The term “आयुष्कामीय अध्याय” can be translated to “chapter on longevity” in English. It refers to a section of Ayurvedic literature that focuses on promoting longevity and preventing diseases. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been practiced for over 5,000 years and draws attention to the importance of maintaining balance in the body and mind through diet, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic remedies.
The “आयुष्कामीय अध्याय” contains information on various aspects of health and wellness, including diet, exercise, meditation, and the use of herbs and spices for healing. It also provides guidelines for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing disease.
Overall, the “आयुष्कामीय अध्याय” emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, which includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Head bows before that matchless and rare (apūrva) physician (vaidya) who has completely wiped out diseases like passion (raga) that remained associated with one from the birth itself and that spread across the body, thus generating anxiety (autsukya), delusion (moha) and restlessness(arati). 1
Purpose of life: Necessary qualities to learn Ayurveda
These things are required to achieve the purpose of life
Dharma – following the path of righteousness
Artha – earning money in a legitimate way
Kama – fulfilling our desire
Moksha – achieving Salvation
We shall now discuss the Chapter called “For a long life”(Ayuskāmīya), as preached by Atreya and other great sages. The realization of righteousness(dharma), wealth (artha), and happiness (sukha) depend on the long life only. Hence, persons desirous of long life should follow the lessons of Ayurveda in the highest esteem.
स०- ब्रह्मेत्यादि| ब्रह्मा आयुषो वेदं स्मृत्वा प्रजापतिं दक्षमजिग्रहद् अवाबोधयत्| स्मृत्वेत्यनेनैतद्गमयति ब्रह्मणः स्मर्तृत्वमेवात्र न कर्तृत्वम्| नित्यत्वादायुर्वेदस्य| नित्यत्वं चास्य प्राक् प्रत्यपादि| ग्रहेर्ण्यन्तस्यात्र बुद्ध्यर्थत्वात् प्रजापतिशब्दस्य गतिबुद्धीत्यादिना कर्मसंज्ञा| स प्रजापतिरश्विनावजिग्रहत्| तौ सहस्राक्षमिन्द्रमजिग्रहतामिति वचनविपरिणामेन सम्बन्धः| स शक्रोऽत्रिपुत्रादिकान् मुनीन् बोधयामास| अत्रिपुत्र आत्रेय आदिर्येषां धन्वन्तरिनिमिकाश्यपादीनां त एवम्| ते चात्रेयादयोऽग्निवेशादिकानजिग्रहन्| ते त्वग्निवेशादयः षट् पृथक् प्रत्येकं तन्त्राणि शास्त्राण्यग्निवेशभेडजातूकर्णपराशरहारीतक्षारपाणिनामाभिधेयानि तन्त्राणि तेनिरे विस्तारितवन्तश्चक्रुः| तन्त्र्यन्ते धार्यन्त आयुर्वेदार्था एभिरिति तन्त्राणि| आ० र०- आयुर्वेदस्य शब्दान्तरानभिधेयत्वशङ्कां निराकर्तुं पुरावृत्तं दर्शयति-ब्रह्मा स्मृत्वेति| ब्रह्मा अयुर्वेदं स्भृत्वा प्रजापतिं दक्षमजिग्रहत् ग्राहितवान्, अध्यापितवानित्यर्थः| आयुषो वेदमित्यसमासकरणमायुर्वेदलक्षणप्रतिपादनार्थम्| आयुषः सम्बन्धी वेद आयुर्वेद इति| सम्बन्धश्च पाल्यपालकलक्षणः| उक्तं हि सङ्ग्रहे (सूं अं १)-“आयुषः पालकं वेदमुपवेदमथर्वणः” इति| स प्रजापतिरश्विनावायुर्वेदमजिग्रहत्| तावश्विनौ सहस्राक्षमजिग्रहताम्| स इन्द्रोऽत्रिपुत्रादिकान् मुनीनजिग्रहत्| तेऽत्रिपुत्रादयोऽग्निवेशादिकान् मुनीनजिग्रहन्| ते पुनरग्निवेशादयः, पृथक् प्रत्येकं, तन्त्राणि शास्त्राणि, तेनिरे विरचयाञ्चक्रुः| संक्षेपार्थमायुर्वेदं शब्दान्तरैरभिदधुरित्यर्थः|
Origin of Ayurveda
Brahma, who internalized Ayurveda, taught the same to the Ashwin twins; they passed its knowledge to Indra (Sahasrākṣa), who, in turn, taught this science to Atri’s son, known as
Atreya Punarvasu or Krsna Atreya and other sages. These seers taught Ayurveda to Agnivesa and others. Agnivesa and other disciples subsequently composed separate treatises on this science. 3
Importance of Ashtanga Hridayam
तेभ्योऽतिविप्रकीर्णेभ्यः प्रायः सारतरोच्चयः||४|| क्रियतेऽष्टाङ्गहृदयं नातिसंक्षेपविस्तरम्| |५|
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०- तेभ्य इति| तेभ्यो ग्रन्थेभ्योऽतिविप्रकीर्णेभ्यो विक्षिप्तेभ्य उच्चावचोक्तार्थतयैवेतश्चेतश्च गतेभ्यः| अत एव कश्चिदेवार्थः कस्मादेव तन्त्रान्तराज्ज्ञायते| यथा शल्यचिकित्सा सुश्रुतप्रणीतात्तन्त्रादेवावगम्यते न तथाग्निवेशादिकात्| ऊर्ध्वाङ्गचिकित्सा च जनकप्रणीतात्तन्त्राद्यथावगम्यते न तथा सुश्रुतप्रणीतात्| अतः प्रायो बाहुल्येन सारतरोच्चयः क्रियते| उच्चीयन्ते सङ्गृह्यन्ते विक्षिप्ताः पदार्था अनेनेत्युच्चयः| यथा वा यवादीनां बहुक्षेत्रजातानामेकस्मिन् स्थाने उच्चयो राशीकृत्य स्थापनं विधीयते तथेह सारतराणामुच्चयः| सारतरग्रहणेनैतद्द्योतयति, सङ्ग्रहेणैव साराणामुच्चयः कृतः| अनेन तथा सारतराणां प्रदेशानामुच्चयः क्रियत इति| किं नाम अष्टाङ्गहृदयम्| एतच्च सान्वयार्थमस्य नाम| यथा शरीरस्य सर्वावयवेभ्यः प्रधानदेशो हि हृदयम्, तथेदमष्टाङ्गायुर्वेदस्य प्रधानभूतत्वाद् हृदयमिव हृदयम्| तथा च तन्त्रान्ते वक्ष्यति (उ. अ. ४०|८८)- हृदयमिव हृदयमेतदित्यादि| अष्टौ च तान्यङ्गान्यष्टाङ्गानि, तेषां प्रत्येकं हृदयं, सारतरसङ्ग्रहणात्| कीदृशमष्टाङ्गहृदयम्| नातिसंक्षेपविस्तरम्| संक्षेपश्च विस्तरश्च संक्षेपविस्तरौ, अतिशयेन संक्षेपविस्तरौ यत्र न, तन्नातिसंक्षेपविस्तरम्| अतिशब्दस्यात्र प्रत्येकं सम्बन्धः| अतिसंक्षेपं किञ्चित्तन्त्रं यथा सिद्धसारादि, किञ्चिच्चातिविस्तरं यथा सङ्ग्रहादि| इदं तु तन्त्रं नातिसंक्षेपविस्तरम्| अतिसंक्षेपोक्तं स्वल्पधियां नोपकृतये| तेषां हि यथोक्तागममात्रं श्रेयः, न तु वाक्यार्थपर्यालोचनादधिकः परामर्शः| अतिविस्तीर्णं तु पाठावबोधानुष्ठानैस्तेषां दुःशक्यं स्यात्| तस्मादल्पमध्योत्त्कृष्टबुद्धिशिष्यहितार्थं तन्त्रमेतदुद्दिष्टम्|
