E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Immunity

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 10 OCTOBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An overview of Vyadhikshmatva (Immunity) in the promotion of health

Sachan I1*, Rathor C2, Kumar H3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.10.13

1* Ishwari Sachan, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Chetna Rathor, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Swasthavrutta, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

3 Hemant Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Prasuti Tantra evum Stree Roga, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Health is a basic element of achieving all the desires of life. A long healthy life has been the wish of every being since antiquity. Ayurveda is the science of life with the main aim of attaining health Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach, by implementing various practices such as Dincharya, Ritucharya, Sadvrutta and Achar Rasayan, daily intake of wholesome food, Rasayana therapies, etc. these fundamentals serve to regulate the immune system and promote overall health. Vyadhikshmatva (immunity) is described in Ayurveda as depending on Bala, Oja and Prakritik Shleshma, increasing Bala and Oja and adopting a way of living life we can help in enhancing immunity, so this attempt is aimed to review the concept of Vyadhikshmatva and its factors that help in health promotion.

Keywords: Health promotion, Vyadhikshmatva, Ojas, Bala

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ishwari Sachan, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Sachan I, Rathor C, Kumar H, An overview of Vyadhikshmatva (Immunity) in the promotion of health. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(10):90-94.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3923

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-09-11 2024-09-21 2024-10-01 2024-10-11 2024-10-19
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 11.26

© 2024by Sachan I, Rathor C, Kumar Hand 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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Ishwari S et al. An overview of Vyadhikshmatva (Immunity) in the promotion of health

Introduction

The word Vyadhikshamatva is first mentioned by Charaka in the Sutrasthana 28 chapter (Chakrpani commentary) while explaining the causation of diseases. The author says that all Doshas are neither of equal strength nor that all bodies are capable of resisting diseases equally. Ayurveda emphasizes the promotion of health through the strengthening of the host’s defences, to act as a resistive force against day-to-day physiological extremes and opportunistic maladies. This force to reckon with, as regards everyday wellness is termed as "Vyadhikshamatva” in Ayurveda.[1] Ayurveda propounds that prevention is an equally important aspect of disease management as a cure. Thus, strengthening the immune system is a natural way to help the body fight against the disease-causing pathogens.[2]

Vyadhikshmatva is a concept described in the classical text of Ayurveda in detail and magnificent way which can be considered equivalent to the modern concept of immunity. Many Acharyas and their commentators had specified various factors in Ayurvedic texts like Sleshma, Bala, Ojas, Hitakar and Ahitkar Aahar, Agni, Rasayana, etc. which help to develop the Vyadhikshmatva.

Aim and Objectives

1. To describe the Vyadhikshmatvae., Ayurvedic immunity.
2. To find out the relevance of Vyadhikshmatva in health

Concept of Vyadhikshmatva[3]

The Vyadhikshmatva is a Sanskrit word Vyadhi (disease) and Kshmatva (suppress or overcome) as Ayurveda stated, Vyadhi is the situation where non-equilibrium between Doshas (physiological factors i.e., Vata, Pitta & Kapha), Dhatus (tissues systems) and Malas (excretory products of body). The normal state of Tridosh (physiological factors i.e., Vata, Pitta & Kapha), is responsible for maintaining physical and psychological health.

The other word, Kshamatva is a derivative of "Kshamussahane” which means to be patient or composed to suppress anger, to keep quiet or to resist. Hence Vyadhikshamatva means the factor that restricts the pathogenesis and suppresses the power of disease.

Acharya Chakrapani Datta, while commenting on Charaka Samhita, gave his view on the term Vyadhikshamatva and explained the term in two divisions, i.e., Vyadhikshamatvam Naam Vyadhibala Nirodhiktvam | Vyadyutpadak Pratibandhkatva Miti || (Ch.Su.28/7, Chakrapani)

1.  VyadhibalanirodhiktvamIt is the capacity to resist the strength of the disease i.e. Improving the strength against a specific disease, which can be achieved by Naimittika Rasayana. It may be correlated with Yuktikritabala or acquired immunity.
2.  VyadyutpadakpratibandhkatvamThe resisting power of the body is competent enough to prevent the occurrence and re-occurrence of the disease, it may be correlated with Sahaj Bala and innate immunity.

These subtypes of Vyadhikshmatva combine to form a resistance against many types of disease and help in the health promotion of individuals.

