E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Tridosha Siddhanta

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 8 AUGUST
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Bridging Tridosha Siddhanta and Biorhythm Theory: Uniting Ancient Dosha Principles with Modern Cyclic Patterns

Yadav Y1*, Bhagat A2, Bhardwaj V3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.8.10

1* Yogita Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Npa Govt Ayurved College, Raipur, Chattishgarh, India.

2 Ashok Bhagat, Lecturer, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Npa Govt Ayurved College, Raipur, Chattishgarh, India.

3 Vinay Bhardwaj, Reader, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Npa Govt Ayurved College, Raipur, Chattishgarh, India.

This article explores the conceptual intersections between Tridosha Siddhanta, the foundational theory of Ayurveda, and the Biorhythm Theory, a modern psychological model of cyclical biological and emotional states. Tridosha Siddhanta posits that human health and wellness are governed by the balance of three fundamental Doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha each representing a combination of the five elements and their dynamic influences on physiological and psychological functions. In contrast, Biorhythm Theory suggests that individuals experience predictable cycles of physical, emotional, and intellectual states influenced by inherent rhythms. By analyzing both systems, this article seeks to elucidate how the cyclical nature of biorhythms might correlate with the doshic imbalances and fluctuations described in Ayurveda. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how integrating these two paradigms can enhance approaches to personalized health and wellness, offering a holistic perspective that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific insights.

Keywords: Tridosha Siddanth, biorhythm theory, Ayurved

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Yogita Yadav, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, Shri Npa Govt Ayurved College, Raipur, Chattishgarh, India.
Email: 		Yadav Y, Bhagat A, Bhardwaj V, Bridging Tridosha Siddhanta and Biorhythm Theory: Uniting Ancient Dosha Principles with Modern Cyclic Patterns. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(8):65-69.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3733

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-07-13 2024-07-22 2024-08-02 2024-08-12 2024-08-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 11.18

© 2024by Yadav Y, Bhagat A, Bhardwaj Vand 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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Introduction

Ayurveda is an age-old medicinal science that has been practiced for thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent. Its literally means knowledge of life. In order to cure and prevent disease, the comprehensive Ayurvedic medical approach places a strong emphasis on harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. three basic components of the human body are Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. amongest this Dosha are most important. The foundational idea known as the Tridosha Siddanth is the foundation of the Ayurvedic therapeutic modality. A fundamental tenet of Ayurveda, the concept of Tridosha, which incorporates the three Doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, describe in first chapter of the Charaka Samhita, the oldest known work on Ayurveda. The Sanskrit terms "Tri" and "Dosh," which mean "three" and "pollutant" or "vitiated factor," respectively, are the etymological roots of the word "Tridosh," which when combined imply "three pollutants" or "tri-pollutant." The Sanskrit word "Siddanth" is equal to "theory" in English Tridosa are the basic biological forces, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The health and homeostasis of living things are determined by the dosas. Living things maintain a normal state of health when these energy forces are in balance; when balance of Dosha in body disturbs results in disease.

Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jala, and Prithvi this Panchamahabhuta are considered as the basis of the universe. panchmahabhutta are the components of all Doshas. The Doshas making sure that every Mahabhuta is kept together and works in harmony to support the best possible functioning of the human body.

Tridosha Siddhanta forms its cornerstone, proposing that each person is born with a unique combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas, which define their physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual attributes.

The significance of Dosha among the Dosha-Dhato-Mala is remarkable since it is the primary factor in the development of both Prakriti and Vikriti (when unbalanced). Acording to Acharya Shushrut dominant doshas during fertilization period cause Prakriti to develop and the Doshas called as Prakrita Dosha. The quality of these three basic Doshas remains permanent in the body and do not change permanintally.

Any individual who eats food or leads an irregular lifestyle which is comparable to qualities of Doshas becomes upset and damages other bodily function. Doshas are energy systems that are prone to disruption & deterioration of other bodily components.

Vata Dosha: Associated with movement and linked to activities of the nervous system, Vata governs bodily functions like breathing, circulation, and elimination. Vata governs the expulsion of wastes, bodily tissues, Pitta, and Kapha in all their activities. Vata regulates mental processes and sense-based perception. It is primarily seen below the navel in the bottom part of the body.

