The organ kloma: a fresh appraisal
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The organ kloma: a fresh appraisal
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article by Vilas M. Nanal discusses the controversial organ known as Kloma, exploring its definition and relevance by interpreting various classical texts. Different opinions regarding the identity of Kloma suggest that it may correspond to various organs, including the gall bladder, pancreas, liver, and right lung. For an organ to be classified as Kloma, it must meet specific anatomical and functional criteria related to fluid balance management within the body, which are derived from traditional Ayurvedic texts. The author aims to bring clarity to the discourse surrounding Kloma by analyzing its symptoms, anatomical significance, and related health implications.
The Concept of Kloma's Significance in Fluid Balance
One important concept discussed is the role of Kloma in maintaining the body's fluid equilibrium. The organ is associated with multiple channels known as udakavaha srotas, which are responsible for fluid transport. An imbalance or malfunction of these channels can lead to various symptoms, such as excessive thirst, dryness of the mouth, and choking sensations. The text highlights that a disordered condition of Kloma can manifest through these symptoms and is linked to the functioning of other vital organs like the heart, trachea, and lungs. The author posits that the modern anatomical equivalent of Kloma could be the mediastinum, as it shares various functions and anatomical features that fulfill the criteria established in Ayurvedic texts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the discussion regarding Kloma offers insights into its vital role in bodily functions and fluid management. By positioning Kloma in relation to modern anatomy, specifically the mediastinum, the author bridges ancient Ayurvedic concepts with contemporary scientific understanding. The implications of this analysis show that disturbances in Kloma can lead to significant health challenges, reiterating the need for a comprehensive understanding of this organ's function in relation to other body systems. Such an integrated approach underscores the relevance of classical texts in contemporary medical discussions and promotes a broader appreciation of the interconnectedness of bodily systems.
Original source:
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Vilas M. Nanal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: The organ kloma: a fresh appraisal
Year: 1989
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the definition of Kloma according to ancient texts?
Kloma has multiple definitions, interpreted as gall bladder, pancreas, liver, or right lung, each supported by classical texts, demonstrating its multifaceted nature in ancient Ayurvedic anatomy.
What are the main symptoms indicating a problem with Kloma?
Symptoms include excessive thirst, dryness of mouth, choking sensation in the throat, and lethargy, indicating a malfunctioning of udakavaha srotas, which are essential for fluid balance in the body.
How is Kloma related to the heart in anatomy?
Kloma is anatomically situated near the heart, forming part of the thoracic cavity and is involved in the transport of essential fluids, hence directly influencing cardiac function and overall bodily fluid balance.
What happens when there is abnormal functioning of Kloma?
Abnormal functioning of Kloma can lead to mediastinal shifts, impacting the heart and lungs, potentially resulting in severe health issues such as cardiac collapse or impaired respiratory function.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The organ kloma: a fresh appraisal”. 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) Kloma:
Kloma refers to a controversial organ described in classical texts, interpreted by the author as largely corresponding to the modern understanding of the Mediastinum. It plays a critical role in fluid balance within the body, illustrating connections between ancient and contemporary anatomical concepts.
2) Srotas (Śrotas, Shrotas):
Srotas are the channels or pathways in the body that facilitate the flow of bodily fluids. They are crucial in maintaining health, and any dysfunction in these channels, including Udakavaha srotas, can lead to significant clinical conditions.
3) Vayu (Vāyu):
Vayu, or vital air, signifies the various forms of biological energy responsible for bodily functions. Different types of Vayu (such as Prana, Udana, and Vyana) interact within physiological processes, influencing metabolism, respiration, and overall vitality.
4) Thirst:
Thirst is a primary indicator of dehydration or fluid imbalance, pointing towards complications within the Udakavaha srotas. It reflects the body's need for water to maintain fluid balance, emphasizing the importance of hydration in overall health.
5) Udaka:
Udaka refers to fluids, particularly water, essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It is integral to various physiological processes and channels, signifying how hydration affects health and function in Ayurveda.
6) Rasa (Rasā, Rasha):
Rasa denotes the essence, taste, or fluid component in Ayurveda, encompassing vital fluids such as lymph and plasma. It plays a significant role in nourishment and vitality, connecting with the nutrient absorption and metabolism processes.