These treatises were quite intricate and not easy to learn. Hence, the essence there of has been collected and the present treatise Astanga Hridayam has been prepared. This work has been authored in a manner so that it could appear neither too concise nor too complicated. 4
These doshas are present all over the body. Nonetheless, they are mainly located in;
Vata – Lower portion of body (Below umbilicus part)
Pitta – Middle portion oof body (Between chest and umbilicus)
Kapha – Upper portion of body (Upto chest)
These doshas have pre-dominant roles in human life in the following manner: During the last phase of life, it is the vata that is dominant. In the middle phase of life, it is pitta and during the early phase of life, it is the kapha that remains dominant.
In the early (kapha), middle (pitta) and late (vata) phases of the day, of the night, and during the early age (kapha), middle age(pitta) and late age(vata) phases of the process of digestion of the eatable, these doshas remain predominant likewise as indicated. 7
As regards the effects of these dosas on digestion (that is the most important aspect of metabolism), it is noted that when the vata remains dominant in one’s body, the digestive faculty remains in an unequal state. When the pitta remains dominant in the body, the digestive activity is quite sharp, and when the kapha remains dominant in one’s body, there is low digestion respectively. When there is an equilibrium among the dosas in the body, proper digestion is maintained. 8.
Ref. For discussion on this topic, the readers could also consult CS., Sū. 1/44, AH., Sa. 3/74, AS., Sū. 11 and 21.
Types of Kostha/ Digestive tracks/nature of bowels
There are three types of the nature of alimentary tract (Kostha): It is hard (krura) when the body is dominated by vata. It is soft (mrdu), when the body is dominated by pitta and it is moderate or medium (madhya) when the body remains dominated by kapha. If there is an equilibrium of all three doshas, the kostha functions on a medium (Madhya) scale. 8
Prakruti is a Sanskrit term that refers to the unique body constitution of an individual. According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, every person has a unique combination of three doshas or biological energies – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – that determine their physical, mental, and emotional traits. These doshas are present in varying degrees in each individual, resulting in different body constitutions or Prakruti.
Tridoshaja Prakruti
Vata Prakruti
Vata Prakruti is characterized by the predominance of the Vata dosha, which represents movement and change in the body. Individuals with Vata Prakruti tend to be thin, light, and agile, with a tendency towards dryness and coldness. They are creative, enthusiastic, and quick to learn but can also be anxious, restless, and forgetful. Vata Prakruti individuals benefit from warm, nourishing foods, calming activities, and regular routines to balance their Vata dosha.
Pitta Prakruti
Pitta Prakruti is characterized by the predominance of the Pitta dosha, which represents metabolism and transformation in the body. Individuals with Pitta Prakruti tend to be medium-built, with a tendency towards heat and acidity. They are intelligent, ambitious, and confident but can also be critical, irritable, and perfectionistic. Pitta Prakruti individuals benefit from cooling, hydrating foods, moderate exercise, and stress-management techniques to balance their Pitta dosha.
Kapha Prakruti
Kapha Prakruti is characterized by the predominance of the Kapha dosha, which represents structure and stability in the body. Individuals with Kapha Prakruti tend to be heavy-set, with a tendency towards coldness and sluggishness. They are calm, compassionate, and loyal but can also be possessive, stubborn, and resistant to change. Kapha Prakruti individuals benefit from light, warm foods, invigorating activities, and regular detoxification to balance their Kapha dosha.
