Changes

The chapter ends with a discussion on life expectancy in the present era and timely & untimely death.  

The chapter ends with a discussion on life expectancy in the present era and timely & untimely death.  

 

अथातः शरीरविचयं शारीरं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

अथातः शरीरविचयं शारीरं व्याख्यास्यामः||१||  

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||  

इति ह स्माह भगवानात्रेयः||२||  

Thus ends the sixth chapter of Sharirasthana on the ‘Analytical Study of the Body’ of Agnivesha’s work as redacted by Charaka.

Thus ends the sixth chapter of Sharirasthana on the ‘Analytical Study of the Body’ of Agnivesha’s work as redacted by Charaka.

Tattva Vimarsha:

=== ''Tattva Vimarsha'' ===

 

• Human body is the site of manifestation of chetana (consciousness) and a union of factors derived from the five mahabhuta in a specific proportion that maintains equilibrium.

• Human body is the site of manifestation of chetana (consciousness) and a union of factors derived from the five mahabhuta in a specific proportion that maintains equilibrium.

Inappropriate change in the relative proportions of dhatus (disequlibrium) causes discomfort or destruction of the body. The change in the relative proportion of the dhatu is either in terms of aggravation or diminution, either partially or completely.

Inappropriate change in the relative proportions of dhatus (disequlibrium) causes discomfort or destruction of the body. The change in the relative proportion of the dhatu is either in terms of aggravation or diminution, either partially or completely.

• The factors responsible for the maintenance (of the normal span) of life are: prakriti sampat i.e. equilibrium of dosha in the constitution of individual, guna sampat i.e. excellence of the compactness of the body and excellence of hereditary qualities; and atma sampat i.e. virtuous acts. (30)

• The factors responsible for the maintenance (of the normal span) of life are: prakriti sampat i.e. equilibrium of dosha in the constitution of individual, guna sampat i.e. excellence of the compactness of the body and excellence of hereditary qualities; and atma sampat i.e. virtuous acts. (30)

Vidhi vimarsha:

=== ''Vidhi Vimarsha'' ===

Concept of analytical knowledge: The concept of analytical knowledge or detailed knowledge of the body elements that is described here is very much similar to the concept of systems biology in contemporary science.

 

Concept of analytical knowledge: The concept of analytical knowledge or detailed knowledge of the body elements that is described here is very much similar to the concept of systems biology in contemporary science.

Systems biology studies biological systems by analyzing them (biologically, genetically, or chemically), by monitoring the gene, protein, and informational pathway responses, integrating these data and ultimately, formulating mathematical models that describe the structure of the system and its response to individual variations. Systems biology does not investigate individual genes or proteins one at a time. Rather, it investigates the behavior and relationships of all of the elements in a particular biological system while it is functioning. Thus, the systems biology theory understands the importance of the constituent units of the body as well as their networking. (Timothy Galitski, 2001)[1]  

Systems biology studies biological systems by analyzing them (biologically, genetically, or chemically), by monitoring the gene, protein, and informational pathway responses, integrating these data and ultimately, formulating mathematical models that describe the structure of the system and its response to individual variations. Systems biology does not investigate individual genes or proteins one at a time. Rather, it investigates the behavior and relationships of all of the elements in a particular biological system while it is functioning. Thus, the systems biology theory understands the importance of the constituent units of the body as well as their networking. (Timothy Galitski, 2001)[1]  

A simple example that can illustrate System biology approach is of sickle cell anemia. This disease is caused by a single point mutation at position 6 of the β-chain of hemoglobin, which changes hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity and promotes polymerization under hypoxic conditions. However, individuals with sickle cell disease can present with variety of symptoms which include hemolysis, inflammation, cell adhesion and end-organ ischemia-reperfusion injury and infarction. Patients also experience intermittent painful episodes due to acute vascular obstruction. (Mack KA) [2] There are many reasons for these different clinical manifestations, including the presence of other genes modifying the disease modifying genes (e.g., hemoglobin F). Hence, this example indicates that the knowledge of single gene is not sufficient to understand the disease. There is need to consider other genes or in other words other constituents of the body.  (verse 3)  

A simple example that can illustrate System biology approach is of sickle cell anemia. This disease is caused by a single point mutation at position 6 of the β-chain of hemoglobin, which changes hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity and promotes polymerization under hypoxic conditions. However, individuals with sickle cell disease can present with variety of symptoms which include hemolysis, inflammation, cell adhesion and end-organ ischemia-reperfusion injury and infarction. Patients also experience intermittent painful episodes due to acute vascular obstruction. (Mack KA) [2] There are many reasons for these different clinical manifestations, including the presence of other genes modifying the disease modifying genes (e.g., hemoglobin F). Hence, this example indicates that the knowledge of single gene is not sufficient to understand the disease. There is need to consider other genes or in other words other constituents of the body.  (verse 3)  

Eight factors to be kept in mind for the administration of food in appropriate manner are described in first chapter of vimana sthana(Cha.Vi. 1/21-22). Balanced use of these eight factors regarding diet is considered as samayoga. (14)

Eight factors to be kept in mind for the administration of food in appropriate manner are described in first chapter of vimana sthana(Cha.Vi. 1/21-22). Balanced use of these eight factors regarding diet is considered as samayoga. (14)

Ushma takes part directly in the digestion of food and the remaining factors take part indirectly. Vata transports food to the site of agni to facilitate and stimulate digestion (Cha.Chi.15/6,17). (Cha.Chi.15/17). Apart from this, specific time is required to complete the digestive process. The detail process of digestion and metabolism is described in fifteenth chapter of chikitsa sthana(Cha. Chi.15/6-11).(15)

Ushma takes part directly in the digestion of food and the remaining factors take part indirectly. Vata transports food to the site of agni to facilitate and stimulate digestion (Cha.Chi.15/6,17). (Cha.Chi.15/17). Apart from this, specific time is required to complete the digestive process. The detail process of digestion and metabolism is described in fifteenth chapter of chikitsa sthana(Cha. Chi.15/6-11).(15)

 

 

1. Timothy Galitski, and Leroy Hood. A new approach to decoding life: Systems Biology Annu. Rev. Genomics Hum. Genet. 2001; 2:343–72

1. Timothy Galitski, and Leroy Hood. A new approach to decoding life: Systems Biology Annu. Rev. Genomics Hum. Genet. 2001; 2:343–72

2. Mack KA, Kato GJ. Sickle cell disease and nitric oxide: A paradigm shift? Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006; 38(8): 1237–1243.

2. Mack KA, Kato GJ. Sickle cell disease and nitric oxide: A paradigm shift? Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006; 38(8): 1237–1243.