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<div style="text-align:justify;">There are biological effects of food and beverages on the physiological systems of body. In a sequence of earlier chapter, this chapter describes principles of digestion and metabolism of consumed diet. The formation of tissue elements and metabolic products during this process are explained in detail.  The food nourishes body tissues through various systemic channels named ‘srotasa’. Specific disease conditions due to vitiation of these body systems and their principles of management are highlighted in this chapter. Apart from food, factors like habitat, season, combination, potency and excess consumption affecting the status of immunity and disease in the body have also been discussed here. The chapter explains why some people are healthy even after consuming unwholesome food articles while others suffer from diseases even after following wholesome food habits. This chapter also talks of diseases caused due to vitiation of various tissue elements and factors responsible for the movement of dosha from koshtha (gut) to shakha(periphery). These factors are important for preservation of health and disease management. Being the last chapter of tetrad on food and beverages, the chapter summarizes the importance of diet, its examination for wholesome benefits and adverse effects on improper consumption. </div>

<div style="text-align:justify;">There are biological effects of food and beverages on the physiological systems of body. In a sequence of earlier chapter, this chapter describes principles of digestion and metabolism of consumed diet. The formation of tissue elements and metabolic products during this process are explained in detail.  The food nourishes body tissues through various systemic channels named ‘srotasa’. Specific disease conditions due to vitiation of these body systems and their principles of management are highlighted in this chapter. Apart from food, factors like habitat, season, combination, potency and excess consumption affecting the status of immunity and disease in the body have also been discussed here. The chapter explains why some people are healthy even after consuming unwholesome food articles while others suffer from diseases even after following wholesome food habits. This chapter also talks of diseases caused due to vitiation of various tissue elements and factors responsible for the movement of dosha from koshtha (gut) to shakha(periphery). These factors are important for preservation of health and disease management. Being the last chapter of tetrad on food and beverages, the chapter summarizes the importance of diet, its examination for wholesome benefits and adverse effects on improper consumption. </div>

'''Keywords''':  Food, digestion, eatable, drinks, disorders of various systems, treatment, movement of ''dosha, koshtha, shakha''.

'''Keywords''':  Food, digestion, eatable, drinks, disorders of various systems, treatment, movement of [[dosha]], koshtha, shakha.

The preceding chapter dealt with properties of various dietary articles and preparations, while this one explains digestion and metabolism processes in brief. Even though '''''Vividhashitapitiyam''''' means different kinds of eatables and drinks, the chapter gives a detailed explanation of assimilation of food and its transformation into body tissues and diseases caused due to an abnormality of dhatus along with their line of treatment. Some references to this are also available later in the [[Charak Samhita]] [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15th chapter ([[Grahani Chikitsa]]).

The preceding chapter dealt with properties of various dietary articles and preparations, while this one explains digestion and metabolism processes in brief. Even though '''''Vividhashitapitiyam''''' means different kinds of eatables and drinks, the chapter gives a detailed explanation of assimilation of food and its transformation into body tissues and diseases caused due to an abnormality of dhatus along with their line of treatment. Some references to this are also available later in the [[Charak Samhita]] [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15th chapter ([[Grahani Chikitsa]]).

Wholesome food is vital for the nourishment of human body, the creation of healthy tissues, maintenance of health, and for the prevention of disease. Not following a wholesome food regimen causes vitiation of ''doshas''. These ''doshas'' then reside within ''dhatus''(tissue elements), ''upadhatus''(tissues formed from the essence of ''dhatu'' during transformation process), or ''malas'' (metabolic wastes). In certain situations, the vitiated ''doshas'' get aggravated to cause diseases. The entire process is explained with clinical features of association of vitiated ''dosha'' with the respective pathogen. The causative factors for movement of ''dosha'' from the periphery to the gut and vice versa are important to understand the disease and prescribe the appropriate purification process. Digestion and assimilation are the most important physiological process in the body. Any abnormality in this process results in the improper formation of the ''dhatu'' thus resulting in either deficiency or excessive formation of ''dhatus'' resulting in disorders. The causes for the movement of vitiated ''doshas'' from alimentary tract (''koshtha'') to the ''raktadi dhatu'' and skin (''shakha'') results in the occurrence of diseases. Moving the ''doshas'' back to alimentary tract (''koshtha'') and after that removing them eliminates diseases. The line of treatment of various diseases due to an abnormality in the ''dhatus'' is mentioned in this chapter. Thus, the chapter presents important aspects of food, digestion, metabolism, immunity, diseases of affected tissues, and guidelines for their treatment.