आ० र०-वायोर्गुणानाह-तत्र रूक्ष इति| ते च रूक्षादयः षट्|
आ० र०- पित्तगुणानाह-पित्तमिति| ते च सस्नेहादयः सप्त| सस्नेहमीषत्स्निग्धम्| सशब्द ईषदर्थे| विस्रं दुर्गन्धि|
आ० र०-कफगुणानाह- स्निग्ध इति| ते च स्निग्धादयः सप्त| मृत्स्नः पिच्छिलः|
The properties of vata dosha are dryness ruksha, coldness shita, roughness khara, subtleness suksma and movement chala.
Qualities of Pitta Dosha
Qualities of Pitta Dosha
Pitta is slightly unctuous (sasneha), capable of penetrating deep (tiksna), hot, heat-producing (ushna), light in weight (laghu), bad in smell (visra) is free flowing (sara) and liquid (drava).
Qualities of Kapha Dosha
Qualities of Kapha Dosha
Kapha is unctuous (snighdha), cold (Shita), heavy (guru), slow in action (manda), smooth (slakshana), slimy (mrtsna) and stable (sthira).
The combination of any two dosas, when both are in their decreased and increased states, is known as samsara, while sannipata means the combination of all the three dosas. 11-12
Dushya : Dhatu and Mala : Body tissues and waste products
Body tissues and waste products
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०-रसादयः सप्त धातुसंज्ञाः शरीरधारणाद्धातवः| ते च दूष्याः, वातादिभिर्दूष्यन्त इति दूष्याः| यस्माद्वातादीनां दूषणस्वभावत्वाद्या दोषसंज्ञा, सान्वर्थसंज्ञा| दूषयन्तीति दोषाः| अतोऽवश्यं ते दूष्यमपेक्षन्ते| कर्म विना कर्तुः क्रियाया असम्भवात्| कर्तारं विना कर्मणो न कर्मत्वम्| एवं दोषैर्विना रसादीनां दूष्यनाम न घटते| तैर्विनाऽपि वातादीनां दोषनाम| तस्मात्परस्परापेक्षत्वादनयोर्दूष्यदोषयोर्दूष्यत्वेन दोषत्वेन च संज्ञालाभः|
आ० र०- दूष्यापरनामधेयान् धातून् मलांश्चाह-रसासृगिति| रसादयो ये सप्त धातवः, ते दूष्याः|
Use or intake of similar (Samana) and dissimilar (vipanta) properties result in the increase or decrease of all dosas, dhatus and malas. 13 Ref. The above passage has been quoted verbatim from AS., Su. 1/32. For a comparative analysis of this topic, the readers could also consult CS., Su. 1/44.
आ० र०- अथ साधर्म्यवैधर्म्यज्ञानार्थं द्रव्यधर्मानाह-ते च रसप्रभाववीर्यविपाकगुणभेदात्पञ्च| तत्र रसनाग्राह्यो रसः| शेषो गुणः| कायाग्निपाकजो विशिष्टो रसो विपाकः| तथैवोत्पन्नो गुणो वीर्यम्| द्रव्यस्यात्मा प्रभावः| तत्र रसभेदानाह-रसा इति| ते च स्वाद्वादयः षट्| स्वादुर्मधुरः, ऊषणः कटुकः| ते च द्रव्यमाश्रिताः, द्रव्यधर्मा इत्यर्थः| क्षारस्य द्रव्यविशेषवाचित्वाद्रसविशेषवाचित्वेऽपि लवणविशेषवाचित्वान्न सप्तमरसत्वम्|
बलावहाख्यं रसकर्माह-ते चेति| ते च रसा यथापूर्वं बलावहाः| यो यस्मात्पूर्वः स तस्मादधिकं बलमावहति| यो यस्मात्पूर्वः स तस्मादधिकं बलमावहति| कषायो बल्यस्तत ऊषणस्ततस्तिक्त इत्यादि|
The six varieties of tastes are as follows:
1. sweet (svadu),
2. sour (amla),
3. salty(lavana),
4. bitter (tikta),
5. pungent (usna)
6. astringent (kasaya).
Each one of the above is more strengthening to the body in their order of precedence. Thus, the sweet taste is the most overwhelming, while the astringent taste is the least powerful.
Alleviation of doshas by the tastes The vata dosa is alleviated by the first three tastes as appearing in above order: svadu, amla and lavana. The kapha dosa is actuated by the kasaya, tikta and madhura tastes. Pitta dosha is subsided by kashaya, tikta and madhura rasa.
एषां च रसानामाश्रयो द्रव्यं, तच्च त्रिप्रकारमित्याह
All the substances, such as the eatable, herbs and the like, are divided into three categories viz.
(i) Those which actuate the dosas are the ones known as the samana,
(ii) those which provoke the dosas are the ones known as the kopana,
(iii) those that are helpful for health are the ones known as the svasthahita. The dravyas under the last category above are suitable for health, and they help one keep good health. 16
The component of the substance that is responsible for its action in the human body is Virya/Veerya is of two kinds: 1. the one pertaining to heat (usna) and 2. the other related to coldness (shita) Ushna veerya (Hot potency) pepper.
Sheeta veerya (cold potency) – milk.
Generally, Astringent, bitter and sweet taste substances are Sheeta virya, and Sour, salt, and pungent tastes are Ushna Virya.
