Part 1
The word Roga or disease in Ayurveda comes from the Sanskirt word Ruk. Ruk means pain or suffering. Roga is present both in the mind and body.
In Ayurveda whenever a Roga occurs it affects the Doshas. These Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are found all over the human body and have 3 states of functioning.
- Prakruti: This is the fundamental constitution of the individual
- Prakruti Vikruti: In this state Doshas undergo various changes but within normal limits. Like for example during the day Vata Dosha increases in the evening time, Pitta is dominant during digestion and Kapha is predominant resting. Even in a lifetime Kapha is predominant during childhood, Pitta in middle age and Vata in old age.
- Vikruti: In this condition the Doshas increase beyond the normal limits This produces imbalances of the Doshas and leads to rogas. So Roga is an imbalanced state of the Doshas.
Causes of Roga
According to Ayurveda there are 3 fundamental causes for all Rogas.
Asatmendriyartha samyoga– Astmaya means improper, indriya means sense organs, Artha is the object of the senses and samyoga means to combine or to link. Thus, this means an improper contact of the senses with their objects leading to overstimulation or deficiency of sensory activity. This causes imbalances in the Doshas resulting in Roga.
Parinama- This refers to the climatic and environmental changes. The external environment through unnatural or extreme variations in temperature, rainfall or wind can cause an imbalance of Doshas. This also refers to the changes that take place with time. For example, disorders associated with specific phases of life and aging are all in this category.
Prajnaparadha- Prajna means wisdom or intelligence and apradha means offence. So, it is the unhealthy, physical or mental activities performed due to ignorance. These activities aggravate the three Doshas resulting in Roga. Excessive forms of this include talking too much, or excessive thinking, reading, mental work or physical activity. On the other hand, not talking too much, or not working or not engaging in any mental activity will cause a deficiency. Incorrect forms include, gossiping, lying also actions motivated by anger, greed, jealousy, envy, ego, fear grief or delusion. All these will aggravate the Doshas and cause an imbalance. Suppression of natural urges also is included in this.
Stages of Dosha Aggravation
There are 2 main stages:
Chaya (accumulation): Increase of the Doshas in their own seat is called as Chaya. This is the first stage of Imbalance. This does not normally cause any Disease as the strength of the imbalance of the Doshas is not enough.
Prakopa (Aggravation): Prakopa happens when there is a further increase of the Doshas in the Chaya state. In this stage the Doshas overflow and spread from their seats to other parts of the body. They then become localised in vulnerable areas or organs. Roga involves a continuous process of malfunctioning in which the imbalanced Doshas affect the dhatus.
Aggravation of Vata: Causes
Foods: Cold, Dry, Spicy, Bitter, Astringent
Activities: Physical Exertion, Sleeplessness, Excess talking, Overindulgence in sex
Season: Rainy
. . . to be continued