दोषधातुमलक्षयवृद्धिविज्ञानीयाध्यायः
अथातो दोषधातुमलक्षयवृद्धिविज्ञानीयमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः ||१||
यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ||२||
"Now, we shall expound the chapter on understanding the increase and decrease of doshas, dhatus and malas."
"Thus said the venerable Dhanvantari."
This introduction sets the stage for discussing the signs and symptoms related to increaseand decrease of the doshas (bodily humors), dhatus (tissues) and malas (wastes), following the teachings of the revered Dhanvantari.
दोषधातुमलमूलं हि शरीरं, तस्मादेतेषां लक्षणमुच्यमानमुपधारय ||३||
"The body is fundamentally made up of doshas, dhatus, and malas; therefore, understand the symptoms related to their balance and imbalance."
This shloka emphasizes that the body is fundamentally composed of the three doshas (bodily humors), seven dhatus (tissues), and three malas (wastes). Understanding the symptoms of their balance and imbalance is crucial for maintaining health.
तत्र प्रस्पन्दनोद्वहनपूरणविवेकधारणलक्षणो वायुः पञ्चधा प्रविभक्तः शरीरं धारयति (१) |४|
"Among them, Vayu (air) is responsible for pulsation, movement, filling, separation, and retention, and it sustains the body in five forms."
This shloka explains the role of Vayu (air) in the body, highlighting its responsibilities such as pulsation, movement, filling, separation, and retention, which are divided into five forms to sustain the body.
रागपक्त्योजस्तेजोमेधोष्मकृत् पित्तं पञ्चधा प्रविभक्तमग्निकर्मणाऽनुग्रहं करोति; (२) |४|
"Pitta, responsible for coloration, digestion, vitality, intellect, and warmth, is divided into five forms and supports the function of Agni (fire)."
This shloka highlights the role of Pitta in the body, emphasizing its responsibilities such as providing coloration, aiding digestion, maintaining vitality, supporting intellect, and generating warmth. It is divided into five forms that assist the function of Agni (digestive fire).
सन्धिसंश्लेषणस्नेहनरोपणपूरणबलस्थैर्यकृच्छ्लेष्मा पञ्चधा प्रविभक्त उदककर्मणाऽनुग्रहं करोति ||४||
"Kapha, responsible for lubrication, cohesion, nourishment, growth, and stability, is divided into five forms and supports the function of water."
This shloka highlights the role of Kapha in the body, emphasizing its responsibilities such as lubrication, cohesion, nourishment, growth, and stability. It is divided into five forms that assist the function of water in the body.
रसस्तुष्टिं प्रीणनं रक्तपुष्टिं च करोति, रक्तं वर्णप्रसादं मांसपुष्टिं जीवयति च, मांसं शरीरपुष्टिं मेदसश्च, मेदः स्नेहस्वेदौ दृढत्वं पुष्टिमस्थ्नां च, अस्थीनि देहधारणं मज्ज्ञः पुष्टिं च, मज्जा स्नेहं बलं शुक्रपुष्टिं पूरणमस्थ्नां च करोति, शुक्रं धैर्यं च्यवनं प्रीतिं देहबलं हर्षं बीजार्थं च; (१) |५|
"Rasa provides satisfaction and nourishment to Rakta (blood); Rakta improves complexion, nourishes Mamsa (muscle), and sustains life; Mamsa nourishes the body and Medas (fat); Medas provides lubrication, sweating, firmness, and nourishment to bones; Asthi (bones) support the body and nourish Majja (marrow); Majja provides lubrication, strength, nourishment to Shukra (semen), and fills the bones; Shukra provides courage, ejaculation, pleasure, physical strength, delight, and procreation."
This shloka describes the sequential nourishment and functions of the different bodily tissues (dhatus) according to Ayurvedic principles, highlighting how each tissue supports and nourishes the next in the chain.
पुरीषमुपस्तम्भं वाय्वग्निधारणं च, बस्तिपूरणविक्लेदकृन्मूत्रं, स्वेदः क्लेदत्वक्सौकुमार्यकृत्; (२) |५|
"Stool supports the body and retains Vayu (air) and Agni (fire). Urine fills the bladder and keeps it moist. Sweat causes moisture and softens the skin."