  • There are five sub-Doshas within the Vata Doshas.
VataLocationFunction
Prana VayuheadControl the senses
Udana VayuChest areaControls the voice and intellectual function
Samana VayuStomachControl digestion
Vyana VayuheartControl all the bodily actions
Apana Vayupelvis regionExcretory function

Pitta Dosha: Governing metabolism and digestion, Pitta controls energy production in the body.

PittaLocationFunction
Pachak PittaduodenumDigestive function
Ranjak PittastomachBlood formation
Sadhak PittaheartPsyciological function
Alochal PittaeyesSight and vision
Bhrajak PittaSkinSkin pigmentation

Kapha Dosha: Responsible for strength, immunity, and lubrication in the body, Kapha influences muscle growth, weight management, and stability.

KaphaLocationFuntion
Kledak KaphastomachFood digestion
Shleshak KaphaAll joints of bodyLubrication of joints
Tarpak Kaphaheartintelligence
Bodhak KaphatongueTaste of food
Avalambak KaphachestLubricates throat and heart

There is slight variation in the location and function of sub types of Vata, Pitta and Kapha according to different Acharyas. Ayurveda Tridosha Siddanth Vata, Pitta, and Kapha captures the essence of individual physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual constitution, while biorhythms propose cyclic patterns shaping our physical, emotional, and intellectual states.


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Biorhythm Theory

Biorhythm is first devised in the late 19th century by Wilhelm Fliess, a Berlin physician. In contrast, biorhythm theory posits that human life is governed by rhythmic cycles affecting physical, emotional, and intellectual states. Developed in the late 19th century, biorhythms propose three main cycles:

  • Physical Cycle: Lasting approximately 23 days, it influences physical strength, endurance, and coordination.
  • Emotional Cycle: Spanning around 28 days, this cycle affects emotional stability, sensitivity, perception, awareness and mood.
  • Intellectual Cycle: Overlapping 33 days, it influences cognitive abilities, memory, problem-solving skills, logical analysis, alertness and creativity.

According to this theory, each cycle experiences phases of high, low, and critical days, influencing individual performance and well-being. The concept of biorhythms holds that an individual's existence is shaped by biological cycles that are rhythmic and impact several domains, including mental, physical, and emotional functioning. It is proposed that a person's aptitude in each of these categories may be anticipated on a daily basis by mathematically modeling these cycles, which start at birth and fluctuate steadily (in a sine wave form) throughout life. It is predicated on the hypothesis that the body's biofeedback chemical and hormonal secretion systems may eventually exhibit sinusoidal behavior.

Every one of these cycles has a sinusoidal variation between high and low extremes; days on which the cycle crosses the zero line are referred to be "critical days" when there is a higher degree of risk or uncertainty. The rhythms' current position on each cycle is shown by the numbers, which range from +100% (maximum) to -100% (lowest) on any given day. A rhythm at 0% is often considered to be crossing the halfway and to have no significant effect on one's life; on the other hand, a rhythm at +100% (the peak of that cycle) would provide an advantage, while a rhythm at -100% (the bottom of that cycle) would exacerbate difficulties in that particular area. A day in which one's rhythms are all high or all low has no special significance beyond the apparent advantages or disadvantages these uncommon extremes are believed to have on an individual's life.

jaims_3733_01.JPG
Theories published state the equations for the cycles as:

  • Physical: sin⁡(2𝜋𝑡/23)Sin(2πt/23)
  • Emotional: sin⁡(2𝜋𝑡/28)Sin(2πt/28)
  • Intellectual: sin⁡(2𝜋𝑡/33)Sin(2πt/33)

where 𝑡 indicates number of days since birth. Basic arithmetic shows that combination of simpler 23- and 28-day cycles repeats every 644 days (or 13⁄4 years), while triple combination of 23-, 28-, and 33-day cycles repeats every 21,252 days (or 58.18+ years). In realm of human connection, ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and modern concept of biorhythms intersect in intriguing ways, offering fresh perspectives on relationship dynamics This exploration delves into how these frameworks intertwine, influencing compatibility and interaction in relationship.