Wholesome food is vital for the nourishment of human body, the creation of healthy tissues, maintenance of health, and for the prevention of disease. Not following a wholesome food regimen causes vitiation of [[dosha]]. These [[dosha]] then reside within [[dhatu]] (tissue elements), upadhatu(tissues formed from the essence of [[dhatu]] during transformation process), or [[mala]] (metabolic wastes). In certain situations, the vitiated [[dosha]] get aggravated to cause diseases. The entire process is explained with clinical features of association of vitiated [[dosha]] with the respective pathogen. The causative factors for movement of [[dosha]] from the periphery to the gut and vice versa are important to understand the disease and prescribe the appropriate purification process. Digestion and assimilation are the most important physiological process in the body. Any abnormality in this process results in the improper formation of the [[dhatu]] thus resulting in either deficiency or excessive formation of [[dhatu]] resulting in disorders. The causes for the movement of vitiated [[dosha]] from alimentary tract (''koshtha'') to the raktadi [[dhatu]] and skin (''shakha'') results in the occurrence of diseases. Moving the [[dosha]] back to alimentary tract (''koshtha'') and after that removing them eliminates diseases. The line of treatment of various diseases due to an abnormality in the [[dhatu]] is mentioned in this chapter. Thus, the chapter presents important aspects of food, digestion, metabolism, immunity, diseases of affected tissues, and guidelines for their treatment.

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Different types of wholesome foods ingested in the form of eatables, drinkables, lickables and masticables stimulate the ''antaragni'' (digestive process) and get properly digested by respective ''bhutagni'' (specific digestion as per basic constituent or element). Further in due course of time food gets transformed into different ''dhatus'' in presence of ''dhatvagni'' (tissue specific digestion and metabolism) and ''vata'' (''vyana vayu'') by the process of ''dhatvagnipaka'' or metabolism, nourishes the tissues through the channels of circulation without any interruption, and produces plumpness, strength, complexion, health and longevity. The tissues are sustained by getting fed by various nourishing factors (''poshaka dhatus''). [3]

Different types of wholesome foods ingested in the form of eatables, drinkables, lickables and masticables stimulate the ''antaragni'' (digestive process) and get properly digested by respective ''bhutagni'' (specific digestion as per basic constituent or element). Further in due course of time food gets transformed into different [[dhatu]] in presence of ''dhatvagni'' (tissue specific digestion and metabolism) and [[vata]] (''vyana vayu'') by the process of dhatvagnipaka or metabolism, nourishes the tissues through the channels of circulation without any interruption, and produces plumpness, strength, complexion, health and longevity. The tissues are sustained by getting fed by various nourishing factors (poshaka [[dhatu]]). [3]

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The food gets transformed into two forms i.e. ''prasada'' or essence form (''ahara rasa'') and ''kitta'' (the waste form).  

The food gets transformed into two forms i.e. ''prasada'' or essence form (''ahara rasa'') and ''kitta'' (the waste form).  

The ''kitta'' part nourishes mala or excretory products like sweat, urine, stool, vata, pitta, kapha, excreta of the ear, nose, mouth, hair follicle, excreta of genital organs, scalp hair, beard, body hair, nails, etc.  

The ''kitta'' part nourishes mala or excretory products like sweat, urine, stool, [[vata]], [[pitta]], [[kapha]], excreta of the ear, nose, mouth, hair follicle, excreta of genital organs, scalp hair, beard, body hair, nails, etc.  

The essence part or ''ahara rasa'' nourishes body components ([[dhatu]]) like [[rasa dhatu]] (body fluids), [[rakta dhatu]] (blood), [[mamsa dhatu]] (flesh), [[meda dhatu]] (fat), [[asthi dhatu]] (bone), [[majja dhatu]] (bone marrow), [[shukra dhatu]] (reproductive elements like semen and ovum), [[oja]] (essence of the seven fundamental tissue elements), basic components of five sense organs, joints, ligaments, tendons and mucilage part in the body.  

The essence part or ''ahara rasa'' nourishes body components ([[dhatu]]) like [[rasa dhatu]] (body fluids), [[rakta dhatu]] (blood), [[mamsa dhatu]] (flesh), [[meda dhatu]] (fat), [[asthi dhatu]] (bone), [[majja dhatu]] (bone marrow), [[shukra dhatu]] (reproductive elements like semen and ovum), [[oja]] (essence of the seven fundamental tissue elements), basic components of five sense organs, joints, ligaments, tendons and mucilage part in the body.  

