Cogprints

Concepts of Human Physiology in Ayurveda

Patwardhan, Dr. Kishor (2008) Concepts of Human Physiology in Ayurveda. [Book Chapter]

Full text available as:

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
237Kb

Abstract

‘Human Physiology’, or the study of functional aspects of human body, is designated by the term ‘Śarīra Vicaya’ in Ayurvedic literature. The word ‘Vicaya’ means the special or detailed knowledge. Detailed knowledge of normal human body i.e., ‘Śarīra’, is considered helpful in understanding the factors influencing the health. Though most of the basic concepts of human physiology explained in Ayurveda are strikingly similar to the concepts of modern physiology, some concepts like ‘Ātmā’, ‘Manas’ and ‘Prakrti’ are unique to Ayurveda. Understanding of Physiology in Ayurveda should start with the understanding of innumerable minute individual living units called ‘Śarīra Paramānus’ or ‘Anu Srotāmsi’. These units are now known as cells. A group of such functionally and structurally similar units is called a ‘Dhātu’. These ‘Dhātus’ are almost equivalent to the tissues. Seven such ‘Dhātus’ have been enumerated. Similarly, the individual systems in the body have been designated by the term ‘Sthūla Srotāmsi’ and thirteen such ‘Srotāmsi’ have been described by Caraka. ‘Annavaha Stotas’, for example, stands equivalent to the digestive system and ‘Rasavaha Srotas’ to the cardio vascular system. Apart from these, the functioning of individual systems has also been described in a considerably detailed manner. Cardiovascular system as a closed circuit, role of liver in the functioning of hemopoietic system, functional significance of brain in the neural mechanisms, basics of digestion and metabolism and basics of immunity ‐ are some such topics worth mentioning. Theory of ‘Tridosha’ is another important theory of physiology. This represents the various reciprocally functioning homeostatic mechanisms at various levels of organization. The state of equilibrium among these ‘Doshas’ is responsible for maintenance of health. Three ‘Doshas’ – i.e., ‘Vāta’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’ in general, represent neural, endocrine and immune mechanisms respectively and form the basis of neuro‐ immuno‐ endocrinology.

Item Type:Book Chapter
Subjects:Biology > Theoretical Biology
ID Code:7033
Deposited By: Patwardhan, Dr. Kishor
Deposited On:18 Oct 2010 11:06
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:57

References in Article

Select the SEEK icon to attempt to find the referenced article. If it does not appear to be in cogprints you will be forwarded to the paracite service. Poorly formated references will probably not work.

1.‘Ashtanga Hridayam’ of Vagbhata, with the commentaries (Sarvangasundara) of Arunadatta and (Ayurveda Rasayana) of Hemadri, Collected by Anna Moreshwara Kunte and Krishna Ramachandra Shastri Navare, Edited by Vaidya Hari Shastri Paradakara, Eighth Edition, Chaukhambha Orientalia,

Varanasi (1998).

2.‘Caraka Samhita of Agnivesa’, Revised by Caraka and Drdhabala with the ‘Ayurveda Dipika’

commentary of Cakrapanidatta, Edited by Gangasahaya Pandeya, Vol 1 & 2, Fifth edition, Chaukhambha

Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi (1997).

3.‘Caraka Samhita’-Text with English translation and critical exposition based on Cakrapanidatta's

‘Ayurveda Dipika’, by R. K. Sharma and Bhagwan Dash, Vol-l to 5, Second edition, Chaukhambha

Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, (2000).

4.‘Sharngadhara Samhita’ of Sharngadhara with Subodhini Hindi commentary by Prayagadatta Sharma,

Edited by Dayashankara Pandeya, Seventh edition, Chaukhambha Amarabharati Prakashan, Varanasi

(1988).

•5.‘Sushruta Samhita’ of Sushruta with the ‘Nibandhasamgraha’ commentary by Dalhanacharya, Edited by

Jadavji Trikumji Acharya, Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi (1994).

6. C. Dwarakanatha, ‘Digestion and Metabolism in Ayurveda’, Second edition, Krishnadas Academy,

Varanasi (1997).

7. C. Dwarakanatha, ‘Introduction to Kayachikitsa’, Third Edition, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi

(1996).

8. C. Dwarakanatha, ‘The Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda’, V01. 1 to 3, Krishnadas Academy,

Varanasi (2003).

9. Kishor Patwardhan, ‘Human physiology in Ayurveda’, Jaikrishnadas Ayurveda series, no. 134,

Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi (2005).

10. L. P. Gupta, ‘Essentials of Ayurveda’, First edition, Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi,

(1996).

11. R. H. Singh, ‘The Holistic Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine’, First edition, Chaukhambha Surbharati

Prakashan, Delhi (1998).

12. Ranajit Rai Desai, ‘Ayurvediya Kriyasharira’, Shri Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhavan, Ltd., Allahabad,

(1999).

Metadata

Repository Staff Only: item control page