Difference between revisions of "Satmya"

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meaning: adaptation or habituation  
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Satmya (suitability or adaptation or habituation)
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The word “Satmya” literally refers to habit, suitability, wholesomeness, that agreeable to nature or natural constitution 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 for a physician for planning the treatment protocol for a particular patient suffering from particular disease.
 
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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.
 
==Etymology and derivation==
 
==Etymology and derivation==
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Satmya(सात्म्य).—a. Wholesome, agreeable to nature.
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Sātmya (सात्म्य).—a. Wholesome, agreeable to nature.
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-tmyaḥ 1)Suitability.
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-tmyaḥ 1)Suitablenes.
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2) Habit, habituation, diet.
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2) Habit, habitation, diet.
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<ref>https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/satmya</ref>
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-tmyam = सरूपता (sarūpatā) q. v.; नृपाश्चैद्यादयः सात्म्यं हरेस्तच्चिन्तया ययुः (nṛpāścaidyādayaḥ sātmyaṃ harestaccintayā yayuḥ) Bhāg. 7.1.4.<ref>https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/satmya</ref>
 
 
==Contextual meanings==
 
==Contextual meanings==
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The term Satmya denotes following meanings in different contexts.
 
The term Satmya denotes following meanings in different contexts.
 
*Adaptation
 
*Adaptation
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*Wholesome diet and lifestyle
 
*Wholesome diet and lifestyle
 
*Natural wholesome disposition of coexistence
 
*Natural wholesome disposition of coexistence
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*Habitual Use
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*Habitual use
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===Definition===
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== Categories of Satmya ==
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सात्म्यं नाम तद् यदात्मन्युपशेते; सात्म्यार्थो ह्युपशयार्थः|
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Satmya can be classified in terms of various aspects for better understanding and applicability in the field of health care.
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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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*One among the 6 factors contributing to the physical and psychological development of a fetus
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सात्म्यं नाम तद्यत् सातत्येनोपसेव्यमानमुपशेते|
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*Wholesome diet and regimens particular to a person
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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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*Suitability as per the geographical area
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सात्म्यं नाम सुखं यत् करोति तदुच्यते|
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*Suitability according to Season
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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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*Wholesome for a particular disease condition
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===Types of satmya===
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*Agreeable to natural constitution
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Based on one’s habitual usage of [[rasa]] (taste), satmya could be categorized into three types:
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*Acquired  adaptation due to habitual use
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1. Superior: Consumption of all rasas collectively is considered superior
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2. Medium/average:.Consumption of two to five rasa in combination is medium...
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== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==
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3. Inferior: Consumption of only one rasa is considered inferior.
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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 as described below.
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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]
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Satmya is mentioned as one among the six factors which contribute to the origin and development of an organism. (Cha.Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 3/14).
 
  
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The domains of contribution of Satmya includes ''arogya'' (the state of freedom from diseases), ''analasya'' (freedom from laziness),''alolupatva'' (freedom from greed), clarity of senses, excellence of voice and fertility and optimum libido.[Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 3/11]
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== 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]For understanding and application in the field of health care, following are the components of satmya.
  
