28) aTT-Srõtas

i) Vessels or channels.

i)-TT)
ii)aaurqaati (a o.?)
The root Sri' means to move, secrete, or flow; the channel through which
the matter keeps moving / flowing/ secreting is Srõtas
i v ) a TTRuaaTUHTTHT ATAT TaTaa 7T I
4.)
Srotas is that hollow structure in the body through which the dhatus under
the process of transformation or nourishing liquid (Ahrarasa) flows and gets
converted into corresponding Dhätus.

Thus, Srõtas is channel which transports Dhtus which are subjected to

transformation. These are named as per the Dhätus or matter which gets formed
in that particular Srõtas. These are thirteen in number according to Charaka.
For seven Dhätus seven Srõtas like Rasavaha Srõtas, Raktavaha Srõtas and so
on, and Annavaha, Prnavaha, Udakavaha, Mütravaha, Svdavaha, and
Pur+shvaha. In other words, Srõtas is abode of particular Dh vagni. Due to any
kind of obstruction in Srõtas, function of Dhätvagni gets hampered partially or
completely. Such kind of obstruction is a major phenomenon in the process of
disease development. Apart from these, Stanyavaha, Artavavaha, Manõvaha
16

and Sanjnavaha Srõtas are also mentioned. The whole body is considered as
Manõvaha Srõtas. Here the word Srõtas indicates 'pathway'.
29) ATH- Amam 17/77
i) Undigested, Unripened.

ii) aT dI (T3).

(.E..24)
iv) Ama is such type of partially digested food which is in liquid form with
increased viscosity and sticky in nature. It is the abode of severe diseases.

Ama is formed when Jathargni fails to digest the food properly. Ama is
also formed if food is Asâmya (unhabited) or Apathya (unwholesome) or Guru
(heavy) or in excess quantity. Additionally, disturbed psychological state at the
time of food intake and /or at the time of digestion; is also responsible for
formation of Ama. As Ama is partially digested it does not have an appropriate
nutritious component to form Dhâus. As Ama is viscous and sticky, it obstructs
micro and macro channels. Due to these two reasons Ama becomes a leading
cause of so many diseases. If Ama is mixed with Dõsha then the Dõsha is called
as Sãmadösha. The tems SmaDhtus and Samamala cary similar meaning.
Symptoms of these are described in Samhits.
Ama may pervade all over body through circulation. At the time of
clinical examination of patient, it is mandatory to check about such symptoms.
There are certain drugs which digest Ama and cure Dõsha and bring back the
Nirmavasth.
29) ATH Amam
i) Undigested, Unripened.
ii) 3T + idTTqI (PT.)

TTTT TH: FT: TT7IsTAarq

3TTHT TTT HS1TtreaTera: Il (Apte)

(4.T. R.?)
form with
iv) Ama is such type of partially digested food which is in liquid
increased viscosity and sticky in nature. It is the abode of severe diseases.

Ama is formed when Jathargni fails to digest the food properly. Ama is
also formed if food is Astmya (unhabited) or Apathya (unwholesome) or Gunu
(heavy) or in excess quantity. Additionaly, disturbed psychological state at the
time of food intake and /or at the time of digestion; is also responsible for
formation of Ama. As Ama is partially digested it does not have an appropriate
nutritious component to form Dhtus. As Ama is viscous and sticky, it obstructs
micro and macro channels. Due to these two reasons Ama becomes a leading
cause of so many diseases. If Ama is mixed with Dasha then the Dösha is called
as Sämadösha. The terms SämaDhtus and Samamala carry similar meaning.
Symptoms of these are described in Samhits.
Ama may pervade all over body through circulation. At the time of
clinical examination of patient, it is mandatory to check about such symptoms.
There are certain drugs which digest Ama and cure Dösha and bring back the
Nirmavasth.
30)faarq/faraar: -

Viruddh nnam/ Viruddhhkrah

i) Incompatible food.
ii) fabq-f++ TETR: -3HT++I T..)

17

That food which aggravates Dosha but does not throw them out of body
is called Viruddhähra.
iv)Viruddhähra may be combination of different food item which produce
the effect as mentioned above. (Sanyöga Viruddha). There are some
processing steps while cooking food, which also produce such effects.
(Sanskrra Viruddha)
Viruddh h ra possesses attributes which are opposite to each other or
which are unfavourable to each other to produce positive and healthy effects of
food. On the contrary, it produces toxcic substances. These toxins get mixed
with Dosha and make them vitiated. These Döshas get increased but do not get

expelledout of the body. Such vitiated Dõshas when circulate through the
various channels develop various types of abnormalities like obstructions
(Srõtõrõdha) constrictions, dialation, disturbance in permeability of various
membranous structures, diversion in normal direction of flows
various steps taking place in
(Vimargagamana) etc. All such abnormalities are

development of various diseases.

Thus, harmful effects of Viruddhähra are not restricted to alimentary
canal only but blindness and infertility are also caused as the effect of

Viruddhähra.
32)faenet- Vidht
i) Food producing burning sensation.

ii) faasta fearst

v) Vidähi Anna is that type of food which takes much time to digest and
increases Pitta at the same time.

It produces burming sesation in throat, chest (aesophagus) and stomach

along with nauseating feeling and headache. Some times it also creates
guiddiness and sour belching. Mostly, the food item which has Amla Vipka
develops Vidahi effect, if they take longer time to digest the food. The food
items with following properties develop Vidhi effect salty in taste, Amla in
Vipka, spicy, heavy, Ushpa and Tikshna. Black pepper, mustard and alcohol
are few examples of Vidhi food. Food prepared with fermentation process is
likely to cause Vidha. Vidhi food produces Pitta dominant diseases. Vidhi
food is also a major cause for the vitiation of Rakta.
33)farut- Vishtambht
i) That food which produces obstruction of excreta.
i) fa+ +furt I Ter:IT3)
i) fegou 7yatiaI fae: AEYTT 3erTAI Famaie4ATYaTN: I
iv) ViahiambhT Ahra is that type of food which produces obstruction during
the process of digestion. As a result, it develops symptoms like
abdominal pain, distension of abdomen. Its main effect is obstruction in
defaecation. Thus, it leads to constipation. Long term constipation
vitiates functioning of Apna Vyu and develops various severe diseases.

It badly affects the functioning of Jathar gni too. It develops in alimentary

canal (GIT) and produces mainly symptoms like flatus, pricking and knawing
pain, and non expulsion of excreta. Pulses (dycotyledons) are Vishiambh+ in
nature. So, to prohibit their Viahtambh+ effect they are advised to be prepared

19

with sufficient oil or ghee. Such receipes prohibit increase of Vta. The food
which is Guru and Rüksha is Vishiambh+. Among six tastes, Kashya
(astringent) shows Vishiambh+ effects.
35) T Vgah
i) Natural urge.
ii) fa+q I TT3

The sensation of the need of excretion of urine, faeces etc. is Vga.

iv) Natural urge of the body to expel out / throw away / push out certain
matter from the body is called Vga. In the continuous process of

20

digestion and metabolism, different excretory products are formed which

need to be expelled out from the body e.g., urine, faeces etc.

There are 13 kinds of such urges as per Ashtnga Hridaya viz., Adhõvta
(Flatus), Pur+sha (Faeces), Mütra (Urine), Kshava (Sneeze), Trit (Thirst),
Kshudha (Hunger), Nidr (Sleep), Ksa (Cough), Shramashwsa (Sigh)
Jrimbha (Yawn), Ashru (Tears), Chardi (Vomit), and Rëtas (Sexual urge).

Vegadhrana: Forceful withholding of these urges is Vgadhrana and

this habit is the cause of many diseases.

VegõdeeraFa: Forceful execution of these urges is Vgõdeerana. Habit of

Vegõdeerana is also a cause of many diseases.

VâtaDosha is the main responsible Dõsha for such urges and for
excretion/ expulsion. Hence, VâtalDösha gets vitiated due to Vgadhrana and
Vgõdeerana. Practically, in the clinical examination of patient physician
should ask about of such habit particularly.

The Vga concept is extended to psychological level also. Emotions are

understood as Mänasika (Mental) Vgas. Anger, hatred, jelous, envy, greed are
such emotions. Influence of such emotions should be controlled properly. There
fore, these are called Dhraneeya Vgas. (Dhrana = to withhold/suppress).
36) HTRRT-Sãtmyam
i) Beneficial, Wholesome.

