Review on ‘Swastya’ - Principles of Charaka Samhita as explained in Dinacharya and Rutucharya

N Meghana; Amala Sunil; Sankanagoud Patil

Review on ‘Swastya’ - Principles of Charaka Samhita as explained in Dinacharya and Rutucharya

Meghana N.^1*, Sunil A.², Patil S.³

DOI:

^1* N Meghana, Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Shareera, JSS Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

² Amala Sunil, Second Year BAMS Scholar, JSS Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

³ Sankanagoud Patil, Associate Professor, Department of PG Studies in Swasthavritta, JSS Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

Ayurveda is explained by Acharya Caraka as science of life. The primary motive of Ayurveda is maintenance of positive health of an individual and treatment of the diseased; in order to attain four Purusharthas, which is possible only if a person is healthy. Ultimately the benefit of studying the Caraka Samhita is to achieve Dhatu Saamya (equilibrium of body components). The concept of Swastya is explained in every Sthana of Caraka Samhita which explains the significance or existence of concepts of personal health and well-being. Through concepts of promotion of health and personal well-being exceptionally said, Charaka Samhita thus may be considered as textbook of tagline, adding life to years and not merely years to life.

Keywords: Charaka Samhita, Swastya, Health, Swastha Chatushka, Swastha

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
N Meghana, Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Shareera, JSS Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Email:	N Meghana, Amala Sunil, Sankanagoud Patil, Review on ‘Swastya’ - Principles of Charaka Samhita as explained in Dinacharya and Rutucharya. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(9):122-126. Available From https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2086

Introduction

The word ‘Swastha’ comprises of ‘Swa’ meaning one’s own and ‘Stha’ means staying or being in one’s own natural state. The condition in which the person is devoid of any abnormality or disease is said to be Swastha.^[1] The feeling of wellness is Swastha.^[2]

Person endowed with well-formed muscles, compactness, strong sense organs, not afflicted with strong diseases and can with stand Ksuth, Pipasa, Atapa, Shita and Vyayama, the food gets digested and gets assimilated properly, resulting in proper nourishment of Mamsa and all Dhatu is said as Swastha.^[3]

Health: The word ‘Health’ derives from Old English ‘hal’ of Germanic origin, which means to say ‘whole’ or ‘a thing that is complete in itself’.

According to World Health Organisation, Health is defined as ‘State of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. Spiritual, emotional, and vocational dimensions have also been proposed in defining health.

‘A state of relative equilibrium of body forms and function which results from its successful dynamic adjustment to forces tending to disturb it. It is not passive interplay between body substance and forces impinging upon it but an active response of body forces working towards readjustment’. (Perkins)

Sustainable health is a personal commitment by maintaining and taking responsibility for your own health, through preventive (proactive) means.

Wellbeing is a positive outcome that is meaningful for a person and for many sectors of society, where it tells us that, individual perceives that their lives are going well.

In general, Swastha and health remain to have the same meaning even though explained in two different aspects of medical science. So, in further discussion of the topic both terms are considered alike.

Discussion on promotion of health and prevention of disease in Charaka Samhita, is conducted in an elaborative way under 1). Dinacharya 2). Ritucharya, 3). Sadvritta 4). Dharaniya - Adharaniya

Vega 5). Trayopastamba 6). Achara Rasayana. The habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level etc together constitute the lifestyle of an individual which is reflection of the community he is part of. Following the pros and cons of criteria mentioned above, maintenance of health in its complete sense can be understood.

Dinacharya: Integrated personal healthcare is a part of Dinacharya as per Charaka Samhita. A well equipped daily regimen is essentially an inseparable branch of preventing disease and promotion of personal health. The word ‘Dinacharya’ is composed of Dina and Charya. Dina means ‘a day’ or ‘day time’ or ‘day today’. ‘Charya’ means ‘duties’, ‘regimens’ or ‘actions’ to be carried. Thus Dinacharya may be defined as duties and regimens to be carried out in a day.