Material and Methods

The material for the review was collected from Ayurveda classical literature, different journals, research papers, health bulletin, and textbooks on Vyadhikshmatva, which have also been reviewed to throw light on the Ayurveda facts regarding health promotion and Vyadhikshmatva.

Health Promotion and Vyadhikshmatva

Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve health, health is subjected to constant change under various influences so it is equally important to maintain and promote health.

Synonyms

Equivalent words for Vyadhikshmatva are Sleshma, Bala, and Ojas these play an important role in the promotion of health which we reviewed in this paper.

Sleshma[4]

Sleshma in normalcy gives strength to the body & known as ‘Bala’. In an abnormal state, it is like mala (excreta), which should be expelled out of the body. This Bala itself is considered an Ojas. The properties of Sleshma are Snigdha, Sheeta, Guru, Manda, Shlakshna, Mrutusana, and Sthira.

Oja[5]

Ojas is the essence of seven Dhatus and is responsible for the strength of an individual.


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Ojas is formed first during the formation of the body, which is characterized by the colour of Sarpi (clarified butter), the smell of Laja & sweet taste. Its loss (destruction, absence) may lead to death and its presence in the body is responsible for the life. Oja is the reason for different conditions and activities related to the body.

Bala (immunity)[6]

Arogya is termed as Adhishthan of Bala which means Arogya (health) is dependent on the Bala. According to Acharya Shushrut, Bala imparts firm integrity to the muscles, improves the voice and complexion, and helps the person to perform his natural functions normally.

In Ayurveda there are three types of Bala:

1. Sahaja Bala: Which is present since birth in the body, it depends on the healthiness of Shukra and Artava.

SNUttarayana[7]Dakshinayana[8]Bala
1.ShishiraHemantaUttama Bala
2.VasantaSharadaMadhyama Bala
3.GrishmaVarshaHeena Bala

2. Kalaja Bala: It is based on the time of day, seasons, and person's age according to Ritu and Vaya for enhancing immunity.

  • According to the Kala (Ritu)
SNVaya (Awastha)[9]Bala
1.BalyavasthaMadhyama Bala
2.YuwavasthaUttama Bala
3.VruddhavasthaHeena Bala
  • According to Vaya (Age)

3. Yuktikrita Bala: Yuktikrita means acquiring Bala or the strength obtained by the proper healthy diet (Ghrita, Dugdha, Mansa, etc.), physical activities (Vyayama, Pranayama, Yoga, etc.) and by taking Rasayana Dravya’s (Chavyanprash, Guduchi, Amalaki Rasayana, etc.)

Factors help in health promotion by influencing the Vyadhikshmatva:[10], [11], [12]

SNFactorImpact
1.DincharyaThe principles of Dinacharya should be followed for healthy Indriyas (Sensory and motor organs), hygiene, and pleasantness of mind.
Simple procedures like Kavala, and Gandusha for oral hygiene along with teeth brushing, Pratimarsa Nasya for prevention of diseases above the clavicle, Abhyanga for longevity, etc.
2.RitucharyaThe importance of modification of lifestyle as per seasons and emphasizing on consumption of seasonal and regional fruits and vegetables for health promotion and prevention of seasonal disorders.
3.Sadvratta & Achar RasayanaVarious codes of conduct related to social, mental, and environmental-hygiene need to be taught for promoting mental health.
4.Pathya AaharAhara (food) is the most important aspect as food contributes to the building of body cells and enables them to fight off disease. Yuktikrit Bala (acquired immunity) is achieved with a proper diet. One of the best ways to enhance Bala and Ojas is through consuming proper food.
5.RasayanaRasayana is described in eight branches of the Ayurveda, it is used for the enhancement of the immunity and strength of the body. It is a promotive aspect of health, in which the body constituents are prepared to their optimum quality which is nothing but the enhancement of the immune system with various immunomodulating agents.
6.Bal-RasayanaAcharya Kashyap explained the Swarna Prashana benefits for newborns as an immunity and memory booster, feeding of gold increases intellect, digestive & metabolic power, and strength, and gives long life.
Parammedhavi - By Feeding the gold for one month, the child becomes extremely intelligent and is protected from diseases.
Shrutdhar - By Using it for 6 months, the child can retain for a long time whatever he hears.
7.NidraQuality sleep is a reflector of good health, supports a good immune system and stress reliever, it improves digestion and restores the natural equilibrium of body tissue, Nidra increases Kapha Dosha and Kapha means Bala. This shows a strong association between the immune system and Nidra.
8.AgniImmunity is predisposed by the strength of Agni, digestive fire, and absorb nutrients in human bodies, in a healthy, strong, and immune body, invaders get destroyed and expelled out of body. Therefore, Jatharagni is considered to be the root of the most important sustaining factor of living beings.
9.YogaDifferent Yogic practices including Asana, Pranayama, and meditation for enhancing health, strengthening lungs, boosting immunity, and promoting concentration, memory, and mental health should be taught.
10.Satva (Psychological Wellbeing)Manasik Vyadhikshmatva or Bala can be understood in the sense of making an individual strong mentally to cope with mental stress variably and can tolerate the disease and treatment. It also depends on Satva (manas) Bala, as far as the mind or psyche is concerned it endows an individual with the feeling of strength and delightfulness.
11.Balvradhhikar Bhava   A place where the persons are strong like the Sindhu region, the season when strength is more like Hemanta & Śiśira Ritu, healthy male gamete, female gamete & uterus, food which enhances strength & Ojas, robust body, conducive food & regimen, strongmind,practice of exercise, young age & action which bring about pleasantness of mind are factors, which enhance strength.

