Study of rachana sharir described in laghutrayee in comparison with brihatrayee
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Study of rachana sharir described in laghutrayee in comparison with brihatrayee
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, an ancient life science, bases its medical practices on various foundational texts called Samhitas, which include insights into bodily structure and functions—termed Rachana Sharir. Among these texts, Brihatrayee, consisting of notable works by Acharya Sushruta, Charaka, and Vagbhata, stands as a comprehensive source. Laghutrayee, comprising Madhava Nidan, Bhavaprakash, and Sharangadhara Samhita, offers additional perspectives but is often considered less expansive. This paper aims to study the Rachana Sharir concepts found in Laghutrayee while comparing them to those in Brihatrayee, highlighting the variances and shared principles within Ayurvedic traditions.
Understanding Sharir Dnyan
One of the critical concepts addressed in this text is the idea of Sharir Dnyan, which refers to the detailed comprehension of bodily anatomy and its components. The term "Sharir" embodies anything associated with the body, and the understanding of "Sharirvichaya" focuses on various elements including body parts and their functions. Notably, this study categorizes the body into Angas (limbs) and Pratyangas (sub-limbs) for a more systematic understanding. Various ancient Ayurvedic texts discuss these components, emphasizing their significance in the fields of Chikitsa (treatment) and overall health. The methodologies for assessing health and disease condition highlight the interconnectedness of these bodily structures, thereby guiding practitioners in treatments and surgical procedures.
The Concept of Koshtha
Another significant concept presented within the Ayurvedic context is Koshtha, which represents the cavities within the body that accommodate vital organs. The classifications made by scholars such as Charaka and Sushruta include structures associated with digestion, waste elimination, and reproduction. Various texts elaborate that the condition of Koshtha can directly influence health, capturing the essence of homeostasis within the body. Understanding Koshtha thus reflects the functionality of internal organs and relates closely to the laws of Dosha (bodily humors), Dhatu (tissues), and Mala (waste products). This understanding accentuates practical significance in managing health and addressing pathologies through dietary and therapeutic measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparative study of Rachana Sharir as portrayed in both Laghutrayee and Brihatrayee underscores the evolution of ancient Ayurvedic understanding across different texts. While Charaka provides a foundational concept of Sharir Dnyan, Sushruta expands on practical applications from a surgical standpoint, examining body structures in detail. Vagbhata captures these complexities, further enhancing the discourse around Koshtha. Ultimately, this exploration emphasizes that while the texts contain diverse interpretations, they collectively enhance the understanding of Ayurvedic medicine, reinforcing its relevance in contemporary practices. Integrating these ancient insights can significantly inform present-day approaches to health and medicine.
Original source:
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More Jyoti D*
Associate Professor, Department of Rachana sharer, Swami Vivekanand Ayurved Medical College, Pargaon(SD.) Shrigonda, Ahmednagar, Maharshtra
Swati Bedekar
Professor, Department of Rachana shareer, SDM College of Ayurved, Karnataka
Shende K. L
Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Swami Vivekanand Ayurved Medical College, Pargaon (SD.) Shrigonda, Ahmednagar, Maharshtra
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Study of rachana sharir described in laghutrayee in comparison with brihatrayee
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are Brihatrayee and Laghutrayee in Ayurveda?
Brihatrayee consists of the texts created by Acharya Susruta, Charaka, and Vagbhata, while Laghutrayee includes Madhava Nidan, Bhavaprakash, and Sharangadhara Samhita. They provide foundational knowledge in Ayurveda, particularly regarding body structure and treatment.
How is Sharir Rachana important for Ayurvedic practice?
Understanding Sharir Rachana is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda, including Chikitsa, Shalya, and Shalakya. It helps practitioners to comprehend bodily structures, functions, and their interrelations, leading to more effective healthcare.
What is the significance of the comparative study of Ayurvedic texts?
Comparing different Ayurvedic texts helps in understanding the evolution of medical knowledge and practices over time. It reveals differing perspectives among Acharyas, enhances clarity in concepts, and aids in enriching the current Ayurvedic practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of rachana sharir described in laghutrayee in comparison with brihatrayee”. 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) Garbha:
The union of Shukra (sperm), Artava (ovum) and Atma (Jiva) inside the uterus is termed as Garbha, which can be referred to as zygote, embryo, or fetus.
2) Marma:
Marma refers to vulnerable points on the human body. There are 107 Marmas, as recognized by Sushruta and Vagbhata, and these points are crucial in surgical and clinical contexts.
3) Mani:
[see source text or glossary: Mani]
4) Sira (Shira):
Sira are veins important to surgeons for avoiding disability or death; they are associated with Marma. Charaka and Vagbhata consider Hridaya the origin of Sira, while Sushruta considers Nabhi as the origin.
5) Shukra (Sukra):
Shukra refers to semen, recognized as essential for the origin of the embryo. Its formation time varies among males based on their diet and digestion, typically accumulating over several weeks.
6) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa or Peshi are muscles that cover organs like Asthi, Sandhi, Sira, and Snayu, with different names based on their physical characteristics like size, shape, and texture.
7) Snayu:
Snayu refers to tendons and ligaments, integral for bodily functions like movement, and their trauma can result in significant pain and mobility issues.
8) Artava:
Artava can denote ovum or menstrual blood. It's a key factor in Garbha formation along with Shukra. Menstrual blood is a part of normal reproductive physiology.
9) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi, or bones, have been enumerated as either 300 (Sushruta) or 360 (Charaka and Vagbhata) due to different counting methods including non-ossified units or structures like sockets.
10) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels in the body, both micro and macro, essential for organs' development and function. Charaka describes 14 Srotas, while Sushruta lists 22 (11 pairs).
11) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven tissues in Ayurveda, crucial for maintaining and building body structure, including substances like Shukra and Artava.
12) Samhita:
Samhita are compilations of Ayurvedic texts, with major ones including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita. These are foundational works in Ayurvedic literature.
13) Dhamani:
Dhamani are arteries or channels originating from the Hridaya (heart) and Nabhi (navel), facilitating the movement of essential elements like Rasa and Artava.
14) Pesi (Peshi):
Peshi refers to muscles, with 500 in total. Women possess an additional 20 muscles, which develop during adolescence and play roles in reproductive functions.
15) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata, an ancient scholar, compiled the Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Samgraha, integrating previous Ayurvedic knowledge from Charaka and Sushruta.
16) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya, or heart, is vital for the circulatory system, identified as the origin point for Sira and Dhamani in Ayurvedic texts by Charaka and Vagbhata.
17) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
Sandhi refers to joints in the body that are responsible for movement and force transmission. When two or more bones meet, it forms a Sandhi, crucial for structural integrity.
18) Yoni (Yonin):
Yoni refers to the vaginal canal and reproductive organs. It is considered one of the Bahirmukha Srotas, connected to the physiological and reproductive functions.
19) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhashaya, or uterus, is the structure where the Garbha (fetus) develops. It is considered a vital reproductive organ, resembling the mouth of a Rohita fish.
20) Samkhya (Sankhya, Shankhya):
[see source text or glossary: Samkhya]
21) Nabhi:
Nabhi, or navel, is a significant point for the origin of Dhamani and Srotas. It plays a crucial role in the body's prenatal and postnatal nourishment systems.
22) Vayu:
Vayu, or wind element, is responsible for bodily functions like movement and division of tissues (Dhatu), aiding in processes such as fetal development and organ function.
23) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
24) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi refers to diseases or disorders. Knowledge of Rachana Sharir (anatomy) aids in understanding different Vyadhi and their treatment in Ayurveda.
25) Kala:
Kala in Ayurveda denotes seven layers or membranes within the body, each serving distinct functions related to bodily substances like Mamsa (muscle) and Pitta (bile).
26) Basti:
Basti, or urinary bladder, is considered crucial in Ayurveda as it is involved in the elimination of urine and maintaining balance in body's waste removal systems.
27) Pakvashaya (Pakvasaya, Pakva-ashaya):
Pakvashaya is the large intestine, a Vata Ashaya, responsible for removing solid waste from the body and maintaining gastrointestinal health.
28) Blood:
Blood or Rakta is one of the seven essential Dhatus in Ayurveda, involved in nourishing the body's tissues and facilitating vital functions.
29) Agni:
Agni, or digestive fire, is crucial for metabolism and transformation of food into Dhatus. It plays a vital role in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
30) Bija:
Bija, or seed, refers to the sperm and ovum in Ayurveda, which combining with Atma (soul) forms the Garbha (embryo).
31) Koshtha (Kostha):
Koshtha refers to the gastrointestinal tract, including organs like Amashaya (stomach) and Pakvashaya (large intestine), essential for digestion and waste elimination.
32) Varna:
Varna pertains to the color or complexion of body tissues, influenced by the five Mahabhutas and factors like diet and lifestyle.
33) Guda:
Guda, or rectum, is crucial for excreting solid waste from the body and is identified as a Mamsa Marma in Ayurveda.
34) Jala:
Jala, or water element, facilitates moistening of tissues, crucial for bodily functions like digestion and maintaining hydration levels.
35) Shakha (Sakha):
Shakha refers to the limbs, which house numerous Peshi (muscles), Snayu (tendons), and Asthi (bones), playing critical roles in bodily movements and support.
36) Shroni (Sroni):
Shroni refers to the pelvic region, including structures like the hip bones and reproductive organs, essential for supporting the body's posture and functions like childbirth.
37) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three bodily humors in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which govern physiological and pathological conditions in the body.
38) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda, or fat tissue, is one of the seven Dhatus responsible for lubrication, protection, and energy storage within the body.
39) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine focusing on balancing the body's three Doshas and maintaining health through diet, lifestyle, and herbal treatments.
40) Amasaya (Amashaya, Ama-ashaya):
Amashaya, or stomach, plays a key role in digestion, initiating the breakdown of food and facilitating the absorption of nutrients.
41) Avayava:
Avayava refers to organs and parts of the body, each with specific functions and roles in maintaining overall health and balance.
42) Kandara (Kamdara):
Kandara refers to thick, short tendons or ligaments, crucial for connecting muscles to bones and allowing for muscular movement and stability.
43) Ashaya (Asaya):
Ashaya denotes bodily cavities or spaces, like the Vatashaya or Raktashaya, where Doshas or bodily substances reside or perform specific functions.
44) Angula (Amgula):
Angula is a unit of measurement, approximately equivalent to the breadth of one's own finger, used for defining dimensions in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
45) Nakha:
Nakha refers to nails, which are considered as Upa-dhatus and are indicative of overall health and specific bodily imbalances.
46) Anga (Amga):
Anga refers to major limbs or body parts, while Pratyanga signifies sub-parts or smaller sections, essential for detailed anatomical knowledge.
47) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight branches of Ayurveda, covering all aspects like internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics, ensuring a holistic approach to health.
48) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha refers to skin diseases and disorders in Ayurveda, classified according to their symptoms, causes, and treatment modalities.
49) Shishna (Sisna):
Shishna indicates the male reproductive organ, which includes structures essential for reproduction and urinary excretion in men.
51) Bhava:
Bhava refers to inherent qualities or properties derived from Mahabhutas, influencing physiological characteristics and functions within the body.
52) Bhaga:
Bhaga is a term used to describe the vaginal orifice. In Ayurveda, its size and appearance are important for understanding reproductive health.
53) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, or plasma, is one of the Dhatus in Ayurveda, providing nutrition to the bodily tissues and serving as a medium for hormone transport.
54) Bala:
Bala denotes strength or vitality, crucial for overall health, immunity, and the body's ability to perform physical and mental activities.
55) Rakta:
Rakta signifies blood, an essential Dhatu responsible for nourishing tissues, supporting life, and maintaining physiological functions.
56) Nadi (Nadin):
Nadi refers to channels or pathways in the body, including blood vessels and other conduits through which vital substances circulate.
57) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood is referred to as Artava in Ayurveda and plays a significant role in reproductive health and indicates the body's cycle and fertility status.
58) Utpatti:
[see source text or glossary: Utpatti]
59) Anguli (Amguli):
[see source text or glossary: Anguli]
60) Pittadharakala (Pittadhara-kala):
Pittadhara-kala is one of the layers within the body responsible for holding and processing four types of food and converting it into useful forms through the action of Pitta.
61) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha are collections or compilations of Ayurvedic knowledge, such as the Ashtanga Samgraha, which provide comprehensive insights into health and medicine.
62) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to the sensory and motor organs, responsible for perceiving and interacting with the environment and are crucial in Ayurvedic physiology.
63) Pramana:
Pramana refers to measures or standards of assessment used in Ayurveda to determine the size, volume, or quality of various body parts or substances.
64) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya signifies surgical practices within Ayurveda. Sushruta Samhita, an ancient text, extensively covers Shalya Tantra or surgical techniques and principles.
65) Carva:
[see source text or glossary: Sarva]
66) Raja:
Raja, or menstrual blood, is a crucial aspect of female reproductive health, indicating regularity and overall health within the Ayurvedic framework.
67) Mana:
Mana refers to the mind, playing a critical role in health and well-being. Ayurvedic texts emphasize treatment approaches considering both body and mind.
68) Koshthanga (Kosthanga, Koshtha-anga):
Koshthanga are the internal organs within the Koshtha or gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and spleen.
69) Garbhini:
Garbhini denotes a pregnant woman, who requires appropriate diet and lifestyle practices to ensure the health and development of the Garbha (fetus).
70) Shadanga (Sadanga, Shash-anga, Sadamga, Shadamga):
Shadanga refers to the six parts or sections considered in different contexts within Ayurvedic texts, crucial for understanding bodily and treatment aspects.
71) Praroha:
Praroha is the tip or extension of certain anatomical structures like nails, which are the modified extensions of the skin.
72) Kukshi (Kuksi):
Kukshi is another term for the uterus, the organ where the Garbha or embryo develops and is nourished until birth.
73) Lohita:
[see source text or glossary: Lohita]
74) Sidhma:
Sidhma is a type of skin disorder or lesion, recognized as a condition affecting certain layers of the skin (Twak) in Ayurvedic texts.
75) Vaksha (Vaksa):
Vaksha refers to the chest or thoracic region, which houses vital organs like the heart and lungs, crucial for respiratory and circulatory functions.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 382]