स०- विपाकस्त्रिविधः, सर्वद्रव्याणां परिणामकालभावी कार्यानुमेयो जाठराग्निसम्बन्धाद्रसस्य स्वरूपान्तरप्रादुर्भावः| स त्रिधैव, रसषट्त्वेऽपि न षोढा| तेन किञ्चित्स्वादुपाकं, किञ्चिदम्लविपाकं, किञ्चित्कटुविपाकं, द्रव्यम्| तत्र मधुरलवणयोर्मधुरो विपाकः| अम्लस्याम्लः| तिक्तकटुकषायाणां कटुकः| स च कार्यानुमेयः| तथा च वक्ष्यति (सू.अ.९/२०)- ‘जाठरेणाग्निना योगाद्यदुदेति रसान्तरम्| रसानां परिणामान्ते स विपाक इति स्मृतः’ इति| अत एव सोपसर्गः पाकशब्द उपात्तः| विशिष्टः पाको विपाकः, न पाकमात्रस्वरूपः| तथा च भट्टारकचरकमुनी (च.सू.अ.२६/६८)-‘रसो निपाते द्रव्याणां विपाकः कर्मनिष्ठया| वीर्यं यावदधीवासान्निपाताच्चोपलभ्यते’ इति| एवं कर्मनिष्ठानुमित एकरूपावस्थो जाठराग्निसंयोगाद्यो रसानां रसान्तरोद्भवः, स एव विपाकः| न तु यो जाठराग्निसंयोगमात्राद्रसानामनेकावस्थः, प्राङ्मधुरोऽनन्तरं स एव पच्यमानोऽम्लस्ततो विपच्यमानः स एव कटुर्विपाकः|
आ० र०-विपाकभेदानाह-त्रिधेति| ते च त्रयः, स्वादुरम्लः कटुकश्चेति|
Vipaka Types
The end product of digestion The end product of digestion is called Vipaka. The sweet (svadu), sour (amla), and pungent (katu) is the three kinds of vipaka.17
Madhura Vipaka (sweet) – Sweet and salt tastes undergo Madhura Vipaka.
The basis of health is none but a proper combination of yoga of the season (kala), the object of sense (artha) and activities (karmas). An inadequate, poor (hina), inappropriate (mithya) and excessive (ati) yoga of these factors produces disease. 19
Disease (roga) is the outcome of a disequilibrium of the dosas, while the equilibrium of The dosas form the basis of health. Disease (roga) is considered to be of two kinds, organic, arising from the body itself (nija) and arising from external causes (agantu). The location (adhisthana) of diseases is also two, namely the body (kaya) and the mind (manas). 20
आ० र०- रोगित्वे हि ज्ञाते कोऽसौ रोग इति विशेषज्ञानोपायमाह-रोगमिति| स च पञ्चधा, निदानं प्राग्रूपं लक्षणम् उपशयः आप्तिश्च| आप्तिः सम्प्राप्तिः| निदानं बहिरङ्गो हेतुः| प्राग्रूपं पूर्वजो रोगः| रोगस्य हि राजवत् प्रकाशमानस्य परिवारभूता रोगाः केचित्पूर्वं प्रकाशन्ते, केचित्सह, केचित्पश्चात्| तत्र ये पूर्वं, ते पूर्वरूपम्| ये सह, ते रूपम्| ये पश्चात्ते उपद्रवाः| ते चोभयेऽपि लक्षणपदेन सङ्गृहीताः| उपशयः व्याधिसात्म्यम्| आप्तिरन्तरङ्गो हेतुः| इति रोगलक्षणम्|
By its causes, aetiology (nidana), prodormata, premonitory symptoms (pragriipa), specific indications and symptoms, clinical features (laksana), diagnostic tests (upasaya) and pathogenesis (samprapti) the disease (roga) might be examined. 22 Ref. For further discussion on this topic, the readers could also consult AH. Ni. 1.
The term desha is used in Ayurveda to denote the body (the deha) and the countries or locals (bhumidesa). Ayurveda classifies the countries or locals (bhumidesa) into three types: viz 1 .jangala,2.anupa and 3. the sadharana. Of them, the jangala is pre-dominated by vata. The anupa is pre-dominated by kapha. The sadharana type of land is pre-dominated by the equal position of all three dosas. 23
The time (kala) is of two kinds. The one is that begins with moment (ksana) and the like. The other is relevant to the administration and selection of the medicine or therapies. It also pertains to the different stages of the disease. 24
Therapies (ausadha) which have been explained in brief: the ones that are purposeful for purificatory (sodhana) therapy and the other meant for palliative (Samana) therapy.
Therapies Types : Panchkarma for Three Dosha
Enema (basti), purgation (virechana) and emesis (vamana) are the best therapies respectively for the three dosas of the body. In other words, to cure the vitiated vata, the basti (enema) therapy is the best. For the vitiated pitta the virechana (purgation) therapy is the best. For the vitiated kapha, the emesis (vamana) therapy is the best. Likewise, oil (taila) is the best to control the vitiated vata, butterfat (ghrita) is considered the best to check the provoked pitta while honey (madhu) is the most effective stuff in balancing kapha related problems.