Sãtmya is that (food or activily) which is beneficial for self.

iv) Satmya differs from person to person. It depends on so many factors suchh
as Doshaja Prakriti age, season etc. The benefits gained by Sätmya diet
and lifestyle are long lasting and they sustain the healthy state.
A physician should know what is Stmya to patient so that he can advice
selected Sätmya food and activity to the patient. Some food items are, in
general, Stmya to all like mother's milk, green grams etc. Sãtmya is also
understood as habituating of a particular food or taste. Indulgence in all six
tastes is superior one. It gives good physical strength and maintains health.
Habituating to two to five tastes is moderate and tolerance to only one taste is
lower one and causes unhealthy state. Such lower and moderate tolerance can be

21

gradually converted to superior tolerance with proper food and lifestyle

modification.

37) 3HT7Traq Okastmyam

i) Habituation (which leads to benefits).

iv) Abhysa means practice or repeatation. A non familiar food item or

activily can be adopted by gradual habituation. Any bad habit, addiction,
unhealthy addiction, unhealthy food consumption should be avoided
completely and healthy food and activity should be adopted.
In the task of such adoption, gradual increase in intake and its calculated
repeatation plays an important role. Thus, healthy habits can be inculcated with
Okasãtmya.
38) &PTHTTR- Dshstmyam
i) Beneficial in a particular place.

ii) &TgrseA TteurtiyUTETR TEA

iv) DEshsa indicates particular geographical region with specific climate.
Climate has great influence on human body. Equilibrium of Three
Dõshas functional capacity of Agni, physical strength etc., will change as
per the change in region or place. In such case one has to change his diet
and lifestyle and those changes are opposite to the region and climatic
features. e.g., if one is in very dry hot windly desert like area (Jngala
Desha), then he has to consume food with Snigdha, Guru and Sheeta
properties. Such food maintains equilibrium of Dôsha and prevents
diseases originating due to change of habitat.
 39) 37TyT-Adhyashanam
i) Eating again over undigested food.

iv) Ashana means intake of food. The prefix Adhi, indicates here intake
over the previously taken food before its digestion.

22

In the digestion process, food passes in alimentary canal slowly. An

individual senses hunger when stomach is emptyed. Time required for this is
approramately 3 hours. So, the gap between two consecutive food intakes must
be more than 3 hours. i.e. one can consume food only when previous food gets
digested properly. If this gap is not obeserved and food is consumed before
digestion of previous food; then it is called 'Adhyashana'. Due to Adhyashana,
normal digestive process becomes abnormal; mainly leading to the formation of
Ama.

40) RAq- Atyashanam

i) Over-eating or eating in excess.

ii) 3faTermayaq|(aTeear)
iv) Atyashana means eating i excess quantity. Intake of food at once, in
more quantity than required is called Aryashana.
It immediately develops heaviness in abdomen, distention and sometimes
pain. Secretions essential for digestion can not get secreted due to extra pressure
on walls of alimentary canal. As a result, necessary functions of three Dõsha in
alimentary canal are disturbed and all three Dõshas get vitiated and they
produce some severe symptoms like vomiting, severe pain, guiddiness etc. One
must note the difference between Adhyashana and Aryashana.
Adhyashana is intake of food before the digestion of previously ingested
food. Atyashana is intake of excess food at one time.

41) Koshihah
i) Viscera, abdominal cavity, Alimentary canal.
i) FTAisrrgteraErIguqI TTZ)to enfold, to cover
ii) 1 : ATaYATTTT: I (ZT.7T.x.PO. IFEUT)
3T:18 HEretT: ATAyaaT7TTT: I (4.ETR?R.8E)

The middle part of the body in which various soft organs are enfolded is
called Kóshtha. (Amäshaya, Pakvshaya, Mütrashaya, Hridaya etc. are such
soft organs) These organs of Köshtha are interlinked with each other with
various types of vessels. Among these organs Mah srõtas refers to alimentary
canal (from oral cavity to anus). It is also called Antah Köshtha.
41) t8: Koshthah
i) Viscera, abdominal cavity, Alimentary canal.
ii) FTAa a g f a T IFwqI (TTZ) to enfold, to cover
i) : TanTATT: I GHT.x.?9. 3rEur
37:718 ETan: 3TTEATT: I (H.E{Rx)
iv) FaTATTATfAYatT s f r T

The middle part of the body in which various soft organs are enfolded is
called Köshtha. (Amshaya, Pakvshaya, Mtrashaya, Hridaya etc. are such
soft organs) These organs of Köshtha are interlinked with each other with
various types of vessels. Among these organs Mahsrõtas refers to alimentary
canal (from oral cavity to anus). It is also called Antah Kõshtha.