Brahma Muhurta: To be specific, Acharya Charaka has not given direct reference for Brahma Muhurta. Instead, he mentions that one should wake up during Upavusha - when still a part of night is left. While describing the qualities of Shishya, he says that disciple should get up early in the morning or last quarter of night for Adhyayana.^[4] According to modern science, melatonin which has a pivotal role in circadian rhythm of a person is at its peak during night and ebb by the time the sun rises. Being a mood stabilizer it enhances cognition too.

Danthadhavana^[5], Jihvanirlekhana^[6], Asyadharya^[7]: One should do teeth cleansing with twigs of Kashaya, Katu, and Tikta Rasa plants like Karanja, Karavira, Arka, Malati, Kakubha and Asana etc. Brushing the teeth twice a day (morning and evening) without injuring the gums eliminates foul smell and tastelessness.

Tongue scrapper made with Swarna, Rupya, Tamra which is smooth and curved should be used. The dirt collected at the root of the tongue causes obstruction to the respiration and also produces foul smell thus; this should be removed by scrapping the tongue.

The one desirous of cleanliness, relish and fragrance should hold fruits of Jati, Katuka, Puga, Lavanga and Kakkola, leaves of betel, exudates of camphor, etc. for Asyadharya.

Anjana^[8]: Anjana is mentioned first, as the eye is most important sense organ. As Chakshu has predominance of Tejas

and Sleshma has predominance of Aap, the eyes are more vulnerable for affliction of Kapha. Acharya Jatukarna has also said that Anjana increasing discharges should be used in the night. It shows results in other supra clavicular diseases too. Daily use of Rasanjana and Sauviranjana improve the perspicuity of vision.

Chakrapani opines that after removal of dust, the exogenous factors etc., and clarity of vision comes naturally. Though Aschotana is not mentioned in the context, effect of both being similar, it is included. Even Putapaka etc. also perform the same action.

Nasya^[9]: Being the entry to head, all Urdhwajatru Vikara can be treated using Nasya. Anutaila is indicated for daily use and is beneficial as Sira, Shirakapalasandhi, Snayu and Khandara attain greater strength, being nourished by nasal drops. Face becomes cheerful and corpulent, voice becomes stable and deep. Anutaila is a Tridosa Shamaka. Use of Anutaila even in one’s advanced age, senility does not find strength in Uttamanga (Shiras).

Kawala^[10]: Kawala and Gandusha have the same affect and is used to alleviate the Kapha Dosha that is aggrevated. Medicated decoctions, oils or liquids kept in oral cavity provides Bala to Hanu and Shabdha, brings Prabha to Vadana and increases Kshut and Ruchi.

Abhyanga^[11]: Shiroabhyanga and Padaabhyanga are explained in the context of Abhyanga. Practise of Shiroabyanga helps in attaining Bala of Shira Asthi, thickens and strengthens Keshamula. Gives clarity to Indriyas and gets sound sleep and happiness. Soukumaryata, Bala, Sthirata and Drishti Prasada are the benefits of Padaabhyanga.

Snana^[12]: Snana has benefits like purifying, aphrodisiac, provides longevity of life, nourishes and strengthen the body and is the best enhancer of Ojas.

Vyayama^[13]: Symptoms of Samyak Vyayama include Swasavridhi, Laghava and it also improves one’s Sthairya, Dukha Sahishnuta , Jathargni and acts as Tridosha Shamaka.

Vastradharanam^[14]: Clean attire or apparels enhances charm, longevity of life, fame. It is said to remove poverty and brings elegant beauty. Preferentially, people can wear gems etc. which again give the same outcome, mentioned above.

Ritucharya: Ritu means ‘to go’. An individual who follows proper Ahara and Vihara for every Ritu possesses good Aharabala and Varna.^[15] Main aim of Tasyashitiya Adhyaya where Ritucharya is elaborated is to give awareness for adoption of apt methods to live suitably with the aim of Deerghayu without disturbing the equilibrium of Dhatu, Dosha and knowing the wholesomeness for the season and get adapted to the environment.