This shloka explains the functions of the body's waste products (malas). Stool provides structural support and aids in the retention of Vayu and Agni. Urine fills and moistens the bladder, while sweat ensures moisture and softness of the skin.
रक्तलक्षणमार्तवं गर्भकृच्च, गर्भो गर्भलक्षणं, स्तन्यं स्तनयोरापीनत्वजननं जीवनं चेति ||५||
"Menstrual blood is a characteristic of Rakta (blood) and is essential for conception. The fetus is a characteristic of the womb. Breast milk is a characteristic of the breasts, leading to their fullness and providing nourishment."
This shloka explains the distinct characteristics and roles of blood, menstrual blood, the fetus, and breast milk in the body, emphasizing their essential functions in reproduction and nourishment.
तत्र विधिवत् परिरक्षणं कुर्वीत ||६||
"Therefore, one should properly protect and maintain these elements according to their prescribed methods."
This shloka emphasizes the importance of properly protecting and maintaining the doshas, dhatus, and malas according to prescribed methods to ensure overall health and balance.
अत ऊर्ध्वमेषां क्षीणलक्षणं वक्ष्यामः |
तत्र, वातक्षये मन्दचेष्टताऽल्पवाक्त्वमप्रहर्षो मूढसञ्ज्ञता च, पित्तक्षये मन्दोष्माग्निता निष्प्रभता च, श्लेष्मक्षये रूक्षताऽन्तर्दाह आमाशयेतरश्लेष्माशयशून्यता सन्धिशैथिल्यं (तृष्णा दौर्बल्यं प्रजागरणं) च ||७||
"Now, the signs of deficiency in these will be described. In Vata deficiency: slow movements, low speech, lack of enthusiasm, and dullness of senses. In Pitta deficiency: low body heat, weak digestion, and lack of luster. In Kapha deficiency: dryness, internal burning, emptiness in the stomach and other cavities, joint looseness, thirst, weakness, and insomnia."
This shloka explains the symptoms associated with deficiencies in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). These symptoms help in diagnosing and treating the imbalances effectively.
तत्र स्वयोनिवर्धनान्येव प्रतीकारः ||८||
"In such cases, remedies that specifically nourish the deficient dosha should be used."
This shloka suggests that the treatment for deficiencies in any of the doshas should involve remedies that specifically nourish and increase the particular dosha that is lacking.
रसक्षये हृत्पीडाकम्पशून्यतास्तृष्णा च, शोणितक्षये त्वक्पारुष्यमम्लशीतप्रार्थना सिराशैथिल्यं च, मांसक्षये स्फिग्गण्डौष्ठोपस्थोरुवक्षःकक्षापिण्डिकोदरग्रीवाशुष्कता रौक्ष्यतोदौ गात्राणां सदनं धमनीशैथिल्यं च, मेदःक्षये प्लीहाभिवृद्धिः सन्धिशून्यता रौक्ष्यं मेदुरमांसप्रार्थना च, अस्थिक्षयेऽस्थिशूलं दन्तनखभङ्गो रौक्ष्यं च, मज्जक्षयेऽल्पशुक्रता पर्वभेदोऽस्थिनिस्तोदोऽस्थिशून्यता च, शुक्रक्षये मेढ्रवृषणवेदनाऽशक्तिर्मैथुने चिराद्वा प्रसेकः प्रसेके चाल्परक्तशुक्रदर्शनम् ||९||
"In Rasa deficiency: heart pain, palpitations, emptiness, and thirst. In Rakta (blood) deficiency: rough skin, craving for sour and cold things, and lax veins. In Mamsa (muscle) deficiency: dryness and emaciation of buttocks, cheeks, lips, genitalia, thighs, chest, axilla, abdomen, and neck; pain and looseness of muscles. In Medas (fat) deficiency: enlargement of the spleen, joint looseness, dryness, and craving for fatty and meaty foods. In Asthi (bone) deficiency: bone pain, brittleness of teeth and nails, and dryness. In Majja (marrow) deficiency: scanty semen, joint pain, bone pain, and joint looseness. In Shukra (semen) deficiency: pain in the penis and testicles, weakness in sexual activity, delayed ejaculation, and discharge of scanty and discolored semen."
This shloka outlines the symptoms associated with deficiencies in the seven dhatus (tissues). These detailed symptoms help in diagnosing and addressing specific tissue deficiencies effectively.
