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|title=Disha

|title=Disha

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|keywords=Disha,Disha in ayurveda,Disha Meaning,charak samhita

|keywords=Disha,Disha in ayurveda,Disha Meaning,charak samhita, directions, various disha, Indian systems of medicine, alternative medicine, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, south, east, west, north, prachi, pratichi, agneya, dakshina, uttara, north east, south west, south east, north west, ancient medicine, ancient medical science.

|description=Disha means direction

|description=Disha means direction

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

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<p style="text-align:justify;">Disha (dik) is one among nine fundamental substances ([[dravya]]). The place and existence of a subject are stated with space or direction. Cognition ([[jnana]]) of placement of a particular thing, its relative reality is done only through knowing the direction (disha). Knowledge of ‘disha’ is an integral part of life. Both living and non-living matters from a single electron in an atom to the ever-expanding universe, follow the concept of disha. Dik is everywhere, all around us.

Disha (dik) is one among nine fundamental substances ([[dravya]]). The place and existence of a subject are stated with space or direction. Cognition ([[jnana]]) of placement of a particular thing, its relative reality is done only through knowing the direction (disha). Knowledge of ‘disha’ is an integral part of life. Both living and non-living matters from a single electron in an atom to the ever-expanding universe, follow the concept of disha. Dik is everywhere, all around us.

 

Philosophy of space and time is the branch of philosophy concerned with the issues surrounding the ontology, epistemology, and character of space and time. While such ideas have been central to philosophy from its inception, the philosophy of space and time was both an inspiration for and a central aspect of early analytic philosophy. The subject focuses on a number of basic issues, including whether time and space exist independently of the mind, whether they exist independently of one another and questions about the nature of identity.

Philosophy of space and time is the branch of philosophy concerned with the issues surrounding the ontology, epistemology, and character of space and time. While such ideas have been central to philosophy from its inception, the philosophy of space and time was both an inspiration for and a central aspect of early analytic philosophy. The subject focuses on a number of basic issues, including whether time and space exist independently of the mind, whether they exist independently of one another and questions about the nature of identity.

 

Cardinal directions are a derived idea from how the earth rotates. The sun rises on one side, sets on the other, and at right angles to both of those is the north star, which never moves, or an equivalent stellar constellation (the north star has changed over time, and is different in the southern hemisphere.) From these, you can infer a fourth direction, and you have cardinal directions.

Cardinal directions are a derived idea from how the earth rotates. The sun rises on one side, sets on the other, and at right angles to both of those is the north star, which never moves, or an equivalent stellar constellation (the north star has changed over time, and is different in the southern hemisphere.) From these, you can infer a fourth direction, and you have cardinal directions.

 

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|label2 = Authors

|label2 = Authors

|data2 = Bhojani M. K. ¹, Arunlal¹

|data2 = Bhojani M. K. ¹, Arun Lal¹

|label3 = Reviewer  

|label3 = Reviewer  

|data3 = Basisht G.²

|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]²

|label4 = Editors  

|label4 = Editors  

|data4 = Deole Y.S.³, Basisht G.²

|data4 = [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]³, [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]²

|label5 = Affiliations

|label5 = Affiliations

|data5 = ¹ Department of Sharira Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

|data5 = ¹ Department of Sharira Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

² [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

² Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

³ Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India

³ Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India

carakasamhita@gmail.com

carakasamhita@gmail.com

|label7 = Date of first publication:

|label7 = Publisher

|data7 = April08, 2022

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

|label8 = DOI

|label8 = Date of first publication:

|data8 = under process

 

|label9 = DOI

|data9 = 10.47468/CSNE.2022.e01.s09.093

}}

}}

The names we are familiar with (north, south, east, west) are Germanic and replaced the Latin names (borealis, australis, orientalis, occidentalis) during the migration period (400-800 A.D.)

The names we are familiar with (north, south, east, west) are Germanic and replaced the Latin names (borealis, australis, orientalis, occidentalis) during the migration period (400-800 A.D.).

