Exploring snigdha and ruksha guna: a literature review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: The exploration of numerous dimensions of snigdha and ruksha guna – a literature review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Aparna Shanbhag
PG Scholar, Dept. of Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhanta, GAMC, Mysuru, India.
Shreevatsa
Professor and Hod of PG studies , Dept. of Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhanta, GAMC, Mysuru.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: The exploration of numerous dimensions of snigdha and ruksha guna – a literature review
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7iSupply1.634
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study of Snigdha and Ruksha gunas plays a significant role in Ayurveda, serving as foundational concepts that govern the physiological, pathological, and therapeutic aspects of health. Snigdha represents qualities such as unctuousness and moisture, while Ruksha signifies dryness and astringency. These gunas influence the balance of the body and its interactions with different elements, contributing to the holistic understanding of health and disease. The aim of the literature review conducted by Aparna Shanbhag and Shreevatsa is to compile, analyze, and validate the effects of these two gunas, exploring their applications in therapy based on the principles of Ayurveda.
The Essence of Snigdha Guna
Snigdha guna, one of the twenty Shareerikagunas, indicates properties such as moisture, smoothness, and adhesion. It plays a vital role in the body by promoting hydration and nourishment. This guna has implications for various bodily functions, contributing to processes such as Kleda vruddhi, the enhancement of moisture in the body. Snigdha is associated with the consumption of certain aaharadravyas (food substances) that possess similar qualities, thereby nourishing the body's dhatus (tissues). Its application in therapeutic contexts includes treatments that enhance flexibility and combat dryness, especially in conditions characterized by vata dosha imbalances.
Understanding Ruksha Guna
Conversely, Ruksha guna embodies qualities of dryness and roughness, essential for managing various health conditions. It is linked to the drying properties of food and treatments and is crucial in approaches that address excess moisture in the body, such as Kleda pradhana vyadhi (diseases characterized by excessive moisture). Ruksha influences numerous physiological processes, leading to the removal of excess fluids and the promotion of lighter body states. In therapy, Ruksha guna is utilized to create balance in conditions where moisture is excessive, ensuring that the body remains in a state of equilibrium and functioning optimally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of Snigdha and Ruksha gunas illustrates their essential roles in maintaining health and balance within the body. These two opposing yet complementary qualities signify the dynamic interplay between moisture and dryness, fundamental to Ayurveda's therapeutic practices. The balanced application of Snigdha and Ruksha through diet, lifestyle, and treatments is crucial for sustaining health and well-being, embodying the Ayurvedic principle of maintaining equilibrium in the body amidst external and internal influences. Understanding and applying these gunas can significantly enhance clinical practice, bridging the gap between theory and practical health management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are Snigdha and Ruksha Guna in Ayurveda?
Snigdha and Ruksha are opposing qualities in Ayurveda. Snigdha signifies unctuousness, promoting moisture and nourishment, while Ruksha denotes dryness. Both are crucial for understanding physiological, pathological, and therapeutic aspects in Ayurvedic practice.
How do Snigdha and Ruksha Guna affect health?
These Gunas balance each other, regulating metabolism and maintaining health. An imbalance can lead to various disorders; for instance, excess Snigdha may cause Kapha disorders, while excess Ruksha can exacerbate Vata disorders.
Why are Snigdha and Ruksha Guna considered important in treatments?
In Ayurvedic treatments, Snigdha and Ruksha are applied to restore health. They guide dietary choices and therapies (like Snehana and Rukshana) based on individual needs, helping to achieve balance and optimal health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Exploring snigdha and ruksha guna: a literature review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Guna:
In Ayurveda, 'Guna' is a key concept referring to the inherent qualities or attributes of 'Dravya' (substances). These attributes are essential in understanding their effects on the body and health. For example, 'Snigdha' (unctuousness) and 'Ruksha' (dryness) are primary Gunas that influence physiological and pathological states.
2) Snigdha:
The term 'Snigdha' signifies unctuousness or oiliness, one of the 20 inherent qualities (Gunas) in Ayurveda. It is associated with properties like smoothness and moisture, making it significant in therapeutic practices like Snehana (oiling). Snigdha substances help balance dry conditions in the body.
3) Ruksha (Ruksa):
'Ruksha' represents dryness or non-unctuousness, but it's also used to describe roughness and hardness. It is a primary Guna that increases attributes like roughness and lightness in the body, useful in treating conditions like excess Kapha or moisture-related diseases.
4) Rukshana (Ruksana):
'Rukshana' is the process or therapy that imparts dryness to the body. It involves using substances and practices that have Ruksha Guna to reduce excess moisture or unctuousness, thereby treating conditions like Kapha disorders and digestive issues.
