Concept of Asaya, Kostha and Kosthanga (Splanchnology) in Ayurveda
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Concept of Asaya, Kostha and Kosthanga (Splanchnology) in Ayurveda
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
The study of splanchnology, which focuses on the anatomy and physiology of visceral organs, is essential for understanding various bodily functions and diseases. In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, the terminology associated with organ systems includes three key concepts: Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga. This paper explores these terms in detail, correlating them with modern anatomical science to provide a clearer understanding of the Ayurvedic perspective on organ systems, particularly within the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.
Asaya: The venerated cavities
Asaya refers to the cavities or spaces within the body that house various anato-physiological elements. Ayurvedic texts identify seven primary Asayas: Vatasaya, Pittasaya, Shlesmasaya, Raktasaya, Amasaya, Pakwasaya, and Mutrasaya, along with the additional Garbhasaya found in females. These locations serve as seats for various bodily substances like gas, digestive enzymes, and blood. For instance, Vatasaya is associated with the large intestine, where gas accumulates due to undigested food fermentation, while Pittasaya is linked to the small intestine, where semi-digested food and digestive enzymes are found. This categorization emphasizes the importance of these cavities in maintaining physiological balance and health.
Kostha: The encompassing cavity system
Kostha represents the gastrointestinal tract and can be considered as encompassing organs located in the thoraco-abdominal region. Acharya Caraka introduced terms like Mahasrota, Sariramadhya, and Mahanimna to describe these cavities. Susruta outlined eight specific Kosthas, which denote key locations for various digestive and excretory functions, such as Amasthana for semi-digested food and Mutrasthana for the urinary bladder. This terminology aids in understanding the interconnectedness of various organs and systems in the body, illustrating how disorders in one area can affect overall health.
Conclusion
The concepts of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga encapsulate a comprehensive view of visceral anatomy in Ayurveda that correlates well with modern splanchnology. These classifications illustrate the intricate relationships between different organ systems—including the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems—within the thoraco-abdominal and pelvic cavities. By bridging the gap between Ayurvedic texts and contemporary anatomical science, this exploration paves the way for deeper understanding and future research opportunities, enhancing both the academic and practical applications of Ayurveda in modern health systems.
Original source:
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Lakhiprova Doley
Lecturer, Department of Rachana Sharir, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Tikendrajit Sarma
Associate professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Concept of Asaya, Kostha and Kosthanga (Splanchnology) in Ayurveda
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i1.900
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Asaya in Ayurveda?
Asaya refers to cavities for lodging physiological elements, such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It helps in understanding various bodily functions and their interrelations within the thoraco-abdominal-pelvic cavity.
How are Kostha and Kosthanga related to organ systems?
Kostha represents the cavities in the middle part of the body, involving organs from digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems. Kosthanga refers to specific interrelated structures essential for digestion, metabolism, and excretion.
What is the focus of the study on Splanchnology in Ayurveda?
The study analyzes the concepts of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga, correlating Ayurvedic knowledge with modern anatomical insights. It aims to enhance understanding of bodily functions and organ systems in a systematic way.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Concept of Asaya, Kostha and Kosthanga (Splanchnology) in Ayurveda”. 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) Ashaya (Asaya):
The term 'Asaya' refers to lodges or places for lodging anatomical and physiological elements within the body. In Ayurveda, there are 7 types: Vatasaya, Pittasaya, Shlesmasaya, Raktasaya, Amasaya, Pakwasaya, and Mutrasaya, which are cavities or spaces for specific substances.
2) Koshtha (Kostha):
The term 'Kostha' means cavity and is used to describe hollow spaces in the body where organs are housed. It includes gastrointestinal tract, thoracic cavity, and pelvic cavity. In Ayurveda, various types of Kosthas are discussed, emphasizing their role in housing vital organs.
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that uses a holistic approach to health, focusing on balance within the body using natural therapies. It categorizes body structures using specific terms like Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga.
4) Koshthanga (Kosthanga, Koshtha-anga):
The term 'Kosthanga' refers to the organs situated within the body’s cavities such as the Nabhi (umbilicus), Hridaya (heart), Kloma (pancreas), Yakrita (liver), Pleeha (spleen), among others. These are categorized under splanchnology in the Ayurvedic context.
5) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya in Ayurveda is described as the heart, located in the thoracic cavity between the breasts. It is compared to a lotus bud facing downward and is central to the circulatory system.
6) Nabhi:
Nabhi commonly refers to the umbilicus in Ayurveda, and in different contexts, it can signify a region or specific structure. It plays roles in various bodily functions, such as being a prominent site for pain in certain conditions.
7) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhasaya is the term used in Ayurveda to describe the uterus. It is the specific Asaya for lodging and nourishing the fetus during pregnancy, highlighting its anatomical and physiological significance.
8) Food:
In the context of Ayurveda, food is related to Asayas like Amasaya (where semi-digested food is housed) and Pakwasaya (which stores fully digested food), emphasizing different stages and locations of digestion.
9) Kloma:
In Ayurveda, Kloma is referred to as the pancreas. Though its exact anatomical correlation is debated, it is situated near organs like the liver and is involved in digestive and metabolic processes.
10) Amasaya (Amashaya, Ama-ashaya):
Amasaya is the term used in Ayurveda for the stomach, regarded as the place where semi-digested food is collected. It plays a significant role in the digestive system.
11) Adharaguda:
Adharaguda in Ayurvedic texts refers to the anal canal. It is described as the lower part of the digestive tract involved in the excretion process.
12) Substance:
The term 'substance' in Ayurveda often refers to the anatomical and physiological elements like Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rakta (blood), etc., housed in various Asayas and Kosthas.
13) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts where foundational and advanced concepts of Ayurveda are documented. Examples include Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita.
14) Unduka (Umduka):
Unduka in Ayurveda can be correlated with the sigmoid colon. It is mentioned as a part of the Kosthas and relates to the storage of feces before excretion.
15) Kshudrantra (Ksudrantra, Kshudra-antra):
Kshudrantra refers to the small intestine in Ayurveda. It is involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients and is situated between the stomach (Amasaya) and large intestine (Pakwasaya).
16) Mutrashaya (Mutrasaya, Mutra-ashaya):
Mutrasaya, in Ayurveda, is related to the urinary bladder. It is the cavity that holds urine before excretion, emphasizing its role in the urinary system.
17) Blood:
In Ayurveda, blood is referred to as Rakta. It is considered one of the essential bodily substances and is housed in Raktasaya (blood storage areas) such as the liver and spleen.
18) Discussion:
Discussions in Ayurvedic texts involve detailed explanations and comparisons of anatomical and physiological aspects, such as the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, highlighting the relevance of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga.
19) Pittashaya (Pittasaya):
Pittasaya is described as the space or cavity where Pitta (digestive enzymes) resides. It is usually located in the region between the stomach and the large intestine, involved in digestive processes.
20) Pupphusa:
Pupphusa in Ayurveda refers to the lungs. It is considered part of the Kosthas and is critical for respiratory functions, housing the Kapha (mucus) element.
21) Pitta:
In Ayurveda, Pitta is one of the three doshas and governs digestive and metabolic processes. Pittasaya is the specific cavity where Pitta resides, emphasizing its functional importance.
22) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Tikendrajit Sarma is one of the authors of the article, contributing research on the concepts of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga in Ayurveda, and linking them to modern anatomical understanding.
23) Guda:
Guda in Ayurveda refers to the rectum and anal canal. Described as Uttaraguda (upper part) and Adharaguda (lower part), these structures are essential for the excretion of waste.
24) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
Adhisthana in Ayurvedic terminology means the base or foundational seat where physiological activities occur, often used to describe locations like Asayas.
25) Agnisthana:
Agnisthana refers to the location where 'Agni' or digestive fire resides. It is essential for metabolic activities and is generally correlated with organs involved in digestion.
26) Mahasrota:
Mahasrota in Ayurveda describes the large channels or pathways in the body, particularly referring to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), emphasizing its role in digestion and transportation of nutrients.
27) Caraka:
Caraka is one of the principal contributors to Ayurvedic literature, known for the Caraka Samhita. His work extensively covers various medical concepts, including splanchnology.
28) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for lubrication, stability, and immunity. It resides in the Shlesmasaya (lungs), where it plays a significant role in respiratory functions.
29) Rakta:
Rakta in Ayurveda refers to blood, an essential bodily tissue responsible for nourishment and vitality. It resides in Raktasaya, which includes organs like the liver and spleen for hematopoiesis.
30) Mutra:
Mutra in Ayurveda denotes urine, a waste product stored in Mutrasaya (urinary bladder) before excretion, playing a key role in the body's excretory system.
31) Antra (Amtra):
Antra refers to intestines in Ayurvedic terminology. It includes both the small intestine (Kshudrantra) and large intestine (Sthulantra), emphasizing their roles in digestion and absorption.
32) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, governing movement and neurological functions. Vatasaya is the cavity where Vata resides, often associated with the large intestine.
33) Fire:
Fire in Ayurveda usually refers to Agni, the digestive fire crucial for metabolism. It resides in Agnisthana and is responsible for breaking down food and assimilating nutrients.
34) Kashyapasamhita (Kasyapasamhita, Kashyapa-samhita):
The Kashyapa-samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text, contributing significantly to pediatric medicine and gynecology, and includes references to concepts like Asaya and Kostha.
35) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
The Susruta-samhita is a fundamental Ayurvedic text attributed to Susruta, focusing on surgery and detailed anatomy, including splanchnology concepts such as Asaya, Kostha, and various organs.
36) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astangasamgraha is an Ayurvedic text that summarizes and elaborates on various medical concepts, including the anatomical and physiological understanding of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga.
37) Caraka-samhita:
The Caraka-samhita is one of the main Ayurvedic texts written by Caraka, covering extensive medical knowledge, including the organization and functions of Asaya, Kostha, and related structures.
38) Krurakoshtha (Krurakostha, Krura-koshtha):
Krurakostha refers to a type of Kostha characterized by delayed or difficult bowel movements due to slow peristalsis, affecting the digestive system’s efficiency.
39) Purvarupa (Purva-rupa):
Purvarupa in Ayurveda refers to initial symptoms or prodromal signs of a disease, indicating the onset phase before fully developing into its clinical manifestations.
40) Phupphusa:
Phupphusa in Ayurveda denotes the lungs, which are involved in respiratory functions and are described as the seat of Kapha (mucoid substances).
41) Meghalaya (Megha-alaya):
Meghalaya is a northeastern state in India. The first author, Lakhiprova Doley, is affiliated with the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy, Shillong, Meghalaya.
42) Knowledge:
Knowledge in the context of this article refers to the understanding of anatomical and physiological systems as described in Ayurveda, particularly the concepts of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga.
43) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an influential figure in Ayurveda, known for Astangahridaya, where he elaborates on various aspects of the human body, including Asaya and Kostha, contributing to the systematization of Ayurvedic knowledge.
44) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kashyapa is an ancient Ayurvedic sage known for his work in the Kashyapa Samhita, which includes discussions on anatomical and physiological concepts like Asaya and Kostha.
45) Vomiting:
Vomiting or Chardi is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, often related to disturbances in digestive Asayas like Amasaya (stomach), highlighting the relevance of these spaces in disease conditions.
46) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Samgraha refers to a collection or compendium. Astangasamgraha, for example, is an Ayurvedic text that compiles and systematizes medical knowledge, including detailed descriptions of Asaya, Kostha, and Kosthanga.
47) Atisara:
Atisara is the Ayurvedic term for diarrhea. It involves the abnormal functioning of specific Asayas like Amasaya and Pakwasaya, resulting in excessive, watery bowel movements.
48) Disease:
In Ayurveda, disease is understood through imbalances in the doshas and malfunctioning of Asayas and Kosthas, involving detailed observations of physiological and pathological states.
49) Garbha:
Garbha in Ayurveda means fetus. The Garbhasaya is the specific cavity (uterus) where the Garbha resides and develops during pregnancy.
50) Yakrit (Yakrt):
Yakrit in Ayurveda is the liver. It is involved in blood storage and purification, qualifying it as one of the vital organs under the concept of Raktasaya (blood storage area).
51) Adhara:
Adhara in Ayurvedic context often refers to the support or base, such as organs or cavities like Asayas that support bodily functions. The term is integral in understanding the structural organization.
52) Anguli (Amguli):
Anguli in Ayurveda is a unit of measurement (finger breadth), used to describe anatomical dimensions of organs or locations, such as the length of the Guda (rectum and anal canal).
53) Kapaha:
Kapaha (Kapha) in Ayurveda refers to one of the three fundamental doshas, responsible for stability, lubrication, and immunity, residing in the Shlesmasaya (lungs) and other compartments.
54) Marma:
Marma refers to vital points in the body, sensitive regions that can be potentially life-threatening if injured. Kostha-related Marma include regions such as the thoracic cavity.
55) Hikka:
Hikka in Ayurveda is the term for hiccups. It involves spasmodic contractions often resulting from disturbances in the Nabhi or diaphragm area.
56) Stana:
Stana or breast in Ayurveda is referenced in anatomical descriptions, particularly related to the Hridaya (heart) location, as being situated between the two Stanas.
57) India:
India is the country of origin for Ayurveda. Institutes like the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy in Meghalaya continue research in traditional medical practices.
58) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It represents the traditional systems of medicine practiced in India and supported through research and publications such as the AYUSHDHARA journal.
59) Sugar:
In Ayurveda, sugar can refer to dietary components that, if undigested in the small intestine, result in fermentation, leading to gas accumulation in the Vatasaya (large intestine).
60) House:
The term 'house' in Ayurveda is metaphorically used to refer to Asaya, which are spaces or lodges within the body that house specific anatomical elements.
61) Vayu:
Vayu in Ayurveda denotes air or gas, a component of Vata dosha. Vatasaya is the cavity where Vayu resides, often correlating with the large intestine where gas accumulates.
62) Vapa:
Vapa in Ayurveda refers to fatty tissues. Vapabahana can be correlated with the omentum, a structure in the abdominal cavity responsible for fat deposition.
63) Hrid (Hrt, Hrit, Hrd):
Hrid is another term for Hridaya, which means heart in Ayurveda. It is the central organ of the circulatory system, described with detailed morphological and functional attributes.
64) Pain:
Pain in Ayurveda is often described in relation to specific regions or organs, such as Nabhi pain indicating digestive disturbances or issues in related organs.