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Review Article

Samanya Vishesh Siddhant

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Samanya Vishesh Siddhant: A Fundamental Principle of Ayurveda

Vishwakarma MK1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.40

1* Mukesh Kumar Vishwakarma, Assistant Professor, Dept of Samhita and Siddhanta, Major SD Singh PG Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Samanya Vishesh Siddhant is a fundamental principle of Ayurveda that explains the mechanisms of increase (Vriddhi) and decrease (Kshaya) in the body. Derived from the Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy, this concept plays a crucial role in understanding physiological balance, pathology, and treatment strategies. Samanya (similarity) is responsible for the augmentation of substances with similar attributes, while Vishesh (dissimilarity) leads to the reduction of qualities due to opposing characteristics.[1] This principle is applied in various domains of Ayurveda, including physiology (Sharira Kriya Vigyan), pathology (Roga Nidan), treatment (Chikitsa), dietetics (Ahara Vidhi), and pharmacology (Dravya Guna Vigyan). It helps in diagnosing diseases and formulating therapies based on the balance of Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas. For instance, nourishing therapies (Rasayana) utilize Samanya to promote tissue growth, while purification therapies (Shodhana) employ Vishesh to eliminate excess Doshas. In the modern context, Samanya Vishesh Siddhant is comparable to the concept of homeostasis in contemporary medicine. It provides a logical basis for managing lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension through dietary and therapeutic interventions. Understanding and applying this principle allows for a holistic approach to health maintenance, disease prevention, and personalized treatment in Ayurveda.[2]

Keywords: Nyaya-Vaisheshika Philosophy, Vriddhi, Kshaya, Samanya, Vishesh

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Mukesh Kumar Vishwakarma, Assistant Professor, Dept of Samhita and Siddhanta, Major SD Singh PG Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Vishwakarma MK, Samanya Vishesh Siddhant: A Fundamental Principle of Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):298-302.
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Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-13 2025-05-27 2025-06-07 2025-06-17 2025-06-27
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© 2025 by Vishwakarma MK and 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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Mukesh KV et al. Samanya Vishesh Siddhant: A Fundamental Principle of Ayurveda

Introduction

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, is based on several fundamental principles that guide its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Among these principles, Samanya Vishesh Siddhant holds a significant place as it explains the mechanisms of increase and decrease in the body. This principle serves as a foundation for understanding physiological balance and pathological conditions.

Samanya and Vishesh are two contrasting yet complementary concepts that regulate bodily functions. Understanding these principles is crucial for diagnosing diseases and planning treatment strategies. This article delves into the depths of Samanya Vishesh Siddhant, exploring its meaning, types, applications, and significance in Ayurvedic practice.[3]

Definition and meaning of Samanya and Vishesh

Samanya (Similarity or Homogeneity)

The term Samanya refers to the property of similarity or sameness. It is responsible for the increase (Vriddhi) of substances that share similar attributes. According to Ayurvedic texts, Dravyata (substantiality) is common to all entities, and when a substance with similar qualities is introduced, it leads to an increase in those qualities in the body.

For example:

  • Consumption of oily food increases Kapha and Meda (fat) in the body due to their similar properties.
  • Intake of cold substances increases Kapha and reduces Pitta due to their respective similarities and differences.

Samanya for Doshas

Drugs that have Katu, Tikta, Ruksha, Laghu, and Sheeta Dravya provide relief in Vata Kshaya according to the concept of Guna Samanya. In the same way, Amla, Katu, Kshara, Lavana, Ushna, and Tikshna Dravya assist in treating Pitta Kshaya while Snigdha, Madhura, Guru, and Sandra Dravya are used in Shleshmakshya. Ksheera also enhances Kapha because of its similar Snigdhadi Gunas. Karma Samanya similarly helps in maintaining Dosha balance, as similar activities increase similar Gunas within the body.

