E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Trividha Upasthamba

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 1 Jan-Feb
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A study on Trividha Upasthamba w.s.r to Nidra in Bruhatrayi

B. Utlaskar S.1*, D. Totad C.2
DOI:

1* Santoshkumar B. Utlaskar, Associate Professor, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, JSS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru , Karnataka, India.

2 Channabasavva D. Totad, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharira, JSS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru , Karnataka, India.

Health is the supreme foundation for the achievement of happy life. Objective of Ayurveda is to accomplish the physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, by adopting the preventive and promotive approach as well as treating the diseases with various remissive approaches. Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are three sub-pillars, which support the main pillar, the body itself. When these are observed or maintained properly then only the main pillars will be endowed with strength, complexion and development (Bala, Varna and Upachaya). None of the existing system of medicine is the complete answer for all the health problems as all these aim at symptomatic relief rather than a total cure. So this present study was carried out to collect the matter related to Nidra, to show the importance of Nidra and importance of Nidra in Swastha and Athur.

Keywords: Nidra, Nidranasha, Bruhatrayi, Charak, Sushruta, Trividha Upasthambha, Vagbhata

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Santoshkumar B. Utlaskar, Associate Professor, Dept. of Samhita & Siddhanta, JSS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru , Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Santoshkumar B. Utlaskar, Channabasavva D. Totad, A study on Trividha Upasthamba w.s.r to Nidra in Bruhatrayi. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(1):130-134.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1691

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-01-06 2022-01-08 2022-01-15 2022-01-22 2022-01-29
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 18%

© 2022by Santoshkumar B. Utlaskar, Channabasavva D. Totadand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Utlaskar S. et al: A study on Trividha Upasthamba w.s.r to Nidra in Bruhatrayi

Introduction

Ayurveda is essentially the science of science of life. Body (Sharira) with sense organs, mind (Mana) and soul (Atma) closely come together for integration into an union for life to appear. As long as this union endures or lasts, life endures or lasts and with its disintegration life terminates in death.[1]

Nidra plays decisive role in development, sustenance; reproduction and termination of life. Most of the diseases are mainly due to improper Nidra. None of the existing system of medicine is the complete answer for all the health problems as all these aim at symptomatic relief rather than a total cure. Nidra is most important factor for both the normal and sick persons. Good sleep means which is observed properly at proper time that enables us to grow well and enjoy good health. It is well fact from actual practices that the proper sleep is the only means of survival. Thus, Nidra virtually constitutes very life of living beings. The correlation of Nidra with life can be very well inferred from the actual experience in life. Those who have proper Nidra live a long life and those not doing so die a premature death.

A set of fairly satisfactory Nidrakara methods had been identified and prescribed by Ayurveda. Any changes in normal Nidra leads to ill health. Various pathological entities stand identified as a result of improper Nidra. Even though Ayurveda has postulated this theory and has dealt in details, only recently a great deal of interest has been focused on the Nidra in the pathogenesis of diseases. And there are volumes of scientific data supporting the theory that Nidra is the underlying key factor in most Manas Vyadhis. Besides they are also of the view that for most chronic conditions and non-emergency situation people should avoid drugs and try natural approach. Because these are less invasive and more natural to the body helping to the natural inherent healing power of every person.

It is true that researches have made great contributions to medicine by elucidating the cause, cure and prevention of diseases and also in the treatment of diseases not primarily due to improper Nidra. But much progress has not made as regards the natural Nidra is concerned, whereas the authors of Ayurveda have described Nidra in detail.

Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya

are three sub-pillars, which support the main pillar, the body itself; Nidra becomes as main causative factor for Nija Rogas (Nidanas) and also in Manas Rogas. After onset and in management, role of Nidra is appreciated. When these three sub-pillars are observed or maintained properly then only the main pillars will be endowed with strength, complexion and development (Bala, Varna and Upachaya).

Nidra may vary according to its Prakruti, Kala etc. A physician conversant with these factors will find no difficulty in ascertaining Hita and Ahita Nidra. Therefore, an extensive knowledge of Nidra is very essential.

