E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Applied aspect of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta in General Aspects

Narayan R1*, Ram M2, Jaiswal RT3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.38

1* Raj Narayan, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2 Manohar Ram, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3 Ramnihor Tapsi Jaiswal, Associate Professor, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta[1] is a fundamental principle in Ayurveda that explains the concepts of similarity (Samanya) and dissimilarity (Vishesh) in relation to substances, qualities, and actions. This principle plays a crucial role in understanding the physiology of the body, the pathology of diseases, and the mechanism of treatment. According to Ayurveda, Samanya leads to an increase (Vriddhi) of similar attributes, while Vishesh results in a decrease (Kshaya). This concept is applicable in various aspects of life, including dietary practices, drug selection, and therapeutic approaches. For instance, consuming substances with properties similar to the bodily components increases them, while those with opposite properties decrease them. The principle of Samanya-Vishesh serves as the foundation for Ayurvedic treatments, allowing physicians to restore balance in the body by either enhancing or reducing specific qualities. It aligns with the holistic approach of Ayurveda, emphasizing personalized treatments through diet, lifestyle modifications, and targeted herbal interventions. This Siddhanta is not only relevant in classical Ayurvedic formulations but also provides insight into modern pathophysiology by offering a logical framework for understanding the impact of various therapeutic measures on the human body.

Keywords: Samanya-Vishesh, Vriddhi, Kshaya, Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Pathology

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Raj Narayan, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Narayan R, Ram M, Jaiswal RT, Applied aspect of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta in General Aspects. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):288-291.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4838/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-09 2025-05-24 2025-06-04 2025-06-14 2025-06-24
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© 2025 by Narayan R, Ram M, Jaiswal RT 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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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Raj N et al. Applied aspect of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta

Introduction

Among the foundational principles of Ayurveda, Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta holds a pivotal place in guiding both understanding and application of therapeutic interventions. This principle, rooted in the dual concepts of similarity (Samanya) and difference (Vishesh), offers a practical lens through which practitioners can assess pathology and design personalized treatments. Samanya leads to - increase when a substance or quality similar to the body's components is introduced, it augments that element. Conversely, Vishesh brings about reduction - using dissimilar qualities to counteract excess or imbalance. These dynamics are at the heart of Ayurvedic decision-making, whether it's choosing Aahar (diet), Aushadha (medicine), or Vihara (lifestyle modifications).

For the Clinician

Samanya-Vishesh is not merely philosophical - it is applied logic. It empowers the practitioner to fine-tune therapies by observing how qualities interact with the body’s existing state, ensuring that treatment is both precise and dynamic. Whether addressing Doshic vitiation, Dhatu Kshaya, or Agni Dushti, this principle provides a subtle yet powerful tool to restore Samyavastha- the state of balance.[4]

Aim and Objectives

Aim

1. To establish a fundamental principle that explains the increase (Vriddhi) and decrease (Kshaya) of substances, qualities, and functions in the body.
2. To provide a logical framework for understanding the physiological and pathological processes in Ayurveda.
3. To guide the selection of diet, lifestyle, and therapeutic interventions based on the principles of similarity (Samanya) and dissimilarity (Vishesh).
4. To support the Ayurvedic approach to personalized medicine by tailoring treatments according to individual constitution and disease pathology.[2]

Objectives

1. To define the concepts of Samanya (similarity) and Vishesh (dissimilarity) and their role in maintaining health and treating diseases.[2]

2. To analyze the physiological applications of Samanya in growth, nourishment, and maintenance of body tissues (Dhatus).[3]
3. To examine the role of Vishesh in reducing excess Doshas, Dhatus, or Malas to restore balance.
4. To integrate Samanya-Vishesh principles in therapeutic decision-making,[3] including drug formulation, diet planning & treatment strategies.
5. To explore the relevance of this Siddhanta in contemp. health sciences & integrative medicine.
6. To enhance clinical outcomes by applying Samanya-Vishesh principles in disease management and prevention.

Materials and Methods

Materials:

1. Classical Ayurvedic Texts: Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astang Hridayam and other relevant Ayurvedic scriptures.
2. Commentaries: Traditional and modern interpretations of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta by renowned scholars.
3. Research Articles & Journals: Contemporary studies on Ayurvedic principles, including pharmacological and clinical applications.
4. Case Studies: Clinical observations and treatment protocols based on Samanya-Vishesh
5. Modern Scientific Literature: Comparative anal. with modern physiological & therapeutic concepts.

Methods:

1. Literary Review: A detailed analysis of classical Ayurvedic texts to understand the theoretical framework of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta.
2. Comparative Analysis: Correlating the principle with modern medical and physiological concepts.
3. Clinical Observations: Studying the application of Samanya-Vishesh in Ayurvedic treatments, including diet, lifestyle, and medicine.
4. Case-Based Study: Evaluating the impact of similarity and dissimilarity in disease progression and management.
5. Data Interpretation: Organizing findings into logical conclusions that highlight the relevance of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta in both traditional and contemporary medicine.