5) Dravya:
'Dravya' refers to substances or materials that possess specific Gunas, which influence the body and mind. In Ayurveda, understanding the properties of Dravya is crucial as they impart their qualities to both dietary and therapeutic practices.
6) Snehana:
'Snehana' is the process of lubrication or oiling used in Ayurveda, primarily with substances possessing Snigdha Guna. This practice is essential in treating various Vata disorders by balancing dryness and promoting softness and smoothness in tissues.
7) Ahara:
'Ahara' denotes food or diet in Ayurveda. The qualities of the consumed Ahara, such as Snigdha or Ruksha, directly affect the body's Gunas and play a pivotal role in maintaining balance and health.
8) Dhatu:
'Dhatu' are the fundamental tissues that support and nourish the body. Each Dhatu has specific Gunas, and the balance between Snigdha and Ruksha influences their health. Proper nourishment of Dhatus is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing.
9) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
'Siddhanta' refers to the established principles or theories in Ayurveda. Concepts like Samanya (general properties) and Vishesha (specific properties) are essential Siddhantas that guide therapeutic approaches and understanding of health and disease.
10) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
'Vyadhi' means disease in Ayurveda. The imbalance of Gunas like Snigdha and Ruksha, along with other factors, can lead to various Vyadhis. The treatment approaches often involve restoring the balance of these qualities.
11) Karma (Karman):
'Karma' in this context refers to the specific actions or functions of Gunas and therapies. For example, Snehana Karma involves actions that promote unctuousness, while Rukshana Karma involves actions that impart dryness.
12) Vata:
'Vata' is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by dryness, lightness, and movement. Imbalances in Vata often exhibit Ruksha qualities, which can be managed by therapies that promote Snigdha attributes.
13) Pradhana:
The term 'Pradhana' indicates predominance or primary importance. In Ayurveda, therapies and dietary practices may emphasize either Snigdha (unctuousness) or Ruksha (dryness) based on what is Pradhana or dominant in a patient’s condition.
14) Samanya:
'Samanya' refers to the common or general qualities of substances in Ayurveda. It contrasts with Vishesha (specific qualities) and helps in understanding how substances with similar Gunas can affect the body similarly.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is the traditional system of medicine originating in India, focusing on balancing bodily doshas through diet, lifestyle, and therapeutic interventions. Concepts like Snigdha and Ruksha Gunas are fundamental in Ayurvedic practices.
16) Sneha:
'Sneha' typically means love or affection, but in Ayurveda, it also refers to oily substances like ghee and oils used in Snehana therapy to imbue Snigdha qualities in the body, promoting lubrication and softness.
17) Basti:
'Basti' is an enema treatment in Ayurveda, which can be either Sneha Basti (with oil) or Niruha Basti (without oil). These treatments balance the doshas and can be particularly useful for conditions affected by Guna imbalances.
18) Vishesha (Visesa):
'Vishesha' indicates specific qualities or actions of substances. In Ayurvedic practice, knowing the Vishesha of a therapy or a substance helps tailor treatments to address particular imbalances in the body.
19) Oshadhi (Osadhi):
'Oshadhi' refers to medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. The properties of Oshadhi, like Snigdha or Ruksha, are used to design treatments that balance the body's Gunas and help in managing health conditions.
20) Dosha (Dosa):
'Dosha' are the three primary bio-physical energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda. The balance of these doshas is influenced by Gunas such as Snigdha and Ruksha and understanding this is essential for diagnosing and treating diseases.
21) Kala:
'Kala' refers to time or season in Ayurveda. Specific Gunas like Snigdha and Ruksha vary with the Kala, impacting diet and therapeutic practices to maintain balance in the body across different times of the year.
22) Padartha (Pada-artha):
'Padartha' are the categories or realities in Ayurvedic philosophy. 'Guna' is one of six Padarthas, helping classify substances and their effects. Understanding each Padartha, like Guna, is crucial for Ayurvedic diagnoses and treatments.
23) Purusha (Purusa):
'Purusha' refers to the individual or human being in Ayurveda. The health of Purusha is maintained by balancing the Gunas of substances and doshas through treatments like Snehana or Rukshana, ensuring overall wellbeing.
24) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
25) Vihara:
'Vihara' denotes lifestyle practices in Ayurveda that affect health. Activities imbued with Snigdha or Ruksha qualities influence the body's balance, showing the importance of proper lifestyle choices in managing health.
26) Khara:
'Khara' means roughness and is one of the qualities associated with Ruksha Guna. Rough and dry attributes in dietary and therapeutic substances influence the body's condition, especially in managing Kapha-related imbalances.