All the [[mala]] (wastes) and [[dhatu]] (tissue elements) of the body are nourished by the waste part of food and essence of food or ''ahara rasa'' respectively.  

All the [[mala]] (wastes) and [[dhatu]] (tissue elements) of the body are nourished by the waste part of food and essence of food or ''ahara rasa'' respectively.  

The ''rasadi dhatus'' and ''malas'' or waste products are nourished so that the quality is maintained according to the size and age of the body.  

The [[rasa]]di [[dhatu]] and [[mala]] or waste products are nourished so that the quality is maintained according to the size and age of the body.  

Thus, after digestion, the essence and waste of food in their normal quantity maintain the equilibrium of tissues.  

Thus, after digestion, the essence and waste of food in their normal quantity maintain the equilibrium of tissues.  

The tissue elements may increase or decrease due to some etiology, which can be normalized by the essence part of digested food in decreased or increased quantity. Similarly, ''malas'' can be transformed into the waste part of ''ahara rasa''. The waste products, when in excess, can be excreted and the status of the body can be brought to equilibrium through treatments with the therapies having opposite qualities like hot, cold, etc. [4]

The tissue elements may increase or decrease due to some etiology, which can be normalized by the essence part of digested food in decreased or increased quantity. Similarly, [[mala]] can be transformed into the waste part of ''ahara rasa''. The waste products, when in excess, can be excreted and the status of the body can be brought to equilibrium through treatments with the therapies having opposite qualities like hot, cold, etc. [4]

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The nourishing as well as excretory products enter different channels of circulation and nourish the respective ''dhatus''. Thus, this body is maintained by the nourishment drawn from eatables, drinkables, linctuses, and chewable (food).  

The nourishing as well as excretory products enter different channels of circulation and nourish the respective [[dhatu]]. Thus, this body is maintained by the nourishment drawn from eatables, drinkables, linctuses, and chewable (food).  

The diseases could also be caused by these sources (i.e., eatables, etc.).  

The diseases could also be caused by these sources (i.e., eatables, etc.).  

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=== Description of diseases affecting various ''dhatu'' (tissue) ===

=== Description of diseases affecting various [[dhatu]] (tissue) ===

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The specific diseases caused due to vitiated ''doshas'' in the seats of ''rasa, rakta,'' etc. ''dhatus'' will be explained further. [8]

The specific diseases caused due to vitiated [[dosha]] in the seats of [[rasa dhatu]], [[rakta]], etc. [[dhatu]] will be explained further. [8]

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''rasa'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[rasa dhatu]] ====

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Aversion towards food, anorexia, altered sense of taste, inability to identify tastes, nausea, heaviness in the body, drowsiness, body ache, fever, blackouts, anemia, obstruction of channels, impotence, tiredness (''angavasada''), emaciation, diminished ''agni'', and premature aging (wrinkling of skin and graying of hair) are some of the disorders caused due to vitiation of ''rasa''. [9-11]   

Aversion towards food, anorexia, altered sense of taste, inability to identify tastes, nausea, heaviness in the body, drowsiness, body ache, fever, blackouts, anemia, obstruction of channels, impotence, tiredness (''angavasada''), emaciation, diminished [[agni]], and premature aging (wrinkling of skin and graying of hair) are some of the disorders caused due to vitiation of ''rasa''. [9-11]   

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''rakta'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[rakta dhatu]] ====

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The following diseases are caused due to vitiation of ''rakta'': Skin disorders including ''kushtha'', erysipelas (''visarpa''), furuncles (''pidaka''), ''raktapitta'' (a kind of bleeding disorder), menorrhagia (''asrugdara''), inflammation of anus, penis, oral cavity, splenic disorders (''pliha''), abdominal lump (''gulma''), abscess (''vidradhi''), blue mole (''nilika''), jaundice (''kamala''), freckles/blemish (''vyanga''), portwine mark (''piplu''), black mole of the size of sesame seed (''tilakalaka''), ringworm (''dadru''), dermatitis (''charmadala''), leucoderma (''svitra''), scabies (''pama''), urticaria (''kotha''), and circular erythema (''asra mandala''). [11-13]

The following diseases are caused due to vitiation of [[rakta]]: Skin disorders including ''kushtha'', erysipelas (''visarpa''), furuncles (''pidaka''), ''raktapitta'' (a kind of bleeding disorder), menorrhagia (''asrugdara''), inflammation of anus, penis, oral cavity, splenic disorders (''pliha''), abdominal lump (''gulma''), abscess (''vidradhi''), blue mole (''nilika''), jaundice (''kamala''), freckles/blemish (''vyanga''), portwine mark (''piplu''), black mole of the size of sesame seed (''tilakalaka''), ringworm (''dadru''), dermatitis (''charmadala''), leucoderma (''svitra''), scabies (''pama''), urticaria (''kotha''), and circular erythema (''asra mandala''). [11-13]