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While explaining the superior entities, Wholesome diet and regimen (''Yatha satmya cheshtbhyavahara'') or eating and working in conformity to one’s constitution, is the best or superior “ worth adopting regimen” or best among good practices (''sevyanam'').[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40]
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*Prakritisatmya:
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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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Asatmya sevana especially in terms of diet (adopting unwholesome regimen) is mentioned as the causative factor of a number of diseases.
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*Desha satmya:
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In general the 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, can be adapted to preserve health.[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana. 6/50]
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Desha satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area.
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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)] 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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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 deshasatmya:
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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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• People from Prachya(east region) 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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• 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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• People from Malaya (Malabar region) are habituated to the intake of kandamula (rhizomes, tuber roots) 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 central part are accustomed to the use of yava(barley), godhuma(wheat) and gorasa(milk). [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 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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Satmya is also included in the ten factors to be examined in a patient before planning a treatment for a particular disease condition.[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/94]  
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*Ritusatmya:
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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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===Desha Satmya (suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area)===
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*Vyadhi satmya:
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It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area are adopting a common trend in dietetics and regimens. It may be depending on the availability of substances and suitability to the particular environment in that particular area. In Charaka Samhita, the references are available regarding the diet of people living in different geographical areas in India. It is said that any food substance which is habituated to a particular person in a particular geographical area, even if they are not conducive or not wholesome to body and mind, it should not be withdrawn instantaneously. If any unwholesome food is prohibited instantly the person may not be benefited from it. [Cha. Sa.chikitsa Sthana 30/315-319]
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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.[[ChikitsaSthana]] 3/153]). 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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===Ritu Satmya (Seasonal adaptations)===
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*Swabhavasatmya:
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A person who knows the Ritusatmya (seasonal adaptations), i.e., getting accustomed to suitable changes in diet and lifestyle according to seasons, and practices such habits accordingly), leads a healthy, long life. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 6/3]
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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] The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 22/25]
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*JatiSatmya:
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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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===Vyadhi Satmya===
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*Vayasatmya:
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Certain diet or regimen are explained as suitable for a disease condition which is proven as effective in the management of the particular disease condition by its nature. An excellent example is Yavagu( rice gruel) in Jwara( fever) [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/153]
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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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*Oka Satmya:
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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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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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===Prakruti Satmya===
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Natural suitability of dosha:
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The inherent adaptation in an individual to certain substences, actions etc according to the natural constitution. It is said that the wholesome habits and life style of the couple before and during conception and the wholesome diet and regimen of the mother during antenatal period influences the formation, growth and development of the fetus which result in the formation of the Sahaja Satmya (adaptation by birth) in an individual.[Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 3/11]
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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. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 26/293]
  
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===Swabhava Satmya===
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===Role of satmya in life-cycle===
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Certain substances are said to be wholesome by its nature itself. For example, milk especially human breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome substance. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/224]
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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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===Oka Satmya ( Habituation developed by practice)===
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This is the most important concept of Satmya which is having a wide range of therapeutic utility. This 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, the person get adapted to a substance/ regimen which may or may not be conductive to health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable and it may not cause any harmful effect or it may not disturb his healthy status. Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya(wholesome) to the patient . Medicines given with satmya food nourish the body quickly and do not create much untoward effects. The physician treating the patients simply with recepies, without consideration of desha, kala etc.,may commit mistakes.
 
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It is categorized into three. ie, Pravara(Superior), Avara(inferior) and Madhyama(intermediate).
 
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A seven fold classification based on the use of six individual Rasas (tastes) and the combination of all tastes (sarvarasa) in diet is also given.
 
  
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===Importance of knowledge of satmya===
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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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• 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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• Satmya is important component of examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94]
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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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• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 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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• Success of a therapy depends upon 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. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 30/319-20]
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• 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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• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies. [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 2/1/45]
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Satmya diet in management of diseases:
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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. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 8/69],
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*Kshataksheena (chest injury) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 11/94],
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*Shotha(swellings)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 12/20]
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*Pandu (anemia)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 16/76]
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*Atisara (diarrhea) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 19/24,50]
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* Trishna (thirst)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 22/61]
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* Madatyaya(chronic alcoholism)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 24/119]
  
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===Relation between different concepts of Satmya===
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Importance in health:
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The role of Satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of embryo, its development, the adaptations developed in an individual by birth as well as the acquired adaptations in terms of diet and life style influenced by the geographical area, seasons and habitual use of some substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy as well as diseased states of an individual. One should follow the rules of Satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one get diseased the physician should consider Satmya as an important contributing factor while examining an patient, diagnosing and treating the disease. And the factor Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and the effect of Satmya reflects in the next generation also.
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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. [[ShariraSthana]] 3/14).
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• 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]. 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.
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• Following suitable regimen is considered the best for development of [[purusha]] in [[agryasamgraha]]( group of best wholesome practices) (Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40)
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• 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.[[ShariraSthana]] 6/13]
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*Status of health depends upon the inherent as well as acquired adaptations of an individual.
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*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]
  