7) Hridaya (Hṛdaya):
Hrdaya refers to the heart in Ayurvedic terms. It is not only a vital organ in terms of circulation but is also considered the seat of consciousness and emotions, linking physical health with psychological state.
8) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine, associated with water and earth elements. It governs structure and lubrication in the body, balancing energy, enhancing stability, and contributing to immunity.
9) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta signifies blood in Ayurveda, reflecting the importance of this fluid in nourishing and energizing the body. It is linked to vitality, and its imbalance can lead to various health issues.
10) Yakrit (Yakṛt):
Yakrit refers to the liver, emphasizing its crucial roles in detoxification, metabolism, and energy regulation, vital for maintaining overall health in Ayurvedic practice.
11) Water:
Water is essential for life and plays a multifaceted role in biological processes. In Ayurveda, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for ensuring metabolic functions and balance in physiological systems.
12) Talu (Tālu, Ṭālu, Taḻu, Ṭhālu):
Talu refers to the hard and soft palates in the oral cavity, contributing to the function of Udakavaha srotas and indicating the importance of oral health in Ayurvedic practices and fluid balance.
13) Samanavayu (Samānavāyu, Samana-vayu):
Samana-vayu is a type of vital air associated with the digestive and metabolic processes. It plays a key role in distributing energy and nutrients throughout the body, facilitating the assimilation of food.
14) Samana (Śamana, Samāna, Samaṇa, Samanā, Śāmana, Sāmana, Shamana, Samānā):
Samana encompasses the concept of balance in Ayurveda, particularly in relation to bodily energies and functions. It signifies the need for equilibrium for optimal health and well-being.
15) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta is another dosha in Ayurveda, associated with fire and transformation. It governs digestion, metabolism, and thermal balance, indicating how imbalances can affect health and lead to conditions.
16) Kleda:
Kleda refers to moisture or fluid in the body, essential for maintaining hydration and supporting physiological functions. It plays a significant role in metabolic processes, particularly in digestion and circulation.
17) Dhatu (Dhātu):
Dhatu signifies the fundamental tissues in Ayurveda that compose the body. Each dhatu has specific roles and qualities, contributing to various bodily functions and overall health.
18) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
Dosa signifies the biological energies that influence physiological and psychological processes in the body. Imbalances in the dosas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) can lead to disease states or health issues.
19) Vaha (Vāhā, Vāha):
Vaha refers to the concept of carrying or transporting, particularly in relation to the srotas that transport fluids in the body. It highlights the channels' functions in maintaining balance and harmony.
20) Pranavayu (Prāṇavāyu, Prana-vayu):
Prana-vayu is the vital force governing respiration and energy flow within the body. It is crucial for maintaining life and regulating functions, emphasizing the significance of breath in Ayurvedic practice.
21) Udanavayu (Udana-vayu, Udānavāyu):
Udana-vayu governs upward movement, associated with speech and lifting actions. Its function is critical in various physiological processes, including communication and emotional expression.
22) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu, Vyānavāyu):
Vyana-vayu regulates the distribution of energy throughout the body, linking it to various systems and their functions. It is essential in maintaining balance and proper functionality of organ systems.
23) Phupphusa:
Phupphusa refers to the lungs in Ayurveda, vital organs for respiration. They play a key role in oxygen exchange and fluid balance, underscoring the interconnection of respiratory health with overall wellness.
24) Activity:
Activity signifies the various physiological functions and movements within the body, emphasizing the importance of dynamic processes in maintaining health, such as circulation, digestion, and metabolism.
25) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated denotes a state of disturbance or imbalance within the body, often referring to srotas or dosas. A vitiated state can lead to pathological conditions, indicating the need for therapeutic interventions.
26) Channel:
A channel signifies the pathways in the body through which fluids and energies flow. The integrity of these channels (srotas) is essential for maintaining health and balance within physiological systems.
27) Pipasa (Pipāsā):
Pipasa refers to thirst, a physiological signal indicating the body's need for hydration. In Ayurveda, it is closely linked to fluid balance and the functioning of udakavaha srotas.
28) Udana (Udāna):
Udana indicates a type of vayu associated with upward movement and speech. Its proper function is essential for various bodily processes and manifestations, including vocal expression and emotional communication.
29) Vyana (Vyāna):
Vyana is another type of vayu influenced by circulation and energy distribution in the body. It plays a crucial role in uniting and regulating bodily functions, enhancing overall health.