Treatment for mental imbalance:
Treatment for mental imbalance
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०- मनोदोषयो रजस्तमसोः, रोगविघ्नकारि धीधैर्यादिकं, परमौषधम्| धीश्च धैर्यं चात्मादिविज्ञानं च तत्तथाविधम्| तत्र धीर्बुद्धिर्बाह्याध्यात्मिकानां भावानां हिताहितपरिच्छेदविभागकारिणी| धैर्यं धृतिश्चेतसः स्थिरत्वमचापलम्, येन प्रतिषिद्धेषु न प्रवर्तते, हितेषु च न सीदति| आत्मविज्ञानं योगाभ्याससमाधिना परमात्मस्वरूपविज्ञानम्| आदिग्रहणाज्ज्ञानविज्ञानस्मृतिदेशकालादीनां परिग्रहः| मनोदोषसमुत्थकामादिजरोगार्थः परशब्दो विशेषणत्वेन निर्दिष्टः|
आ० र०- औषधपादानाह-भिषगिति| ते च चत्वारः, भिषग्द्रव्यमुपस्थाता रोगी चेति| उपस्थाता परिचारकः| चिकित्सितस्यौषधस्य| पादत्वं चैषां क्रियानिष्पादकावयवत्वात्|
पादान्विशिनिष्टि-प्रत्येकमिति| तत्पादचतुष्टयं, प्रत्येकं च तुर्गुणं ज्ञेयम्| तत्तद्गुणवतामेवैषां पादत्वमित्यर्थः|
Four limbs of treatment The four limbs (pada) of treatment are the physician, the nurse, the herbs and the patient. Each one of them has four qualities. 27
आ० र०- तत्र भिषग्गुणानाह-दक्ष इति| दक्षः-शीघ्रकारी| तीर्थात्तशास्त्रार्थो-गुरोर्गृहीतायुर्वेदार्थः| तीर्थं-गुरुः| दृष्टकर्मा-बहुधाऽनुष्ठितशास्त्रार्थः| शुचिर्मनोवाक्कायैः शुद्धः| सङ्ग्रहे तु (सू. अ. २)- “अभेद्योऽनुद्धतोऽस्तम्ब्धः सूरतः प्रियदर्शनः| सूरतः-कारुणिकः| बहुश्रुतः कालवेदी ज्ञातग्रन्थोऽर्थकर्मवित्|| अनाथान् रोगिणो यश्च पुत्रवत्समुपाचरेत्| गुरुणा समनुज्ञातः स भिषक्शब्दमश्नुते|| यस्तु केवलशास्त्रज्ञः कर्मस्वपरिष्ठितः| स मुह्यत्यातुरं प्राप्य प्राप्य भीरुरिवाहवम्|| यः पुनः कुरुते कर्म धार्ष्ट्याच्छास्रार्थवर्जितः| स सत्सु गर्हामाप्नोति वधं चेच्छति राजतः|| हेतौ लिङ्गे प्रशमने रोगाणामपुनर्भवे| ज्ञानं चतुर्विधं यस्य स राजार्हो भिषग्वरः|| शास्त्रं शस्त्राणि सलिलं गुणदोषप्रवृत्तये| पात्रापेक्षीण्यतः प्रज्ञां बाहुश्रुत्येन बृंहयेत्|| प्रदीपभूतं शास्त्रं हि दर्शनं विपुला मतिः| ताभ्यामतः सुयुक्ताभ्यां चिकित्सन्नापराध्यति|| आहूत एव यो याति सुवेषः सुनिमित्ततः| गत्वाऽऽतुरार्थादन्यत्र न निधत्ते मनः क्वचित्|| व्याधिं परीक्षते सम्यङ्निदानादिविशेषतः| ह्नेपणीयां च तद्वार्तां न प्रकाशयते बहिः|| सहसा न च तस्यापि क्रियाकालमहापयन्| जानाति चोपचरितुं स वैद्यः सिद्धिमश्र्नुते|| नाददीतामिषं स्त्रीभ्यस्तदध्यक्षे पराङ्मुखे| ताभिश्च रहसि स्थानं परिहासां च वर्जयेत्|| जिजीविषुर्व्याधितोऽपि पूर्वोक्तगुणवर्जितान्| क्रियाविक्रयिणो वैद्यान् मृत्योरग्रेसरा हि ते|| यद्वैद्ये विगुणे पादा गुणवन्तोऽप्यनर्थकाः| स पादहीनानप्यार्तान् गुणवान् यच्च यापयेत्|| चिकित्सायास्तमेवातः प्रधानं कारणं विदुः| व्याधिं पुरा परीक्ष्यैवमारभेत ततः क्रियाम्|| स्वार्थविद्यायशोहानिमन्यथा ध्रुवमाप्नुयात्| साध्ययोरपि संयोगो बलिनोर्यात्यसाध्यतम्|| विद्यादसाध्यमेवातः साध्यासाध्यसमागमम्| नासाध्यः साध्यतां याति, साध्यो याति त्वसाध्यताम्|| पादापचाराद्दैवाद्वा यात्यवस्थान्तरं गदः| वरमाशीविषविषं दीप्तमग्निमयोऽपि वा|| उपयुञ्जीत न त्वार्तादामिषं कृपणाज्जनात्| परो भूतदया धर्म इत्यार्तेषु भिषग्वरः|| वर्तते यः सुसिद्धार्थः स सर्वमतिवर्तते” इति|
As regards the prerequisites of the physician, he should be efficient. He must have learnt the science in all its branches from an able preceptor; he must have witnessed the therapies and thus gained practical experience. He should also possess a pure body, a clean mind and a pure speech.
Qualities of medicine:
Qualities of medicine
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०- बहवः कल्पाः यस्मिन् सम्भवन्ति स्वरसक्वाथचूर्णाद्यास्तद्बहुकल्पं-व्याधीनां निवारणक्षमं न तु लवणवदेककल्पम्| तद्धि सुखमुपयुज्यते| नानाशक्तयो हि सत्त्वाः| बहवो गुणा यस्य गुरुमन्दादयस्तद्बहुगुणम्, अथवा यदनेकरोगविनाशनसमर्थम्| सम्पन्नं-सम्पत्तियुक्तं, न विपन्नम्, प्रशस्तभूमिदेशजातादिगुणयुक्तम्| तथा च ग्रन्थः (हृदये क.अ.१/१)- “धन्वे साधारणे देशे समे सन्मृत्तिके शुचौ| श्मशानचैत्यायतनश्वभ्रवल्मीकवर्जिते|” इति| अथवा पाकसंस्कारादियुक्तम्| योग्यं-दातुं यद्यत्रार्हति तच्च तत्र योग्यम्| व्याधिदेशकालदोषदूष्यदेहवयोबलादीन् ज्ञात्वा, युज्यते दीयत इति तद्योग्यं, रोगस्य रोगिणश्च|
Bahukalpa – Able to formulate in different dosage forms, like decoction, powder, herbal oil etc Bahuguna – Having infinite qualities Sampanna – graced with virtues Yogya – suitable and appropriate for specific diseases.
