An analytical review of amlapitta according to caraka samhita
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: An analytical review of amlapitta according to caraka samhita
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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Nicy Wilson W*
PG Scholar, Dept., of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Prashasth MJ
Co-Guide & Lecturer, Dept., of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Muralidhara
Guide, Professor & HOD, Dept., of PG studies in Kayachikitsa, SKAMCH & RC, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: An analytical review of amlapitta according to caraka samhita
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The prevalence of chronic diseases has risen significantly in modern society, primarily due to changes in lifestyle, diet, and behavioral patterns that are incompatible with our body’s natural physiology. In particular, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining an optimal dietary regimen, tailored according to seasonal changes, individual constitution (Prakruti), and various health conditions. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can lead to imbalances in the Doshas, resulting in various diseases, one of which is Amlapitta. Amlapitta, characterized as a clinical manifestation within the Annavaha Srotas, is increasingly recognized in society, largely due to lifestyle factors such as improper diets, high-stress levels, and the consumption of spicy, oily, and processed foods.
The Nidana of Amlapitta
The Nidanas, or causative factors, of Amlapitta are found to be multifaceted, involving both dietary (Aharaja) and lifestyle (Viharaja) components, as well as mental factors (Manasika). The ancient texts, particularly those by Acharya Charaka, indicate that eating must occur only after the previous meal has been digested to avoid disturbances in the Doshas. Current urban lifestyles often lead to irregular eating patterns and the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as overcooked or preserved items, which can harm the gastric system and contribute to the emergence of Amlapitta. Additionally, mental stress and strain can disrupt gastric secretions, further exacerbating digestive issues. Collectively, these factors can lead to Agnimandya, a state of diminished digestive capability, ultimately resulting in Amlapitta.
The Concept of Samprapti
The Samprapti, or pathogenesis of Amlapitta, begins with a disturbance in Agni, leading to the condition of Ajirna, or indigestion, which ultimately produces Ama (toxins). When food is inadequately digested, it can ferment, leading to the progression of various symptoms associated with Amlapitta. The accumulation of Ama, when mixed with the vitiated Pitta Dosha, occurs in the Amashaya (stomach), causing the manifestation of Amlapitta. This process highlights the critical need for balancing all contributing factors in food intake and digestion, as failure to do so can result in various clinical presentations of this condition, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and mental wellness in preventing digestive disorders.
Conclusion
Despite the absence of a dedicated chapter for Amlapitta in the Caraka Samhita, a thorough compilation of relevant references reveals a detailed understanding of the disease. The insights provided by Acharya Charaka highlight the intricate links between dietary practices, lifestyle choices, and their impact on digestive health. The information synthesized in this analysis illuminates the multifactorial nature of Amlapitta and underlines the importance of adhering to Ayurvedic principles for maintaining health and preventing disease. With a comprehensive understanding of Amlapitta’s causative factors and pathogenesis, effective treatment strategies can be developed to manage this increasingly common ailment.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Amlapitta and its primary causes?
Amlapitta is a clinical entity related to digestive issues, manifesting due to improper diets, stress, and consumption of spicy or irritant foods. Key causative factors include excessive intake of Lavana Rasa and Viruddha Ahara.
How does lifestyle affect the occurrence of Amlapitta?
Modern lifestyle changes, including irregular eating habits and stress, disrupt digestion. Inadequate attention to dietary practices and the consumption of processed or unhealthy foods can lead to Agnidushti, culminating in Amlapitta.
What are the signs and symptoms of Amlapitta?
Symptoms of Amlapitta include Avipaka, Klama, Utklesha, and Hrit Kanta Daha. These manifestations indicate disturbances in the digestive process and are often associated with discomfort and abnormal gastric functions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “An analytical review of amlapitta according to caraka samhita”. 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) Amlapitta (Amla-pitta):
Amlapitta is a clinical entity manifesting in the Annavaha Srotas, majorly involving an imbalance in Pitta Dosha leading to symptoms like acid reflux. This imbalance is often induced by factors like improper diets, stress, and spicy food.
2) Disease:
Amlapitta is described as a commonly prevalent disease in Caraka Samhita. It represents an imbalance in bodily humors, particularly Pitta Dosha, and manifests through various symptoms related to digestion.
3) Food:
Improper food habits are a primary Nidana (causative factor) for Amlapitta in Ayurveda. Consuming incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara) and irregular eating habits disrupt digestion, leading to disease.
4) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causative factors of Amlapitta, including improper diets, excessive consumption of Lavana Rasa, and Viruddha Ahara, which disturb Doshas and lead to disease manifestation.
5) Ajirna:
Ajirna, or indigestion, is a precursor to Amlapitta. Symptoms of Ajirna like Bhrama and Trsna can be considered Purvarupa (early signs) of Amlapitta.
6) Dosha (Dosa):
[see source text or glossary: Dosa]
7) Ahara:
Ahara (food) is crucial in maintaining health. Inappropriate Ahara, such as excessive Lavana Rasa or Viruddha Ahara, is a primary Nidana for Amlapitta, affecting Doshas.
