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Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Satakshi Chauhan
PG Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Anjnee Bijlwan
PG Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Apurwa Saini
PG Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Shaveta Sawhney
Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Evam Anusandhan Sansthan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory

Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1549

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The article discusses the concept of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya (the theory of tissue nutrition and differentiation) in the context of Ayurveda, comparing it to modern stem cell theory. The term Dhatu refers to the basic elements that constitute the body, with a focus on seven Dhatus that play integral roles in both nutrition and structural formation. Ayurvedic acharyas have elaborated theories regarding how these tissues are nourished and transformed through various methods, considering different stages of life and development processes. The study not only attempts to elucidate these ancient concepts but also connects them to contemporary biological understandings.

Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya: The Law of Total Transformation

One of the critical concepts examined is the Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya, or the Law of Total Transformation. This principle states that as milk transforms into various dairy products, each stage maintains a total conversion process. In Ayurveda, this transformation parallels how Rasa Dhatu (the primary bodily fluid) is fully converted into Rakta Dhatu (blood) and subsequently into Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue). This suggests a sequential, holistic approach to tissue formation, emphasizing that a complete transformation occurs within a defined timeframe. The concept is mirrored in stem cell development, particularly in the function of pluripotent stem cells that possess the capacity to become any cell type during differentiation processes.

Khale Kapot Nyaya: The Law of Selectivity

Another significant idea is the Khale Kapot Nyaya, which represents the Law of Selectivity. This theory illustrates that while certain nutrients are provided to different types of tissues, there is a selective uptake process based on tissue needs. In the analogy, pigeons (representing stable tissues) selectively gather food (nutrients) from a paddy field (the source of nourishment) in relation to their location and requirement. Similarly, unipotent stem cells, which showcase limited differentiation potential and can only develop into one specialized cell type, embody this selectivity in their function, particularly in the regeneration of specific tissues, such as germ cells in reproductive systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article highlights how Ayurveda comprehensively addresses the themes of tissue nutrition and differentiation through various Nyayas (laws), which have significant parallels in modern biological theories like stem cell differentiation. The Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya and Khale Kapot Nyaya elucidate the processes of total transformation and selective nutrition, respectively, showcasing the sophistication of Ayurvedic knowledge and its relevance to contemporary science. Ultimately, the research suggests a continuous and evolving relationship between ancient wisdom and modern scientific principles, underlining the shared understanding of how life sustains and regenerates itself through complex biological processes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the concept of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in Ayurveda?

Dhatu Poshan Nyaya refers to the theory of tissue nutrition and differentiation in Ayurveda. It explains how the seven Dhatus (tissues) are nourished throughout life, transforming and contributing to bodily functions at different life stages.

How does stem cell theory relate to Dhatu Poshan Nyaya?

Stem cell theory parallels Dhatu Poshan Nyaya by illustrating tissue differentiation. Just like stem cells transform into various cell types, Dhatus undergo transformation through specific laws (Nyayas), ensuring proper nutrition and growth during different developmental stages.

What are the main laws (Nyayas) in Dhatu Poshan Nyaya?

The main Nyayas include Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya (total transformation), Kedari Kulya Nyaya (transportation), and Khale Kapot Nyaya (selectivity). Each Nyaya describes distinct processes of nutrient transformation and selection essential for tissue development and nourishment.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Dhatu:
In Ayurveda, 'Dhatu' refers to the fundamental structural elements of the human body. There are seven Dhatus, which contribute to the physical and functional integrity of the organism, and their continuous nourishment is vital for health and development.

2) Nyaya:
Nyaya in the context of this article refers to the theories or laws of tissue nutrition and differentiation. Various types of Nyaya outlined in Ayurveda explain how nutrients are transformed, transported, and selected to nourish different tissues.

3) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa represents the nutrient fluid derived from food post-digestion. It is the first of the seven Dhatus and serves as the primary source of nourishment for subsequent Dhatus through its processed forms.

4) Ahara:
Ahara is food that, once digested and transformed into Ahara Rasa, contributes to nourishing the body’s elements, including all the seven Dhatus. Proper Ahara is crucial for maintaining Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas in balance.

5) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Rasa-dhatu is the first and most fundamental tissue formed from the nutritive essence (Rasa) derived from food. It serves as the starting point for the development and nourishment of all subsequent Dhatus.

6) Milk:
Milk, or 'Ksheera,' is used metaphorically in Ayurvedic theories like Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya to depict the process of transformation where one substance completely converts into another.

7) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation involves the conversion of one substance or form into another, as explained by the Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya, depicting how Rasa transforms into different Dhatus sequentially.

8) Pigeon:
In Khale-Kapota Nyaya, pigeons are used metaphorically to demonstrate how nutrients (Ahara Rasa) are selectively absorbed by different tissues (Sthayi Dhatus) from the nutrient pool.

9) Blood:
Blood or Rakta is the second Dhatu formed after Rasa-dhatu. It is essential for carrying nutrients and oxygen to tissues and for the process of tissue differentiation and nourishment.

10) Shukra (Sukra):
Shukra is the final Dhatu in the sequential transformation chain. It represents reproductive elements responsible for progeny and is nourished directly or indirectly by the essence of all preceding Dhatus.

11) Dadhi:
Dadhi means curd, and in Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya, it symbolizes the next stage after milk, representing a step in the complete transformation process of one Dhatu into another.

12) Rakta:
Rakta is the second Dhatu in the progression from Rasa. It plays a critical role in sustaining life by supplying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

13) Kulya:
Kulya refers to the irrigation channels. In Kedari-Kulya Nyaya, it explains how nutrients are transported sequentially from one tissue to another, similar to water flowing through canals.

14) Aahar:
Aahar (food) is the primary source of nourishment in Ayurveda, processed into Ahara Rasa, which is crucial for sustaining Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. The nature and quality of Aahar directly influence health.

15) Mala:
Mala refers to the waste products generated from food during digestion and from tissue metabolism. These include substances like urine and stool (Ahara Mala) and metabolic residues (Dhatu Mala).

16) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels or pathways in the body through which nutrients, waste products, and other substances circulate. They are essential for tissue nourishment and are involved in both transport and transformation processes.

17) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that emphasizes the balance of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala to maintain health. It provides intricate theories and practices for disease prevention and treatment.

18) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three bioenergetic forces (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurvedic medicine that govern physiological and psychological functions. Their balance is essential for health, while imbalance leads to illness.

19) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter (ghee), is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its nourishing and medicinal properties. In Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya, it signifies a stage in the progressive transformation of Dhatus.

20) Stanya:
Stanya means mother's milk, which is the initial source of nourishment for a newborn and an Upadhatu of Rasa Dhatu. It has vital nutritional and immunological benefits for the infant.

21) Birth:
Birth marks the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, where nutrition shifts from fetal to enteral means, initially through Stanya and later through Ahara (food).

22) Food:
Food (Ahara) is integral in Ayurveda for maintaining life and health. Proper digestion and assimilation of food produce Ahara Rasa, which nourishes all Dhatus and supports physiological functions.

23) Curd:
Curd (Dadhi) signifies a transformational stage in Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya, used metaphorically to represent the conversion of Rasa Dhatu into subsequent Dhatus.

24) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Buttermilk, or Takra, is used in Ayurvedic theories like Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya to illustrate the intermediate stages of Dhatu transformation from one form to another.

25) Shukradhatu (Sukradhatu, Shukra-dhatu):
Shukra-dhatu is the final and subtle Dhatu formed through the sequential transformation of other Dhatus. It is vital for reproductive functions and overall vitality.

26) Avasthapaka (Avastha-paka):
Avasthapaka refers to the initial phases of digestion where food is broken down into smaller components before absorption. Doshas generated during this phase are considered Mala Roopi.

27) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of this article involves the exploration and comparison of Ayurvedic theories of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya with modern stem cell theories, highlighting their relevance and application.

28) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta means theory or established doctrine. In Ayurveda, various Siddhanta like Samanya Vishesh Siddhanta provide guidelines for understanding bodily functions and therapeutic practices.