23

There may be dominance of one Dõsha in Köshtha. This dominant Dõsha

can be identified by assessment of the effect of purgative drug. Thus, Köshha is
of 3 types-
1) Krüra Kösh ha - with the dominance of VâtaDõsha in this type,

purgative medicine with moderate potency causes 'bowel emptying' in leSs

quantity.
2) Mrudu Köshtha - with the dominance of Pitta Dõsha in this type,

purgative medicine with moderate potency causes "bowel emptying' in major

quantity.
3) Madhya Kõshtha - with the dominance of Kapha Dõsha in this type,

purgative medicine with moderate potency causes "bowel emptying in

moderate quantity. If three Dõshas, are in equillibrium i.e. in Sama Dõsha, the
Köshtha remains Madhya only.

42)FTSth nt
i) Dõsha active in its own site.

iv) Each Dõsha has particular sites in the body e.g., Pakvshaya is the site of
VätaDõsha. When VataDõsha is producing its symptoms in Pakvshaya
those symptoms are understood as symptoms due to Sthn+ Dõsha. Here
Dosha is powerful at its own site.
In abnormal conditions Dõsha first accumulates at its own site. (Chaya).
Main Shödhana and Shamana treatment prescribed for that particular Dõsha is
effective on that site within very short time, as in above mentioned example. (of
VätaDösha and Pakvshaya)
Main Shõdhana tratment for Vâta is Basti (Enema) and main Shamana drug for
Vata is Thaila (Oil). Both Basti and Thaila show positive results on
Pakvshayagata symptoms within short time.
42)FITHT Sth nT
i) Dõsha active in its own site.

iv) Each Dösha has particular sites in the body e.g., Pakvshaya is the site of
VätaDõsha. When VätaDõsha is producing its symptoms in Pakvshaya
those symptoms are understood as symptoms due to Sthn+ Dõsha. Here
Dosha is powerful at its own site.
In abnormal conditions Dõsha first accumulates at its own site. (Chaya).
Main Shödhana and Shamana treatment prescribed for that particular Dösha is
effective on that site within very short time, as in above mentioned example. (of
VataDösha and Pakvshaya)
Main Shõdhana tratment for Vata is Basti (Enema) and main Shamana drug for
Väta is Thaila (Oil). Both Basti and Thaila show positive results on
Pakvshayagata symptoms within short timne.

43)atraTEt Yõgavh+
i) Having capacity to assimilate or adapt.

That substance is called Yögavh+ which adapts the properties of other

thing with which it is mixed.
Among the three Dõshas, VtaDsha is Yögavh+. When it gets combined
with Pitta it acts as heat (energy) and produces symptoms accordingly. And
when it gets combined with KuphaDösha, it acts as cold (energy) and produces
symptoms accordingly. Thus, Yögavh substance acts as a carrier. Honey is
another example for it. Due to this special
property, honey is used as Anupna
(adjuvant/ vehicle) for many drugs. (here, Anupna is a mixing agent with
which drug is consumed.)
44) Tea- Pathyam
i) Suitable diet.

Pathya is such therapeutic diet and activity which produces (good)

healthy effects on body and mind.
Pathya concept is an important therapeutic aspect in Ayurvedic treatment.
Wrong dietary habits and unfair physical activities are major causes of many
diseases. Avoidance of such diet and activities is as good as treatment of that
disease. Further, more specific diet plan and activity plan is prescribed for each
disease. Such diet and activity which help patient to get cured fast is Pathya.
Pathya restores normal status of organs, Srõtas and Dosha and thus,
additionally gives strength to patient. Drugs act more effectively if patient is
obeserving Pathya and it also prohibits further comptications of the disease.
Apathya is opposite to Pathya.
45) T d : Kritnnavargah
i) Processed food.

The food items prepared with certain processes are included in

Krit nnavarga. It covers all receipes. Here, the word Samskrita means
processed.

25

Most of the time very basic recipes which come under Pathya and which are
mentioned here. These are
preferably prescribed for patiens are mainly prepared
from rice and green vegetable and pulses. Py, Vilpi, Yavgu, Odana etc. are
preparations from rice.
Yüsha is a preparation from green gram or pulses, M msarasa is
other

prepared from meat. These preparations are Laghu i.e. get digested at ease
normalise three
without producingany adverse sympoms. Further more they
Dõshas and activate Jaargni. In the description of Pathya diet for diseases,
various other recipes are also mentioned which are also part of Krit nnavarga.