During the migration period, the Germanic names for the cardinal directions entered the Roman languages, where they replaced the Latin names borealis (or septentrionalis) with north, australis (or meridionalis) with south, occidentalis with west and orientalis with east. It is possible that some northern people used the Germanic names for the intermediate directions. Medieval Scandinavian orientation would thus have involved a 45 degree rotation of cardinal directions.

During the migration period, the Germanic names for the cardinal directions entered the Roman languages, where they replaced the Latin names borealis (or septentrionalis) with north, australis (or meridionalis) with south, occidentalis with west and orientalis with east. It is possible that some northern people used the Germanic names for the intermediate directions. Medieval Scandinavian orientation would thus have involved a 45 degree rotation of cardinal directions.

North (Proto-Germanic *norþ-) derived from the proto-Indo-European *nórto-s 'submerged' from the root *ner- 'left, below, to the left of the rising sun' whence comes the Ancient Greek name Nereus.

* North (Proto-Germanic *norþ-) derived from the proto-Indo-European *nórto-s 'submerged' from the root *ner- 'left, below, to the left of the rising sun' whence comes the Ancient Greek name Nereus.

East (*aus-t-) from the word for dawn. The proto-Indo-European form is *austo-s from the root *aues- 'shine (red)'. See Ēostre.

* East (*aus-t-) from the word for dawn. The proto-Indo-European form is *austo-s from the root *aues- 'shine (red)'. See Ēostre.

South (*sunþ-), derived from proto-Indo-European *sú-n-to-s from the root *seu- 'seethe, boil'. Cognate with this root is the word Sun, thus "the region of the Sun".

* South (*sunþ-), derived from proto-Indo-European *sú-n-to-s from the root *seu- 'seethe, boil'. Cognate with this root is the word Sun, thus "the region of the Sun".

West (*wes-t-) derived from a word for "evening". The proto-Indo-European form is *uestos from the root *ues- 'shine (red)', itself a form of *aues-. Cognate with the root are the Latin words vesper and vesta and the Ancient Greek Hestia, Hesperus and Hesperides.

* West (*wes-t-) derived from a word for "evening". The proto-Indo-European form is *uestos from the root *ues- 'shine (red)', itself a form of *aues-. Cognate with the root are the Latin words vesper and vesta and the Ancient Greek Hestia, Hesperus and Hesperides.

Sanskrit literature use the names of the Gods associated with each direction: east (Indra), southeast (Agni), south (Yama/Dharma), southwest (Nirrti), west (Varuna), northwest (Vayu), north (Kubera/Heaven) and northeast (Ishana/Shiva). North is associated with the Himalayas and heaven, while the south is associated with the underworld or land of the fathers (Pitruloka). These Gods are called as Dikpalas. The Dikpalas (also called Lokapalas) are known in Hinduism as the guardians of the directions. Each God or Goddess represents a specific cardinal direction and are used in ritual for various purposes. There are two other Gods included in the dikpalas (protectors of direction). Brahma is a God that is associated with the zenith, the upward direction. He is commonly understood as having a significant impact in the Hindu creation story. Vishnu is the God that is associated with the nadir, or downward direction. The concept of ashtadikpalas symbolically denotes that God is every where and in every direction. In whatever direction you proceed or offer your worship, you will ultimately find the God.

Sanskrit literature use the names of the Gods associated with each direction: east (Indra), southeast (Agni), south (Yama/Dharma), southwest (Nirrti), west (Varuna), northwest (Vayu), north (Kubera/Heaven) and northeast (Ishana/Shiva). North is associated with the Himalayas and heaven, while the south is associated with the underworld or land of the fathers (Pitruloka). These Gods are called as Dikpalas. The Dikpalas (also called Lokapalas) are known in Hinduism as the guardians of the directions. Each God or Goddess represents a specific cardinal direction and are used in ritual for various purposes. There are two other Gods included in the dikpalas (protectors of direction). Brahma is a God that is associated with the zenith, the upward direction. He is commonly understood as having a significant impact in the Hindu creation story. Vishnu is the God that is associated with the nadir, or downward direction. The concept of ashtadikpalas symbolically denotes that God is every where and in every direction. In whatever direction you proceed or offer your worship, you will ultimately find the God.

Though dik is unitary, it is divided into ten types for the convenience of expressions. They are particular conjunctions in relation to the region of the rising sun.