Adya – Rich Bhishagvashya – fully obedient towards doctor Jnapaka – Good memory Satvavaan – The one who has good strength to tolerate any disease and treatment.
Types of diseases:
Types of diseases
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०- सर्वौषधक्षमे देह उत्पन्नो व्याधिः सुखसाध्यः सुखोपायः, तथा कालेनाल्पेन साध्यते| सर्वाण्यौषधानि यः क्षमते सहते तीक्ष्ण्मध्यमृदुरूपाणि नानादेशजानि शमनानि तथा शोधनरूपाणि तथा विषक्षारादीनि| यूनः- वयस्यस्य, तरुणस्येत्यर्थः| पुंसो- न स्त्रियाः| पुंग्रहणं स्त्रीनिवृत्त्यर्थम्| यतस्तस्याः सर्वदा भीरुत्वमबुद्धिमत्त्वं च, अतो यथोक्तानुरूपगुणाभावः| सा तु यस्मात्तीक्ष्णोष्णौषधानि न सहते, सौकुमार्यादियोगात्| जितात्मनोऽलोलुपस्य, जित आत्मा येन, विषयाभिलाषं परिहरतः| अमर्मगो- न मर्मस्थः, मर्माणि- शिरोहृदयबस्तिप्रभृतीनि, तेषु गच्छतीति मर्मगः, न मर्मगोऽमर्मगः, हृत्कण्ठादिपीडाकरणासमर्थः| अल्पहेत्वग्ररूपरूप इति| हेतुश्चाग्ररूपं च रूपं च तानि हेत्वग्ररूपरूपाणि, अल्पानि हेत्वग्ररूपरूपाणि यस्य स तथाविधः| हेतुर्निदानम्, अग्ररूपं- पूर्वरूपम्, रूपं- लक्षणम्, एतान्यल्पानि यस्य| अनुपद्रव इति| न विद्यते उपद्रवो यस्य, उत्पन्नस्य व्याधेरनन्तरं जायते योऽन्यो व्याधिः, न तल्लक्षणभूतोऽप्रधानः, न यथास्वलक्षणः, तदुपक्रमनिरोधकः, स उपद्रवः| तथा चागमः- “व्याधेरुपरि यो व्याधिर्भवत्युत्तरकालजः| उपक्रमविघाती च स ह्युपद्रव उच्यते||” इति| अतुल्यदूष्यदेशर्तुप्रकृतिरिति| दूष्यश्च देशश्च ऋतुश्च प्रकृतिश्च ता दूष्यदेशर्तुप्रकृतयः, अतुल्या दूष्यदेशर्तुप्रकृतयो यस्य| अतुल्याः- न सदृशाः| यथा- दूष्ये मेदोमज्जादौ, अनूपदेशे, शीतर्तौ, आतुरो वातप्रकृतिः, तस्य कुपितं पित्तं सुखसाध्यमिति| अतुल्यदूष्यो यथा- श्लेष्मणा शीतेन रक्तमुष्णं दूषितम्| अतुल्यदेशो व्याधिर्यथा- अनूपदेशे पित्तसम्भूतः| अतुल्यर्तुर्यथा- शरदि कफोद्भवः| अतुल्यप्रकृतिर्यथा- पित्तप्रकृतेः श्लेष्मोद्भवो व्याधिः| नन्वतुल्यदूष्यदेशर्तुप्रकृतित्वादसौ कृच्छ्रसाध्यो याप्यो वा प्राप्तः, न सुखसाध्यः, अनेकसुखोपक्रमसाध्यत्वात्| यतो दूष्यादीनामतुल्यत्वात्परस्परमन्य एवोपक्रमः| एकसुखोपक्रमः सुखसाध्यो व्याधिः| अत एव साध्ययाप्यपरित्याज्या मेहाः श्लेष्मपित्तवातोत्थाः (हृंइ.अ.१०/६)- “समासमक्रियतया महात्ययतयापि च” इत्येवं निर्दिशति| अत्रोच्यते| तथाप्रभावत्वात्प्रमेहाख्यस्य व्याधेः, यदुत श्लेष्मप्रमेहः समक्रियत्वात्साध्यः, पित्तप्रमेहो विषमक्रियत्वाद्याप्यः, महात्ययत्वाच्च वातप्रमेहः प्रत्याख्येयः| किञ्च तुल्यदूष्यदेशर्तुप्रकृतित्वान्महारम्भो निष्प्रत्यनीको व्याधिर्जायते, अतोऽसौ न सुखसाध्यः| कुत्रचिद्व्याधौ तुल्यदूष्यादिरपि सुखसाध्यत्वेन ज्यायान्| तथा च ग्रन्थः- “ज्वरे तुल्यर्तुदोषत्वं प्रमेहे तुल्यदूष्यता| रक्तगुल्मे पुराणत्वं सुखसाध्यत्वहेतवः||” पादसम्पदीति| भिषगादीनां चतुर्णां पादानां सम्पत्समृद्धिः, तस्यां सत्यां, अङ्गचतुष्टये परिपूर्णे सति| ग्रहेष्वनुगुणेष्विति| ग्रहाः- सूर्यादयः, तेष्वनुगुणेष्वनुकूलराशिस्थितेषु शोभनस्थानगतेषु सत्सु| एकदोषमार्ग इति| दोषश्च मार्गश्च दोषमार्गम्, एकं दोषमार्गं यस्य स तथोक्तः| दोषो- वातादिः| मार्गस्त्रिविधः शाखादिर्वक्ष्यमाणो बाह्याभ्यन्तरमध्यभेदेन| तेनैकेन वातादीनामन्यतमेन दोषेण यो जातो न द्वाभ्यां त्रिभिर्वा, तथैकेनापि मार्गेण बाह्येन मध्येनाभ्यन्तरेण वा जातः| नवो- न जरठः, अचिरोत्पन्न इत्यर्थः| यस्माद्वत्सरातीता व्याधयोऽसाध्याः| स तथाविधो व्याधिः सुखः- सुखेन साध्यते| तथा च ग्रन्थः (सं.सू.अ.२, चंइ.अ.८)- “सुखसाध्यः सुखोपायः कालेनाल्पेन साध्यते” इति|
Two main types, which are further divided into two types. Sadhya – Which can be cured. It is of two types –
Easy to cure (Sukha Sadhya), Difficult to get cured (Krichra Sadhya)
Asadhya – This can not be cured. Asadhya is again of two types – Yapya (medicine is required till patient is alive),
Anupakrama (No medicine will be effective in this condition. )
Sukhasadhya Vyadhi : Qualities of diseases which can be cured easily:
Qualities of diseases which can be cured easily
The sukhasadhya types of diseases are those that are present in an individual capable of withstanding all kinds of therapies, those are adults, the males; among those who are self Controlled The sukhasadhya diseases do not affect the vital organs. They are produced out of a few mild causes, prominent symptoms and specific features; that is uncomplicated, having no secondary disease or very troublesome symptoms which are dissimilar in respect of tissues (dosas, dushyas), habitat (desha), season (ritu) and body constitution (prakruti which have four limbs of treatment in excellent condition; which have very favourable planetary influence; that are arisen from only one dosa that are seen manifesting in one disease path way and that are of recent onset.