Methodology

A comparative literature review was done, examining original works as well as more recent studies on biorhythm theory and Tridosha Siddhanta. Ayurvedic books, scientific essays on biorhythm science, & academic magazines on Ayurvedic medicine were among Ssources. Important themes were found & contrasted, including cyclical nature of health, balance and imbalance & their effects on human physiology & behavior.

Result

Bridging the Concepts

To bridge Tridosha theory with biorhythms, we can draw parallels based on the cyclic nature of both:

  • Timing and Cycles: Both Tridosha theory and biorhythms emphasize cycles. Ayurveda suggests that doshic energies fluctuate throughout the day and are also influenced by the seasons.

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Similarly, biorhythms propose rhythmic cycles affecting physical and emotional states over defined periods.

  • Health and Balance: Ayurveda focuses on maintaining balance among doshas for health and well-being. Similarly, understanding biorhythms can help in optimizing activities and lifestyle choices to align with peak physical and emotional states during favorable phases.
  • Individual Variability: Ayurveda recognizes individual variations in dosha constitution (Prakriti). Similarly, biorhythms acknowledge that individuals may experience their cycles differently, influencing how they respond to external factors.
  • Holistic Approach: Both systems advocate a holistic approach to health, recognizing interdependence of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Key Differences

  • Origins: Tridosha Siddhanta is rooted in ancient Indian philosophy and medicine, while biorhythm theory emerged from modern scientific speculation.
  • Conceptual Basis: Tridosha Siddhanta revolves around Doshic energies & their balance, whereas biorhythm theory focuses on cyclic patterns in physiological & psychological states.
  • Specificity: In Tridosha Siddhanth each of Dosha Vata, Pitta and Kapha includes their anatomical, physiological and psychological features are specifically mentioned. Where as biorhythm theory include physical, emotional and intellectual state are not specifically elaborated.
  • Effect of time: Ayurveda is said to be world's oldest and most comprehensive medicinal system, having been created about 3,000 BCE. The effectiveness of this therapeutic technique. Ayurveda is believed to have originated in Vedic period of ancient India. And described basic theories, disease etiology and treatment is effective until now. Where as biorhythm theory was developed in late 19th century.
  • Application: Ayurvedic medicine uses Tridosha Siddhanta for maintenance of health of healthy person and for treatment of disease, while biorhythm theory is often applied in personal development and self-management contexts.

Discussion

The similarities between Biorhythm Theory and Tridosha Siddhanta point to a common knowledge of the significance of balance and rhythm in human health. Both systems emphasize how internal cycles affect general wellbeing and offer strategies for bringing these cycles into alignment for better health results. Combining knowledge from both systems may result in a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing that combines contemporary biorhythmic techniques with traditional Ayurvedic concepts Future research could explore empirical studies to validate the effectiveness of combining Ayurvedic and biorhythmic approaches in clinical settings. Additionally, further investigation into the physiological mechanisms underlying both systems could enhance our understanding of their interconnections and applications.

Conclusion

The Tridosha Siddhanta and Biorhythm Theory both emphasize the significance of balance and cyclical rhythms in human health and performance. After a quick analysis of Tridosha Siddantha, we can say that, in comparison to Biorhythem theory, which is based on numerical calculations, Tridosha Siddanth is a far more elaborated and focused broad spectrum theory.

By bridging these traditional and contemporary perspectives, there is potential to develop more comprehensive health practices that leverage the strengths of both systems. This integration could offer new avenues for personalized wellness strategies and improve our overall understanding of human health dynamics.

References

1. Maharsi Sushruta. Susruta Samhita. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2019. Sharir Sthana, 4/62. Edited by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri. Maharsi Agnivesha.
2. Charaka Samhita. 4th ed. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017. Sutra Sthan 1/57.
3. Srimadvagbhata Astanga Hrdayam. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; Sutra Sthana 1/6. Edited with Nirmala Hindi Commentary by Brahmanand Tripathi.
4. Text book of kriya sharir by dr.subhash ranade.


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5.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biorhythm_(pseudoscience).
6. Ayurvedic kriya sharir book by ranjitrai desai.
7.https://www.medicinenet.com/biorhythms/article.html.
8. Text book of Ayurvediya sharir kriya vigyan by dr.krishna kumar Mishra and prof. mahendra singh mina.


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