Though dik is unitary, it is divided into ten types for the convenience of expressions. They are particular conjunctions in relation to the region of the rising sun.

'''1. Prachi (East)'''

====1. Prachi (East)====

The direction with the conjunction of the sun in the present, past and future times is prachi or east. The direction in which the sun rises or the sun is visualised foremost is called prachi. The direction nearer to the rising mountain (udayachala) is called prachi or purva.

The direction with the conjunction of the sun in the present, past and future times is prachi or east. The direction in which the sun rises or the sun is visualized foremost is called prachi. The direction nearer to the rising mountain (udayachala) is called prachi or purva.

'''2. Pratichi or pashchima (West)'''

====2. Pratichi or pashchima (West)====

The direction in which the sun sets is called pratici. The direction of the vicinity of the setting mountain (astachala) or nearer to sunset is pratichi or pashchima.

The direction in which the sun sets is called pratici. The direction of the vicinity of the setting mountain (astachala) or nearer to sunset is pratichi or pashchima.

'''3. Udichi or uttara (North)'''

====3. Udichi or uttara (North)====

The direction in which the sun moves upward. On facing towards the east, the direction on the left side is called udichi or uttara. The direction which is nearer to the mountain Meru is called north.

The direction in which the sun moves upward. On facing towards the east, the direction on the left side is called udichi or uttara. The direction which is nearer to the mountain Meru is called north.

'''4. Avachi or Dakshina (South)'''

====4. Avachi or Dakshina (South)====

The direction where the sun moves downward direction is avachi or dakshina. The direction opposite to the mountain Meru and lying to the right hand of a man facing east is Avachi. It is very nearer to the Vindhya mountain ranges.

The direction where the sun moves downward direction is avachi or dakshina. The direction opposite to the mountain Meru and lying to the right hand of a man facing east is Avachi. It is very nearer to the Vindhya mountain ranges.

'''5. Agneya:''' The direction between the east and south (dakshinapurva).

====5. Agneya====

 

The direction between the east and south (dakshinapurva).

 

'''6. Nairuti:''' The direction between the south and west (dakshinapashchima).

The direction between the south and west (dakshinapashchima).

'''7. Vayavya:''' The direction between the west and north (uttarapashchima).

====7. Vayavya====

'''8. Eshanya:''' The direction between the north and east (uttarapurva).

The direction between the west and north (uttarapashchima).

These four are called sub directions (upadisi).

====8. Eshanya====

'''9. Brahmi:''' It is the upper direction (urdhwadik).

The direction between the north and east (uttarapurva).

'''10. Nagi:''' It is the downward direction (adhadik).

 

 

 

==== 10. Nagi====

 

It is the downward direction (adhadik).

Dik is eternal and all-pervading. It is an instrumental cause of all effects.

Dik is eternal and all-pervading. It is an instrumental cause of all effects.

Examples:

Examples:

Anuloma         -Masssage or application in the direction of body hairs

* Anuloma         -Masssage or application in the direction of body hairs

Pratiloma         -Masssage or application opposite to the direction of body hairs

* Pratiloma         -Masssage or application opposite to the direction of body hairs

Urdhwaga raktapitta -Bleeding from upper orifices like mouth, nose etc.

* Urdhwaga raktapitta -Bleeding from upper orifices like mouth, nose etc.

Adhoga raktapitta -Bleeding from lower orifices like rectum, vagina, urethra etc.

* Adhoga raktapitta -Bleeding from lower orifices like rectum, vagina, urethra etc.

