Changes

== Components of satmya ==

== Components of satmya ==

Satmya is one of the important assessment parameters in examination of patient. It differs according to desha(geographical region), kala(season), vyadhi (disease), prakriti(naturalconstitution), swabhava (inherent nature) and abhyasa(repeated use).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/5]

Satmya is one of the important assessment parameters in examination of patient. It differs according to geographical region(desha), season (kala),disease(vyadhi), naturalconstitution(prakriti),inherent nature(swabhava) and repeated use(abhyasa).[Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/5]

For understanding and application in the field of health care, following are the components of satmya.

For understanding and application in the field of health care, the following are the components of satmya.

=== Prakriti satmya ===

=== Prakriti satmya ===

It refers to the diet and lifestyle agreeable to natural constitution of the person. Certain regimen is inherently suitable to one’s natural constitution.For example, the food having sweet, sour and salty taste is inherently suitable for a person with vata dominant constitution, because these tastes naturally pacify vatadosha. All tastes are suitable for a person with balanced constitution involving equilibrium of all dosha. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/41]

It refers to the diet and lifestyle agreeable to natural constitution of the person. Certain regimen is inherently suitable to one’s natural constitution.For example, the food having sweet, sour and salty taste is inherently suitable for a person with vata dominant constitution, because these tastes naturally pacify Vata dosha. All tastes are suitable for a person with a balanced constitution involving the equilibrium of all dosha. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/41]

=== Desha satmya ===

=== Desha satmya ===

Desha satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area.

Desha satmya refers to suitability and adaptation in a particular geographical area.

‘Desha denotes the geographic region relating to that substance(s), suitable to the area. The food items growing in a region inherently havehas specific properties. For example, those growing in arid area are light to digest and those in marshy area are heavy to digest. Likewise, the animals also possess qualities according to that region. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22(5)]

‘Desha denotes the geographic region relating to that substance(s), suitable to the area. The food items growing in a region inherently have specific properties. For example, those growing in arid areas are light to digest and those in the marshy areas are heavy to digest. Likewise, the animals also possess qualities according to that region. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22(5)]

   

   

The diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities to those of region are considered suitable for preservation health of people living in that area. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]

The diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities to those of regions are considered suitable for the preservation of the health of people living in that area. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50]

It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area adopt a specific diet and regimens. It may be because of the availability of substances and suitability to that particular environment in that specific area. Any unwholesome food substance to which a person is habituated should not be withdrawn abruptly.  

It is observed that people living in a particular geographical area adopt a specific diet and regimens. It may be because of the availability of substances and suitability to that particular environment in that specific area. Any unwholesome food substance to which a person is habituated should not be withdrawn abruptly.  

Following are examples of desha satmya:

Following are examples of desha satmya:

• Balhika (present day Afghanisthan) people are habituated to the intake of mamsa (meat), godhuma(wheat), madhvika ( alcoholic beverages), and they are indicated for Shastrakarma (surgery) and Agnikarma (cauterization).  

• Present-day Afghanisthan (Balhika) people are habituated to the intake of meat(mamsa), wheat(godhuma), alcoholic beverages(madhvika), and they are indicated for surgery(Shastra karma) and cauterization(Agnikarma).  

• People from Prachya(east region) are habituated to the use of fish.

• People from east region(Prachya) are habituated to the use of fish.

• People living in Sindhadesha (present day Ssindh region) are accustomed to the intake of milk.  

• People living in the Sindh region (Sindhadesha) are accustomed to the intake of milk.  

• Ashmaka (region around and between the river Godavari) and Avantika (Ujjain) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances.  

• region around and between the river Godavari (Ashmaka) and Ujjain (Avantika) residents are used with the consumption of oil and sour substances.  

• People from Malaya (Malabar region) are habituated to the intake of kandamula (rhizomes, tuber roots) and fruits.  

• People from the Malabar region (Malaya) are habituated to the intake of rhizomes, tuber roots(kandamula), and fruits.  

• People from south are used to the intake of peya(thin gruel) , and people from north are habituated to the consumption of mantha.  