Kayika Karma (such as running and swimming) boosts Vata due to their Chaltva Guna Samanya, thus aiding in Vata Kshaya. Santapa elevates Pitta due to its Tikshna Guna, while relaxing or sleeping raises Kapha because of their Sthiratva Guna.[4]

Samanya as Chikitsa

Shukra Kshaya can be treated with Dravya that is responsible for Vriddhi, such as Kshira and Ghrita, which possess Madhur, Shita, and Snigdha Guna. Mutra Kshaya can be alleviated with Ikshu, Varuni, and Manda; these Dravya contain Madhura, Amla, and Lavana Rasa. Purisha Kshaya can be managed using Dravya such as Kulmasha, Yava, Shaka, and Kushukunda. Vata Kshaya can be addressed with Dravya that have Katu, Tikta, Ruksha, and Laghu Guna. Pitta Kshaya needs to be controlled using Amla, Lavana, Katu, Ushna, and Tikshna Dravyas. Shleshma Kshaya may be treated with Snigdha, Guru, Madhur, and Pichhila Dravyas.

Vishesh (Dissimilarity or Heterogeneity)

Vishesh refers to the property of dissimilarity or contrast. It is responsible for the decrease (Kshaya) of substances due to opposing attributes. When a substance with opposite qualities is introduced, it reduces the corresponding qualities in the body.

For example:

  • Consumption of dry and rough food reduces Kapha due to its opposite nature.
  • Intake of hot substances reduces Kapha but increases Pitta due to their opposing qualities.

Thus, Samanya leads to increase (Vriddhi), and Vishesh leads to decrease (Kshaya).

Vishesha for Doshas

The use of Ruksha, Ushna, and Tikshna Dravya diminishes Kapha. Substances with Ruksha and Laghu Guna soothe Vata, while Yava provides Sheeta Guna, thereby calming Pitta. Conditions exhibiting Pitta vitiation, such as AmlaPitta, can be managed with Dravya Vishesh that have sweetness or properties contrary to Pitta. In this context, Dravyas like Guduchi, Shatavari, Patol, Kushmand, and Gairik, among others, are employed in the treatment of AmlaPitta under the concept of Dravya Vishesh. The Madhur and Sheeta characteristics of these substances contribute to easing symptoms of Pitta vitiation. Karma Vishesha likewise influences Dosha balance,


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with Ratri Jagran promoting Kapha increase, while exercise and swimming help in reducing Kapha.[5]

Vishesha as Chikitsa

The idea of Visheshalso aids in regulating Dosha predominance since substances with opposing properties to specific Dosha help to calm aggravated Doshas. Sadavidhupakrama represents various activities such as Langhana, Rukshana, Snehana, Swedana, Brimhana, & Stambhana, which rely on Guna Vishesh& provide therapeutic relief for many health issues. Samshodhan & Samshamana Chikitsa are also founded on Visheshconcept; these therapies detoxify body & utilize substances with opposite properties to treat specific diseases.

Types of Samanya and Vishesh

Types of Samanya

Acharya Charaka describes three types of Samanya based on different perspectives:

1. Dravya Samanya - Similarity in substance (Dravya).

  • Example: Consuming milk increases the quantity of milk in lactating mothers.

2. Guna Samanya - Similarity in qualities (Guna).

  • Example: Intake of oily foods increases Sneha (unctuousness) in the body.

3. Karma Samanya - Similarity in actions (Karma).

  • Example: Repeated practice of exercise (Vyayama) increases strength (Bala).

Types of Vishesh

Similar to Samanya, Vishesh is also classified into three types:

1. Dravya Vishesh - Dissimilarity in substances.

  • Example: The consumption of honey reduces excess Kapha due to its drying nature.

2. Guna Vishesh - Dissimilarity in qualities.

  • Example: Cold substances reduce Pitta because of their opposite nature.

3. Karma Vishesh - Dissimilarity in actions.

  • Example: Rest and sleep counteract the effects of excessive exercise.

Philosophical Basis of Samanya Vishesh Siddhant

The Nyaya and Vaisheshika Darshanas provide the philosophical background for Samanya and Vishesh.

According to these schools of thought:

  • Samanya is the cause of similarity and commonality among objects.
  • Vishesh is the cause of uniqueness and differentiation among objects.

These concepts are applied in Ayurveda to explain the mechanisms of health and disease, as well as the effects of diet, lifestyle, and treatment.[6]

Role of Samanya Vishesh Siddhant in Ayurveda

1. In Physiology (Sharira Kriya Vigyan)

  • The principle explains the growth and nourishment of Dhatus (tissues) through similar substances.
  • For instance, protein-rich food (having similarity with Mamsa Dhatu) helps in muscle growth.