Utkshepana -Raising up

* Utkshepana -Raising up

Apakshepana -Pulling down

* Apakshepana -Pulling down

Akunchana -Adduction or flexion or contraction

* Akunchana -Adduction or flexion or contraction

Prasarana -Abduction or extension or relaxation

* Prasarana -Abduction or extension or relaxation

   

   

Gamana         -Locomotion

* Gamana -Locomotion

Tiryaka                -Cross directions or oblique movement

* Tiryaka                -Cross directions or oblique movement

3. Sleeping by facing east or south is healthy.<ref>Radhakrishna Shastri, Anandakandam, repr., Swasthavritta Prakaran, Sootra 430-32, S. Gopalan, Honorary Secretary for the Administrative Committee, T.M.S.S.M. Library, Tanjore, 1952, p. 324.</ref>

3. Sleeping by facing east or south is healthy.<ref>Radhakrishna Shastri, Anandakandam, repr., Swasthavritta Prakaran, Sootra 430-32, S. Gopalan, Honorary Secretary for the Administrative Committee, T.M.S.S.M. Library, Tanjore, 1952, p. 324.</ref>

5. Jyotishashastra explains concepts of [[Ayurveda]] in relation to graha in many contexts like tri[[dosha]]s, [[dhatu]], [[mahabhuta]], [[ritu]], [[rasa]], [[guna]], anga-avayava etc.<ref>Shri Vaidyanath Virachita Jataka Parijata, with Sudhashalini Sanskrit Commentary and Vimala Hindi Commentaery, Chowkambha Sanskrit Samsthana, Varanasi, 1984, 2-27</ref>  

5. Jyotishashastra explains concepts of [[Ayurveda]] in relation to graha in many contexts like tri[[dosha]]s, [[dhatu]], [[mahabhuta]], [[ritu]], [[rasa]], [[guna]], anga-avayava etc.<ref>Shri Vaidyanath Virachita Jataka Parijata, with Sudhashalini Sanskrit Commentary and Vimala Hindi Commentaery, Chowkambha Sanskrit Samsthana, Varanasi, 1984, 2-27</ref>  

6. Seeing someone from Andhra, southern part of the country (dravidadesa) is a bad omen. [Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/29]

6. Seeing someone from Andhra, southern part of the country (dravida desha) is a bad omen. [Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/29]

7. Naming of diseases like [[raktapitta]] as urdhwaga and adhoga [A.Hr. Nidana Sthana 3]<ref name= Hridaya > Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref>

7. Naming of diseases like [[raktapitta]] as urdhwaga and adhoga [A.Hr. Nidana Sthana 3]<ref name= Hridaya > Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref>

Dravyaguna is the science that deals with the properties and actions of drugs, including pharmacognosy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics of substances. The concept of disha is applied in the source, naming, collection, preservation etc., of various medicinal plants.

Dravyaguna is the science that deals with the properties and actions of drugs, including pharmacognosy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics of substances. The concept of disha is applied in the source, naming, collection, preservation etc., of various medicinal plants.

a) Nomenclature (namajnana): The direction of growth of a plant is known. Viruddha is named according to the property of climbing in opposite direction to that of gravity. (The plant [[Apamarga]] got the name Adhashalya, because of the downward direction of sharp ends of its seed) The drug [[Pippali]] (Piper longum) is also referred to as Magadhi, based on the place where it is found in abundance. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/53]

a) Nomenclature (namajnana): The direction of growth of a plant is known. Viruddha is named according to the property of climbing in opposite direction to that of gravity. (The plant [[Apamarga]] got the name Adhashalya, because of the downward direction of sharp ends of its seed) The drug Piper longum ([[Pippali]]) is also referred to as Magadhi, based on the place where it is found in abundance. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/53]

b) Collection of herbs (aushadha grahana): The collection method of many herbs is explained in detail. The direction and geographic location of herbs influence the qualities of the drug in various regions and seasons. The one who collect the plant should face north or east direction.[Cha.Sa. [[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/14] The northen part of plant have more quality compared to the other parts of the plant. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 36/3]<ref name=Susruta/> The part of the plant (eg.root) developed in the northern direction has better therapeutic properties. [Cha.Sa. [[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/10]

b) Collection of herbs (aushadha grahana): The collection method of many herbs is explained in detail. The direction and geographic location of herbs influence the qualities of the drug in various regions and seasons. The one who collect the plant should face north or east direction.[Cha.Sa. [[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/14] The northen part of plant have more quality compared to the other parts of the plant. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 36/3]<ref name=Susruta/> The part of the plant (eg.root) developed in the northern direction has better therapeutic properties. [Cha.Sa. [[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/10]

c) Specific activity (visheshakarma): In order to attain the best therapeutic qualities for ingredients used in important procedures like pumsavana, specific collection procedures are explained in detail. Vatashringa (tender shoots of banyan tree) developed in northern or east direction shall be taken for this procedure.

c) Specific activity (visheshakarma): In order to attain the best therapeutic qualities for ingredients used in important procedures like pumsavana, specific collection procedures are explained in detail. Tender shoots of banyan tree (vatashringa) developed in northern or east direction shall be taken for this procedure.