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''mamsa'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[mamsa dhatu]] ====

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Following diseases are caused due to vitiation of ''mamsadhatu'': ''adhimamsa'' (granuloma), ''arbuda'' (myoma), ''kila'' (piles), ''galashaluka'' (uvulitis), ''galashundika'' (tonsillitis), ''putimamsa'' (gangrene), ''alaji'' (boils), ''ganda'' (goiter), ''gandamala'' (cervical lymphadenitis) and ''upajihvika'' (inflammation of epiglottis). [13-15]

Following diseases are caused due to vitiation of [[mamsa dhatu]]: ''adhimamsa'' (granuloma), ''arbuda'' (myoma), ''kila'' (piles), ''galashaluka'' (uvulitis), ''galashundika'' (tonsillitis), ''putimamsa'' (gangrene), ''alaji'' (boils), ''ganda'' (goiter), ''gandamala'' (cervical lymphadenitis) and ''upajihvika'' (inflammation of epiglottis). [13-15]

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''meda'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[meda dhatu]] ====

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Premonitory symptoms of persistent urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus and eight undesirable types of physical constitutions, which are not appreciable in the society (to be avoided, described earlier in chapter 21 of ''ashta nindita'') are produced due to vitiation of ''medas''. [15]

Premonitory symptoms of persistent urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus and eight undesirable types of physical constitutions, which are not appreciable in the society (to be avoided, described earlier in chapter 21 of ''ashta nindita'') are produced due to vitiation of [[meda dhatu]]. [15]

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''asthi'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[asthi dhatu]] ====

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Hypertrophy of bones and teeth, splitting and severe pain in teeth and bone, discoloration, abnormality of body hair, nail and beard are the diseases caused due to vitiation of ''asthi''. [16]  

Hypertrophy of bones and teeth, splitting and severe pain in teeth and bone, discoloration, abnormality of body hair, nail and beard are the diseases caused due to vitiation of [[asthi dhatu]]. [16]  

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''majja'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[majja dhatu]] ====

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Pain in the joints, giddiness, unconsciousness, blackouts and deep rooted abscess in joints are caused due to vitiation of ''majja''. [17-18]

Pain in the joints, giddiness, unconsciousness, blackouts and deep rooted abscess in joints are caused due to vitiation of [[majja dhatu]]. [17-18]

==== Diseases due to vitiation of ''shukra'' ====

==== Diseases due to vitiation of [[shukra dhatu]] ====

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Due to vitiation of ''shukra'', the person becomes sexually impotent, suffers from ''aharshana'' (inability to penetrate despite erection), and may have sick, impotent, and short-lived children with congenital abnormalities. There could be cases of no conception, or there will be spontaneous abortion. Thus, abnormalities of ''shukra'' result in misery for the individual as well as his family. [18-19]

Due to vitiation of [[shukra dhatu]], the person becomes sexually impotent, suffers from ''aharshana'' (inability to penetrate despite erection), and may have sick, impotent, and short-lived children with congenital abnormalities. There could be cases of no conception, or there will be spontaneous abortion. Thus, abnormalities of [[shukra dhatu]] result in misery for the individual as well as his family. [18-19]

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When the ''doshas'' get vitiated in sense organs, they either cause impairment or deformity of the respective sense organ. [20]

When the [[dosha]] get vitiated in sense organs, they either cause impairment or deformity of the respective sense organ. [20]

==== Diseases of ligaments, vessels, and tendons ====

==== Diseases of ligaments, vessels, and tendons ====

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Stiffness, contraction, and neuralgia of upper and lower extremities, tumor, throbbing sensation and numbness are produced by the vitiated ''doshas'' in ligaments, blood vessels and tendons. [21]

Stiffness, contraction, and neuralgia of upper and lower extremities, tumor, throbbing sensation and numbness are produced by the vitiated [[dosha]] in ligaments, blood vessels and tendons. [21]

==== Vitiation of ''mala'' by ''dosha'' ====

==== Vitiation of [[mala]] by [[dosha]] ====

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The aggravation of ''doshas'' in the ''malas'' of the body causes excess discharge (''bheda'') of ''mala'' (as in diarrhea), decrease or dryness of ''mala'', and abnormalities on normal color, smell, etc. leading to their retention or excessive elimination.  [22]

The aggravation of [[dosha]] in the [[mala]] of the body causes excess discharge (''bheda'') of [[mala]](as in diarrhea), decrease or dryness of [[mala]], and abnormalities on normal color, smell, etc. leading to their retention or excessive elimination.  [22]

=== Management principles ===

=== Management principles ===

   

   

*An intelligent individual desirous of preventing such disease should take wholesome food.  