Curable with difficulty (krcchrasadhya) diseases :
Krccharasadhya vyadhi are that require the use of sharp instruments and the like in treatment. They have a mixture of causative factors as well. 30 -31
The controllable (yapya) diseases
are those that persist till the remainder of life, but can be controlled with a continuous good regimen of herbs, eatables, activities and the like. They also possess qualities of easily curable diseases. 32
Asadhya Vyadhi / qualities of Incurable diseases
qualities of difficult to treat diseases
Click to read Sanskrit Tika
स०- यो गदो रोगः, शस्त्रादिसाधनः शस्त्रादिभिः साध्यते, स कृच्छ्रसाध्यः कृच्छ्रप्रतीकारो महद्भिरुपायैः साध्यते तथा चिरेण| तथा च ग्रन्थः (सं.सू.अ.२)- “कृच्छ्रैरुपायैः कृच्छ्रस्तु महद्भिश्च चिरेण च||” आदिग्रहणेन क्षाराग्निकर्मविषलेपादयो गृह्यन्ते| तथा, सङ्करे च- ततः पूर्वोक्तात्साध्यलिङ्गात्सङ्कीर्णत्वे सति- यो गद उप्तन्नः, सोऽपि कृच्छ्रसाध्यः| चशब्दः समुच्चये| ततस्तस्मादुक्तसाध्यलक्षणाद्यः सङ्करे द्वित्रिविपर्यये सति स्थितः| तथा च- युवा आतुरः किन्तु न विजितात्मा| विजितात्मा वा किन्तु रोगो मर्मस्थानगः| सर्वौषधक्षमे देहे जातः किन्तु वृद्धः| कदाचिद्युवा न सर्वौषधक्षमो देहः| एवमनया दिशा सर्वमप्यूह्यम्|
आ० र०- कृच्छ्रसाध्यं लक्षयति-शस्त्रादीति| यो गदः शस्त्रादिसाधनः, स कृच्छ्रः-कृच्छ्रसाध्यः| यश्च गदस्ततस्तेभ्यः सुखसाध्यलक्षणेभ्यो जाते सङ्करे स्थितः, सोऽपि कृच्छ्रः| सुखसाध्यलक्षणस्य तद्विपर्ययेण सहैकत्रावस्थानं सङ्करः| यथा-युवजत्वस्य स्त्रीजत्वेन| बालजत्वस्य वृद्धजत्वेन तु सहानवस्थानान्न सङ्करः| एवं सर्वत्र| अस्य च सङ्करत्रैविध्यात्त्रैविध्यम्| अल्पविपर्यये सङ्करे कृच्छ्रः, तुल्यविपर्यये कृच्छ्रतरः, बहुविपर्यये कृच्छ्रतमः| तथा, शस्त्रक्षाराग्निसाधनत्वात्त्रैविध्यम्| एतेषां षण्णां सङ्करे तारतम्यं स्वयमूह्यम्|
Incurable diseases Incurable diseases possess features that are entirely opposite to those of curable diseases. They are the ones that have stayed long in the body involving all the important tissues and vital organs. Such diseases cause anxiety, fear of death, delusion and restlessness. They also manifest the fatal indications and cause the loss of sense organs and sensory functions. These diseases are anupakramya and are fit to be rejected; such disease leads to death, generally. 33
The patient who is hated by the physician and the king or government should be avoided. The patient who hates physicians should also be rejected. Physicians should avoid the patient who hate themselves and who is not having the equipments and other facilities required for treatment, The ones who are busy with other activities and who are not giving the required attention for the treatment. They should also reject the disobedient patients whose life seems to have come to an end, who is of an evil mind and is violent and destructive, who is afflicted with great grief, which is full of fear, ungrateful and who in respect of selection of herb, therapies, eatables, activities etc. thinks himself to be a physician. 34
1. Sarvroga nidanam (diagnosis of diseases in general). 2. Jvara nidanam (diagnosis of fever). 3. Raktapitta, Kasa nidanam (disease and cough). 4. Svasa-Hidhma nidanam (diagnosis of bleeding disease and cough). 5. Rajayaksmadi nidanam (diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis etc.). 6. Madatyaya nidanam (diagnosis of alcoholic intoxication). 7. Arsas nidanam (diagnosis of haemorrhoids). 8. Atisara-Grahani nidanam (diagnosis of diarrhoea and duodenal disorders). 9. Mutraghata nidanam (diagnosis of retention of urine). 10. Prameha nidanam (diagnosis of diabetes). 11. Vidradhi-Vrddhi-Gulma nidanam (diagnosis of abscess, enlargement of the scrotum and abdominal tumour). 12. Udara nidanam (diagnosis of enlargement of the abdomen). 13. Panduroga-sopha-visarpa nidanam (diagnosis of anaemia, dropsy and herpes). 14. Kustha-svitra-krimi nidanam (diagnosis of leprosy, leucoderma and parasites). 15. Vata vyadhi nidanam (diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system). 16. Vatasonita nidanam (diagnosis of gout).