29) Substance:
Substance in the context of Ayurveda refers to Dravyas (materials) used in the nourishment and transformation of Dhatus, such as food elements that convert into bodily tissues through Ahara Rasa.

30) Parinama:
Parinama means transformation or change. In Ayurveda, it describes the process by which one Dhatu converts into another, analogous to progressive stages shown in Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya.

31) Samanya:
Samanya means similarity or commonality; Samanya Vishesh Siddhanta refers to the principle that similar properties enhance each other while dissimilar properties counteract.

32) Chauhan:
Chauhan likely refers to Satakshi Chauhan, the first author of the article reviewing Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in light of stem cell theory.

33) Kapota:
Kapota, or pigeon, is a metaphor used in Khale-Kapota Nyaya to describe how nutrients are selectively taken up by different tissues from the circulating Ahara Rasa.

34) Kshira (Ksira):
Kshira, or milk, is the starting point in Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya, representing the initial substance that undergoes complete transformations into subsequent forms, analogous to Dhatu transformations.

35) Garbha:
Garbha refers to the embryo or fetus in Ayurvedic texts and its development stages, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition mechanisms like histotrophic and haemotrophic nutrition.

36) Paksha (Paksa):
Paksha in Ayurvedic theory refers to a side or view. In Nyayas like Karma Parinama Paksha Nyaya, it describes a viewpoint concerning how karma (action) leads to transformation.

37) Vipaka:
Vipaka is the final stage of digestion where food substances are completely transformed into their end products, contributing to the formation of Dosha and Dhatus.

38) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa is the third Dhatu formed after Rakta. It refers to muscle tissue and is critical for bodily structure and function.

39) Paddy:
Paddy is used in Khale-Kapota Nyaya as a metaphor for unprocessed nutrients (Ahara Rasa) that are selectively absorbed and transformed into various Dhatus.

40) Kala:
Kala in Ayurvedic context refers to a time unit used to describe the duration necessary for the transformation and nourishment of Dhatus.

41) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee (Ghrita) is a clarified butter used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic properties. It also exemplifies a stage in the transformation of nutrients, as seen in Ksheera-Dadhi Nyaya.

42) Human body:
Human body in Ayurvedic theory is composed of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, which must be balanced for optimal health and function. Various Nyayas describe the nourishment and transformation within the body.

43) Rasavahasrotas (Rasavaha-srotas):
Rasavaha-srotas are channels responsible for the circulation of Rasa Dhatu, ensuring its distribution for nourishing subsequent Dhatus.

44) Garbhanabhinadi (Garbhanabhi-nadi):
Garbhanabhinadi refers to the fetal umbilical vessels crucial for nutrient transfer from the placenta to the developing fetus.

45) Transmission:
Transmission in this context refers to the transport of nutrients through Srotas, as described in Kedari-Kulya Nyaya, ensuring the nourishment of Dhatus.

46) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Rakta-dhatu is the second Dhatu formed sequentially after Rasa-dhatu, pivotal for sustaining life by transporting oxygen and nutrients.

47) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhashaya refers to the uterus, an organ vital for fetal development. Ayurvedic texts consider it crucial in the context of nutrition and disorders like Udavarta yonivyapad.

48) Mamsadushti (Mamsadusti):
Mamsadushti refers to disorders caused by the vitiation of muscle tissue (Mamsa), which can lead to various conditions affecting the Garbhashaya or other organs.

49) Vyanavata (Vyana-vata):
Vyana-vata refers to the Vata sub-dosha responsible for circulation and movement within the body, playing a role in distributing nutrients (Rasa-Prasarana) as depicted in Khale-Kapota Nyaya.

50) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni is the digestive fire that breaks down food into Ahara Rasa and Ahara Mala, initiating the process of nourishment for all Dhatus.

51) Science (Scientific):
Scientific in this context refers to the rational and methodical approach employed to understand and explain Ayurvedic theories of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya alongside modern stem cell theories.

52) Prasarana:
Prasarana denotes the spread or dissemination, relevant to Khale-Kapota Nyaya, where Vyana Vata helps in the distribution of nutrients via Rasaprasarani pathways.