• People from the south are used to the intake of thin gruel(peya), and people from the north are habituated to the consumption of mantha.  

• People from central part are accustomed to the use of yava(barley), godhuma(wheat) and gorasa(milk). [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/315-18]

• People from the central part are accustomed to the use of barley(yava), wheat(godhuma), and milk(gorasa). [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/315-18]

Apart from this, deshasatmya also means that which is suitable for a group. For example, madhura (sweet taste) is suitable to increase group of tissues. It is also applied to denote suitability for an organ or body part. E.g. chakshushya (suitable for eyes), keshya (suitable for hairs).<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

Apart from this, desha satmya also means that which is suitable for a group. For example, sweet taste (madhura) is suitable to increase the group of tissues. It is also applied to denote suitability for an organ or body part. E.g. suitable for eyes(chakshushya), suitable for hairs (keshya).<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

=== Ritu satmya ===

=== Ritu satmya ===

Ritusatmya refers tosuitability according to season.  A person who understands the phenomenon of ritusatmya (seasonal adaptations in diet and lifestyle) and practices it, lives healthy and long life. Ritucharya (seasonal regimens) describes specific diet and lifestyle for ritusatmya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3]

Ritusatmya refers to suitability according to season.  A person who understands the phenomenon of seasonal adaptations in diet and lifestyle (ritusatmya) and practices it, lives healthy and long life. Seasonal regimens(Ritucharya) describes a specific diet and lifestyle for ritusatmya. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/3]

=== Vyadhi satmya ===

=== Vyadhi satmya ===

Vyadhi satmya refers to wholesome for or speciallyespecially effective in a particular disease condition.The regimen possesses specific qualities opposite to aggravated pathological factors of disease. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50] E.g. Yavagu(rice gruel) is effective in management of jwara(fever) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/153]).  

Vyadhi satmya refers to wholesome for or especially effective in a particular disease condition. The regimen possesses specific qualities opposite to aggravated pathological factors of disease. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 6/50] E.g. Rice gruel(Yavagu) is effective in management of fever(jwara) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/153]).  

The other examples are milk in gulma, kshaudra(honey) in prameha, ghee in udavarta. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

The other examples are milk in gulma, honey(kshaudra) in prameha, ghee in udavarta. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

=== Swabhava satmya ===

=== Swabhava satmya ===

Swabhavasatmyameans regimen specific to inherent nature of substance. Certain substances are said to be wholesome by their basic nature. For example, breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome food for infants. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/109, 27/224]  

Swabhavasatmyameans regimen specific to the inherent nature of substance. Certain substances are said to be wholesome by their basic nature. For example, breast milk is mentioned as universal wholesome food for infants. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 1/109, 27/224]  

The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 22/25]

The meat of animals living in their suitable habitat leads to nourishment. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 22/25]

===Jati satmya ===

===Jati satmya ===

Jatisatmya refers to suitability of a substance to a specific animal species. E.g. Shali (red rice) is suitable for human beings, grass is suitable for deer.<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

Jatisatmya refers to the suitability of a substance to a specific animal species. E.g. Red rice(Shali) is suitable for human beings, grass is suitable for deer.<ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

===Vaya satmya ===

===Vaya satmya ===

Vayasatmya refers to suitability according to age. The therapeutic measures like agni karma (cauterization), kshara karma(application of alkali), strong emesis, purgation, pungent medicines are not suitable in old age and childhood. <ref>MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net </ref>

Vayasatmya refers to suitability according to age. The therapeutic measures like cauterization(agni karma), application of alkali(kshara karma), strong emesis, purgation, pungent medicines are not suitable in old age and childhood. <ref>MurlidharPaliwal. The concept of Satmya in Ayurveda. UJAHM 2014, 02 (04): 16-19. Available from http://www.ujconline.net </ref>

=== Okasatmya ===

=== Okasatmya ===

It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure.

It refers to habituation developed by practice/spontaneous exposure.

