Shatkriyakala: A review of homeostasis and pathogenesis

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Shatkriyakala with special reference to homeostasis and pathogenesis - a brief 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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Original source:

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Author(s):

Lalitkumar V. Vithalani*
Associate Professor & HOD, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, B.S. Ayurved College, Sawantwadi, Maharashtra
Bhagyashri V. Sakharkar
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Shalyatantra, Govt. Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Sanjay A. Dalvi
Associate Professor & HOD, Dept. of Rachana Sharir, B.S. Ayurved College, Sawantwadi, Maharashtra


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Shatkriyakala with special reference to homeostasis and pathogenesis - a brief review

Year: 2017

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The concept of disease manifestation in Ayurveda is explored through various processes that culminate in health imbalances, notably the interplay of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and body tissues, known as Dhatus. The Shatkriyakala, articulated by Acharya Sushruta, outlines six pivotal stages in the development of disease, emphasizing the necessity of understanding these stages to guide timely and effective treatment. The alignment of Shatkriyakala with modern concepts of homeostasis and pathogenesis elucidates how the body's internal stability is paramount for health, with imbalances potentially leading to disease.

Understanding Shatkriyakala

Shatkriyakala, which translates to six stages of action, consists of Sanchaya (accumulation), Prakopa (aggravation), Prasara (spreading), Sthana Samshraya (localization), Vyakti (expression), and Bheda (complication). Each stage provides insights into the status of Doshadushti (imbalance of doshas) and the progression of disease. The stages illustrate the mounting severity of disease; for instance, Sanchaya is characterized by an initial accumulation of Doshas in their respective seats, while Prakopa indicates the transition to upward movement, signaling the potential for further spread and severity if left untreated. Ultimately, each succeeding stage heralds an escalation of symptoms, potentially culminating in distinct disease manifestation as seen in the Vyakti stage.

The Role of Homeostasis and Pathogenesis

Homeostasis refers to the body's capability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations, crucial for health. Multiple systems within the body work together to regulate functions such as temperature and pH balance. When homeostasis is compromised, it may lead to pathogenesis—the biological mechanisms causing disease development. The article establishes a direct synergy between the Ayurvedic understanding of Shatkriyakala and the modern science of homeostasis. It underscores how early intervention during initial stages of disease progression can restore balance and prevent more severe health complications.

Conclusion

The detailed examination of Shatkriyakala and its correlation with homeostasis provides a framework for understanding disease prevention and management in both Ayurvedic and modern medical contexts. Emphasizing the importance of early intervention, the authors argue for the integration of Ayurvedic insights into contemporary healthcare practices as a means to enhance disease prevention strategies. By recognizing the stages of disease manifestation as outlined in Shatkriyakala, practitioners can better navigate treatment pathways and promote overall health effectively, acknowledging the vital role of maintaining homeostasis in preventing illness.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the significance of Shatkriyakala in Ayurveda?

Shatkriyakala, defined by Aacharya Sushruta, describes the six stages of disease progression. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and understanding the pathogenesis of diseases, allowing for timely treatment to prevent further complications.

How does homeostasis relate to disease progression in Ayurveda?

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain internal balance. Disruption in homeostasis can lead to imbalances in Doshas, initiating disease development. Understanding this connection aids in preventing illness and addressing health issues effectively.

What are the six stages of Kriyakala in Ayurveda?

The six stages of Kriyakala are Sanchaya (accumulation), Prakopa (aggravation), Prasara (migration), Sthana Samshraya (localization), Vyakti (expression), and Bheda (complication). Each stage characterizes the disease's development and guides appropriate treatment strategies.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Shatkriyakala: A review of homeostasis and pathogenesis”. 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) Disease:
A disease is a condition that results from the imbalance or vitiation of Doshas, which can manifest through various stages as described in Shatkriyakala. Depending on the stage of disease manifestation, different treatment approaches are required to manage and treat it effectively.

2) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, Doshas are biological entities (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) responsible for bodily functions. Any imbalance or vitiation in Doshas can lead to diseases. Understanding Dosha movements is essential for diagnosing and treating illnesses based on the concept of Kriyakala.

3) Kriyakala:
Kriyakala, a term combining 'Kriya' (treatment) and 'Kala' (time), refers to six stages of disease manifestation in Ayurveda. These stages help to identify the disease's progress and decide the appropriate time and type of treatment needed to restore Dosha balance.

4) Prakopa:
Prakopa is the second stage of Shatkriyakala where pre-accumulated Doshas start moving upward within their respective places. If causative factors persist, this stage can lead to further disease progression, necessitating early intervention for control.

5) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]

6) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the body's tissues, which can be affected by the imbalance of Doshas. Vitiated Doshas can disrupt normal Dhatu functions, leading to pathogenesis and various disease states identified through stages in Shatkriyakala.