तत्रापि स्वयोनिवर्धनद्रव्योपयोगः (प्रतीकारः) ||१०||
"In such cases, the use of remedies that specifically nourish the deficient tissue (dhatu) is the appropriate treatment."
When addressing deficiencies in any of the tissues (dhatus), it is important to use remedies that specifically nourish and restore the particular tissue that is lacking.
पुरीषक्षये हृदयपार्श्वपीडा सशब्दस्य च वायोरूर्ध्वगमनं कुक्षौ सञ्चरणं च, मूत्रक्षये बस्तितोदोऽल्पमूत्रता च; अत्रापि स्वयोनिवर्धनद्रव्योपयोगः |
स्वेदक्षये स्तब्धरोमकूपता त्वक्शोषः स्पर्शवैगुण्यं स्वेदनाशश्च; तत्राभ्यङ्गः स्वेदोपयोगश्च ||११||
"In stool deficiency: heart and side pain, noisy upward movement of Vayu (air), and abdominal rumbling. In urine deficiency: bladder pain and scanty urination. Use remedies that specifically nourish the deficient element. In sweat deficiency: stiff hair follicles, dry skin, impaired touch sensation, and loss of sweating. Use oil massage and fomentation."
This shloka outlines the symptoms associated with deficiencies in stool, urine, and sweat. For treatment, use remedies that specifically nourish the deficient element, such as oil massage and fomentation for sweat deficiency.
आर्तवक्षये यथोचितकालादर्शनमल्पता वा योनिवेदना च; तत्र संशोधनमाग्नेयानां च द्रव्याणां विधिवदुपयोगः |
स्तनक्षये स्तनयोर्म्लानता स्तन्यासम्भवोऽल्पता वा; तत्र श्लेष्मवर्धनद्रव्योपयोगः |
गर्भक्षये गर्भास्पन्दनमनुन्नतकुक्षिता च; तत्र प्राप्तबस्तिकालायाः क्षीरबस्तिप्रयोगो मेद्यान्नोपयोगश्चेति ||१२||
"In Artava (menstrual blood) deficiency: irregular or scanty menstruation and vaginal pain; treat with cleansing and Agneya (fire-related) substances appropriately. In Stanya (breast milk) deficiency: flaccid breasts, inability to produce milk, or scanty milk; treat with remedies that increase Kapha. In Garbha (fetus) deficiency: lack of fetal movement and non-protruding abdomen; treat with milk enemas at the appropriate time and nourishing foods."
This shloka outlines the symptoms and treatments for deficiencies in menstrual blood, breast milk, and the fetus.
अत ऊर्ध्वमतिवृद्धानां दोषधातुमलानां लक्षणं वक्ष्यामः |
वृद्धिः पुनरेषां स्वयोनिवर्धनात्युपसेवनाद्भवति |
तत्र, वातवृद्धौ वाक्पारुष्यं कार्श्यं कार्ष्ण्यं गात्रस्फुरणमुष्णकामि(म)ता निद्रानाशोऽल्पबलत्वं गाढवर्चस्त्वं च; पित्तवृद्धौ पीतावभासता सन्तापः शीतकामित्वमल्पनिद्रता मूर्च्छा बलहानिरिन्द्रियदौर्बल्यं पीतविण्मूत्रनेत्रत्वं च; श्लेष्मवृद्धौ शौक्ल्यं शैत्यं स्थैर्यं गौरवमवसादस्तन्द्रा निद्रा सन ्धिविश्लेषश्च ||१३||
"Now, the signs of excessive increase in doshas, dhatus, and malas will be described. Their increase is caused by excessive nourishment and improper habits. In Vata increase: harsh speech, emaciation, dark complexion, body tremors, craving for warmth, insomnia, weakness, and hard stools. In Pitta increase: yellowish appearance, intense heat, craving for coolness, scanty sleep, fainting, loss of strength, weak senses, and yellow stools, urine, and eyes. In Kapha increase: whiteness, coldness, steadiness, heaviness, depression, drowsiness, sleepiness, and joint looseness."
This shloka describes the symptoms associated with the excessive increase of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
These symptoms help diagnose the overabundance of doshas and guide appropriate treatment measures.
