Critical Review of Charaka Samhita: Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Critical Review of Charaka Samhita in Reference to Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha Evum Karam
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Ritika Sharma
MD Scholar, PG Department of Ayurved Samhita, Sanskrit evum Siddhanta, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital Paprola, Kangra, H.P., India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Critical Review of Charaka Samhita in Reference to Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha Evum Karam
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1552
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Beauty has held significant importance across cultures since ancient times. In Ayurveda, articulated by Acharya Charaka, beauty transcends mere physical appearance and serves as an indicator of overall health, which includes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. The term "Varna" in Ayurveda encompasses a range of attributes such as color, texture, and radiance, reflecting the comprehensive nature of beauty as portrayed in ancient texts. This review critically explores Charaka Samhita's insights on the interplay between dietary and lifestyle practices (Varnya-Ahara, Vihara) and their impacts on skin health and beauty, outlining the foundational concepts that support the attainment of a beautiful complexion in Ayurvedic tradition.
The Concept of Varnya
Varnya, as defined by Acharya Charaka and elaborated by Acharya Chakrapani, encompasses various perceptible features of the skin that contribute to physical beauty, including color, texture, and lustre. In Ayurveda, the skin (Twacha) is viewed as a reflection of one's overall health, with specific dietary and lifestyle practices directly linked to skin quality. For instance, Charaka emphasizes the consumption of specific foods and herbs (Varnya Mahakashaya) that promote complexion, alongside routines that support healthy skin. The philosophy behind Varnya includes not only the external coloration of the skin but also its innate healthiness, ensuring that beauty is inherently tied to wellness.
The Role of Dietary Practices
Charaka Samhita highlights the importance of Ahara (diet) in achieving and maintaining a vibrant complexion. Specific food items, such as Ghrita (ghee) and various oils, are recommended for their nourishing effects, enhancing the skin's smoothness and contributing to overall health. Additional therapeutic measures, like Rasayana (rejuvenation therapies) and Shodhana (purification processes), are prescribed to cleanse and vitalize the body, further supporting skin health. Regular practices like Taila Abhyanga (oil massage) and Mutra Utsadana (urinary therapeutic practices) are also emphasized for their benefits in enhancing complexion and ensuring the skin remains youthful and elastic.
Conclusion
The critical review of the Charaka Samhita reveals a profound understanding of beauty that integrates holistic health principles. Acharya Charaka's insights emphasize that true beauty arises from maintaining a balanced state of health through proper Ahara, Vihara, and lifestyle choices. The concept of Varnya extends beyond superficial attributes to encompass the health and vibrancy of the individual, demonstrating that Ayurvedic practices related to diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies are essential for achieving and preserving physical beauty. This holistic approach serves as a valuable guideline for individuals seeking to enhance their wellness and appearance in a manner that honors the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of beauty in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, beauty is considered a reflection of overall health. It encompasses not only physical appearance but also mental and spiritual well-being. Acharya Charaka emphasized the importance of maintaining beauty through proper lifestyle and dietary choices as a manifestation of good health.
What parameters are included in the concept of 'Varna'?
'Varna' in Ayurveda refers to various attributes of the skin, such as color, lustre, texture, and radiance. Acharya Chakrapani explained that it encompasses the perceivable features of the skin, which are critical in assessing an individual's overall health and vitality.
What methods does Charaka recommend for maintaining healthy skin?
Charaka advises various methods to enhance skin health, including dietary choices (Ahara), lifestyle practices (Vihara), and herbal preparations (Aushadha). Recommendations include oil massages, proper digestion, and preventive measures to maintain balance among the doshas for optimal skin condition.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Critical Review of Charaka Samhita: Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha.�. 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) Varna:
In Ayurveda, Varna refers to the perceived attributes of the skin, such as color, lustre, texture, and radiance.
2) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita or clarified butter is used in various Ayurvedic preparations for promoting complexion and general health. It provides softness and good complexion to the skin.
3) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya refers to substances that enhance complexion. The term is broad, including foods, activities, and drugs that improve skin's color and lustre.
4) Ahara:
Ahara or diet plays a significant role in Ayurveda. Consuming proper diet influences one's Bala (strength) and Varna (complexion).
5) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapies are rejuvenative treatments in Ayurveda that aim to enhance youth, strength, complexion, and overall vitality.
6) Samhita:
Charaka Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text written by Acharya Charaka, providing comprehensive details on health, medicine, and wellness.
7) Basti:
Basti is a type of Ayurvedic enema therapy used for purifying the body and promoting various benefits including improved complexion.
8) Hair:
Kesha or hair is considered an attribute of physical beauty in Ayurveda.
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of health and medicine that aims to protect health and alleviate disorders, including cosmetic aspects such as complexion and skin health.
10) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices that support health in Ayurveda. These include daily routines and habits that promote Varna (complexion).
11) Taila (Thaila):
Taila or oil is frequently used in Ayurvedic practices for Abhyanga (massaging). Regular use of oil on the skin improves its firmness, beauty, and complexion.
12) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements constituting the body. Each element imparts different qualities to the skin.
13) Lepa:
Lepa or paste is an Ayurvedic topical application used to improve skin complexion, treat wrinkles, and other skin conditions.