1. Jvara cikitsita (treatment of fevers). 2. Raktapitta cikitsita (treatment of bleeding disease). 3. Kasa cikitsita (treatment of cough). 4. Svasa-Hidhma cikitsita (treatment of dyspnoea and hiccup). 5. Rajayaksmadi cikitsita (treatment of pul. tuberculosis, etc.). 6. Chardi-Hrdroga-Trsna cikitsita (treatment of vomiting, heart disease and thirst). 7. Madatyaya cikitsita (treatment of alcoholic intoxication). 8. Arsas cikitsita (treatment of haemorrhoids). 9. Atisara cikitsita (treatment of diarrhoea). 10. Grahani dosa cikitsita (treatment of duodenal disorder). 11. Mutraghata cikitsita (treatment of retention of urine). 12. Prameha cikitsita (treatment of diabetes). 13. Vidradhi-vrddhi cikitsita (treatment of abscess, enlargement of the scrotum). 14. Gulma cikitsita (treatment of abdominal tumour). 15. Udara cikitsita (treatment of enlargement of the abdomen). 16. Pandu roga cikitsita (treatment of anaemia). 17. Svayathu (sopha) cikitsita (treatment of dropsy). 18. Visarpa cikitsita (treatment of herpes). 19. Kustha cikitsita (treatment of leprosy). 20. Svitra-krimi cikitsita (treatment of leucoderma and parasites). 21. Vata vyadhi cikitsita (treatment of diseases of the nervous system). 22. Vatasonita cikitsita (treatment of gout).
V. KALPASIDDHI STHANA (PURIFICATORY RECIPES, PHARMACEUTICS):
1. Balopacaraniya adhyaya (care of the new born baby). 2. Balamaya pratisedha (treatment of diseases of children). 3. Balagraha pratisedha (treatment of evil spirits). 4. Bhuta vijnaniya (knowledge of demons). 5. Bhuta pratisedha (treatment of demons). 6. Unmada pratisedha (treatment of insanity). 7. Apasmara pratisedha (treatment of epilepsy). 8. Vartma roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of eyelids). 9. Vartma roga pratsedha (treatment of diseases of eyelids). 10. Sandhisitasita roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of fornices, sclera and cornea). 11. Sandhisitasita roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of fornices, sclera and cornea). 12. Drsti roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of vision). 13. Timira pratisedha (treatment of blindness). 14. Linganasa pratisedha (treatment of blindness). 15. Sarvaksi roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of the whole eye). 16. Sarvaksi roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of the whole eye). 17. Karna roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of the ear).18. Karna roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of the ear). 19. Nasa roga vijnaniya (knowledge of the diseases of the nose). 20. Nasa roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of the nose). 21. Mukha roga vijnaniya (knowledge of the diseases of the mouth). 22. Mukha roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of the mouth). 23. Siro roga vijnaniya (knowledge of the diseases of head). 24. Siro roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of the head). 25. Vrana pratisedha (treatment of ulcers). 26. Sadyo vrana pratisedha (treatment of traumatic wounds). 27. Bhanga pratisedha (treatment of fractures). 28. Bhagandara pratisedha (treatment of rectal fistula) 29. Granthi-arbuda-slipada-apaci-nadi vijnaniya (knowledge of tumours, cancers, filariasis, scrofula and sinus ulcer). 30. Granthyadi pratisedha (treatment of tumours etc.). 31. Ksudra roga vijnaniya (knowledge of minor diseases). 32. Ksudra roga pratisedha (treatment of minor diseases). 33. Guhya roga vijnaniya (knowledge of diseases of genital organs). 34. Guhya roga pratisedha (treatment of diseases of genital organs). 35. Visa pratisedha (treatment of poisoning). 36. Sarpa visa pratisedha (treatment of snake bite poison). 37. Kitalutadi visa pratisedha (treatment of poison of insects, spiders etc.). 38. Musika-alarka visa pratisedha (treatment of poison of mouse, rabid, dog etc.). 39. Rasayana vidhi (rejuvination therapy). 40. Vajikarana vidhi (virilification therapy).
first chapter of Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Hridayam
End of the first chapter of Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Hridayam.