*An intelligent individual desirous of preventing such disease should take wholesome food.  

*''Langhana'' (lightening) is the line of treatment for all the ''rasaja'' disorders.  

*[[Langhana]](lightening) is the line of treatment for all the [[rasa dhatu]]ja disorders.  

*Treatment of ''raktaja'' disorders is mentioned in [[Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 24th chapter).  

*Treatment of [[rakta]]ja disorders is mentioned in [[Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]] [[Sutra Sthana]] 24th chapter).  

*The ''mamsaja'' disorders should be treated with purification, surgery, utilizing ''alkali'' and ''agnikarma'' (cauterization).  

*The [[mamsa dhatu]]ja disorders should be treated with purification, surgery, utilizing ''alkali'' and ''agnikarma'' (cauterization).  

*The treatment of ''medoja'' disorders is mentioned in [[Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Sutra Sthana]] 21st chapter).

*The treatment of [[medo dhatu]]ja disorders is mentioned in [[Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Sutra Sthana]] 21st chapter).

   

   

The ''asthigata'' disorders should be treated with [[Panchakarma]], especially ''basti'' (enema) prepared with bitter drugs, milk, and ghee.

The [[asthi dhatu]]gata disorders should be treated with [[Panchakarma]], especially [[basti]] (enema) prepared with bitter drugs, milk, and ghee.

''Majja'' and ''shukragata'' disorders should be treated with diet having sweet and bitter taste, coitus, exercise and timely purification as required.  

[[Majja dhatu]] and [[shukra dhatu]]gata disorders should be treated with diet having sweet and bitter taste, coitus, exercise and timely purification as required.  

The treatment of disorders of sense organs is mentioned in [[Trimarmiya Chikitsa]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]], 26th chapter).

The treatment of disorders of sense organs is mentioned in [[Trimarmiya Chikitsa]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Chikitsa Sthana]], 26th chapter).

The treatment of disorders of waste products is mentioned in [[Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Sutra Sthana]], 7th chapter) and few aspects in other sections. [23-30]

The treatment of disorders of waste products is mentioned in [[Naveganadharaniya Adhyaya]] ([[Charak Samhita]], [[Sutra Sthana]], 7th chapter) and few aspects in other sections. [23-30]

=== Movement of ''dosha'' from ''koshtha'' (gut) to ''shakha'' (periphery) ===

=== Movement of [[dosha]] from ''koshtha'' (gut) to ''shakha'' (periphery) ===

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As mentioned earlier, the vitiated doshas move from the alimentary tract region (''koshtha'') to the periphery (''shakha'') i.e. ''raktadi dhatu'' and skin - due to several reasons such as excessive exercise, excessive heat, intake of unwholesome diet and regimen, and an excess pressure of fast-moving ''vata''. These vitiated ''doshas'' stay in the peripheral regions in a dormant state and do not cause any disease till the season or environment is conducive for them to act. The ''doshas'' wait for other favorable provocative factors in the form of the region, season, etc. to cause diseases. [31-32]

As mentioned earlier, the vitiated doshas move from the alimentary tract region (''koshtha'') to the periphery (''shakha'') i.e. [[rakta]]di [[dhatu]] and skin - due to several reasons such as excessive exercise, excessive heat, intake of unwholesome diet and regimen, and an excess pressure of fast-moving [[vata]]. These vitiated [[dosha]] stay in the peripheral regions in a dormant state and do not cause any disease till the season or environment is conducive for them to act. The [[dosha]] wait for other favorable provocative factors in the form of the region, season, etc. to cause diseases. [31-32]

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=== Movement of ''dosha'' from ''shakha'' to ''koshtha'' ===

=== Movement of [[dosha]] from ''shakha'' to ''koshtha'' ===

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The ''doshas'' leave the ''shakha'' (extremities or peripheral regions) and come to ''koshtha'' (alimentary tract) due to aggravation, liquefaction, suppuration, clearing of the obstacle at the opening of the channels, or pacification of ''vata''. [33]

The [[dosha]] leave the ''shakha'' (extremities or peripheral regions) and come to ''koshtha'' (alimentary tract) due to aggravation, liquefaction, suppuration, clearing of the obstacle at the opening of the channels, or pacification of [[vata]]. [33]