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Discussion

Major lifestyle changes in the current scenario are a reason for many new health challenges being faced by mankind, ayurveda emphasizes people having good immunity and people who have poor immunity or who lack immunity. We must know the factors responsible for the good or bad immunity.

Factors responsible for Vyadhikshamatva → Equilibrium state of Dosha-Dushya, Bala Ojus, Satmya, Satva Karmas, Vikaravighatakara Bhava.

Factors that reduceVyadhikshamatva → Imbalance in Dosha - Dushya, Asta Nindita Purusha, Vikara Vighatakara Abhava.

The origin and absence of disease are dependent on presence and absence of Vyadhikshmatva in body, for that advocating healthy diet habits and regular exercises for children of obese parents, and avoiding consanguineous marriages to prevent many genetic disorders is essential. In Ayurveda advocating Prakrti - specific diet and lifestyle among healthy individuals for prevention of diseases, Pumsavana Karma for healthy progeny, practice of Yoga and Sadvrtta for prevention of stress and stress-induced diseases, etc. are mentioned in classical text, by following these fundamentals all Seven Dhatus get properly stabilized ultimately Ojovriddhi and good immunity is achieved.

Conclusion

According to WHO, Health promotion is "process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve health".[13]
Relevance in recent times-

Health EducationHere the people are educated about various health-related issues like hygiene, a healthy and nutritious diet, immunization, the importance of exercise and Yoga, etc.
Environmental modificationsHighly essential to prevent pollution, which is a causative factor for many diseases. Sanitation and hygiene are also included under this, which can prevent infectious diseases like cholera, polio, malaria, filarial, etc
Nutritional interventionIn the form of a special nutrition program for vulnerable or target groups, food fortification to bring about the desired effect in the community as well as nutrition education in the community.
Lifestyle and behavioral ModificationsThey are key in the prevention of lifestyle disorders as well as the management of alcohol, tobacco, and other forms of addiction. Even problems like aggression, crime, etc. can also be prevented and managed with behavioral changes.

Bala (immunity) is directly responsible for the prevention, inhibition, and arrest of the factors that cause the diseases, hardly any science is reported to have put thrust as huge as Ayurveda, it gives an insight into Dhatusamya, and Doshasamya for enhancing the Vyadhikshmatva.

In brief, through the Ayurvedic concepts of Vyadhikshmatva not only we can keep healthy at the level of the physical bodily elements but also prevent various psychological discrepancies. However, there is a need for further scientific research to understand all these principles for their immunomodulating and health-promotive effects so that they can be utilized to enhance the immune system naturally and effectively.

References

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2. Charak Samhita pandit Kashinath Gorakhnath hindi commentary Chaukhambha Bharti Academy Varanasi 30/26 pg no. 516.
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9. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2007, page no. 108


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10. Charak Samhita pandit Kashinath Gorakhnath Hindi commentary Chaukhamba Bharti Academy Varanasi. SutraSthan, pg no.99, 118,167, 362.
11. Bhahmanand Tripathi. Astanga Hradayam. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Prathishthan, Delhi, Sutrasthana. 2,3,6
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