E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Prakriti

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 7 JULY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Prakriti - Voice Nexus w.s.r. to Voice Quality Improving Measures - A Conceptual Study

Yadav D1*, Dubey S2, Agrawal S3, Mishra R4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.7.21

1* Deepak Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Shuchi Dubey, Associate Professor, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

3 Shweta Agrawal, Assistant Professor, Dept of Shalakya Tantra, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

4 Rajeev Mishra, Assistant Professor, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Voice plays an important and fundamental role in building one’s personality and communication skills. The professions like teaching, singing, narration and leaders are highly dependent on voice quality to meet their professional commitments. Surprisingly as per the study, the prevalence of voice disorders among those aged 24–34 years was about 6%. This expresses the need for public awareness focusing on improving voice quality. Ayurvedic classics show specific connections between vocal characteristics and Prakriti. Prakriti is an integral tool of P4 medicine and also decides the specific pattern of susceptibility for disorders in individuals. This study aims to review the association between Prakriti and voice quality and to highlight the measures to improve the voice quality. For the topic Ayurvedic-modern literature along with related articles, journals were reviewed. Classical preventive measures in relation to their Prakriti could be the part of lifestyle in voice professionals helping in developing the strategies for voice care and in preventing voice problems.

Keywords: Prakriti, Individual’s constitution, Voice, Voice quality

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Deepak Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Pt Khushilal Sharma Govt Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Yadav D, Dubey S, Agrawal S, Mishra R, Prakriti - Voice Nexus w.s.r. to Voice Quality Improving Measures - A Conceptual Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(7):148-151.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3212

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-05-05 2024-05-17 2024-05-27 2024-06-07 2024-06-17
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© 2024by Yadav D, Dubey S, Agrawal S, Mishra Rand 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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Deepak Y et al. Prakriti - Voice Nexus w.s.r. to Voice Quality Improving Measures

Introduction

In the realm of communication, the quality of one's voice serves as a vital conduit, conveying not only words but also emotions, intentions, and personalities. From boardrooms to broadcast studios, from classrooms to conference halls, the quest to enhance voice quality resonates across diverse contexts. Whether it's captivating an audience, fostering clearer understanding, or imbuing dialogue with authenticity, the quest for improved voice quality stands as an enduring pursuit. In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication platforms, where face-to-face interactions are often supplanted by virtual exchanges, the importance of cultivating a compelling and engaging voice cannot be overstated.

Professional voice users, such as TV news broadcasters, heavily rely on their voice quality to fulfil their professional obligations. Consequently, voice quality becomes a major concern as they are prone to voice disturbances. Many broadcasters engage in prolonged and continuous voice use, punctuated by occasional periods of voice rest, particularly during crisis situations. Their vocal behaviours often involve loud and strenuous speaking and various postures. These improper vocal habits can lead to fluctuations in vocal quality, reduced vocal range, limited voice flexibility, and, occasionally, inflammation of the vocal folds, resulting in vocal fold lesions. A study conducted among news readers revealed common vocal problems, including throat dryness (63.8%), vocal fatigue (55.3%), hoarseness (29.8%), and sore throat (27.7%).[1]

Ayurveda, an ancient discipline, is often referred to as the science of life. Its primary aim is to uphold an individual's well-being by harmonizing physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioural aspects. Prakriti, the unique constitution of an individual, is discernible through these multifaceted traits. During foetal development, Doshas undergo intensification due to inherent factors. This non-pathogenic heightened state of Doshas remains consistent from birth until death, known as Prakriti.[2] The Prakriti is subdivided into seven types: Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, and three Dvandaj, along with one Samadoshaj type.

Among these, Samadoshaj represents an excellent and homeostatic state, while the others are regarded as defective constitutions and are susceptible to various diseases.[3] Prakriti influences every aspect through which an individual interacts and determines their health status. Texts indicate that lifestyle and activities should be tailored according to Prakriti for the maintenance of health.[4] In this way Prakriti also decides the quality of voice. For instance, Vata Prakriti individuals have rough creaky and obstructed voice which is clearly indicated in texts and so these individuals are more susceptible to voice disturbances due to voice abuse. Therefore, we can utilize this concept in the prevention and management of voice problems in voice professionals and make them more competent by improving their voice quality.

Aim and Objective

To study and understand the association between voice and Prakriti and to shed light on voice quality improving measures in relation to Prakriti.

Materials and Methods

Only textual materials have been utilized for this study, from which various references have been gathered. The main Ayurvedic texts employed in this study include Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtang Sangrah, Ashtang Hridaya, and the available commentaries on them. Additionally, modern texts, related journals and websites have been reviewed for supplementary information.

Discussion

After reviewing all the literature and various sources the following data related to concept of voice as well as Prakriti is mentioned below:

Concept of Prakriti

The word Prakriti has been derived from Prakarshen Karoti Iti Prakriti which means manifestation of special characteristics due to predominance. According to Rasa-Vaisheshik, Prakriti is a state which is formed at the time of fertilization due to eminence of Dosha.[5] Acharya Charaka and Sushruta have stated that Prakriti can be identified at the time of fertilization due to predominant state of Dosha and it is purely physiological.


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The Prakriti is influenced by the factors like the quality of gametes, environment at the time of conception, nutrition taken by the mother, status of the uterus and the Mahabhutas comprising the foetus.