=== Prevention of diseases ===

=== Prevention of diseases ===

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An intelligent individual follows an effective regimen after a thorough evaluation of the disease and its etiological factors as well as his ''prakriti''. An individual dominated by ''Rajas'' and ''Tamas'' mental faculty, on the other hand, follows a regimen that could be pleasant to his senses, without any consideration or evaluation of his condition, the treatment, and his constitution. An intelligent person possesses the qualities of obedience, intelligence, memory, stable, able, purity of speech, tranquility, courage, and follows a wholesome regimen. Ignorant individuals do not possess these qualities as their mind is enveloped in ''moha'' (attachments to possessions) and ''rajas''. Hence they suffer from various physical and mental disorders. [36-38]

An intelligent individual follows an effective regimen after a thorough evaluation of the disease and its etiological factors as well as his [[prakriti]]. An individual dominated by ''Rajas'' and ''Tamas'' mental faculty, on the other hand, follows a regimen that could be pleasant to his senses, without any consideration or evaluation of his condition, the treatment, and his constitution. An intelligent person possesses the qualities of obedience, intelligence, memory, stable, able, purity of speech, tranquility, courage, and follows a wholesome regimen. Ignorant individuals do not possess these qualities as their mind is enveloped in ''moha'' (attachments to possessions) and ''rajas''. Hence they suffer from various physical and mental disorders. [36-38]

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== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

== Tattva Vimarsha (Fundamental Principles) ==

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*Food is considered as ''prana'' or vital force, hence in this chapter, the process of transformation of this food into ''dhatus'' or body tissue into a fuel that sustains prana has been mentioned elaborately. [2]

*Food is considered as ''prana'' or vital force, hence in this chapter, the process of transformation of this food into [[dhatu]] or body tissue into a fuel that sustains prana has been mentioned elaborately. [2]

*''Panchabhutagnis'' are responsible for the digestion of specific components of food.  

*''Panchabhutagnis'' are responsible for the digestion of specific components of food.  

*If ''dhatavagni, dhatvahi strotas'' and ''dhatuposhakrasavahi vyana vayu'' (enzymes for tissue metabolism, specific channels, and specific nutrient transporters) are normal, then normal tissues are created. All tissues, throughout life, continuously help in the nourishment of other tissues.

*If ''dhatavagni, dhatvahi strotas'' and ''dhatuposhakrasavahi vyana vayu'' (enzymes for tissue metabolism, specific channels, and specific nutrient transporters) are normal, then normal tissues are created. All tissues, throughout life, continuously help in the nourishment of other tissues.

*The body is formed from food, and even diseases also originate from food. Wholesome and unwholesome foods are responsible for happiness and unhappiness respectively. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/45]

*The body is formed from food, and even diseases also originate from food. Wholesome and unwholesome foods are responsible for happiness and unhappiness respectively. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/45]

*Apart from unwholesome food, many other etiological factors for disease production are present, like a change of season, intellectual errors, unwholesome contacts (excessive, wrong and over-utilization) of senses of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*Apart from unwholesome food, many other etiological factors for disease production are present, like a change of season, intellectual errors, unwholesome contacts (excessive, wrong and over-utilization) of senses of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*All unwholesome food articles are not equally harmful, all the ''doshas'' are not of equal strength, and all the bodies are not capable of preventing disease. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana 28/7]  

*All unwholesome food articles are not equally harmful, all the [[dosha]] are not of equal strength, and all the bodies are not capable of preventing disease. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana 28/7]  

*The doshas become acute and extremely difficult to manage when they get associated with multiple factors, get further aggravated or complicated when treated with a mutually contradictory therapy, become deep rooted, chronic, get vitiated in one of the ten seats of ''prana'', and afflict vital centers of the body known as ''marma''. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*The doshas become acute and extremely difficult to manage when they get associated with multiple factors, get further aggravated or complicated when treated with a mutually contradictory therapy, become deep rooted, chronic, get vitiated in one of the ten seats of ''prana'', and afflict vital centers of the body known as ''marma''. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*Individuals, who are excessively obese, emaciated, whose muscles, blood and bone are depleted, who are very weak physically, who are habituated to unwholesome food, who consume inadequate quantities of food, and who possess weak mind cannot withstand diseases. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*Individuals, who are excessively obese, emaciated, whose muscles, blood and bone are depleted, who are very weak physically, who are habituated to unwholesome food, who consume inadequate quantities of food, and who possess weak mind cannot withstand diseases. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/7]