7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient medical science that emphasizes the prevention of disease and maintenance of health through balancing Doshas, Dhatus, and maintaining the natural equilibrium. It uses the concept of Kriyakala to understand disease progression and treatment.

8) Prasara:
Prasara is the third stage of Kriyakala, where vitiated Doshas leave their original place and start spreading throughout the body. This stage marks the spread of disease from localized to systemic, indicating worsening if not addressed timely.

9) Avastha:
Avastha refers to different stages or conditions in disease progression, such as the stages of Shatkriyakala (Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, etc.), which are key in diagnosing and treating diseases as per Ayurvedic principles.

10) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas responsible for movement and function in the body. An imbalance in Vata can lead to various diseases, characterized by specific symptoms and treated based on the disease's stage in Kriyakala.

11) Vyakti:
Vyakti is the stage in Kriyakala where a disease fully manifests with clear signs and symptoms. At this stage, the specific characteristics of the disease are evident, allowing for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

12) Kriya:
Kriya means treatment or action in Ayurveda. It is part of Kriyakala and focuses on therapeutic measures taken at various stages of disease progression to restore Dosha balance and health.

13) Kala:
Kala means time in Ayurveda and is a component of Kriyakala, which denotes the timing and appropriate opportunities for treatment during the different stages of disease development to ensure effective intervention.

14) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices in Ayurveda. Proper Vihara, aligned with one's Dosha balance, is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease progression through the stages of Kriyakala.

15) Nidana:
Nidana in Ayurveda refers to causative factors or etiologies for Dosha vitiation and disease. Identifying and managing Nidana is crucial in preventing the progression of diseases as described in the stages of Kriyakala.

16) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three Doshas responsible for metabolism and transformation in the body. An imbalance may cause diseases. Its stages of increase and symptoms are described in Prakopa and other stages of Kriyakala.

17) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas responsible for structure and lubrication. An imbalance in Kapha can lead to diseases, which can be tracked through Shatkriyakala stages, aiding in timely intervention and treatment.

18) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee is used metaphorically in Ayurveda to explain Dosha states. For instance, solid state represents accumulation (Sanchaya), and liquid state with bubbles signifies Prakopa, indicating stages of Dosha vitiation.

19) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
[see source text or glossary: Maharashtra]

20) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These texts describe principles like Shatkriyakala and provide foundational knowledge for diagnosing and treating diseases based on Dosha theory.

21) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
Vriddhi signifies the increased state or vitiation of Doshas. It further classifies stages such as solid (Sanchaya) and liquid (Vilayana), leading to pathogenic stages like Prakopa and Prasara in Kriyakala.

22) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]

23) Food:
Food in Ayurveda is critical for balancing Doshas. Improper food (Ahara) habits can cause Dosha vitiation, leading to disease progression through Shatkriyakala stages. Proper diet helps in treatment and maintaining homeostasis.

24) Diet:
Diet, referred to as 'Ahara' in Ayurveda, plays a pivotal role in maintaining Dosha balance. Unwholesome diet can lead to Dosha imbalance, thus triggering disease progression through stages like Prakopa and Prasara.

25) Sthanasamshraya (Sthanasamsraya, Sthana-samshraya):
Sthanasamshraya is the fourth stage of Shatkriyakala where vitiated Doshas localize in weak tissues, leading to prodromal symptoms of disease. Addressing the vitiation at this stage is crucial for preventing full-blown diseases.

26) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]

27) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to imbalance or disturbance of Doshas from their normal state, leading to stages of disease progression mentioned in Shatkriyakala, where early intervention is necessary to restore balance and prevent disease.

28) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification therapies in Ayurveda used to expel aggravated Doshas from the body. It's recommended, particularly during the stages of Prakopa and Prasara, to prevent disease progression.

29) Lakshana (Laksana):
[see source text or glossary: Lakshana]

30) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to body tissues and waste products affected by vitiated Doshas, leading to disease. Understanding Dushya’s involvement helps in the diagnosis and treatment planning during different stages of disease progression in Kriyakala.

31) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease in Ayurveda. Understanding Vyadhi involves recognizing the vitiation of Doshas through Kriyakala stages, enabling effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention at different disease stages.

32) Chaya:
Chaya is the stage of Dosha accumulation in Shatkriyakala. This initial stage indicates the potential for disease development. Early recognition and intervention can prevent progression to later, more severe stages.

33) Bheda:
Bheda is the final stage of Kriyakala where specific symptoms and complications of a disease fully manifest. Proper diagnosis and treatment at this stage are critical to avoid further complications or secondary diseases.

34) Death:
Death can result from untreated or improperly managed diseases that progress beyond the stages of Kriyakala. Preventive measures and timely intervention are crucial to avoid fatal outcomes due to severe homeostatic imbalance.