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===Importance of Knowledge of Satmya===
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SatmyaViruddha (antagonism of suitability) and its management:
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*Status of Health depends upon the inherent as well as acquired adaptations of an individual
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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)
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*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.  
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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)
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*While planning the treatment for an individual suffering from a particular disease, one should select the drug/ procedure/dietary modification etc as per the individual suitability as well as the disease suitability.
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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]
  
 
===Current Researches===
 
===Current Researches===
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Ayurveda is an evidence-based science, but it has not been updated in thousands of years when genetic evolution and environmental changes have occurred. Hence, research should be guided to follow Ayurvedic understanding and develop evidence to find its justification in the present time.Ayurnutrigenomics presents a huge scope of development toward the understanding of nutrigenomics and molecular nutrition research.According to the concept of Satmya , even if a food habit is harmful considering a person's genetic constitution, due to climatic (Ritu Satmya), geographical (Desha Satmya), disease (Roga Satmya), regular habit (Oka Satmya), and sociocultural (Jati Satmya) factors, his or her nutriome may become adjusted to that food habit. Here, nutriome is referred to as the entire food habit of a person interacting with his/her genome or physiome. A simple example is a carbohydrate-rich rice diet consumed by Indians; yet they are prone to diabetes.<ref>Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228e233.</ref>
 
  
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==Table 1: References of Satmya in Charak Samhita ==
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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> Concept of satmyahas 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.
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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! 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
 
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|  || '''Sutra sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
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| 1 || Chapter 15 verse 5 || Chapter 7 verse 41 || Chapter 17 verse 91 || --
 
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| 2 || Chapter 15 verse 17 || Chapter 25 verse 40 || Chapter 26 verse 91 || --
 
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| 3 || -- || -- || Chapter 26 verse 106 || --
 
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| 4 || -- || -- || Chapter 27 verse 347 || --
 
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|  || '''Nidana sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
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|5 || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 28 || --
 
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|  || '''Vimana sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
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| 6 || Chapter 1 verse 3 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 6 || --
 
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| 7 || Chapter 2 verse 13 || -- || Chapter 7 verse 12 || --
 
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| 8 || Chapter 4 verse 8 || -- || -- || --
 
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| 9 || Chapter 8 verse 94 || -- || -- || --
 
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| 10 || Chapter 8 verse 130 || -- || -- || --
 
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|  || '''Sharira sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
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| 11 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 7 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 3
 
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| 12 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 13 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 4
 
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| 13 || -- || Chapter 8 verse 32 || -- || Chapter 3 verse 11
 
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| 14 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 4 verse 14
 
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| 15 || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 4 verse 32
 
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|  || '''Chikitsa sthana'''  ||  ||  ||
 
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| 16 || Chapter 1 part 1 verse 28 || -- || Chapter 1 part 2 verse 3 || --
 
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| 17 || Chapter 1 part 2 verse 8 || --|| Chapter 14 verse 9 || --
 
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| 18 || Chapter 1 part 2 verse19 || -- || Chapter 14 verse 42 || --
 
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| 19 || Chapter 1 part 3 verse || -- || Chapter 16 verse 7 || --|
 
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|20 || Chapter 2 part 1 verse 45 || --|| Chapter 18 verse 24 || --
 
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| 21 || Chapter 3 verse 156 || --|| Chapter 19 verse 4 || --
 
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| 22 || Chapter 8 verse 69 || -- || Chapter 19 verse 8 || --
 
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| 23 || Chapter 9 verse 88 || -- || Chapter 25 verse 33 || --
 
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| 24 || Chapter 11verse 94 || --|| Chapter 30 verse 163 || --
 
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| 25 || Chapter 12 verse 20 || -- || Chapter 30 verse 183 || --
 
