The physiological study of Twak Upadhatu w.s.r. to Skin

Abstract

In Samhitas Twak/Twacha is described as outermost protective layer of body as well as largest sensory organ of body. According to Acharya Charaka, Twacha is the Mula of Mansavaha Srotas and Updhatu of Mansadhatu. Acharya Sushrut and Acharya Charak very minutely described its layers according to their functions and also diseases which are related to those layers. Modern health science described skin in detail according to division of cell. Skin, the largest organ of human body, holds significant importance in maintaining normal human physiological condition. The conceptual aspect of skin needs to be understood because skin disorder is outer exhibition of some kind of internal pathology. The ancient science of Ayurveda has noted its features ages back. Ayurveda, the “Science of Life”, is a real wealth of medical sciences. In Ayurvedic oldest text Sushruta Samhita- Shareer sthana, Acharya Sushruta has mentioned five sensory organs i.e. Gyanendriyas. Sparshanendriya is one of them whose Adhishthana is Twacha (skin). As we know, skin is the largest sense organ of the body which sense touch, pain, pressure, temperature etc. It is also known as “The First Line of Defense”. Ayurveda is real wealth of medical sciences which gives preference to prevention of health in healthy person and provides best treatment to diseased one. It believes in complete elimination of root cause of disorder rather than short-term relief. Skin is the largest and first site visible organ of body which acquires 1.5-2 square meter surface area of the body. It is not merely protecting covering but it is reflection of the internal system of the body.