This is a very the most important concept of satmya having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is an acquired type of satmya due to repeated or habitual use of a particular substance or following a particular regimen for a long time. By repeated use or spontaneous exposure in small quantity, the person gets adapted to a substance/ regimen. It may or may not be beneficial for health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable without causing any harmful effect. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

This is very the most important concept of satmya having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is an acquired type of satmya due to repeated or habitual use of a particular substance or following a particular regimen for a long time. By repeated use or spontaneous exposure in small quantities, the person gets adapted to a substance/ regimen. It may or may not be beneficial for health in general. But, for that particular person, it becomes suitable without causing any harmful effect. <ref>Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita Sutra Sthana 35/40</ref>

Oka satmya depends upon the upayokta(consumer). It is one of the important components of diet. Pathya(wholesome) and apathya(unwholesome) highly depend upon okasatmya of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22]

Oka satmya depends upon the consumer(upayokta). It is one of the important components of diet. Wholesome(Pathya) and unwholesome(apathya) highly depend upon okasatmya of an individual. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/22]

=== Natural suitability of dosha ===

=== Natural suitability of dosha ===

The dosha viz. vayu, pitta and kapha never destroy each other inspite of having contradictory properties, they coexist in a harmonious state. This happens because of their sahaja- satmya (natural wholesome disposition of coexistence), as even fatal poison does not affect snakes. [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/293]

The dosha viz. vayu, pitta and kapha never destroy each other in spite of having contradictory properties, they coexist in a harmonious state. This happens because of their natural wholesome disposition of coexistence(sahaja-satmya), as even fatal poison does not affect snakes. [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/293]

===Role of satmya in life-cycle===

===Role of satmya in life-cycle===

[[File:Pic 2.JPG|400px|'''Image 2:''' '''Satmya in life cycle'''|thumb]]

[[File:Pic 2.JPG|400px|'''Image 2:''' '''Satmya in life cycle'''|thumb]]

The role of satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of embryo and continues throughout life.  Adaptations during intrauterine period are influenced by the diet and lifestyle of mother. Adaptations after birth are influenced by the geographical area, seasons and habitual use of substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy and diseased state of an individual. One should follow the rules of satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one gets diseased the physician should consider satmya as an important contributing factor. Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and its effect reflects in the next generation also.

The role of satmya in an individual begins right from the formation of the embryo and continues throughout life.  Adaptations during the intrauterine period are influenced by the diet and lifestyle of the mother. Adaptations after birth are influenced by the geographical area, seasons, and habitual use of substances and regimens/practices. These determine the healthy and diseased state of an individual. One should follow the rules of satmya to preserve and maintain his health. And if one gets diseased the physician should consider satmya as an important contributing factor. Satmya influences the ability of a couple to procreate a healthy progeny and its effect reflects in the next generation also.

===Importance of knowledge of satmya===

===Importance of knowledge of satmya===

==== Diagnostic importance ====  

==== Diagnostic importance ====  

• Satmya is important assessment parameter in examination of patient in perspective of the field of action (karyadesha).[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]

• Satmya is an important assessment parameter in the examination of patients from the perspective of the field of action (karyadesha).[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]

• Upashaya(alleviation of disease by treatment) is inferred by satmya. Likewise,satmya is also used as a tool to reveal diseases with unclear pathologies. For example, if the pain gets relieved by application of oil massage, then oil is suitable for the person and the condition is caused due to nirama (…) condition of aggravated vatadosha.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 4/8]  

• Upashaya(alleviation of disease by treatment) is inferred by satmya. Likewise,satmya is also used as a tool to reveal diseases with unclear pathologies. For example, if the pain gets relieved by the application of oil massage, then oil is suitable for the person and the condition is caused due to aggravated [[vata dosha]].[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 4/8]  

• Satmya is important component of examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94]  

• Satmya is an important component of the examination of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94]  

==== Therapeutic importance ====  

==== Therapeutic importance ====  

• Satmya is considered while planning the post therapy regimen after panchakarma along with other factors like variations in dosha, medicinal drugs, place of residence, time, strength, body, diet, suitability, mind, constitution, and age. These should be factored in while administering this therapy [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/17]