Adana Kala and its effects: Sun and wind during this period with their sharp momentum and dryness, absorb moisture from earth’s surface. Specifically, wind during Shishira, Vasanta and Greeshma Ritu boosts the Rukshata in the atmosphere and dominated by qualities of Agni which in turn increases Tikta, Kashaya, Katu Rasa and this lead to depletion of Shareerabala in individual.^[16]

Effects of Visarga Kala on the body: Varsha, Sharad, Hemantha Ritu comes under Visarga Kala. Sun moving to Dakshina gets reduced with its power with wind in due course of time but moon is not affected, which increases the moisture content of earth through rain. Madhura, Amla, Lavana which imparts Snigdha Guna in body and enhances one’s strength.^[17]

Ahara and Vihara suggested for different Ritu

Shishira: Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta are Tikta and Akasha respectively. Bala remains less but Agni is high. So, Shami and Shuka Dhanya, Ardraka, Lashuna, Haritaki, Ikshu are adviced. Body massage with Taila, Churna, Kalka and Ushnodaka Snana are to be followed in Vihara.

Vasanta: Predominant Rasa and Mahabhuta are Kashaya and Prithvi, Vayu. Vitiation of Kapha Dosha occurs, Agni remains in Manda state. Laghu Ahara like Purana Shali, Mudgaa, Madhu, Shasha Mamsa has to be consumed. Udvartana with Chandana, Kavala, Dhooma, Anjana and Shodhana therapies such as Vamana, Nasya is suggested. Divaswapna is strictly contraindicated in this season.

Grishma: More of Katu Rasa and supremacy of Agni and Vayu is seen in Grishma. Due to Vata Vridhi, person has Hina Bala along with Mandagni. Madhura Rasa Pradhana Ahara along with good quantity of water and other cold liquids are suggested. Excessive exercise, sexual indulgence and alcoholic preparations are strictly prohibited.

Varsha: Dominance of Amla Rasa along with Prithvi and Agni Mahabhuta is the feature of Varsha Ritu. The vitiation of Vata along with Pitta makes person feels weak and so is Agni. Among cereals, old barley, rice, wheat, meat, Yusha soup etc. are to be included in diet. Ushnajala is indicated. Ushnodaka Snana, Basti can be considered for a perfect Vihara during this season.

Sharat: Predominant Rasa is Lavana and Mahabhuta are Aap and Agni. Madhyama Bala, with pacified Vata Dosha but aggrevated Pitta Dosha is present with increase in Agni. So Ghoduma, Madhu, Jangala Mamsa are preferable to be consumed when hunger is felt. Shodhana procedures like Virechana, Rakta Mokshana etc. is apt to be taken in this season.

Hemanta: Prithvi and Aap Mahabhuta along with Madhura Rasa take the lead in Hemanta. Uttama Bala along with well-maintained Agni is in advantage to individual, so that he can consume Nava Shali, Masha, Kshira, Ikshu Rasa etc. Vyayama, use of Ushna Jala, Atapa Sevana sexual indulgence are recommended.

Conclusion

One who follows principles of life style laid down by Caraka Samhita will always stay healthy. Adopting the lifestyle to changing seasons is the key to maintain the equilibrium of Dhatus and Doshas. Understanding and addressing of health inequities between people themselves wherever they live plays is also very essential. As the definition of health is, I come to an opinion that, wellbeing of a person in all aspects is not merely the responsibility of oneself or the health sector alone, rather it involves the cooperation of all disciplines of human development which in terms of Acharya Charaka is ‘Deergham Jeevitham’.

Reference

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Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-09-01	2022-09-02	2022-09-09	2022-09-16	2022-09-23
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	18%

Review Article

Swastya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences