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→Dosha and disease
==== ''Dosha'' and disease ====
==== ''Dosha'' and disease ====
Over the years, as a result of changes in lifestyle, multiple etiological factors, and decreased body resistance, new diseases are appearing. Therefore, naming all the diseases is a problem that all branches of medical sciences face. In modern medicine where the cause of a disease is not very clear, symptom-based or descriptive diagnosis is given to various conditions, e.g., APD (Acid Peptic Diseases) is the term given to problems having symptoms of hyperacidity, pain in the abdomen, indigestion etc. Similarly, NUD (Non Ulcer Dyspepsia) term is applied to the symptoms of indigestion without pain. CAD (Coronary Artery Disease), CHD (Congenital Heart Disease), CVA (Cerebro- Vascular Accidents), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), HE (Hepatic-encephalopaty), Renal parenchymal disease, Coagulopathies, Myopathies, Neuropathies, etc. are a few other examples of grouping various ailments by their symptoms. In a similar manner, certain Ayurvedic conditions have been grouped into Twak vikara (skin disorders), Udara vikara, Mutra vikara, Mano vikara, vāta vikara, pitta vikara, kapha vikara etc. and an appropriate course of treatment is administered after understanding the possible etiopathogenesis. [44-47]
Over the years, as a result of changes in lifestyle, multiple etiological factors, and decreased body resistance, new diseases are appearing. Therefore, naming all the diseases is a problem that all branches of medical sciences face. In modern medicine where the cause of a disease is not very clear, symptom-based or descriptive diagnosis is given to various conditions, e.g., APD (Acid Peptic Diseases) is the term given to problems having symptoms of hyperacidity, pain in the abdomen, indigestion etc. Similarly, NUD (Non Ulcer Dyspepsia) term is applied to the symptoms of indigestion without pain. CAD (Coronary Artery Disease), CHD (Congenital Heart Disease), CVA (Cerebro- Vascular Accidents), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), HE (Hepatic-encephalopaty), Renal parenchymal disease, Coagulopathies, Myopathies, Neuropathies, etc. are a few other examples of grouping various ailments by their symptoms. In a similar manner, certain Ayurvedic conditions have been grouped into ''Twak vikara'' (skin disorders), ''Udara vikara'', ''Mutra vikara'', ''Mano vikara'', ''vāta vikara, pitta vikara, kapha vikara'' etc. and an appropriate course of treatment is administered after understanding the possible etiopathogenesis. [44-47]
If we analyze doshas, then we observe that all solid and watery contents of our body are made up of kapha. Most enzymes, digestive functions and all warmth in body can be attributed to pitta. And all types of micro or macro-movements in our bodies are performed by vata. Therefore, our body and the associated constituents and life-processes could be attributed to the three doshas, along with body tissues (dhatus), and secretions (mala). In all circumstances, doshas, dhatus and malas play an important role and are considered as roots of the body [A.H.Ni. 11/1]. [48]
If we analyze ''doshas'', then we observe that all solid and watery contents of our body are made up of ''kapha''. Most enzymes, digestive functions and all warmth in body can be attributed to ''pitta''. And all types of micro or macro-movements in our bodies are performed by ''vata''. Therefore, our body and the associated constituents and life-processes could be attributed to the three ''doshas'', along with body tissues (''dhatus''), and secretions (''mala''). In all circumstances, ''doshas, dhatus'' and ''malas'' play an important role and are considered as roots of the body [A.H.Ni. 11/1]. [48]
''Vata, pitta'' and ''kapha'' are further sub-categorized into five types of each. They all have their specific sites in the body and specific functions applicable to those sites. (Sha.Pu.Kh. 5/27-35). Specific sites of these ''doshas'' are mentioned in (Ca.Su. 20/8). [49-51]
Many functions and gunas of doshas are mostly interrelated (especially opposite to each other). For instance, vata and kapha properties are mostly opposite to pitta properties. Therefore, their functions increase or decrease in inverse relation to each other. [52]
Typical functions of aggravated dosha are described such as emaciation, blackening, willingness of warm things, tremors, flatulence, constipation, impaired body power, insomnia, incapability of grasping objects by sense organs, delirium, vertigo and lustlessness are functions or presentations of aggravated vata. Yellowish discoloration of stool, urine, nails and skin, reduction in appetite, thirst, burning and sleep are due to aggravated pitta, whereas anorexia, excessive salivation, laziness, heaviness, white discoloration of body, coldness and loss of muscle tone, increase in breathlessness, coughing and sleep are due to aggravated kapha [A.H.Su. 11/5-7]. [53]
Many functions and ''gunas'' of ''doshas'' are mostly interrelated (especially opposite to each other). For instance, ''vata'' and ''kapha'' properties are mostly opposite to ''pitta'' properties. Therefore, their functions increase or decrease in inverse relation to each other. [52]
Typical functions of aggravated ''dosha'' are described such as emaciation, blackening, willingness of warm things, tremors, flatulence, constipation, impaired body power, insomnia, incapability of grasping objects by sense organs, delirium, vertigo and lustlessness are functions or presentations of aggravated ''vata''. Yellowish discoloration of stool, urine, nails and skin, reduction in appetite, thirst, burning and sleep are due to aggravated ''pitta'', whereas anorexia, excessive salivation, laziness, heaviness, white discoloration of body, coldness and loss of muscle tone, increase in breathlessness, coughing and sleep are due to aggravated ''kapha'' [A.H.Su. 11/5-7]. [53]
=== References ===
=== References ===