   

   

The potency of active principles in herbs is influenced by direction of movement of the sun in different seasons. Herbs with cold potency (souamya or sheeta) or mild actions shall be collected in cold seasons. Those with hot potency (agneya) shall be collected in the hot season. [Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 36/6]<ref name=Susruta/>

The potency of active principles in herbs is influenced by direction of movement of the sun in different seasons. Herbs with cold potency (souamya or sheeta) or mild actions shall be collected in cold seasons. Those with hot potency (agneya) shall be collected in the hot season. [Su.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 36/6]<ref name=Susruta/>

d) Storage of medicines (dravyasamgrahana): Guidelines for processing and storing the collected items are described based on directions. The construction of storehouses in the eastern or northern direction with relation to the city area is advised. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 36/17]<ref name=Susruta/> Body part or geographical location (desha): The body parts affected in pathogenesis of disease is examined and treated based on direction. The geographical habitat of the person is important for knowing the status of health and prevalent diseases in that region.[Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/84] The place of collection of best quality drugs are explained. For example, the drug Tuvaraka (Hydnocarpus laurifolia (dennst.) Sleumer) from the western seashore is the best quality.[Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/34]<ref name=Susruta/> Phyllanthus fraternus Webster (Tamalaka), Musa x paradisiaca L. ([[Kadali]]), Holostemmaada-kodien Schult. (Jivanti) etc. collected from the western part of the country possess better quality. Haimavata and Dakshina Patha are the names given to the drugs found in northern region and southern region of India respectively. The tree Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn (Aswakarna) is found over western part of the country. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/56-65], [Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/33-35] The fruit Salvadora persica L. (Pilu) is found in north India. [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 7/63] In the context of [[rasayana]], west direction (pashchima) is the best. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

d) Storage of medicines (dravyasamgrahana): Guidelines for processing and storing the collected items are described based on directions. The construction of storehouses in the eastern or northern direction with relation to the city area is advised. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 36/17]<ref name=Susruta/> Body part or geographical location (desha): The body parts affected in pathogenesis of disease is examined and treated based on direction. The geographical habitat of the person is important for knowing the status of health and prevalent diseases in that region.[Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/84] The place of collection of best quality drugs are explained. For example, the drug Hydnocarpus laurifolia (dennst.) Sleumer (Tuvaraka) from the western seashore is the best quality.[Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/34]<ref name=Susruta/> Phyllanthus fraternus Webster (Tamalaka), Musa x paradisiaca L. ([[Kadali]]), Holostemmaada-kodien Schult. (Jivanti) etc. collected from the western part of the country possess better quality. Haimavata and Dakshina Patha are the names given to the drugs found in northern region and southern region of India respectively. The tree Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn (Aswakarna) is found over western part of the country. [Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/56-65]<ref name=Susruta/>, [Su.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/33-35]<ref name=Susruta/> The fruit Salvadora persica L. (Pilu) is found in north India. [Cha.Sa. [[Siddhi Sthana]] 7/63] In the context of [[rasayana]], west direction (pashchima) is the best. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

===Application of direction in pharmacy===

===Application of direction in pharmacy===

|+ Table 1: Architectural plan of directions within the pharmacy

|+ Table 1: Architectural plan of directions within the pharmacy

|-

|-

! Disha  !! Karma

! Disha  !! [[Karma]]

|-

|-

| | Purva (east)|| Rasa bhairava, rasalinga sthapana (Lord Shiva)

| | East (purva)|| Lord Shiva (Rasa bhairava, rasalinga sthapana)

|-

|-

| | Paschima (west)|| Kshalana karma (washing, cleaning)

| | West (paschima)|| Washing, cleaning (kshalana karma)

|-

|-

| | Uttara (north)|| Vedha karma (raw drugs, equipments)

| | North (uttara)|| Raw drugs, equipments (vedha karma)

|-

|-

| | Dakshina(south) || Pashana karma (grinding, pounding)

| | South (dakshina) || Grinding, pounding (pashana karma)

|-

|-

| | Agneya (south-east) || Vahni karma (furnaces for boiling, drying etc.)