*The specific diseases (''dhatu pradoshaja vikara'') are caused due to an interplay between ''dosha'' and ''dushya'' and manifest as systemic disorders. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/8]

*The specific diseases ([[dhatu]] pradoshaja vikara) are caused due to an interplay between [[dosha]] and ''dushya'' and manifest as systemic disorders. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/8]

*All living beings strive to attain the goal of happiness and follow the right and the wrong path depending on their awareness and ignorance. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/35]

*All living beings strive to attain the goal of happiness and follow the right and the wrong path depending on their awareness and ignorance. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/35]

*Multiple factors are responsible for health and disease – a healthy person can contract a disease despite following a very healthy lifestyle.

*Multiple factors are responsible for health and disease – a healthy person can contract a disease despite following a very healthy lifestyle.

=== ''Kshira Dadhi Nyaya'' (milk-curd transformation phenomena/ analogy) ===

=== ''Kshira Dadhi Nyaya'' (milk-curd transformation phenomena/ analogy) ===

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*The formation of ''dhatu'' involves the transformation of ''rasa'' into ''rakta, rakta'' into ''mamsa'', etc., in the presence of respective ''dhatvagni'' in a similar manner as milk gets converted into curd, curds into butter and butter into ghee. According to Acharya Harita, within seven days ''rasa'' gets transformed into ''shukra''. Even though this theory appears to be hypothetical, recent modern research has shown that this kind of transformation is possible. A team of Japanese and American scientists has managed to convert human skin cells into formed embryos by bathing them in weak citric acid for a duration of 30 minutes<ref> IndependentScience [Home page from website], Steve Connor, Sunday 9 February 2014, available fromhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/exclusive-the-miracle-cure--scientists-turn-human-skin-into-stem-cells-9117102.html [downloaded 09.02.2014] </ref>. Researchers at Stanford University transformed skin fibroblast cells from mice into working neurons by inserting genes that encode transcription factors<ref> A world Report, US News, [Home page from website], By Tina Hesman Saey, Science News, available fromhttp://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/02/01/skin-cells-transformed-directly-into-neurons/comments </ref>. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have successfully isolated stem cells from human skin, expanded them in the laboratory and coaxed them into becoming fat, muscle and bone cells<ref> Science daily, June 24, 2005, Source:Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, WINSTON-SALEM, N.C, available from

*The formation of [[dhatu]] involves the transformation of [[rasa dhatu]] into [[rakta dhatu]], [[rakta dhatu]] into [[mamsa mamsa]], etc., in the presence of respective ''dhatvagni'' in a similar manner as milk gets converted into curd, curds into butter and butter into ghee. According to Acharya Harita, within seven days [[rasa dhatu]] gets transformed into [[shukra dhatu]]. Even though this theory appears to be hypothetical, recent modern research has shown that this kind of transformation is possible. A team of Japanese and American scientists has managed to convert human skin cells into formed embryos by bathing them in weak citric acid for a duration of 30 minutes<ref> IndependentScience [Home page from website], Steve Connor, Sunday 9 February 2014, available fromhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/exclusive-the-miracle-cure--scientists-turn-human-skin-into-stem-cells-9117102.html [downloaded 09.02.2014] </ref>. Researchers at Stanford University transformed skin fibroblast cells from mice into working neurons by inserting genes that encode transcription factors<ref> A world Report, US News, [Home page from website], By Tina Hesman Saey, Science News, available fromhttp://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/02/01/skin-cells-transformed-directly-into-neurons/comments </ref>. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have successfully isolated stem cells from human skin, expanded them in the laboratory and coaxed them into becoming fat, muscle and bone cells<ref> Science daily, June 24, 2005, Source:Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, WINSTON-SALEM, N.C, available from

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050623000101.htm </ref> . More recently, scientists have successfully made immature sperm cells from human bone marrow samples. Therefore, the formation of ''shukra'' from ''majja'' is proved by these scientific evidence<ref> Some Physiological Issues related to ‘Medo Dhatu’ with special reference to Obesity, Blog post of Dr. Kishor Patwardhan available at: http://kishorpatwardhan.blogspot.in/2008/02/some-physiological-issues-related-to.html[Date last accessed: 20-03-2016] </ref> .

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050623000101.htm </ref> . More recently, scientists have successfully made immature sperm cells from human bone marrow samples. Therefore, the formation of [[shukra dhatu]]  from [[majja dhatu]] is proved by these scientific evidence<ref> Some Physiological Issues related to "Medo Dhatu’ with special reference to Obesity, Blog post of Dr. Kishor Patwardhan available at: http://kishorpatwardhan.blogspot.in/2008/02/some-physiological-issues-related-to.html[Date last accessed: 20-03-2016] </ref> .