30) Pliha (Plīhā):
Pliha refers to the spleen in Ayurveda. It is associated with filtering blood and supporting immune function, highlighting its importance in the context of overall body health.
31) Blood:
Blood represents a vital fluid in the body, essential for transporting oxygen and nutrients. Its health reflects the dynamism of bodily functions and plays a critical role in overall wellness.
32) Prana (Prāṇā, Prāṇa, Praṇa, Prāṇ, Pran):
Prana signifies vital life energy in Ayurveda, governing all bodily functions. It is essential for sustaining life, health, and the underlying vitality of all physiological processes.
33) Guru:
Guru refers to heaviness in Ayurveda, often associated with dense substances or foods. Its impact on digestion and metabolism is significant, particularly in relation to balance and health.
34) Anna (Aṇṇa, Aññā, Añña, Ānna, Aṉṉa, Aṉṉā):
Anna denotes food or nourishment in Ayurveda. It embodies the essence of what sustains life, connecting dietary choices with physiological health and well-being.
35) Ushna (Uṣṇa, Uṣṇā):
Usna signifies heat or warmth, particularly in relation to food or bodily conditions. It plays a vital role in digestion and metabolic processes, indicating how temperature affects health.
36) Post:
Post refers to the after effects or conditions following an event or change in the body. It signifies the importance of balance after physiological phenomena, such as meals or exercise.
37) Avalambakakapha (Avalambaka-kapha):
Avalambaka-kapha represents a type of kapha responsible for lubrication and support within the body. It plays a vital role in protecting organs and ensuring smooth functioning of systems.
38) Rasavahasrotas (Rasavaha-srotas):
Rasavaha-srotas are the channels responsible for carrying Rasa, or the vital fluids of the body. Their proper function is essential for nutrition, vitality, and overall health.
39) Sadhakapitta (Sādhakapitta, Sadhaka-pitta):
Sadhaka-pitta signifies the type of pitta associated with mental digestion and cognitive functions. Its balance is crucial for mental clarity, understanding, and emotional stability.
40) Bodhakakapha (Bodhaka-kapha):
Bodhaka-kapha refers to the kapha that supports moisture and lubrication in the mouth, facilitating the processes of tasting and swallowing, essential for digestion.
41) Kledakakapha (Kledaka-kapha):
Kledaka-kapha refers to the kapha that provides moisture to facilitate digestion and absorption. Its balance is vital in ensuring nutritional assimilation and digestive health.
42) Hridayavarana (Hridaya-avarana, Hṛdayāvaraṇa):
Hrdayavarana signifies protective layers around the heart, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding cardiac health and functionality in relation to overall well-being.
43) Raktadhatu (Raktadhātu, Rakta-dhatu):
Raktadhatu underscores the significance of blood in Ayurvedic health, reflecting its role in nourishment, vitality, and disease prevention, emphasizing the importance of healthy blood flow.
44) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni, Jaṭharāgni):
Jatharagni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, indicating the transformative energy within the stomach that breaks down food for absorption and nourishment.
45) Rasadhatu (Rasadhātu, Rasa-dhatu):
Rasadhatu illustrates the crucial role of the nutrient-rich fluid in body metabolism and vitality, linking it with holistic health as a foundational substance sustaining life.
46) Avalambaka:
Avalambaka signifies support in Ayurveda, particularly in the context of bodily functions and stability. It indicates the importance of proper support systems in maintaining health.
47) Kanthanadi (Kaṇṭhanādi, Kantha-nadi):
Kanthanadi refers to the trachea and bronchi in Ayurveda, highlighting the importance of these structures in facilitating respiration and maintaining airflow to the lungs.
48) Parshvashula (Pārśvaśūla, Parshva-shula, Pārśvaśūlā):
Parsvasula indicates side pain or discomfort associated with organ dysfunction. It underscores the interconnectedness of organ systems and the influence of one region on others.
49) Arunadatta (Aruṇadatta):
Arunadatta refers to an ancient Ayurvedic scholar whose insights and interpretations contribute to the understanding of classical texts. His work emphasizes the integration of traditional wisdom with ongoing discussions in Ayurveda.
50) Pittadosha (Pittadoṣa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosa denotes the imbalance of the Pitta dosha, which can lead to conditions associated with heat, inflammation, or digestive issues, underscoring the need for balance in bodily systems.