27) Loka:
'Loka' means the outer world or environment in Ayurveda. The balance of Gunas like Snigdha and Ruksha in the Loka affects the body's health, emphasizing the interconnectedness between environment and individual wellbeing.
28) Deha:
'Deha' refers to the body in Ayurveda. The state of Deha is influenced by the balance of Gunas like Snigdha and Ruksha, which are crucial for maintaining health and managing diseases through targeted therapies and diets.
29) Manasikabhava (Manasika-bhava):
'Manasika-bhava' refers to mental states or psychological conditions in Ayurveda. These states affect and are affected by the body's Guna balance, showing the holistic view Ayurveda takes in health and disease management.
30) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vatavyadhi]
31) Snehabasti (Sneha-basti):
'Sneha-basti' is an Ayurvedic enema therapy using oily substances. This form of Basti helps in imparting Snigdha qualities to the body, making it effective in treating Vata-related imbalances that have dryness as a symptom.
32) Snigdhata:
'Snigdhata' refers to the quality of being unctuous or oily. This property is important in various therapeutic practices to counteract dryness and roughness in the body, promoting overall health and balance.
33) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
'Mahabhuta' are the five great elements in Ayurveda (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether). Each Guna has its Mahabhuta composition, with Snigdha associated with Water and Earth, and Ruksha with Air, influencing their therapeutic uses.
34) Aushadha (Ausadha):
'Aushadha' means medicine in Ayurveda. The medicinal properties, determined by their Gunas like Snigdha or Ruksha, guide their usage in treating specific diseases and balancing the doshas in the body.
35) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
'Abhyanga' is the practice of Ayurvedic oil massage. It utilizes oils with Snigdha qualities to impart smoothness and lubrication, balancing Vata and promoting relaxation and health through external Snehana.
36) Rukshata (Ruksata):
[see source text or glossary: Rukshata]
37) Langhana (Lamghana):
'Langhana' refers to therapeutic fasting or reducing therapy. It often involves diet or lifestyle modifications to reduce heaviness and excess, typically involving Ruksha qualities to balance the body's composition.
38) Samhita:
'Samhita' refers to classic Ayurvedic texts. These texts, like Charaka Samhita, detail the principles, practices, and therapeutic uses of Gunas, providing the foundational knowledge for Ayurvedic treatment and diagnosis.
39) Visarga:
'Visarga' refers to the time of release or relaxation in Ayurvedic seasonal cycles. During this period, therapies involving Snigdha substances are often recommended to balance the body's moisture content and counteract dryness.
40) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
'Sukshma' means subtle or fine. It is a quality associated with Snigdha Guna, reflecting the penetrative and enhancing effects of substances in reaching deep tissues, thus promoting their therapeutic efficacy.
41) Prameha:
'Prameha' refers to a group of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, in Ayurveda. These conditions often involve excessive Snigdha or Ruksha qualities, and treatments focus on balancing these attributes to manage symptoms.
42) Jangala (Jamgala):
'Jangala' indicates arid or dry regions. In Ayurveda, the environmental qualities of a place (Desha) like Jangala influence the adoption of specific Gunas in diet and therapy to maintain balance and health.
43) Kashaya (Kasaya):
'Kashaya' means astringent taste, one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It has drying properties associated with Ruksha Guna, and is used in treatments to balance excessive moisture or unctuousness in the body.
44) Sevana:
'Sevana' denotes the consumption or use of substances. In Ayurveda, proper Sevana of substances with certain Gunas like Snigdha or Ruksha helps maintain the body's balance and manage different health conditions.
45) Shakti (Sakti):
[see source text or glossary: Shakti]
46) Sthira:
'Sthira' means stability or steadiness, a quality associated with Ruksha Guna. It imparts firmness and resistance, which can be significant in treatments that require reducing excessive fluidity or unctuousness in the body.
47) Chinta:
'Chinta' refers to worry or anxiety, a Manasika Bhava (mental state). These mental states can influence physical health by affecting the balance of Gunas like Snigdha (unctuousness) or Ruksha (dryness) in the body.
48) Kapha:
'Kapha' is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by heaviness, moisture, and stability. Balancing Kapha often involves reducing excess Snigdha qualities through therapies that enhance Ruksha properties.
49) Nasya (Nashya):
[see source text or glossary: Nasya]
50) Laghu:
'Laghu' means lightness and is a quality associated with Ruksha Guna. Substances with Laghu qualities help reduce heaviness and promote lightness in the body, balancing disorders associated with excess Kapha or heaviness.