| | South-east (agneya) || Furnaces for boiling, drying etc. (vahni karma)

|-

|-

| |Vayavya (north-west)||Soshana karma (hot air oven / disintegration drying)  

| | North-west (vayavya)|| Hot air oven / Disintegration drying (soshana karma)  

|-

|-

| |Nairutya (south-west) || Sastra karma (cutting and chopping)

| | South-west (nairutya) || Cutting and chopping (sastra karma)

|-

|-

| |Ishanya (north-east) || Siddhavastusthapana (the prepared items to be stored here)

| | North-east (ishanya) || The prepared items to be stored here (siddhavastusthapana)

|-

|-

|}

|}

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Table 1: Oil drop examination of urine (tailabindupariksha)

|+ Table 2: Oil drop examination of urine (tailabindupariksha)

|-

|-

!  Direction of oil drop spread !! Prediction

!  Direction of oil drop spread !! Prediction

|}

|}

===Application in preservance of health===

===Application in preservation of health===

   

   

Guidelines of passing natural urges based on direction are given. One should face north during daytime and face south at night while passing natural urges.<ref>Astanga Samgraha of Sri Vagabhata, Hindi Vyakhya- Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta, Vol-1,2, Reprint 2005, Chaukhambha Krishnadasa Academy, Sutra Sthana chapter 3 versus 3.</ref> According to vastu sastra, one should lie down with his/her head pointed south.<ref>Saran S, Shirodkar AD. Vastu shastra and feng shui the ancient sciences and their fusion in context of Indian architecture. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2017;6(11):136-44.</ref>  The study conducted by Hekmatmanesh A et.al. found out that that bed orientation influences sleep electroencephalography signals and sleeping toward the earth’s electromagnetic field (North-South) can have some positive effects on the sleep EEG.<ref>Hekmatmanesh A, Banaei M, Haghighi KS, Najafi A. Bedroom design orientation and sleep electroencephalography signals. Acta Med Int 2019;6:33-7</ref>

Guidelines of passing natural urges based on direction are given. One should face north during daytime and face south at night while passing natural urges.<ref>Astanga Samgraha of Sri Vagabhata, Hindi Vyakhya- Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta, Vol-1,2, Reprint 2005, Chaukhambha Krishnadasa Academy, Sutra Sthana chapter 3 versus 3.</ref> According to vastu sastra, one should lie down with his/her head pointed south.<ref>Saran S, Shirodkar AD. Vastu shastra and feng shui the ancient sciences and their fusion in context of Indian architecture. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2017;6(11):136-44.</ref>  The study conducted by Hekmatmanesh A et.al. found out that that bed orientation influences sleep electroencephalography signals and sleeping toward the earth’s electromagnetic field (North-South) can have some positive effects on the sleep EEG.<ref>Hekmatmanesh A, Banaei M, Haghighi KS, Najafi A. Bedroom design orientation and sleep electroencephalography signals. Acta Med Int 2019;6:33-7</ref>

   

   

One should face east or south while taking meals. [Yogaratnakara 10/16] Directions for serving various food items are specific. Khanda, yusha etc. should be placed at the left side of the individual. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/456]<ref name=Susruta/> Study shall be done facing east. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/11]

One should face east or south while taking meals. [Yogaratnakara 10/16] Directions for serving various food items are specific. Khanda, thin vegetable soup (yusha) etc. should be placed at the left side of the individual. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/456]<ref name=Susruta/> Study shall be done facing east. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/11]

===Application in shalyatantra (surgery)===

===Application in shalya tantra (surgery)===

The concept of disha is applied in many surgical procedures. During the surgical procedure, the patient should face east (pragmukha) and the physician (vaidya) should face west (pratyangmukha). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