2. In Pathology (Roga Nidan)

  • Disease occurs due to an imbalance in Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas based on Samanya and Vishesh.
  • Excessive intake of Kapha-increasing food leads to disorders like obesity.
  • Intake of Pitta-pacifying substances helps in conditions like hyperacidity.

3. In Treatment (Chikitsa)

  • The treatment principle is based on Samanya for nourishment (Vriddhi) and Vishesh for depletion (Kshaya).
  • In Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion), similar substances are administered for nourishment.
  • In Dhatu Vriddhi (excess tissue formation), opposite substances are used to reduce it.

4. In Dietetics (Ahara Vidhi Vidhana)

  • The selection of food is based on Guna Samanya and Vishesh to maintain health.
  • People with a Kapha constitution should avoid heavy, cold, and oily foods (Kapha Samanya).
  • Individuals with Pitta dominance should consume cooling and sweet substances (Pitta Vishesh).

5. In Drug Action (Dravya Guna Vigyan)

  • Ayurvedic medicines are prescribed based on Samanya and Vishesh principles.
  • Rasayana (rejuvenating therapies) use Samanya principles to enhance bodily functions.

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  • Shodhana (purification therapies) use Vishesh principles to eliminate Dosha excess.[7]

6. In Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapies)

  • Samanya and Vishesh help in deciding purification therapies.
  • Snehan (Oleation therapy) increases unctuousness in the body (Samanya).
  • Vamana (Emesis therapy) reduces Kapha (Vishesh).

Examples of Samanya Vishesh Siddhant in Ayurveda

ApplicationSamanya (Similarity)Vishesh (Dissimilarity)
GrowthNutrient intake increases DhatusFasting reduces body tissues
DigestionSpicy food increases PittaCooling food reduces Pitta
ObesityHigh-calorie diet increases weightExercise reduces weight
TreatmentRasayana enhances longevityLanghana (fasting) reduces excess Doshas

Significance in Modern Context

The concept of homeostasis in modern physiology aligns with Samanya Vishesh Siddhant. Maintaining equilibrium in the body by balancing intake and elimination is fundamental to both Ayurveda and contemporary medical science.

Relevance in Lifestyle Disorders

Modern lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can be managed using Samanya and Vishesh principles:

  • Diabetes (Madhumeha): Avoiding sweet and heavy foods (Vishesh).
  • Obesity (Sthoulya): Regular exercise and low-calorie diet (Vishesh).
  • Hypertension: Consumption of cooling and calming foods (Vishesh).

Discussion

The concept of similarities and differences, known as Samanya Vishesh Siddhanta in Ayurveda, significantly aids in managing various pathological conditions. The Samanya Vishesh principle assists physicians in formulating treatment protocols while selecting specific foods, activities, lifestyles, and medicines, among other factors, for particular diseases. This idea played a crucial role in the selection of Shodhan and Shaman therapies.

The similarities and differences in substances or activities respectively enhance and diminish the properties of Bhavpadarth. These effects influence the therapeutic responses of substances and hinder the pathological progression of diseases. Samanya and Vishesha are essential in maintaining the balance of vitiated Doshas. The six stages of disease progression are Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthanasamshraya, Vyakti, and Bheda.[8] All of these stages occur due to the increase (Samanya) of aggravating factors, prompting the use of opposite (Vishesha) treatments to prevent the disease's pathological progression. Abhyanga and Vyayama are employed as treatment methods for Vata and Kapha diseases as Karma Vishesha. Srotasa Vikruti can be treated using Ahara and Vihara that counteract the causes of Srotodusti.

Conclusion

Samanya Vishesh Siddhant is a universal principle that governs the body’s physiological and pathological processes. It provides the foundation for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in Ayurveda. By understanding and applying these principles, one can maintain health and prevent diseases effectively. This timeless concept continues to be relevant in today’s world, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness. Through proper application of Samanya and Vishesh, Ayurveda provides individualized treatment that aligns with nature’s principles.

References

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