This methodological approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta, bridging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific perspectives.


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Discussion

Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta is a fundamental doctrine in Ayurveda that elucidates how similarity (Samanya) and dissimilarity (Vishesh) influence the body's equilibrium. This principle is instrumental in understanding the mechanisms of health and disease, providing a framework for therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring balance.

Theoretical Understanding

In Ayurvedic literature, Samanya refers to the commonality or similarity among substances, qualities, or actions, leading to an increase in the associated components. Conversely, Vishesh denotes the uniqueness or dissimilarity, resulting in a decrease. This concept is articulated in the Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 1/44,

“Samanyam Ekatvakaram, Visheshtu Prithaktavkrit
Tulyaarthataa Hi Saamaanyam, Visheshastu Viparyaya.”

Which states that similarity leads to augmentation, while dissimilarity causes diminution. These principles are integral to the Shad Padartha in Ayurveda, which include Dravya (substance), Guna (quality), Karma (action), Samanya (similarity), Vishesh (dissimilarity), and Samavaya (inherence). Understanding Samanya and Vishesh aids in comprehending how various factors contribute to Physiological processes and pathological conditions.

Physiological application

The body's homeostasis is maintained through the balance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Dhatus (tissues), Malas (waste products), and Agni (digestive fire). The application of Samanya-Vishesh principles in physiology includes:

  • Dravya Samanya/Vishesh: Utilizing substances to influence bodily components. For instance, consuming oily foods (Sneha Dravya) can increase Kapha Dosha due to their similar unctuous quality, exemplifying Dravya Samanya. Conversely, ingesting dry substances decrease Kapha, illustrating Dravya Vishesh.
  • Guna Samanya/Vishesh: Employing qualities to affect the body's state. For example, consuming hot and spicy foods, which possess the Ushna (hot) quality, can increase Pitta Dosha (Guna Samanya). On the other hand, consuming cooling substances like milk can decrease Pitta (Guna Vishesh).

  • Karma Samanya/Vishesh: Engaging in activities that impact physiological balance. Regular exercise (Vyayama) can reduce excess Medha Dhatu (adipose tissue) by promoting metabolic activity, demonstrating Karma Vishesh. In contrast, sedentary behavior may lead to an increase in Medha Dhatu, illustrating Karma Samanya.

Pathological Relevance

Imbalances in the body's constituents lead to disease states. Applying Samanya-Vishesh principles helps in understanding and correcting these imbalances:

Excess Conditions: An overabundance of Kapha Dosha may result in conditions like obesity or congestion. Implementing Vishesh by introducing substances and activities with opposing qualities, such as dry and light foods (Ruksha and Laghu Ahara) and stimulating exercises, can help reduce Kapha.[8]

Deficiency Conditions: A deficiency in Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) can lead to anemia. Applying Samanya by incorporating iron-rich foods and herbs like Punarnava and Amalaki, which have similar properties to Rakta, can aid in replenishing this tissue.

Therapeutic Implications

The Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta guides various therapeutic approaches in Ayurveda:[5]

  • Brimhana (Nourishing Therapy): Utilizes Samanya to enhance deficient tissues. For example, administering Ashwagandha and a nutrient-rich diet to build muscle mass in individuals with Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya (muscle tissue depletion).
  • Langhana (Reducing Therapy): Applies Vishesh to diminish excess components. Employing fasting (Upavasa) and light foods to reduce excess Medha Dhatu in obesity management.
  • Shamana (Palliative Therapy): Balances Doshas without eliminating them. Using cooling herbs like Shatavari to pacify aggravated Pitta Dosha.
  • Shodhana (Purification Therapy): Eliminates the accumulated toxins and excesses. Performing Vamana (therapeutic emesis) to expel excess Kapha from the system.

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Clinical Outcomes

Applying the Samanya-Vishesh principles allows for individualized treatment plans, leading to effective clinical outcomes:[⁶]

  • Case of Vata Aggravation: A patient presenting with insomnia, dry skin, and constipation indicative of increased Vata Dosha may benefit from Samanya by incorporating warm, unctuous foods and oil massages (Abhyanga) to introduce similar qualities and restore balance.
  • Case of Pitta Excess: In conditions like hyperacidity and burning sensation characterized by elevated Pitta, applying Vishesh through cooling diets, herbs like Guduchi, and calming activities can help mitigate symptoms.
  • Case of Kapha Accumulation: For ailments such as respiratory congestion and lethargy due to Kapha dominance, utilizing pungent spices like Trikatu and engaging in vigorous exercise can reduce Kapha through

Conclusion

Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta serves as a cornerstone in Ayurvedic medicine, offering a logical framework for understanding and addressing health and disease. Its application ensures that treatments are tailored to individual needs, promoting holistic well-being through the restoration of balance in the body's fundamental elements.

References

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