• Satmya is considered while planning the post-therapy regimen after panchakarma along with other factors like variations in dosha, medicinal drugs, place of residence, time, strength, body, diet, suitability, mind, constitution, and age. These should be factored in while administering this therapy [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/17]

• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/249]

• All therapeutic interventions depend upon knowledge of these factors.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 1/3, 2/13] [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/249]

• The measures such as oleation, corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of basti), and appropriate internal administration of unctuous substances following specific procedure also depend upon assessment of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]

• The measures such as oleation, corrective and unctuous enema (asthapana and anuvasana types of [[basti]]), and appropriate internal administration of unctuous substances following specific procedure also depend upon assessment of these factors. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 2/13]

• Success of a therapy depends upon administration of satmya therapies.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/130]

• success of a therapy depends upon the administration of satmya therapies.[Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/130]

• Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya (wholesome) to the patient. Medicines given with satmya food are quickly effective and do not create much untoward effects.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/319-20]

• Medicines must be administered along with the food which is satmya (wholesome) to the patient. Medicines given with satmya food are quickly effective and do not create many untoward effects.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/319-20]

• The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes.

• The physician treating the patients simply with recipes, without consideration of desha, kala etc., may commit mistakes.

• The rasayana (rejuvenatiotherapes) should be administered after appropriate consideration of age, constitution and suitability.[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/25-28]

• The rejuvenation therapies(rasayana ) should be administered after appropriate consideration of age, constitution, and suitability.[Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 1/1/25-28]

• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/45]  

• Satmya diet is advised to achieve maximum benefits of Rasayana therapies [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/8,18; 1/3/18] and vajikarana therapies.[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/45]  

==== Satmya diet in management of diseases====

==== Satmya diet in management of diseases====

Satmya diet considered highly important in management of following diseases:  

Satmya diet considered highly important in management of following diseases:  

*Jwara (fever) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 2/1/45, 153,156,319]  

 

*Rajayakshma (wasting disease) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/69]  

*fever(Jwara) [Cha.sa. [[ChikitsaSthana]] 2/1/45, 153,156,319]  

*Kshataksheena (chest injury) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/94]

*wasting disease(Rajayakshma) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/69]  

*Shotha(swellings)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/20]

*chest injury(Kshataksheena) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 11/94]

*Pandu (anemia)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/76]

*swellings(Shotha)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/20]

*Atisara (diarrhea) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/24,50]

*anemia(Pandu)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/76]

* Trishna (thirst)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/61]

*diarrhea(Atisara) [Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/24,50]

* Madatyaya(chronic alcoholism)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/119]

*thirst(Trishna)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/61]

*chronic alcoholism(Madatyaya)[Cha.sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/119]

==== Importance in health ====  

==== Importance in health ====  

The concept of satmya is applied in view of development of personalized medicine. Ayurnutrigenomics approaches personalized nutrition and therapeutics based upon a person’s genetic mark-up and nutritional suitability. This includes various aspects of satmya like prakriti satmya, deshasatmya, jatisatmya, ritusatmya as described above. <ref>Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228-233.</ref>  

The concept of satmya is applied in view of development of personalized medicine. Ayurnutrigenomics approaches personalized nutrition and therapeutics based upon a person’s genetic mark-up and nutritional suitability. This includes various aspects of satmya like prakriti satmya, deshasatmya, jatisatmya, ritusatmya as described above. <ref>Subhadip Banerjee et al, Ayurnutrigenomics: Ayurveda-inspired personalized nutrition from inception to evidence, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 5 (2015) 228-233.</ref>  

The concept of satmya has a huge scope of research in view of genetic suitability, adaptations and its utility in treatment. It is also applied to understand allergy and its etiopathogenesis.  

The concept of satmya has a huge scope of research in view of genetic suitability, adaptations and its utility in treatment. It is also applied to understand allergy and its etiopathogenesis.

== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==  

== References in [[Charak Samhita]] ==