53) Patanjali:
Patanjali refers to the institution where the authors are affiliated, which focuses on Ayurvedic medicine and research into subjects such as Dhatu Poshan Nyaya.

54) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
Dhatvagni refers to the metabolic fire specific to each Dhatu, facilitating the transformation of nutrients into specific tissues.

55) Bhutagni (Bhuta-agni):
Bhutagni refers to the elemental metabolic fire that further refines Ahara Rasa into forms absorbable by the Dhatus, ensuring proper nutrition.

56) Udavarta:
Udavarta is a condition involving vitiated Vata leading to upward or obstructed movements, often affecting the reproductive system (Udavarta yonivyapad).

57) Upasneha:
Upasneha is a process described during intrauterine life where nutrients are provided to the developing fetus through filtration.

58) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts, such as those written by Acharaya Charaka and Sushruta, which describe theories like Dhatu Poshan Nyaya.

59) Purusha (Purusa):
Purusha in Ayurveda refers to the individual or human being, synthesized from a combination of Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas, all sustained through proper Ahara.

60) Dhamani:
Dhamani refers to the blood vessels carrying nutrients and other substances throughout the body, crucial in the Ayurvedic understanding of tissue nourishment.

61) Utkleda:
Utkleda represents the concept of moisture infusion or secretion used in the nourishment of both manifested and non-manifested organs during fetal development.

62) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda results from the imbalance of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala and can be addressed by restoring balance through appropriate diet and therapies.

63) Vikara:
Vikara means disorder or disease in Ayurvedic terminology, often related to imbalances in Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, which can be managed through specific treatments and dietary adjustments.

64) Artava:
Artava refers to menstrual blood and is considered an Upadhatu (subsidiary tissue) of Rakta Dhatu, playing a critical role in female reproductive health.

65) Cancer:
Cancer in the context of the article relates to the use of stem cells, such as umbilical cord stem cells, in treating genetic diseases, including various types of cancer.

66) Repair:
Repair is a key function of stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, which replenish diseased or damaged tissue, aligning with the Ayurvedic principle of Dhatu Poshan Nyaya for tissue renewal.

67) Nature:
Nature in the context of Ayurveda refers to the inherent properties and functions of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, which must be understood and balanced for optimal health.

68) Flying:
Flying is metaphorically used in Khale-Kapota Nyaya to describe how nutrients (pigeons) travel through various Srotas to nourish specific Dhatus.

69) Kriya:
Kriya, specifically Kriya Sharir, is the study of body functions and physiological practices in Ayurveda, essential for understanding the application of theories like Dhatu Poshan Nyaya.

70) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas, representing structure, lubrication, and stability in the body. It’s an essential part of physiological processes such as nutrition and immunity.

71) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of Ayurveda refers to the actions and their consequences, particularly how various bodily and dietary actions influence health and tissue transformation.

72) Khala:
Khala in Khale-Kapota Nyaya refers to the metaphorical field filled with grains, representing the nutrient pool from which tissues (Kapota) selectively gather their nourishment.

73) Sneha:
Sneha refers to unctuous substances like oils and fats used in Ayurveda for nourishment and therapeutic purposes, often highlighted in processes like Upasneha.

74) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi is the fifth Dhatu in the progression, referring to bone tissue, which is nourished through the sequential transformation of previous Dhatus starting from Rasa.

75) Vyana:
Vyana, specifically Vyana Vata, is responsible for the circulation and distribution of nutrients through the body, facilitating the nourishment of Dhatus as per Khale-Kapota Nyaya.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 91]

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Understanding Dhatu Poshan Nyaya in the Light of Stem Cell Theory�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ahara, Shrota, Waste product, Intrauterine life, Adult stem cells, Aahar Rasa, Khale Kapota Nyaya, Kedari-Kulya Nyaya, Ahara Mala, Dhatu Poshan Nyaya, Ksheera Dadhi Nyaya, Fetal stem cells, Totipotent Stem Cells, Pluripotent Stem Cells, Multipotent Stem Cells, Acharaya Sushruta, Differentiation potential, Tissue nutrition, Post-natal life, Structural component, Embryonic stem cell.

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