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=== ''Kedari Kulya Nyaya'' (vascular network) ===

=== ''Kedari Kulya Nyaya'' (vascular network) ===

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*According to ''Kedari Kulya Nyaya'' innumerable microvascular channels transport nourishment to their respective sites in ''dhatus'' [tissues] in the body. The cells and tissues are bathed with nutrient plasma. But mere tissue perfusion is not enough to complete the process of nourishment. It needs the complementary play of two subsequent ''nyayas''. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 28/4], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/36]

*According to ''Kedari Kulya Nyaya'' innumerable microvascular channels transport nourishment to their respective sites in [[dhatu]] [tissues] in the body. The cells and tissues are bathed with nutrient plasma. But mere tissue perfusion is not enough to complete the process of nourishment. It needs the complementary play of two subsequent ''nyayas''. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 28/4], [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/36]

*Per modern science, vesicles transport nutrients to the target organs and get controlled by a set of genes [discovered by Randy Schekman]. Further, James Rothman found out that protein machinery allows vesicles to fuse with their targets and permits transfer of nutrients to their target tissue. Thomas Sudhof revealed how signals instruct vesicles to release their cargo with precision. Through their discoveries, Rothman, Schekman and Sudhof have revealed the exquisitely precise control system for the transport and delivery of cellular cargo. Disturbances in this system have deleterious effects and contribute to conditions such as neurological diseases, diabetes, and immunological disorders.

*Per modern science, vesicles transport nutrients to the target organs and get controlled by a set of genes [discovered by Randy Schekman]. Further, James Rothman found out that protein machinery allows vesicles to fuse with their targets and permits transfer of nutrients to their target tissue. Thomas Sudhof revealed how signals instruct vesicles to release their cargo with precision. Through their discoveries, Rothman, Schekman and Sudhof have revealed the exquisitely precise control system for the transport and delivery of cellular cargo. Disturbances in this system have deleterious effects and contribute to conditions such as neurological diseases, diabetes, and immunological disorders.

*''Rakta vibaddhamargatvan mamsa sinna prapadyate''.: If a channel is obstructed, the sequential transformation of tissue is impaired.

*''Rakta vibaddhamargatvan mamsa sinna prapadyate''.: If a channel is obstructed, the sequential transformation of tissue is impaired.

*''Langhana'' (reducing therapy) is the line of treatment for all the ''rasaja'' [body fluids] disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25].  

*[[Langhana]] (reducing therapy) is the line of treatment for all the [[rasa dhatu]]ja [body fluids] disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25].  

*Treatment of ''raktaja'' [blood] disorders is mentioned in [[Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 24]. The treatment for ''raktaja vikara'' should be planned as per ''raktapitta'', along with ''virechana, upavasa'' and ''raktamokshana'' [purgation, fasting, and bloodletting]  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 24/18], [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25]

*Treatment of [[rakta]]ja [blood] disorders is mentioned in [[Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 24]. The treatment for [[rakta]]ja vikara should be planned as per ''raktapitta'', along with [[virechana]], upavasa and ''raktamokshana'' [purgation, fasting, and bloodletting]  [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 24/18], [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/25]

*The ''mamsaja'' disorders should be treated with purification, surgery, usage of alkali and ''agnikarma'' [cauterization]. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]]28/26]

*The [[mamsa dhatu]]ja disorders should be treated with purification, surgery, usage of alkali and ''agnikarma'' [cauterization]. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]]28/26]

*The treatment of ''medoja'' disorders is mentioned in [[Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21]

*The treatment of [[meda dhatu]]ja'' disorders is mentioned in [[Ashtauninditiya Adhyaya]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21]

*''Guru Chatarpanam Dadhyat Sthulanam Karshanam Prati'' diet modification, exercise, purification, and drugs. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/20] [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/26]

*''Guru Chatarpanam Dadhyat Sthulanam Karshanam Prati'' diet modification, exercise, purification, and drugs. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/20] [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/26]

*''Asthigata'' disorders should be treated with [[Panchakarma]], especially ''basti'' (enema) prepared from bitter drugs, milk and ghee should be administered. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/27]  

*''Asthigata'' disorders should be treated with [[Panchakarma]], especially ''basti'' (enema) prepared from bitter drugs, milk and ghee should be administered. [Cha.Sa [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/27]