8) Samhita:
Samhitas, such as Caraka Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita, provide detailed insights into diseases like Amlapitta, drawing references scattered through different sections to explain its symptoms and treatment.
9) Pitta:
Pitta, one of the three Doshas, plays a central role in the pathology of Amlapitta. The disease results from Pitta's excessive Amla Guna (sour quality), leading to symptoms such as heartburn.
10) Caraka-samhita:
Caraka Samhita, though lacking a specific chapter on Amlapitta, has scattered references that help understand the disease in terms of Nidana, Rupa, and Chikitsa.
11) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to the symptoms of Amlapitta as detailed in Caraka Samhita, including Avipaka, Klama, and Tiktamalodgara, indicating the disturbance in Pitta.
12) Caraka:
Caraka's works provide definitive references and explanations helping in the comprehensive understanding of Amlapitta and its management through various Ayurvedic principles.
13) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, particularly Lavana Rasa (salty taste), is implicated in the manifestation of Amlapitta. The excessive use of specific Rasas upsets the balance of Doshas.
14) Agni:
Agni, the digestive fire, plays a vital role in the digestion process. Agnimandya (weakened Agni) leads to Ajirna, which is a precursor to Amlapitta.
15) Purvarupa (Purva-rupa):
Purvarupa, or early signs of Amlapitta, involve symptoms such as those seen in Ajirna like Bhrama and Trsna, indicating the beginning of disease manifestation.
16) Samprapti:
Samprapti describes the pathogenesis of Amlapitta, starting from Agnimandya leading to Ajirna and Ama Visha, which culminates in the symptomatic phase involving fermented food matter.
17) Vidagdha:
Vidagdha refers to improperly digested food that undergoes fermentation (Shukta Paka), leading to the formation of Ama Visha and subsequently Amlapitta.
18) Karma (Karman):
Karma, such as Anna Praveshanadhi Kriya performed by Prana Vata, plays an important role in the digestion process affected in Amlapitta due to improper food intake.
19) Visha (Visa):
Ama Visha, the toxic residue of improperly digested food, accumulates in the Amashaya and acts as a causative factor in the manifestation of Amlapitta.
20) Anna:
Improper Anna (food) consumption, including Viruddha Ahara, leads to indigestion and formation of Ama Visha, which is integral to the development of Amlapitta.
21) Amla:
Amla (sourness) quality of Pitta is central to the pathology of Amlapitta. The excessive Amla Guna in Pitta leads to symptoms like sour belching and heartburn.
22) Vata:
[see source text or glossary: Vata]
23) Diet:
Modern improper diet, rich in spicy, oily, and bakery products, is identified in Ayurveda as a significant factor in causing Amlapitta, affecting digestion and health.
24) Viruddhahara (Viruddha-ahara):
Viruddha Ahara, or incompatible food combinations, is one of the Nidanas for Amlapitta as it disturbs the Doshas and prevents proper digestion.
25) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta Dosha is primarily involved in Amlapitta. Factors like Lavana Rasa aggravation and improper diet lead to Pitta imbalance, causing symptoms like acid reflux.
26) Lavanarasa (Lavana-rasa):
Excessive consumption of Lavana Rasa is identified as one of the key Nidanas for Amlapitta, leading to the aggravation of Pitta Dosha and digestive issues.
27) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya, or weakened digestive fire, is a primary factor in the pathogenesis of Amlapitta, leading to incomplete digestion and the formation of Ama Visha.
28) Grahani:
Grahani conditions, including disturbances in digestion and assimilation, play a significant role in the manifestation of diseases like Amlapitta.
29) Samanya:
[see source text or glossary: Samanya]
30) Kashaya (Kasaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kashaya]
31) Lavana:
[see source text or glossary: Lavana]
32) Kriya:
[see source text or glossary: Kriya]
33) Kapha:
Factors leading to Kapha Prakopa, such as Guru Bhojana and Atisnigdhanna, cause Agnimandya and subsequently Amlapitta due to disturbed digestion.
34) India:
Statistics show that approximately 25-30% of people in India suffer from dyspepsia, equivalent to conditions described as Amlapitta, highlighting the prevalent nature of the disease.
35) Guna:
Guna, or qualities such as Amla and Ushna (hot), play significant roles in the pathology of Amlapitta since aggravation of these qualities in Pitta leads to symptoms.
36) Pranavata (Prana-vata):
Prana Vata's function in ingesting food into the Koshta is crucial, and any disturbance in this physiological action can contribute to conditions like Amlapitta.
37) Rajamasha (Rajamasa, Raja-masha, Rajan-masha):
Rajamasha is mentioned in Caraka Samhita as beneficial for Amlapitta due to its unique properties which counteract the disease mechanisms.
38) Cakrapani (Cakra-pani):
Cakrapani Datta elucidates details regarding Amlapitta under Grahani Adhyaya, discussing its symptoms as Avipaka, Klama, Utklesha, among others.
39) Kulattha:
Kulattha, or horse gram, has Ushna Virya and is listed as a Nidana for Amlapitta due to its Pitta-aggravating properties like Amla Vipaka.
40) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of dietary regimen and lifestyle grounded in the balance of Doshas. Improper practices lead to diseases such as Amlapitta.
41) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kashyapa's texts, such as Kashyapa Samhita, provide an elaborate description of Amlapitta as a distinct pathological condition with specific symptoms and treatments.
42) Samayoga:
Samayoga refers to the combination of factors including Ushma, Vayu, and Kleda necessary for proper digestion. Disturbance in these leads to Ajirna and eventually Amlapitta.
43) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni, or diminished digestive fire, is a central concept in the formation of Amlapitta as it leads to undigested food and the formation of toxins (Ama Visha).
44) Amavisha (Amavisa):
Amavisha is the toxic product resulting from undigested food, playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Amlapitta by aggravating Pitta and causing disease symptoms.
45) Prakopa:
[see source text or glossary: Prakopa]
46) Madhava:
Madhava, along with Kashyapa and other ancient authors, provides comprehensive insights into the disease Amlapitta, detailing symptoms and treatments in classical texts.
47) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
48) Pittam (Pittham):
[see source text or glossary: Pittam]
49) Vipaka:
Amla Vipaka (sour tasting after digestion) is a characteristic of foods that aggravate Pitta Dosha, leading to conditions such as Amlapitta.
50) Nature:
The nature of Pitta Dosha, with qualities like Amla (sour) and Ushna (hot), is fundamental to understanding the pathological mechanisms underlying Amlapitta.
51) Kleda:
Kleda, referring to the moistening action required for digestion, is crucial for food processing. Disruption in Kleda can result in improper digestion leading to Amlapitta.
52) Ushna (Usna):
[see source text or glossary: Ushna]
53) Bhava:
[see source text or glossary: Bhava]
54) Virya:
[see source text or glossary: Virya]
55) Prana (Pran):
[see source text or glossary: Prana]
56) Paka:
Shukta Paka, or fermentation of partially digested food, is a significant step in the pathogenesis of Amlapitta, where food turns sour and toxic.
57) Rupa:
Rupa, the primary symptoms of Amlapitta, include Avipaka, Klama, Utklesha, Tiktamalodgara, and heartburn, all indicating disturbed Pitta Dosha.
58) Daha:
Daha, or burning sensation, is a common symptom of Amlapitta, reflecting the aggravation of Pitta Dosha in the form of hyperacidity and heartburn.
59) Kala:
Kala extends to the time taken for digestion. Disruption in timely digestion, due to principles like Kala Bhuktam, may contribute to conditions like Amlapitta.
60) Mahatiktakaghrita (Mahatiktakaghrta, Mahatiktaka-ghrita):
Mahatiktaka Ghrita is mentioned as a therapeutic formulation indicated for the treatment of Amlapitta, due to its balancing properties on Pitta Dosha.
61) Samyogaviruddha (Samyoga-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Samyoga-viruddha]
62) Kashyapasamhita (Kasyapasamhita, Kashyapa-samhita):
Kashyapa Samhita provides an in-depth discussion on Amlapitta, being one of the primary sources for understanding the disease's symptoms and management strategies.
63) Madhavanidana (Madhava-nidana):
Madhava Nidana, along with Kashyapa Samhita, discusses Amlapitta at length, describing its etiology, symptomatology, and therapies in ancient Ayurvedic literature.
64) Kledakakapha (Kledaka-kapha):
Kledaka Kapha's role in moistening and initial digestion of food is crucial. Disturbances in this function can lead to improper digestion and Amlapitta.
65) Grahanidosha (Grahanidosa, Grahani-dosha):
Grahani Dosha includes disturbances in digestion and assimilation, leading to chronic conditions like Amlapitta when digestive functions are impaired.
66) Shuktapaka (Suktapaka, Shukta-paka):
Shukta Paka refers to the fermentation of partially digested food, leading to the formation of toxic Ama Visha, playing a crucial role in Amlapitta's pathology.
67) Samanavata (Samana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Samana-vata]
68) Abhishyanda (Abhisyanda):
[see source text or glossary: Abhishyanda]
69) Adhyashana (Adhyasana):
Adhyashana, or eating before the previous meal is digested, is discouraged by Acharya Charaka as it leads to aggravation of Doshas and conditions like Amlapitta.
70) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Improper digestion due to Amlapitta leads to the formation of Ama, which hampers the formation of the Rasa Dhatu, the first tissue produced in the body.
71) Agnidushti (Agnidusti, Agni-dushti):
Factors like improper timing of meals and unhealthy food choices lead to Agnidushti, resulting in impaired digestion and conditions like Amlapitta.
72) Vishtambha (Vistambha):
[see source text or glossary: Vishtambha]
73) Angamarda (Anga-marda, Amgamarda):
Anga Marda, or body pain, is among the general symptoms of Ajirna that can be seen as Purvarupa or early symptoms of Amlapitta.
74) Discussion:
The discussion section emphasizes Nidanas (causative factors) of Amlapitta, stressing the role of modern lifestyle, food habits, and mental stress in affecting digestive health according to Caraka Samhita.
75) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
[see source text or glossary: Mahabhuta]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 132]