रसोऽतिवृद्धो हृदयोत्क्लेदं प्रसेकं चापादयति; रक्तं रक्ताङ्गाक्षितां सिरापूर्णत्वं च; मांसं स्फिग्गण्डौष्ठोपस्थोरुबाहुजङ्घासु वृद्धिं गुरुगात्रतां च; मेदःस्निग्धाङ्गतामुदरपार्श्ववृद्धिं कासश्वासादीन् दौर्गन्ध्यं च; अस्थ्यध्यस्थीन्यधिदन्तांश्च; मज्जा सर्वाङ्गनेत्रगौरवं च; शुक्रं शुक्राश्मरीमतिप्रादुर्भावं च ||१४||
"Excess Rasa causes heart swelling and excessive salivation; excess Rakta causes red skin, eyes, and fullness of veins; excess Mamsa causes growth in buttocks, cheeks, lips, genitalia, thighs, arms, and legs, and heaviness of the body; excess Medas causes oily skin, enlargement of abdomen and flanks, cough, and bad odor; excess Asthi affects bones and teeth; excess Majja causes heaviness in the whole body and eyes; excess Shukra causes stone formation in semen and excessive production."
This shloka describes the symptoms of excessive increase in the seven dhatus (tissues).
पुरीषमाटोपं कुक्षौ शूलं च; मूत्रं मूत्रवृद्धिं मुहुर्मुहुः प्रवृत्तिं बस्तितोदमाध्मानं च; स्वेदस्त्वचो दौर्गन्ध्यं कण्डूं च ||१५||
"Excess stool causes abdominal bloating and pain; excess urine causes frequent urination, bladder pain, and distension; excess sweat causes body odor and itching of the skin."
This shloka describes the symptoms of excessive increase in the body's waste products (malas). These symptoms help in diagnosing issues related to the overabundance of bodily wastes and guide appropriate treatment measures.
आर्तवमङ्गमर्दमतिप्रवृत्तिं दौर्गन्ध्यं च; स्तन्यं स्तनयोरापीनत्वं मुहुर्मुहुः प्रवृत्तिं तोदं च; गर्भो जठराभिवृद्धिं स्वेदं च ||१६||
"Excess Artava (menstrual blood) causes body aches, excessive flow, and bad odor. Excess Stanya (breast milk) causes breast fullness, frequent flow, and pain. Excess Garbha (fetus) causes abdominal enlargement and sweating."
This shloka describes the symptoms of excessive increase in menstrual blood, breast milk, and the fetus. These symptoms help diagnose and address the overabundance of these elements, guiding appropriate treatment measures.
तेषां यथास्वं संशोधनं क्षपणं च क्षयादविरुद्धैः क्रियाविशेषैः प्रकुर्वीत ||१७||
"Their purification and depletion should be carried out according to their specific methods, using treatments that do not contradict their deficiencies."
This shloka emphasizes that the purification and reduction of excessive doshas, dhatus, and malas should be done using appropriate methods that do not exacerbate their deficiencies. It highlights the importance of tailored treatments to restore balance in the body.
पूर्वः पूर्वोऽतिवृद्धत्वाद्वर्धयेद्धि परं परम् |
तस्मादतिप्रवृद्धानां धातूनां ह्रासनं हितम् ||१८||
"Each preceding tissue, when excessively increased, leads to the excessive increase of the subsequent tissue. Therefore, reducing excessively increased tissues is beneficial."
This shloka explains that when one tissue is excessively increased, it can cause the subsequent tissue to also increase excessively. Therefore, it is important to reduce any overly increased tissues to maintain balance and prevent further imbalances.
बललक्षणं बलक्षयलक्षणं चात ऊर्ध्वमुपदेक्ष्यामः |
तत्र रसादीनां शुक्रान्तानां धातूनां यत् परं तेजस्तत् खल्वोजस्तदेव बलमित्युच्यते, स्वशास्त्रसिद्धान्तात् ||१९||
"Now, the signs of strength and signs of deficiency in strength will be explained. The essence of the tissues from Rasa to Shukra is known as 'Ojas,' and this is considered to be the essence of strength according to the principles of Ayurveda."
This shloka introduces the discussion on the signs of strength and weakness in the body, emphasizing that 'Ojas,' the vital essence derived from the seven tissues (dhatus), is considered the essence of strength and vitality in Ayurveda.
