
Cauterization (agnikarma) should not be practiced in Summer and Autumn seasons. Bloodletting ([[raktamokshana]]) should be done in autumn.<ref>Kasture H.S. Ayurvediya Panchakarma Vigyana, Kolkata, Shree Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhavan Limited, 16th Edition, 2013; 501.</ref>
[[Panchakarma]] therapies are effective when done at optimum kala.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Appropriate seasons for [[panchakarma]]
|-
! Season !! [[Panchakarma]] procedure
|-
| | [[Shishira]] (January-March) || Abhyanga, utsadana, murdhataila
|-
| | [[Vasanta]] (March-May) || Vamana, udvartana, nasya, dhuma, kavala
|-
| | [[Greeshma]] (April-June) || Shitapralepa
|-
| | [[Varsha]] (July-September) || Basti
|-
| | [[Sharad]] (September-November) || Tiktasnehapana, virechana, raktamokshana
|-
| | [[Hemanta]] (November-January) || Abhyanga, utsadana, murdhataila, jentakasweda, ushnasadana, atapasweda.
|-
|}
Even the diet routine followed after [[vamana]], and [[virechana]] karma (sansarjana karma) is most effective when administered at a specific kala.
Medicated enema ([[basti]]) is given a specific time in a particular duration (kala). Classifying [[basti]] is done based on the duration of days until it is administered.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Classification of Basti based on days
|-
! Type of Basti !! Duration of days
|-
| | Karma basti || 30 days
|-
| | Kala basti || 16 days
|-
| | Yoga basti || 8 days
|-
|}
==Current researches==
#Role of kala (time) in kayashodhana ( detoxification of body). <ref>B. Kotturshetti, Yogitha Bali M.R, Gurubasava S. Hiremath. Role of Kaala (Time) in Kayashodhana (Detoxification of Body). Ayushdhara, Vol 7, Issue 1: January-February 2020; ISSN: 2393-9583(P)/2393-9591(O). </ref>, <ref>M D Haidar. Role of Kaala (Time) in Panchakarma (Detoxification of Body). World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2021,7(3), 117-124; ISSN: 2455-3301. </ref>
Administration of [[panchakarma]] therapies at the right time, or the kala knowing its importance and utility leads to the success of the treatment.
2. Critical review on bhaishajyakala (time of drug administration) in Ayurveda.<ref>Ashwini V. Junjarwad, Pavan B. Savalgi, Mahesh Kumar Vyas. Critical review on Bhaishajya Kaala (time of drug administration) in Ayurveda. Ayu, 2013 Jan-Mar; 34(1): 6–10 doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.115436 PMCID: PMC3764882 PMID: 24049398</ref>, <ref>Kotawala Y. S.and Shukla D. V. Aushadh Sevan Kaal in Ayurveda and Modern Science. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 6, Issue 11.</ref>
Bhaishajyakala (time of drug administration) is an important principle to be considered while treating a disease. The administration time is mainly explained in relation to the intensity of the disease, strength of the patient, a specific [[dosha]] involved in the pathogenesis.
3. Study of the concept of kala in Ayurveda w.s.r. to kala as a karan dravya.<ref>Jyoti sihag, Jyoti Rani. Study of Concept of Kaala in Ayurveda w.s.r. to Kaala as a Karan Dravya. International Journal of Scientific Research, Volume-8 | Issue-6 | June-2019 | Print ISSN No. 2277 - 8179</ref>
Kala (time) is karana dravya. It is the cause for the birth and death of all living beings, for the disorders and excellence of the seasons, properties of substances such as taste and potency.
4. Role and rationale of kala in the field of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics - A Conceptual Approach.<ref>Vrinda Bhat, Shobha G Hiremath, Surekha S Medikeri. Role and rationale of Kaala in the field of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics - A Conceptual Approach. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 2 (04), 168-172, 2017</ref>
A pharmaceutical preparation is the result of more than one pharmaceutical processing (samskara) collectively. Every procedure has its own importance. Among them kala is eternal and shows its impact on every atom of the universe. Simple plain water when kept in open surroundings, it undergoes various chemical changes. A small amount of CO^2 dissolves in it, and forms carbonic acid and initiates complex changes ultimately leading to its destruction. Such is the power of kala.
5. Understanding of nityagakala from a geographical perspective in India. <ref>Ramesh Kumar KL, AS Baghel, Mahesh Vyas. Understanding of Nityaga Kaala from Geographical perspective in India. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences 4 (02), 95-101, 2019</ref>
India being a subcontinent, has diverse regional variabilities. Everywhere, since the gross diversity in geographical conditions, climatological patterns, food and culture, demands understanding all these variations is necessary. This article elaborated the understanding of this seasonal diversity in relation to geographical variations to better understand seasonal guidelines ([[ritucharya]]).
6. Physiological approach towards aharasevana kala (right time for food). <ref>Gayathri Holla. Physiological Approach Towards Aahara Sevana Kaala (Right Time For Food). Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (https://jahm.co.in/index.php/jahm/article/view/378)</ref>
The time of taking food (aharasevana kala) plays a vital role in the proper digestion, absorption and nourishment. The practice of eka kalaashana (food once a day) is highly beneficial. However, due to the present lifestyle, taking food only once a day is inconvenient. Therefore, taking food twice a day is adopted.
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