Ayurveda and disease

Ayurveda and disease

Ayurveda is applicable to every living thing, as implied by its name, the science of life. Vedic sciences attribute life to air, wind, fire, the earth, planets, stars, etc., where all are thought to possess conscience like living beings.

Charaka, says,

"Man is the epitome of the universe. Within man, there is as much diversity as in the world outside. Similarly, the outside world is as diverse as human beings themselves."

In other words, all human beings are a living microcosm of the universe and the universe is a living macrocosm of human beings.

Disease prevention

According to the classical ayurvedic texts, an important part of disease prevention addresses balanced diet and lifestyle, right use of physical, mental and sensory activities, seasonal routines, daily routines and spiritual activities.

There are basically five types of treatment

1.    Disease prevention

2.    Diagnostics

3.    Panchakarma

4.    Yoga

5.    Spiritual Ayurveda

Each of them has its benefits and should be applied according to your needs.

Ayurveda elaborates a six stage process of disease manifestation called shad kriya kal, in which detection and complication comprise the last two phases. Knowledge of the first four stages is unique to Ayurveda and permits the recognition and elimination of disease long before it progresses into clearly differentiated clinical symptoms. Ama's toxicity and the dosha's mobility constitute the key components in the disease process

Unlike the Western view on medical treatments, Ayurvedic treatment already starts in the early stages of the disease and is much more efficient than in a later stage.

                     Ayurveda distinguishes six stages in the development of a disease:

1- Stages of Accumulation (Sanchaya)

Illness begins in one of the three main dosha sites: stomach (Kapha), small intestine (Pitta), or the colon (Vayu). Excess Kapha in the stomach creates a blockage in the system that leads to lassitude, heaviness, pallor, bloating, and indigestion. Pitta accumulation creates burning sensation, fever, hyperacidity, bitter taste in the mouth, and anger. Excess Vayu created gas, distention, constipation, dryness, fear, fatigue, insomnia, and the desire for warm things.  The value of monitoring these experiences within one’s body and mind leads to the earliest detection of an imbalance, while it is still in its hidden or incubatory stages.

2-  Stage of  Aggravation (Prakop)

As the imbalanced elements (humors) continue to increase, the symptoms mentioned above become more aggravated and will be noticed in other parts of the body as well.   Kapha aggravation causes a loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, excess saliva, heaviness in the heart and head, and over sleeping. The aggravated Pitta experience is one of increased acidity, burning sensation in the abdomen, lowered vitality or insomnia.  Vata aggravation results in pain and spasm in the abdomen, gas and rumbling in the bowels, and light headedness. 

3- Stage of Migration (Prasar)

Prasar literally means “to leave and spread.” Once the origin site is full with the excess humor, it will begin to overflow into the rest of the body, using different channels of transportation. The path of the overflow begins in the gastro-intestinal tract, then moves into the plasma and blood. Then the humors begin to seep into the organs, dhatus (tissue element), and malas (waste). Simultaneously, the symptoms at the origin site continue to grow worse. 

4- Stage of Augmentation (Sthan Samshrya)

This is “taking shelter in a place.” The Doshas (humors) will move to wherever a weak site exists in the body. This is where and when specific disease begin to develop. Healing is still simple, even at this fourth stage of illness. 

5- Stage of Manifestation (Vyakta)

Vyakt, “that which can be seen.” This is the first stage of the development of illness for which western science can detect signs of disease. Here, disease become fully developed, showing signs of clinical features. Names are given to imbalances of the humors, such as cancer, bronchitis, arthritis, etc.

6-  Stage of Complication (Bheda)

The last stage, Bheda means differentiation. The symptoms become clear enough so that the elemental cause may be determined. While stage five confirms general diagnosis, stage six confirms differential diagnosis. This phase is characterised by severe impairment of dhatus function and serious damage to the shrotas (channels).

     Ancient methods of diagnosis                             

               Pulse diagnosis - 

“taking your pulse is more than counting the beats.” The health of the entire body may be determined from the pulse, including the balance of dosha. 

        Tongue diagnosis—

the organ of taste and speech, the tongue,  corresponds to different organs of the body, hence a blemish on the tongue can determine which organ of the body is out of balance 

        Face diagnosis –

disorder and disease are manifested on the face, rightly calling it the “mirror of the mind.”

        Lip diagnosis –

Similarly, the condition of the lips may indicate the condition of certain physical organs and their functions. For instance, lips are examined for whether they are pale, parched, shrivelled, dry and rough, blue, black or yellow, with inflammatory patches, or with brown spots reflect body imbalances

        Nail diagnosis –

      Like the lips, the coloration of the nails reflect doshic imbalances

        Eye diagnosis –

The examination of the eyes, as with the lips and nails, may also reflect potential doshic imbalance. Excessive blinking indicates nervousness, anxiety or fear; drooping upper eyelid indicates a sense of insecurity, fear or lack of confidence; different colourations indicate different lack of proportions -- ALL are vata imbalances


Peace  love  harmony