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| 26 || Chapter 16 verse 76 || -- || Chapter 30 verse 232 || --
 
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| 27 || Chapter 19 verse 24 || -- || -- || --
 
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| 28 || Chapter 19 verse 50 || -- || -- || --
 
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| 29 || Chapter 20 verse 44 || -- || -- || --
 
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| 30 || Chapter 28 verse 249 || -- || -- || --
 
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|-
 
−
| 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==
+
Asatmya(unsuitable):
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
असात्म्यमिति तद्विद्याद्यन्न याति सहात्मताम्||१२७||
−
|-
+
असात्म्यार्थं दर्शयति- असात्म्यमित्यादि| सहेति मिलितं शरीरेण| आत्मताम् अविकृतरूपतां न याति; एतेन, यदुपयुक्तं प्राकृतरूपोपधातकं भवति, तदसात्म्यमिति||१२७||
−
! Sl.No !! Desha Satmya !! Purusha Satmya !! Kalasatmya/Ritu Satmya !! Vyadhi Satmya !! Prakruti /Sahaja Satmya !! Swabhava Satmya !! Oka Satmya
+
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. [[ShariraSthana]] 1/127]
−
|-
+
Adverse effects of asatmya:
−
|  || '''Sutra sthana'''  ||  ||  || || || ||  
+
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.
−
|-
+
Role of asatmya in disease:
−
| 1 || Chapter 6 verse 50 || -- || Chapter 6 verse 3 || Chapter 6 verse 50 || -- || Chapter 1 verse109 || Chapter 6 verse 49
+
• Unsuitable diet is listed among causative factors of following diseases:
−
|-
+
*Vidradhi(abscess) [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/91],
−
| 2 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 22 verse 25 || --
+
*Parasites of shleshma origin.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 7/12],
−
|-
+
*All morbidities [Cha.Sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/2/3]
−
| 3 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 25 verse 40 || --
+
*Unmada(psychosis disorders)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 9/87]
−
|-
+
*Arsha(hemorrhoids)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 14/9]
−
| 4 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 27 verse 224 || --
+
* Grahani(digestive disorders)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 15/42]
−
|-
+
*Pandu (anemia and blood)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 16/7]
−
|  || '''Vimana sthana'''  ||  ||  || || || ||
+
*Kasa(cough of various origin)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 18/24]
−
|-
+
* Atisara(diarrhea)[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 19/4]
−
| 5 || Chapter 1 verse 40 || Chapter 3 verse 5 || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 20
+
* Healing process of vrana(ulcer) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 25/33]
−
|-
+
* Klaibya (impotence) due to dwajabhanga (erectile dysfunction) and kshaya (emaciation) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 30 /163]
−
| 6 || Chapter 1 verse 22 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 19
+
* Klaibya due to Chhardi (emesis) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 20/44]
−
|-
+
* Vitiation of breast milk [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 30/232]
−
| 7 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 22
+
* Kushtha(skin disease) [Sushruta Samhita ChikitsaSthana 9/3]
−
|-
+
*Hridroga (cardiac diseases) [Sushruta Samhita Uttar Tantra 43/3]
−
| 8 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 1 verse 27
+
• Unsuitable odour causes Jwara [Cha.Sa. [[NidanaSthana]] 1/28]
−
|-
+
• The polluted air has unwholesome odour and can cause epidemic diseases.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 3/6]
−
| 9 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 8 verse 93
+
It is important to know the unsuitable factors causing disease.
−
|-
+
== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==  
−
| 10 || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || -- || Chapter 8 verse 118
+
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.
−
|-
 
−
|  || '''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==
 
−
[[Tasyashiteeya Adhyaya]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Upakalpaniya Adhyaya]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Rasa Vimana]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Yonivyapat Chikitsa]]
 
−
 
 
−
==References==
 

Revision as of 06:30, 21 February 2020

Satmya (suitability or adaptation or habituation)

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.

