Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

The term immunity may be correlated with Vyadhikshamatva. The Vyadhikshamatva explained by Acharya Chakrapani i.e., The power of body which decrease the effect of disease termed as Vyadhi Bala Virodhitvam and the strength of body which prevent from disease known as Vyadhi Utpad Pratibandhaktvam. Vyadhikshamatva depends mainly on two factors i.e. Oja and Bala.^[1] According to Acharya Charaka, Oja originates first of all in our body which have Sarpi Varna, Madhura Rasa and Lajagandhi.^[2]

The Oja are of two types i.e., Para Oja which is 8 Bindu in Pramana and situated in Hridaya and Apara Oja which Ardhanjali in Pramana and present in whole body. According to Acharaya Charaka, Dasha Guna of Ojas are Guru, Sheeta, Mridu, Shlakshana, Bahala, Madhura, Sthira, Prasanna, Pichhila and Snigdha.^[3] According to Charaka Samhita, Oja is nourished by Ahara Rasa as Dhatus. The Oja is the Sara of all Dhatus so it can be said that its nourishment started from Ahara Rasa via Rasa, Raktadi Dhatus. Acharya says that, Oja is one of the Prana which is situated in Hridaya and if Para Oja is lost then life will be destroyed.

The disease preventing power of body is known as Bala.^[4] The natural Shleshma is known as Bala and Oja whereas the vitiated Shleshma is known as Mala and Papma.^[5] Acharya says that the Bala are of three types i.e., Sahaja, Kalaja and Yuktikrita. The Sahaja Bala is the physical and mental power which is naturally present by birth and it may correlate with innate immunity. The Kalaja Bala depends on Vaya and Ritus that is maximum in Madhyamavastha and Hemanta Ritu. The Yuktikrita Bala is the power increased by healthy Ahara and Cheshta i.e., exercise.^[6] Use of Shad Rasa in foods also improves immunity i.e., Bala.^[7]

Materials and Methods

The term Vyadhikshamatva is define in Charaka Samhita 28 chapter and explained by Acharya Chakrapani in his Teeka Ayurvedadeepika. The concept of Vyadhikshamatva is similar to concept of immunity in modern medical sciences. The Oja and Bala are important factors for improving Vyadhikshamatva. Trividh Bala are explain by Acharaya Charaka in Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana

are best in balancing of Manasika Dosha (Raja & Tama). Thus, Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana prevents diseases (hypertension, diabetes, psychological disorders etc.) by maintaining Manasika and Sharirika Dosha and play a major role in healthy social life.

Benefits of Godugdha and Goghrita

Godugdha possesses Gunas like Madhura, Sheeta, Mridu, Snigdha, Guru etc. which are similar to Guna of Oja. Hence, it acts as Ojo Vardhaka and Balya.^[10] Use of Goghrita on regular basis increases Smriti, Buddhi, Agni, Shukra Dhatu, Oja and is Rasayana.^[11]

Discussion

It is said for Ahara that - ‘‘Pareekshya Hitam Ashniyaad Deho Hi Ahara Sambhava’’^[12] i.e., possibility of life only with food. Dietary consideration is an important component of every prescription in Ayurvedic therapy. Sometimes dietary management in itself is a complete for prevention of disease. So, Ahara has been specified in the first place in Trayah Upasthambha (Ahara, Nidra, Bramhacharya). Acharya Kashyapa says that Ahara is Mahaushadhi and Acharya Harita says that Ahara is Mahabheshaja. Vihara is second most important factor for healthy life. It is inclusive of habit, behavior, living pattern, social relation and adjustment with the environment in which we grow. Acharya Charaka has stated that all the Bhavas i.e., Ahara and Vihara which boost our immunity and promote our health should be taken in proper quantity. Rasayana improves the metabolic activities and results in best possible bio-transformation. Jara Chikitsa or Rasayana therapy promotes rejuvenation in a healthy person and cures the disease of an unhealthy person. Rasayana is not a drug therapy but is a specialized procedure practiced in the form of rejuvenation recipes, dietary regimen and special health promoting conduct and behavior i.e., Achara Rasayan. Most of these Rasayanas can be used regularly as a food for maintaining mental and physical health. They may be used either alone or along with other modalities of treatment as an adjuvant.

Conclusion

The concept of Pathya, Apathya and Nitya Sevaneeya Ahara Dravya is given in Ayurvedic

Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Reprint Edition 2017, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan Varanasi, Part 1, Chapter 27, Verse 218, Page 398.

11. Harish Chandra Kushwaha, Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Reprint Edition 2016, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Part 1, Chapter 27, Verse 231, Page 442.

12. Kasinatha Sastri and Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Revised Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, Part 1, Chapter28, Verse 41, page 505.