तत्र बलेन स्थिरोपचितमांसता सर्वचेष्टास्वप्रतिघातः स्वरवर्णप्रसादो बाह्यानामाभ्यन्तराणां च करणानामात्मकार्यप्रतिपत्तिर्भवति ||२०||
"Strength is characterized by firm and well-developed muscles, unobstructed performance of all activities, pleasant voice and complexion, and proper functioning of both external and internal organs in achieving their respective tasks."
This shloka describes the signs of physical strength, highlighting key indicators such as well-developed muscles, seamless performance of activities, pleasant voice and complexion, and effective functioning of both external and internal organs.
भवन्ति चात्र-
ओजः सोमात्मकं स्निग्धं शुक्लं शीतं स्थिरं सरम् |
विविक्तं मृदु मृत्स्नं च प्राणायतनमुत्तमम् ||२१||
देहः सावयवस्तेन व्याप्तो भवति देहिनः |
तदभावाच्च शीर्यन्ते शरीराणि शरीरिणाम् ||२२||
"Here, Ojas is described as having the qualities of Soma (moon), being unctuous, white, cool, stable, and fluid. It is clear, soft, smooth, and the highest form of vitality. The body, with all its parts, is permeated by it, and in its absence, the bodies of living beings deteriorate."
These shlokas describe the qualities and significance of Ojas, the vital essence in Ayurveda. This emphasizes the crucial role of Ojas in maintaining overall health and vitality.
अभिघातात्क्षयात्कोपाच्छोकाद्ध्यानाच्छ्रमात्क्षुधः |
ओजः सङ्क्षीयते ह्येभ्यो धातुग्रहणनिःसृतम् |
तेजः समीरितं तस्माद्विस्रंसयति देहिनः ||२३||
"Due to trauma, depletion, anger, grief, intense thinking, exertion, or hunger, Ojas is depleted. Ojas, being extracted from the tissues and agitated by Tejas (fire element), disintegrates the body."
This shloka explains the factors that lead to the depletion of Ojas, the vital essence in the body. It highlights that trauma, depletion, anger, grief, intense thinking, exertion, and hunger can cause a reduction in Ojas. When Ojas is depleted and agitated by the fire element, it leads to the disintegration of the body. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining and protecting Ojas for overall health and vitality.
तस्य विस्रंसो व्यापत् क्षय इति (त्रयो दोषाः;) लिङ्गानि भवन्ति सन्धिविश्लेषो गात्राणां सदनं दोषच्यवनं क्रियासन्निरोधश्च विस्रंसे, स्तब्धगुरुगात्रता वातशोफो वर्णभेदो ग्लानिस्तन्द्रा निद्रा च व्यापन्ने, मूर्च्छा मांसक्षयो मोहः प्रलापो मरणमिति च क्षये ||२४||
"The displacement, aggravation, and depletion (of Ojas) have symptoms. In displacement, there is loosening of joints, body weakness, dosha displacement, and hindrance of actions. In aggravation, there is stiffness, heaviness, Vata swelling, discoloration, weakness, fatigue, and sleepiness. In depletion, there is fainting, muscle wasting, confusion, delirium, and death."
This shloka explains the symptoms associated with the displacement, aggravation, and depletion of Ojas. These symptoms help in diagnosing the issues related to Ojas and guide appropriate treatment measures.
भवन्ति चात्र-
त्रयो दोषा बलस्योक्ता व्यापद्विस्रंसनक्षयाः |
विश्लेषसादौ गात्राणां दोषविस्रंसनं श्रमः ||२५||
अप्राचुर्यं क्रियाणां च बलविस्रंसलक्षणम् |
गुरुत्वं स्तब्धताऽङ्गेषु ग्लानिर्वर्णस्य भेदनम् ||२६||
तन्द्रा निद्रा वातशोफो बलव्यापदि लक्षणम् |
मूर्च्छा मांसक्षयो मोहः प्रलापोऽज्ञानमेव च ||२७||
पूर्वोक्तानि च लिङ्गानि मरणं च बलक्षये |२८|
"Here, the three conditions of strength are described: displacement, aggravation, and depletion. In displacement, there is loosening of joints, body weakness, and displacement of doshas causing fatigue. The signs of displacement also include the reduction of bodily activities. In aggravation, there is heaviness, stiffness of limbs, discoloration, fatigue, and sleepiness, which are all symptoms of strength imbalance. In depletion, there is fainting, muscle wasting, confusion, delirium, ignorance, and the previously mentioned symptoms, ultimately leading to death due to strength loss."
These shlokas elaborate on the symptoms associated with the conditions of strength (Ojas). These detailed symptoms help in diagnosing and addressing issues related to strength and vitality in the body.
तत्र विस्रंसे व्यापन्ने च क्रियाविशेषैरविरुद्धैर्बलमाप्याययेत् ; इतरं तु मूढसञ्ज्ञं वर्जयेत् ||२८||
"In cases of displacement or aggravation of Ojas, strength should be restored using appropriate methods that do not contradict the treatment. However, avoid treating those in a state of confusion or delirium."
This shloka emphasizes that in cases where Ojas is displaced or aggravated, strength should be restored using suitable methods that align with the individual's condition. Treatment should be avoided for those who are in a state of confusion or delirium to prevent further complications.
दोषधातुमलक्षीणो बलक्षीणोऽपि वा नरः |
स्वयोनिवर्धनं यत्तदन्नपानं प्रकाङ्क्षति ||२९||
यद्यदाहारजातं तु क्षीणः प्रार्थयते नरः |
तस्य तस्य स लाभे तु तं तं क्षयमपोहति ||३०||
यस्य धातुक्षयाद्वायुः सञ्ज्ञां कर्म च नाशयेत् |
प्रक्षीणं च बलं यस्य नासौ शक्यश्चिकित्सितुम् ||३१||
"A person who is deficient in doshas, dhatus, or malas, and lacking strength, naturally desires food and drink that nourish their specific deficiency. Whatever type of food a deficient person craves, consuming it helps to alleviate that specific deficiency. If a person's vital essence (dhatu) is depleted to the extent that Vayu (air) disrupts their senses and actions, and their strength is severely diminished, they are difficult to treat."
These shlokas explain that individuals who are deficient in doshas, dhatus, or malas and lack strength will naturally crave foods and drinks that help nourish their deficiencies. Eating these desired foods helps alleviate the deficiencies. However, if a person's vital essence is so depleted that it disrupts their senses and actions, and their strength is severely diminished, they become very difficult to treat.
This insight emphasizes the importance of listening to the body's cravings for specific nutrients and addressing deficiencies before they become severe.
रसनिमित्तमेव स्थौल्यं कार्श्यं च |
तत्र श्लेष्मलाहारसेविनोऽध्यशनशीलस्याव्यायामिनो दिवास्वप्नरतस्य चाम एवान्नरसो मधुरतरश्च शरीरमनुक्रामन्नतिस्नेहान्मेदो जनयति, तदतिस्थौल्यमापादयति ; तमतिस्थूलं क्षुद्रश्वासपिपासाक्षुत्स्वप्नस्वेदगात्रदौर्गन्ध्यक्रथनगात्रसादगद्गदत्वानि क्षिप्रमेवाविशन्ति, सौकुमार्यान्मेदसः सर्वक्रियास्वसमर्थः, कफमेदोनिरुद्धमार्गत्वाच्चाल्पव्यवायो भवति, आवृतमार्गत्वादेव शेषा धातवो नाप्यायन्तेऽत्यर्थमतोऽल्पप्राणो भवति, प्रमेहपिडकाज्वरभगन्दरविद्रधिवातविकाराणामन्यतमं प्राप्य पञ्चत्वमुपयाति, सर्व एव चास्य रोगा बलवन्तो भवन्त्यावृतमार्गत्वात् स्रोतसाम्; अतस्तस्योत्पत्तिहेतुं परिहरेत् |
उत्पन्ने तु शिलाजतुगुग्गुलुगोमूत्रत्रिफलालोहरजोरसाञ्जनमधुयवमुद्गकोरदूषकश्यामाकोद्दालकादीनां विरूक्षणच्छेदनीयानां च द्रव्याणां विधिवदुपयोगो व्यायामो लेखनबस्त्युपयोगश्चेति ||३२||
"Obesity and emaciation are caused by the state of Rasa. For those who consume Kapha-promoting foods, overeat, avoid exercise, and sleep during the day, the Rasa, being excessively sweet, leads to the generation of fat, resulting in obesity. Such individuals quickly experience breathlessness, thirst, hunger, sleep, sweating, body odor, lethargy, and weakness. Due to the softness of the fat, they become incapable of performing activities, and the blockage of channels by Kapha and fat leads to reduced sexual activity. The blocked channels also prevent other tissues from being nourished, resulting in low vitality. Such individuals are prone to various diseases like diabetes, abscesses, fever, fistula, and gout, and they succumb to these conditions due to the severity of the blocked channels. Therefore, the cause of obesity should be avoided. If obesity occurs, one should use remedies such as Shilajatu, Guggulu, cow urine, Triphala, iron powder, Rasanjana, honey, barley, green gram, horse gram, Kodo millet, and other drying and excising substances. Proper exercise and the use of purifying enemas are also recommended."
These shlokas explain the causes and consequences of obesity and emaciation, emphasizing the role of Rasa. It highlights that consuming Kapha-promoting foods, overeating, avoiding exercise, and sleeping during the day can lead to obesity. Obesity, in turn, leads to various health issues and low vitality. Remedies for managing obesity include the use of specific herbs and substances, proper exercise, and purifying enemas.
तत्र पुनर्वातलाहारसेविनोऽतिव्यायामव्यवायाध्ययनभयशोकध्यानरात्रिजागरणपिपासाक्षु त्कषायाल्पाशनप्रभृतिभिरुपशोषितो रसधातुः शरीरमननुक्रामन्नल्पत्वान्न प्रीणाति, तस्मादतिकार्श्यं भवति; सोऽतिकृशः क्षुत्पिपासाशीतोष्णवातवर्षभारादानेष्वसहिष्णुर्वातरोगप्रायोऽल्पप्राणश्च क्रियासु भवति, श्वासकासशोषप्लीहोदराग्निसादगुल्मरक्तपित्तानामन्यतममासाद्य मरणमुपयाति, सर्व एव चास्य रोगा बलवन्तो भवन्त्यल्पप्राणत्वात्; अतस्तस्योत्पत्तिहेतुं परिहरेत् |
उत्पन्ने तु पयस्याश्वगन्धाविदारिगन्धाशतावरीबलातिबलानागबलानां मधुराणामन्यासां चौषधीनामुपयोगः, क्षीरदधिघृतमांसशालिषष्टिकयवगोधूमानां च, दिवास्वप्नब्रह्मचर्याव्यायामबृंहणबस्त्युपयोगश्चेति ||३३||
"On the other hand, those who consume Vata-promoting foods, engage in excessive exercise, sexual activity, study, fear, grief, intense thinking, staying awake at night, thirst, hunger, and those who consume astringent and minimal food, have their Rasa dhatu depleted. This leads to emaciation. Such emaciated individuals become intolerant to hunger, thirst, cold, heat, wind, rain, and physical exertion, are prone to Vata diseases, and have low vitality. They suffer from conditions such as asthma, cough, tuberculosis, spleen disorders, abdominal diseases, digestive weakness, gulma (abdominal tumors), and bleeding disorders, leading to death. They are susceptible to severe diseases due to low vitality. Therefore, the causes of emaciation should be avoided. If emaciation occurs, remedies like Payasya, Ashwagandha, Vidarikand, Shatavari, Bala, Atibala, Nagabala, and other sweet medicines should be used. Consuming milk, curd, ghee, meat, Shali rice, Shashtika rice, barley, and wheat, along with daytime sleep, celibacy, appropriate exercise, and nourishing enemas are recommended."
These shlokas describe the causes and consequences of emaciation, highlighting the role of Rasa. It explains that consuming Vata-promoting foods, engaging in excessive exercise, sexual activity, study, fear, grief, intense thinking, staying awake at night, thirst, hunger, and consuming minimal food can lead to Rasa depletion and emaciation. Emaciated individuals suffer from various conditions and have low vitality. Remedies for managing emaciation include the use of specific herbs and substances, consuming nourishing foods, daytime sleep, celibacy, appropriate exercise, and nourishing enemas.
यः पुनरुभयसाधारणान्यासेवेत तस्यान्नरसः शरीरमनुक्रामन् समान् धातूनुपचिनोति, समधातुत्वान्मध्यशरीरो भवति सर्वक्रियासु समर्थः क्षुत्पिपासाशीतोष्णवातवर्षातपसहो बलवांश्च, स सततमनुपालयितव्य इति ||३४||
"A person who follows a balanced lifestyle and diet, allowing the Rasa (essence of food) to flow evenly through the body, nourishes all tissues uniformly. Such an individual has a balanced physique, is capable of performing all activities, and can withstand hunger, thirst, cold, heat, wind, rain, and sunlight. This person remains strong and should always be maintained in this state."
This shloka emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle and diet. It explains that a person who maintains balance in their habits and nourishment allows the essence of food (Rasa) to evenly nourish all bodily tissues, leading to a balanced physique, strength, and resilience. Such an individual is capable of withstanding various physical and environmental stresses and should strive to maintain this balance for overall well-being.
भवन्ति चात्र-
अत्यन्तगर्हितावेतौ सदा स्थूलकृशौ नरौ |
श्रेष्ठो मध्यशरीरस्तु कृशः स्थूलात्तु पूजितः ||३५||
"Here, it is always said that excessively obese and excessively thin individuals are both condemned. The person with a balanced physique is considered the best, and the thin person is more respected than the obese one."
This shloka emphasizes that both extreme obesity and extreme emaciation are undesirable. A person with a balanced physique is considered ideal, and a thin person is seen as more respectable than an obese individual. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced body for overall health and social respect.
दोषः प्रकुपितो धातून् क्षपयत्यात्मतेजसा |
इद्धः स्वतेजसा वह्निरुखागतमिवोदकम् ||३६||
"When a dosha is aggravated, it depletes the dhatus (tissues) with its intensity, just as a fire consumes water in its path with its own heat."
This shloka illustrates that when a dosha becomes aggravated, it has the potential to deplete the body's tissues with its intensity, similar to how a fire evaporates water with its heat. It emphasizes the destructive nature of an aggravated dosha on the body's tissues.
वैलक्षण्याच्छरीराणामस्थायित्वात्तथैव च |
दोषधातुमलानां तु परिमाणं न विद्यते ||३७||
"Due to the variability and instability of the body, there is no fixed measure for doshas, dhatus, and malas."
This shloka highlights that because of the inherent variability and instability in the body, there is no fixed or standard measure for doshas, dhatus, and malas. This implies that individual differences and changes in conditions affect the balance and proportions of these elements.
एषां समत्वं यच्चापि भिषग्भिरवधार्यते |
न तत् स्वास्थ्यादृते शक्यं वक्तुमन्येन हेतुना ||३८||
"The equilibrium of these (doshas, dhatus, and malas), as determined by physicians, cannot be described without referring to health."
This shloka emphasizes that the balance of doshas, dhatus, and malas, as assessed by physicians, is inherently connected to the concept of health. It highlights that understanding and describing their equilibrium is only possible in the context of overall health.
(स्वस्थस्य रक्षणं कुर्यादस्वस्थस्य तु बुद्धिमान्) |
क्षपयेद्बृंहयेच्चापि दोषधातुमलान् भिषक् |
तावद्यावदरोगः स्यादेतत्साम्यस्य लक्षणम् ||४०||
"A wise physician should maintain the health of the healthy and treat the ailments of the ill by reducing or nourishing the doshas, dhatus, and malas until health is restored. This is the sign of equilibrium."
This shloka advises that a knowledgeable physician should focus on preserving the health of those who are healthy and treating the sick by either reducing or nourishing the doshas, dhatus, and malas as needed. The ultimate goal is to restore balance and maintain health, which signifies equilibrium in the body.
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः |
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ||४१||
"One who has balanced doshas, balanced digestive fire (Agni), properly functioning tissues (dhatus) and waste products (malas), along with a contented mind, senses, and spirit, is considered healthy."
This shloka defines health in Ayurveda as a state where the doshas (bodily humors), Agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste products) are in balance. Additionally, it includes having a contented mind, senses, and spirit. This holistic approach to health emphasizes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
इति सुश्रुतसंहितायां सूत्रस्थाने दोषधातुमलक्षयवृद्धिविज्ञानीयो नाम पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः ||१५||
"Thus ends the fifteenth chapter named 'Doshadhatumalakshaya Vriddhi Vijnaniya' in the Sutra Sthana section of the Sushruta Samhita."
This verse signifies the conclusion of the fifteenth chapter called 'Doshadhatumalakshaya Vriddhi Vijnaniya' in the Sutra Sthana section of the Sushruta Samhita, which discusses the understanding of the increase and decrease of doshas, dhatus, and malas.