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| 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] सात्म्यं नाम तद्यत् सातत्येनोपसेव्यमानमुपशेते| 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] सात्म्यं नाम सुखं यत् करोति तदुच्यते| Anything that leads to comfort is satmya.[3]

Types of satmya

Based on one’s habitual usage of 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 desha(geographical region), kala(season), vyadhi (disease), prakriti(naturalconstitution), swabhava (inherent nature) and abhyasa(repeated use).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]For understanding and application in the field of health care, following are the components of satmya.

  • Prakritisatmya:

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]

  • 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 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)] 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] 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 deshasatmya: • 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). • People from Prachya(east region) are habituated to the use of fish. • People living in Sindhadesha (present day Ssindh region) are accustomed to the intake of milk. • Ashmaka (region around and between the river Godavari) and Avantika (Ujjain) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances. • People from Malaya (Malabar region) are habituated to the intake of kandamula (rhizomes, tuber roots) and fruits. • People from south are used to the intake of peya(thin gruel) , and people from north are habituated to the consumption of mantha. • People from central part are accustomed to the use of yava(barley), godhuma(wheat) and gorasa(milk). [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 30/315-18] 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).[4]

  • Ritusatmya:

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]

  • Vyadhi satmya:

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.ChikitsaSthana 3/153]). The other examples are milk in gulma, kshaudra(honey) in prameha, ghee in udavarta. [5]

  • Swabhavasatmya:

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] The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 22/25]

  • JatiSatmya:

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.[6]

  • Vayasatmya:

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. [7]

  • Oka Satmya:

It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure. 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. [8] 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]

Natural suitability of dosha: 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. ChikitsaSthana 26/293]

Role of satmya in life-cycle

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.


Importance of knowledge of satmya

Diagnostic Importance: • Satmya is important assessment parameter in examination of patient in 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 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] • Satmya is important component of 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. ChikitsaSthana 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 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 much untoward effects. [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 30/319-20] • The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes. • The rasayana (rejuvenatiotherapes) 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. ChikitsaSthana 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies. [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 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. ShariraSthana 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]. 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. • Following suitable regimen is considered the best for development of purusha in agryasamgraha( group of best wholesome practices) (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.ShariraSthana 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]

SatmyaViruddha (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 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 substance in small quantity, enhancing digestive power, young age, unction therapy, physical exercise and enhancing strength. (Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana26/106) 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]

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. [9] Concept of satmyahas 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.

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. ShariraSthana 1/127] 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. Role of asatmya in disease: • Unsuitable diet is listed among causative factors of following diseases:

  • Vidradhi(abscess) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/91],
  • Parasites of shleshma origin.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 7/12],
  • All morbidities [Cha.Sa. ChikitsaSthana 1/2/3]
  • Unmada(psychosis disorders)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 9/87]
  • Arsha(hemorrhoids)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 14/9]
  • Grahani(digestive disorders)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 15/42]
  • Pandu (anemia and blood)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 16/7]
  • Kasa(cough of various origin)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 18/24]
  • Atisara(diarrhea)[Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 19/4]
  • Healing process of vrana(ulcer) [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 25/33]
  • Klaibya (impotence) due to dwajabhanga (erectile dysfunction) and kshaya (emaciation) [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 30 /163]
  • Klaibya due to Chhardi (emesis) [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 20/44]
  • Vitiation of breast milk [Cha.sa. ChikitsaSthana 30/232]
  • Kushtha(skin disease) [Sushruta Samhita ChikitsaSthana 9/3]
  • Hridroga (cardiac diseases) [Sushruta Samhita Uttar Tantra 43/3]

• Unsuitable odour causes Jwara [Cha.Sa. NidanaSthana 1/28] • The polluted air has unwholesome odour and can cause epidemic diseases.[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 3/6] It is important to know the unsuitable factors causing disease.

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.

  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. ↑ Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40
  4. ↑ Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40
  5. ↑ Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40
  6. ↑ Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40
  7. ↑ MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net
  8. ↑ Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40
  9. ↑ 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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