The concept of disha is applied in many surgical procedures. During the surgical procedure, the patient should face east (pragmukha) and the physician (vaidya) should face west (pratyangmukha). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

==Contemporary approach==

==Contemporary approach==

In chapter 10 of ‘On Airs, Waters, and Places’, Hippocrates wrote that ‘‘if the winter proves dry and northerly, the spring rainy and southerly, the summer will necessarily bring fever, causing opthalmia (eye disorders) and dysenteries. Because whenever heat comes suddenly, while earth is still soaked from the spring rains and the south winds, heat is doubled from the rain-soaked earth and the burning sun while men’s bowels are not being braced nor their mind dried by dysenteries are more likely to come upon women and the most humid constitutions.’’<ref>Hippocrates. Airs, Waters, Places. In: Goold GP, editor, Jones WHS, trans. Hippocrates I. The Loeb classical library no 147. 7th ed. London: William Heinemann; 1984. p. 98-105.</ref>  In chapter 1 of On Airs, Waters, and Places Hippocrates suggested that all doctors should be familiar with the position of the town they are practicing in, with respect to the winds that affect the town. He believed that people living in cities with differing orientations against the winds experience different diseases (Chapters 3–6).<ref>Matthew E. Falagas, Ioannis A. Bliziotis, John Kosmidis, George K. Daikos, Unusual climatic conditions and infectious diseases: observations made by Hippocrates, Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica, Volume 28, Issue 10, 2010, Pages 716-718, ISSN 0213-005X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eimc.2009.11.013.</ref>

In chapter 10 of ‘On Airs, Waters, and Places’, Hippocrates wrote that ‘‘if the winter proves dry and northerly, the spring rainy and southerly, the summer will necessarily bring fever, causing opthalmia (eye disorders) and dysenteries. Because whenever heat comes suddenly, while earth is still soaked from the spring rains and the south winds, heat is doubled from the rain-soaked earth and the burning sun while men’s bowels are not being braced nor their mind dried by dysenteries are more likely to come upon women and the most humid constitutions.’’<ref>Hippocrates. Airs, Waters, Places. In: Goold GP, editor, Jones WHS, trans. Hippocrates I. The Loeb classical library no 147. 7th ed. London: William Heinemann; 1984. p. 98-105.</ref>  In chapter 1 of 'On Airs, Waters, and Places', Hippocrates suggested that all doctors should be familiar with the position of the town they are practicing in, with respect to the winds that affect the town. He believed that people living in cities with differing orientations against the winds experience different diseases (Chapters 3–6).<ref>Matthew E. Falagas, Ioannis A. Bliziotis, John Kosmidis, George K. Daikos, Unusual climatic conditions and infectious diseases: observations made by Hippocrates, Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica, Volume 28, Issue 10, 2010, Pages 716-718, ISSN 0213-005X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eimc.2009.11.013.</ref>

According to ancient knowledge of vastushastra, each direction has a dominating deity. Construction in that direction is good, auspicious, bad or inauspicious as suggested in vastu shastra. These are perfectly tuned to nature, surroundings and environment without any kind of trouble. The primary objective of vastushastra is to bring perfect balance and harmony between nature, people, their place of living and working, thereby paving the way for peace, prosperity, health and happiness to everyone.<ref>Gupta R. Comparison of Vastu Shastra with Modern Building Science. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 2016 Jul;3(7):118-21.</ref>

According to ancient knowledge of vastushastra, each direction has a dominating deity. Construction in that direction is good, auspicious, bad or inauspicious as suggested in vastu shastra. These are perfectly tuned to nature, surroundings and environment without any kind of trouble. The primary objective of vastushastra is to bring perfect balance and harmony between nature, people, their place of living and working, thereby paving the way for peace, prosperity, health and happiness to everyone.<ref>Gupta R. Comparison of Vastu Shastra with Modern Building Science. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 2016 Jul;3(7):118-21.</ref>