51) Kaphadosha (Kaphadoṣa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosa refers to the imbalance of the Kapha dosha, often resulting in conditions related to excess weight, sluggishness, or fluid retention, highlighting the need for balance for well-being.
52) Perception:
Perception relates to the understanding of bodily signals and their meanings in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the importance of awareness in recognizing imbalances and addressing health issues.
53) Discussion:
Discussion signifies the ongoing dialogue around Ayurvedic concepts and the interpretations of ancient texts, highlighting the integration of wisdom and new understandings in holistic health.
54) Mahasrota (Mahāsrota):
Mahasrota represents the major channels within the body that facilitate the movement of essential fluids. Their integrity is vital for health and balance within physiological systems.
55) Substance:
Substance refers to the material components of the body, including tissues and fluids. Its balance and health are essential for maintaining overall well-being and physiological function.
56) Vidradhi (Vidradhī):
Vidradhi denotes disorders linked to the kloma, often characterized by fluid imbalances and associated symptoms. This highlights the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the significance of the kloma in health.
57) Kasheruka (Kaśeruka, Kaseruka, Kaserukā, Kaṣerukā):
Kaseruka refers to the ribs and their related structures, emphasizing the importance of thoracic anatomy and its role in respiratory function and overall health.
58) Akarshana (Ākarṣaṇa):
Akarsana describes the action or force of attraction or pulling. In the context of health, it can refer to the body's mechanisms for maintaining balance and vitality through various processes.
59) Mandala (Maṇḍala, Maṇḍalā, Mamdala):
Mandala refers to a circular or somatic representation, indicating the structured interconnectedness of bodily systems and energies, symbolizing a holistic perspective on health.
60) Sadhaka (Sādhaka):
Sadhaka denotes the power or ability to digest mentally and physically, illustrating the necessity of healthy digestion and cognitive function for overall vitality and health.
61) Kledaka:
Kledaka refers to a type of kapha responsible for moistening and lubricating the digestive tract. Its balance is crucial for effective digestion and nutrient absorption.
62) Bodhaka:
Bodhaka signifies the aspect of kapha that aids in the process of tasting and swallowing, underscoring the importance of these functions in the overall digestive process.
63) Vyakhya (Vyākhyā):
Vyakhya denotes the process of interpretation and explanation of Ayurvedic texts, representing an essential aspect of understanding ancient wisdom and applying it to contemporary practices.
64) Parshuka (Parśukā, Pārśukā):
Parsuka signifies the related muscular or connective structures supporting bodily functions, illustrating the interrelationships between anatomy and physiology in maintaining health.
65) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study and understanding of Ayurvedic concepts and practices. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based approaches to health and wellness.
66) Makara (Makāra, Mākara, Mākāra):
Makara symbolizes deep water and indicates the significance of fluids and depth in relation to health in Ayurveda, highlighting the role of water and hydration in well-being.
67) Caraka (Cāraka, Cārāka):
Caraka is a revered ancient sage in Ayurveda known for his comprehensive texts on medicine and health, underscoring the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern practices.
68) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi refers to the joints or connections in the body, highlighting the importance of mobility and structural integrity in maintaining health and supporting various physiological functions.
69) Parshva (Pārśva):
Parsva denotes the side regions of the body, stressing the interconnectedness of different anatomical areas and their contribution to holistic health and wellness.
70) Koshtha (Koṣṭha):
Kostha indicates the abdominal cavity or space within the body, representing the importance of organs within this space for digestion, elimination, and overall health.
71) Sharira (Śarīra, Sarīra, Sarira, Śārīra):
Sarira denotes the physical body in Ayurveda, emphasizing the significance of understanding its structure and functions for achieving health and balance.
72) Drishtva (Dṛṣṭvā):
Drstva signifies observation or understanding, highlighting the importance of awareness in recognizing imbalances and health issues within the body.
73) Bhara (Bhāra):
Bhara represents load or heaviness, often discussing the balance between physical and metabolic burdens, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium for health.
74) Ahara (Āhāra, Āhara):
Ahara refers to food or nutrition in Ayurveda, representing the fundamental role of dietary practices in maintaining health and supporting the body's vital processes.
75) Pesi (Peśī, Peshi, Peśi, Peṣi):
Peshi signifies the connective tissue structures within the body, emphasizing their roles in supporting bodily functions and maintaining the integrity of anatomical systems.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 79]