51) Mamsa (Mamsha):
'Mamsa' refers to muscle tissue, one of the seven Dhatus in Ayurveda. The health of Mamsa Dhatu is influenced by the balance of Gunas like Snigdha (unctuous) and Ruksha (dry), which affect tissue nourishment and flexibility.
52) Drava:
'Drava' means liquidity or fluidity, a quality associated with Snigdha Guna. It contrasts with Ruksha (dryness) and helps maintain moisture and smoothness in the body, crucial for various biochemical and physiological processes.
53) Taila (Thaila):
'Taila' refers to oil in Ayurveda, primarily used in Snehana therapy. Oils possess Snigdha Guna, making them essential for treatments aimed at reducing dryness and roughness in the body, especially in Vata disorders.
54) Kleda:
'Kleda' signifies moisture or dampness in the body. The balance of Kleda is influenced by Snigdha and Ruksha Gunas, with therapies and diets aimed at maintaining appropriate levels to prevent health issues.
55) Ushna (Usna):
'Ushna' means heat, a quality often associated with Ruksha Guna. It contrasts with Sheeta (cold) and is used in treatments that require enhancing metabolic and digestive functions, especially in Kapha-related conditions.
56) Desha (Desa):
'Desha' refers to the place or region in Ayurveda. Different regions have distinct qualities (Gunas) like Jangala (dry) or Anupa (moist), influencing the choice of diet and therapies to maintain good health.
57) Majja:
'Majja' refers to marrow tissue, one of the seven Dhatus. Majja is nourished by Snigdha properties, so therapies and diets that promote Snigdha Guna are essential for its health and proper function.
58) Adana:
[see source text or glossary: Adana]
59) Shoka (Soka):
'Shoka' means sorrow, a Manasika Bhava (mental state) in Ayurveda. Such emotions can affect the body's Guna balance, particularly influencing the doshas and potentially leading to imbalances like Ruksha or Snigdha disturbances.
60) Manda (Mamda):
'Manda' means slow or dull and is a quality associated with Snigdha Guna. It reflects the calming and stabilizing effects of certain therapies and substances, contrasting with sharp or intense qualities like Teekshana.
61) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]
62) Guru:
'Guru' means heaviness, a quality associated with Snigdha Guna. Substances with Guru qualities help counteract lightness and dryness, promoting grounding and nourishment, particularly useful in Vata-related disorders.
63) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' means taste or essence, but also refers to one of the seven Dhatus (plasma). Rasa Dhatu is primarily influenced by Snigdha qualities, and appropriate diet and therapies are essential to maintaining its health.
64) Sara (Shara):
'Sara' means flow or movement, a quality associated with Snigdha Guna. It promotes smoothness and unimpeded flow within the body’s systems, essential for maintaining healthy physiological functions.
65) Jala:
'Jala' means water, one of the five Mahabhutas. It is associated with Snigdha Guna and essential for maintaining moisture and fluid balance in the body, playing a critical role in hydration and metabolic functions.
66) Snigdhabhojana (Snigdha-bhojana):
'Snigdha-bhojana' refers to the consumption of unctuous foods. Such a diet enhances Snigdha qualities in the body, promoting moisture, lubrication, and balance, particularly beneficial for balancing Vata dosha.
67) Samanyaguna (Samanya-guna):
'Samanya-guna' are the general or common qualities of substances. These Gunas help categorize the properties of various foods and medicines, guiding their use in maintaining balance and treating diseases.
68) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
'Niruha-basti' is a type of Ayurvedic enema that doesn't use oils (non-Sneha) and often has Ruksha qualities. It is used to cleanse the colon and balance doshas, particularly in conditions involving excess moisture or Kapha.
69) Gurvadiguna (Gurvadi-guna):
'Gurvadiguna' refers to the eight pairs of opposing qualities in Ayurveda, including Snigdha-Ruksha. Understanding these pairs helps in diagnosing and treating diseases by balancing the excess of one with its opposite.
70) Mahabharata (Maha-bharata):
[see source text or glossary: Mahabharata]
71) Aharamatra (Ahara-matra):
'Ahara-matra' refers to the correct amount of food intake. Maintaining proper Ahara-matra is essential for balancing the Gunas like Snigdha and Ruksha in the body, aiding in the proper nourishment of Dhatus.
72) Apatarpana:
[see source text or glossary: Apatarpana]
73) Divasvapna (Diva-svapna):
'Divasvapna' means daytime sleep or nap. Ayurveda recommends Divasvapna in certain conditions to balance Gunas, particularly promoting Snigdha qualities that counteract dryness and fatigue.
74) Pandvamaya (Pandu-amaya):
[see source text or glossary: Pandvamaya]
75) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 161]