Fengshui is based on a number of complex connected ideas from cosmology, the philosophy of nature, astrology and astronomy concerning the general organization of the universe and the possibility that organization has of influencing human lives. It is mainly concerned with finding the best possible arrangement in space and somehow in time to position a grave – the residence of the dead – or a habitation – the residence of the living – in such a way that human beings who have a link with that place (descendants of the buried ancestors or those living in the house) might have success and happiness.<ref>Obringer, F. (2005) ‘Fengshui, or the Search for a Very Human Dragon’, Diogenes, 52(3), pp. 55–63. doi: 10.1177/0392192105055171.</ref>

Fengshui is based on a number of complex connected ideas from cosmology, the philosophy of nature, astrology and astronomy concerning the general organization of the universe and the possibility that organization has of influencing human lives. It is mainly concerned with finding the best possible arrangement in space and somehow in time to position a grave – the residence of the dead – or a habitation – the residence of the living – in such a way that human beings who have a link with that place (descendants of the buried ancestors or those living in the house) might have success and happiness.<ref>Obringer, F. (2005) ‘Fengshui, or the Search for a Very Human Dragon’, Diogenes, 52(3), pp. 55–63. doi: 10.1177/0392192105055171.</ref>

Fengshui is a philosophy of setting and placing buildings and elements in an environment. It aims to realize physical environment that encourages well-being through the utilization of flowing energy. Environmental psychology is a scientific discipline that studies how to design environments that can meet the needs of their occupants and facilitate their activities in order to promote their well-being. The first and most important purpose of fengshui is the creation of physical environments that encourage well-being through the utilization of natural energies. This outcome is similar to what environmental psychology aims to achieve with its tradition of scientific studies: helping to design environments that promote well-being among their occupant.<ref>Bonaiuto, M., Bilotta, E., & Stolfa, A. (2010). “FENG SHUI” AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: A CRITICAL COMPARISON. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 27(1), 23–34. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43030890</ref>

Fengshui is a philosophy of setting and placing buildings and elements in an environment. It aims to realize physical environment that encourages well-being through the utilization of flowing energy. Environmental psychology is a scientific discipline that studies how to design environments that can meet the needs of their occupants and facilitate their activities in order to promote their well-being. The first and most important purpose of fengshui is the creation of physical environments that encourage well-being through the utilization of natural energies. This outcome is similar to what environmental psychology aims to achieve with its tradition of scientific studies, helping to design environments that promote well-being among their occupant.<ref>Bonaiuto, M., Bilotta, E., & Stolfa, A. (2010). “FENG SHUI” AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: A CRITICAL COMPARISON. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 27(1), 23–34. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43030890</ref>

In the traditional Chinese Medicine component - Acupuncture, to achieve the well known analgesic effects, direction, angle and depth of needle insertion is of utmost importance.<ref>Fan GQ, Zhao Y, Fu ZH. [Acupuncture analgesia and the direction, angle and depth of needle insertion]. Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2010 Nov;30(11):965-968. PMID: 21246860</ref>

In the traditional Chinese Medicine component - Acupuncture, to achieve the well known analgesic effects, direction, angle and depth of needle insertion is of utmost importance.<ref>Fan GQ, Zhao Y, Fu ZH. [Acupuncture analgesia and the direction, angle and depth of needle insertion]. Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2010 Nov;30(11):965-968. PMID: 21246860</ref>

The work by Sood T. et.al summarizes that the concept of disha is applied in one or another way in all streams of ancient sciences and current sciences. Ancient sciences like [[Ayurveda]], Darshana Shastra (philosophy), Jyotisha Shastra (astrology), Vastushastra (architecture) have particular understanding and explanation regarding directions (disha) based on their objectives and applications. All the modern imaging techniques apply the concept of directions (dik). The use of the concept is not just restricted to philosophy or medical sciences. Dik is omnipresent, like gravity, and it is an integral part of our lives.

The work by Sood T. et.al summarizes that the concept of disha is applied in one or another way in all streams of ancient sciences and current sciences. Ancient sciences like [[Ayurveda]], Darshana Shastra (philosophy), Jyotisha Shastra (astrology), Vastushastra (architecture) have particular understanding and explanation regarding directions (disha) based on their objectives and applications. All the modern imaging techniques apply the concept of directions (dik). The use of the concept is not just restricted to philosophy or medical sciences. Dik is omnipresent, like gravity, and it is an integral part of our lives.

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==References==

==References==

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