35) Hetu:
Hetu refers to causative factors in Ayurveda, leading to Dosha imbalance and subsequent disease stages as outlined in Kriyakala. Identifying and managing Hetu can prevent disease progression and maintain health.

36) Human body:
The human body functions through the balance of Doshas. An imbalance can lead to disease progression, explained through the stages of Kriyakala, emphasizing the importance of maintaining homeostasis for health.

37) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text authored by Acharya Sushruta. It details principles such as Shatkriyakala for understanding disease progression and providing a structured treatment approach based on Dosha theory.

38) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three biological energies (Doshas) in Ayurveda, responsible for structure and stability. Imbalance in Kapha-dosha can lead to various diseases, managed through stages of Kriyakala.

39) Purvarupa (Purva-rupa):
Purvarupa refers to prodromal symptoms indicating the early stage of disease development (Sthanasamshraya). Early identification of Purvarupa can guide preventive measures and therapies to halt disease progression.

40) Brimhana (Brmhana):
Brimhana is nourishing therapy used to treat depleted Doshas (Kshaya). It involves dietary and lifestyle interventions that support tissue regeneration and strengthen the body to prevent disease progression.

41) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda includes therapies like Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (pacification), aimed at balancing Doshas during various stages of Kriyakala to treat and prevent disease progression.

42) Vriddha (Vrddha):
Vriddha refers to the increased state of Doshas, leading to vitiation. Proper diet and lifestyle modifications are necessary to reduce Vriddha Doshas and prevent disease progression through stages like Prakopa and Prasara.

43) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana refers to pacification therapies targeting mild to moderate Dosha imbalances. These treatments help prevent further progression in Kriyakala stages and restore balance without significant purification processes.

44) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya indicates the depletion of Doshas. Management involves nourishing therapies (Brimhana) to restore balance. If unaddressed, Kshaya can lead to further complications identified through Kriyakala stages.

45) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]

46) Thirst:
[see source text or glossary: Thirst]

47) Sweating (Sweat):
[see source text or glossary: Sweat]

48) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, crucial for metabolism and health. Properly functioning Agni ensures balanced Doshas, preventing disease progression through Kriyakala stages.

49) Rupa:
[see source text or glossary: Rupa]

50) Guna:
Guna refers to qualities or attributes in Ayurveda that influence Dosha balance. Proper understanding of Gunas aids in diagnosing and treating diseases at different Kriyakala stages to restore homeostasis.

51) Salt (Salty):
[see source text or glossary: Salt]

52) Burning sensation:
[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]

53) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Shalyatantra]

54) Inflammation:
[see source text or glossary: Inflammation]

55) Saptadhatu (Sapta-dhatu, Saptan-dhatu):
Sapta-dhatu refers to the seven bodily tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra) in Ayurveda. Diseased Dhatus can be linked to Dosha imbalances, identified and treated through Kriyakala stages.

56) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana is the foundational section of classical Ayurvedic texts like Sushruta-samhita, detailing principles including Shatkriyakala for systematic disease understanding and therapeutic guidelines.

57) Udararoga (Udara-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Udara-roga]

58) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha governs movement and communication in the body. Imbalance in Vata-dosha can lead to numerous health issues, traced and managed through the six stages of Kriyakala.

59) Salivation:
[see source text or glossary: Salivation]

60) Samprapti:
Samprapti, or pathogenesis, outlines the development of diseases in Ayurveda. Identifying Samprapti in disease stages like Prasara and Sthanasamshraya aids in devising appropriate treatment strategies.

61) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]

62) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar whose texts contribute significantly to understanding Dosha imbalance and disease progression through the principles of Kriyakala and appropriate therapies.

63) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental biological energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda. Their balance is crucial for health, and their vitiation can be traced through the stages of Kriyakala.

64) Darshana (Darsana):
[see source text or glossary: Darshana]

65) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda aimed at nourishing Dhatus and restoring balance, helping to prevent disease progression and supporting treatment at various Kriyakala stages.

66) Upadrava:
Upadrava refers to complications arising from untreated diseases in Ayurveda. Effective management of initial Kriyakala stages can prevent these complications and secondary diseases, ensuring better health outcomes.

67) Paridaha:
[see source text or glossary: Paridaha]

68) Indriya (Imdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Indriya]

69) Atisara:
[see source text or glossary: Atisara]

70) Koshtha (Kostha):
[see source text or glossary: Koshtha]

71) Samhata:
[see source text or glossary: Samhata]

72) Paradha:
[see source text or glossary: Paradha]

73) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]

74) Amlika:
[see source text or glossary: Amlika]

75) Pipasa:
[see source text or glossary: Pipasa]

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 95]

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