Ayurvedic concept of Voice

According to Ayurveda, the production of sound or speech occurs when Vayu circulates within the Shabdavahi Dhamani. The subtype of Vayu associated with speech production is Udana Vayu. Sushruta states that Udana Vayu is responsible for articulating speech in diverse forms, including language, music, and distinct pronunciations. Additionally, Udana Vayu, along with the exhalation function, contributes to the production of sound.[6]

Modern concept of Voice and Speech

The process of production of voice is known as phonation. Phonation is a process of voice production as a result of vibrations of the vocal ligaments under the influence of exhaled air, occurring in the larynx and leading to the formation of the so-called larynx sound. To create a sound, it is necessary for the respiratory system and larynx to work together. To produce the sound, an adequate amount of air is needed, which when inhaled causes the vocal folds to vibrate. These vibrations consist of a cyclical, orderly, successive opening and closing of the glottis.[7]

Speech is defined as the expression of thoughts by production of articulate sound, bearing a definite meaning. It is one of the intellectual functions of brain. When a sound is produced verbally, it is called the speech. Speech depends upon coordinated activities of central speech apparatus(the cortical and subcortical centres) and peripheral speech apparatus (larynx or sound box, pharynx, mouth, nasal cavities, tongue and lips). All the structures of peripheral speech apparatus function in coordination with respiratory system, with the influences of motor impulses from respective motor areas of the cerebral cortex.

Inter-relationship between Prakriti and Voice

Ayurveda classics state a definite association between voice and Prakriti.

Kapha:These individuals have Prasanna (pleasant), Snigdha (Unctuous), Gambheera (deep) voice as Mrudanga, Jaladha, Simha and Samudra.

Vata: These individuals have Pratata, (open/free flowing), Ruksha (rough), Kshaama (feeble), Sanna and Sakta (breaky/ creaky), Baddha (restricted/ obstructed).[8]

Pitta: Specific vocal characteristics have not been specified in the Ayurvedic classics but they can be the evidence of sharp and commanding voice with provocative speech pattern.[9]

Disorders related to improper voice care are on the rise, necessitating proper preventive measures and restoration of normal physiology. Ayurvedic classics describe Swarbheda as a voice disorder, categorized into six types: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, Medaja, and Kshayaja Swarbheda. Causative factors include excessive speaking, excessive reading, toxin consumption, singing, and exposure to extreme cold. These factors vitiate Doshas, leading to their accumulation in the Swarvaha Strotas, affecting voice quality. General treatment principles for Swarbheda involve Snehana, Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Avapidana, Mukhadhavana, Dhoomapana and Avaleha.[10]

Conclusion

Prakriti, a unique concept in Ayurveda, encompasses physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioural aspects. Voice, included in the physiological domain of Prakriti, is directly influenced by the Tridoshas, with the quality of voice being affected by the predominant dosha in an individual's Prakriti.

The characteristics described in classics show a definite relationship between voice and Prakriti. Delving into characteristics of Prakriti - Voice nexus reveal that Vata individuals are more prone to voice disturbances if not taken proper care. Ayurvedic Classics have provided different and unique preventive measures which can be included in daily regime or Dinacharya. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned use of Milk duly cooked with the drugs of the Madhura group should be taken in combination with sugar and honey in a case due to the effects of loud speaking.

A study was conducted amongst the teachers to evaluate the effect of Ujjayi Pranayama on voice quality. Majority of the subjects rated Ujjayi Pranayama technique as useful in prepping their voice by describing their voice as easy and better after performing Ujjayi Pranayama.[11]


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Therefore, the inclusion of Ujjayi Pranayama, along with the Aushadha Yoga prescribed by Acharya Sushruta in Swarbheda Adhyaya, can be highly effective in managing voice disorders.

References

1. Gunasekaran N. Voice needs and voice demands of professional newsreaders in Southern India. Journal of Voice. 2016 Nov 01;30(6)

2. Upadhyay Vd. Yadurundan. Ashtang Hrudayam - Vidyotini Tika. Chaukhamba Prakashan. Sutra Sthan 1/10, Page 7.

3. Agnivesha, Charak Samhita. Vidyotini Hindi Commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Gorakhanath Chaturvedi Sutrasthana. 1998;7 Varanasi Chaukhamba Bharti Academy:39–40

4. A review on the role of Prakriti in aging, Purvya, Mahesh Chand Meena, M. S.

5. Dwivedi LD Ayurveda ke mula siddhanta evam unaki upadeyata part 1. 1991 Chaukhamba Varanasi Krishnadas Academy:106

6. Singh A, Chandravanshi L. Analysis of Physiology of Speech in Ayurveda. IAMJ: Volume 7, Issue 3. March 2019

7. Anatomical studies on larynx and voice production in historical perspective, ANDRZEJ ŻYTKOWSKI, PAN, Vol. LX, 3, 2020: 85–98

8. A Critical Review of Swara (Voice) Ayurveda Amrutha Kalyani, Sanjeev Tonni, Thirunavukkarasu Jayakumar

9. ACOUSTIC ANALYSIS OF VOICE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DIFFERENT PRAKRUTI Joshi Namita Amey, Ambekar Sneha Bhalchandra, Kirane Nikita Uday, Indapurkar Kavita Vinayak.

10. Sushruta Samhita by Kaviraj Ambika Dutta Shastri, Chaukhamba publication, Uttartantra, Chapter, 2014; 53(9): 503

11. Immediate effects of ‘Ujjayi Pranayama’ on aerodynamic, acoustic and self-perception parameters of voice in teachers M. Usha a, b , Jayashree S. Bhat a, b, B. Radish Kumar a, b , Gagan Bajaj a, b , P. Poovitha Shruthi b, c, J-AIM, 2022


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