Review of Literature

The three supports of life are Ahara, Svapna/Nidra and observance of Brahmacharya, these supports are designated as Upastambha, which literally means sub-supports. Posts mainly support a house but there are certain sub-posts, which add to the supporting strength of such posts / pillars.[2]

This is the reason why Traya Upastambha immediately follows description of Trividha Bala. Or in other words, Upastambha is the relative cause to get Bala. They are the relative cause hence designated with the prefix – ‘Upa’.

But this practice of Upastambha should be again Yuktiyukta otherwise the Viparyaya of them can also behave as cause of diseases.

If they are not utilized with utmost care, they detoriate, Bala which becomes cause of disease. Thus, Bala is placed between Upastambha and Roga.

Cakrapanii believes that the acts performed in the previous, which determine the present life span is the main support of body. While some opines that Tridosa are the Stambha of body. Anyway, converging to the postulate of Upastambha, Ahara (intake of food), Nidra (Sleep) and observance of Brahmacharya are the three supportive pillars. They are showing such an importance that their independent entity is necessarily accepted.[3]

Being supported by these three well-regulated factors of life, the body is endowed with strength, complexion and growth, and continues until the full span of life, provided a person does not indulge in such regimen as detrimental to health.


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Utlaskar S. et al: A study on Trividha Upasthamba w.s.r to Nidra in Bruhatrayi

According to Acharya Charaka and the Commentator Chakrapani explained that when the Manas and the Indriyas getting tired and retire from their respective Vishayas then the man falls into Nidra.[4]

According to Acharya Suśruta, Hrudaya is the seat of Chetana and when it is dominated by or covered by Tamas the person gets Nidra.[5]

Types of Sleep

  • According to Acharya Charaka[6]
  1. Tamobhava Nidra
  2. Shleshma Samudbhava
  3. Mana Shrama Sambhav
  4. Sharira Shrama
  5. Agantuki Nidra
  6. Vyadhyanuvartini
  7. Ratri Svabhava
  • Vagbhata’s classification of sleep is similar with Charaka’s classification but the names differ.[7]
  1. Tamobhava
  2. Kaphabhava
  3. Chittakhedaja
  4. Dehakhedaja
  5. Agantuki
  6. Kalasvabhava
  7. Amayaja
  • Acharya Suśruta classifies as follows[8]
  1. Svabhavika / Vaishnavi.
  2. Tamasi.
  3. Vaikarika.

Acharya Charaka and Vaghbhata mentioned similar opinion regarding Nidra and Vagbhata mentioned similar opinion regarding the importance of Nidra as follows, Sukha, Dukha, Pushti, Karshya, Bala, Abala, Vrishyata, Kleebata, Jnyana, Agnana, Jeevita and Ajeeva all these are depending on proper and improper Nidra.[9]

Akala Nidra, Atinidra, Anidra etc improper Nidras are going to destroy one’s happiness and life just as the Kala Ratri (Night of Destructions.) Nidra which is utilized by Yuktipurvaka that will make the man

happy and leads the long life and the knowledge brings about Siddhi in a Yogi. As the proper Ahara is beneficial for the Shareera Dharana in the same way Yuktipurvaka Nidra is also beneficial in maintaining Swastya and Sukha. Especially Staulya and Karshya are depending on Ahara and Nidra.[10]

Discussion

How much sleep do one need?

There is, in fact, a wide range of sleep time that is considered "normal." While the average normal amount of sleep is around 7.5 hours per night, there are some people who do just fine on 5 hours per night, and some who require as much as 9 hours per night. The key is to find the right amount for you. The best way to tell is by seeing how you function during the day.

For example, if after 6 hours of sleep you feel refreshed in the morning and awake during your daylight hours, then you don't need more than that. If, on the other hand, you need 9 hours a night to feel refreshed and to function well during the day, then that is what your individual requirement is and sleeping the "normal" amount of 7.5 hours per night will actually leave you sleep deprived.

If you are getting what you consider to be an adequate amount of sleep and are still unrepressed and sleepy, then you might have an organic sleep disorder and should consider seeking professional consultation.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Age Sleep Needs
New born (0-2 months) 12-18 hours
Infants (3-11 months) 14 to 15 hours
Toddlers (1-3 years) 12 to 14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5) 11 to 13 hours
School age (3-5 years) 10 to 11 hours
Teens (10-17) 8.5 – 9.25 hours
Adults 7-9 hours

In day today life we are most bothered about the lifestyle disorders, so called the finding out the solution for those disorders. In fact, it is the need of the hours also. When Dosha aggravate due to modernized lifestyle, sedentary life, junk foods, job stress, loss of sleep etc., a man becomes more prone for life style disorders like Sthoulya or Meda Roga, Prameha, Dhamani Pratichaya etc. these disorders are alarming symptoms of life threat.


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When going on through the above disorders all the above diseases are Kapha predominant ones.

In Ayurveda when going through the references of Cha.Ni 4th chapter i.e., Prameha Nidana the mention of Baddha and Abaddha Medas is explained. These two can be considered as pathological entities for the above said life style disorders.

For ex 1): when we are considering Meda Roga the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids or the increase of LDH, HDL, VLDH is seen which results into obesity or Hypocholesterol levels. When the Kapha Dusti takes place because of Diwaswapna the Kapha which obstructs the channels causing the abnormal deposition of the Abaddha Medas i.e., cholesterol which results in Meda Roga.

Ex 2: Again Dhamani Pratichaya is told which is defined as Damani Pratichayam Nama Damanya Upalepaha. According to Charaka Dhamani Pratichaya is Kaphaja Nanatmaja Vyadhi which is nothing but aggrevated Kapha creating Liptata inside Dhamanis.

Once the intima of blood vessels are covered with Sleshma the normal blood flow (to & fro) hampers. Once the normal blood flow is hampered the arterial pressure increases which in turn leads to Atherosclerosis.

This Atherosclerosis is a dreadful disease which accounts for maximum deaths in modern days, it is only because of improper Nidra.

Ex 3: In Prameha Nidana i.e., in Cha.Chi.  Aasya Sukham Swapna Sukham…….Kaphakrucha Sarvam. It means Swapna Sukha is a major Nidana in Samprapati of Prameha.        

Kapha Krichra Sarvam is also told which means Kapha is a common factor in Samprapti of Vimshati  Prameha. Hence the involvement of Kapha, Baddha Abaddha Medas is clear in Prameha, which is nothing but the outcome of Nidranasha or improper sleep.

Hence to conclude, Nidra is main factor in manifestation of health as well as disease. Especially the diseases of present life. It is the time to create Global awareness regarding the normal sleep its duration, position, & its ill effects. When this Nidra is performed in Prakrutha Awastha instead of consuming sleep-inducing

pills, alcohol or any abnormal activities which induces sleep. The present day’s life style disorders can be avoided or at least can be postponed for certain extent.

Conclusion

The logical interpretations of entire study were presented in the discussion. The conclusion drawn from the entire literary study is incorporated below. Nidra is an essential phenomenon for maintenance and restoration of life is considered under Trayopastambha. Proper sleep provides balance of the body constituents, by all means. Sleep is said to nourish and repair the tissue damage caused by various catabolic activities of the body. Vata Pitta along with Rajasa play a key role in the pathogenesis of Anidra. Manasika Nidanas as well as Psychic stress are the main causative factors of the disease Anidra.

As Nidra is a natural phenomenon as well as Adharaneya Vega it should be mandatory carried out or practiced in a natural way without suppression.

Reference

  1. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005: 74.
  2. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005: 74.
  3. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005: 74.
  4. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005: 74.
  5. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005:62.
  6. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005:252.

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  1. Acharya J.T., Acharya N.R., Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta, Nibandha sangraha Vyakhya of Dalhana, 7th, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia. 2003:116.
  2. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005:113.
  3. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005:113.
  4. Acharya J.T., Charaka Samhita of Charaka, Ayurveda Dipika Teeka of Chakrapani, Reprint ed., Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surabharati Prakashan 2005:252
  5. Acharya J.T. Acharya N.R. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta. Nibhandha Sangraha vyakhya of Dalhana. VII ed. Varanasi Chaukhambha Orientalia 2002 pp 490.
  6. Acharya J.T. Acharya N.R. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta. Nibhandha Sangraha vyakhya of Dalhana VII – ed. Varanasi Chaukhambha Orientalia 2002 pp 490.
  7. Acharya J.T. Charaka Samhita of Charaka Ayurveda deepika Teeka of Chakrapani. ed, Varanasi Chaukhambha Sanskrit Samsthan 2001 pp 119.

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