14) Sara (Shara):
Sara in Ayurveda signifies the essence that determines the quality of body tissues.
15) Purusha (Purusa):
Purusha means individual or person. In Ayurveda, it often refers to the constitutional type of a person.
16) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Ritika Sharma is the author of the critical review on Charaka Samhita in reference to Varnya and related concepts.
17) Drug:
Various Ayurvedic drugs or herbs are used in Ayurveda for their complexion promoting (Varnya) properties.
18) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification processes in Ayurveda which detoxify the body and improve skin complexion.
19) Sneha:
Sneha, meaning oil or unctuousness, is important for maintaining skin health and promoting good complexion in Ayurveda.
20) Rakta:
Rakta or blood is crucial for skin health. Vishuddha Rakta (pure blood) is associated with clear and bright skin complexion.
21) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, meaning nutrient fluid, promotes body health, which includes complexion. Proper digestion and metabolism of ingested food impact Rasa and Varna.
22) Matravatahara (Matravata-ahara):
Matravata Ahara refers to a balanced and measured diet that enhances strength and Varna (complexion).
23) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
The term is used in reference to the five sensory organs including the skin, known as Panch Gyaanendriya Adhishthana.
24) Mahakashaya (Mahakasaya, Maha-kashaya):
Mahakashaya in Ayurveda refers to great decoctions. Varnya Mahakashaya promotes complexion, while Vayasthapana Mahakashaya rejuvenates.
25) Vajikarana:
Vajikarana therapies are used in Ayurveda for promoting sexual health and vitality and have complexion-enhancing properties.
26) Prakrita (Prakrta):
Prakrita Varna refers to the natural constitutional complexion of an individual's skin according to Ayurveda.
27) Utsadana:
Utsadana refers to applications such as pastes or scrubs that cleanse and enhance skin complexion.
28) Disease:
Ayurveda aims to promote health and prevent disease, including skin diseases that affect complexion.
29) Dravya:
Dravya or substance in Ayurveda refers to the items used for treatment, including herbs and oils that promote complexion.
30) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy involving nasal administration of medicated oils or herbs, known to improve facial skin firmness and complexion.
31) Sidhu (Shidhu):
Sidhu (fermented products) are recommended for their complexion-enhancing properties. Examples include Pakvarasa Sidhu and Apakvarasa Sidhu.
32) Majja:
Majja Dhatu (bone marrow) is one of the body tissues in Ayurveda, contributing to overall health and complexion.
33) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the body tissues in Ayurveda. Properly nourished Dhatus result in good complexion.
34) Panca (Pancan, Pamca):
Panch refers to the number five in Sanskrit, often used in Ayurveda to denote groups like Panch MahaBhutas or the five elements.
35) Agni:
Agni or digestive fire is crucial in Ayurveda for proper metabolism, which impacts complexion and vitality.
36) Tila:
Tila or sesame is frequently used in Ayurveda, particularly Tila Taila (sesame oil), for improving skin health and complexion.
37) Food:
Proper food or Ahara is essential in Ayurveda for maintaining overall health and enhancing complexion.
38) Goat milk:
Goat's milk is recommended in Ayurveda for enhancing strength and complexion due to its nourishing properties.
39) Cow dung:
Medicinal use of cow dung in Lepa (paste) is mentioned in Ayurveda for restoring skin's normal color.
40) Sparshanendriya (Sparsanendriya, Sparshana-indriya):
Sparshanendriya refers to the tactile sensory organ, specifically the skin, which reflects health in Ayurveda.
41) Tailabhyanga (Taila-abhyanga):
Taila Abhyanga is the procedure of daily oil massage in Ayurveda, promoting firm and beautiful skin.
42) Vayasthapana (Vaya-sthapana):
Vayasthapana is a category of Ayurvedic drugs or therapies with anti-aging properties, rejuvenating the body and enhancing complexion.
43) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
Madhura Rasa or sweet taste in Ayurveda has a beneficial influence on skin, hair, voice, and strength, promoting good complexion.
44) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra is an ingredient in Ayurvedic Lepa (paste) for cleansing and improving the skin.
45) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
Manjishtha is a herb used in Ayurvedic formulations for enhancing skin complexion and treating pigmentation issues.
46) Udakadhara (Udaka-adhara, Udaka-dhara):
Udakadhara is one of the layers of the skin mentioned in Charaka Samhita.
47) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tila Taila or sesame oil is highly valued in Ayurveda for its skin health benefits, promoting a clear and beautiful complexion.
48) Samtarpana (Santarpana):
Santarpana therapies in Ayurveda nourish the body, promoting strength and enhancing the complexion.
49) Pakvarasa (Pakva-rasa):
Pakvarasa Sidhu, a fermented product, is noted for its ability to improve complexion.
50) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta refers to philosophical principles or doctrines in Ayurveda, including concepts related to health and complexion.
51) Stiffness:
Stiffness, which can be treated by massaging with oil (Abhyanga), enhances skin quality and complexion.
52) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three bodily humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda. Balanced Doshas contribute to a good complexion.
53) Haritaki:
Haritaki is a fruit used in Ayurveda for improving digestive health and complexion. It's a key ingredient in many Rasayana formulations.
54) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga, or the practice of oil massage, promotes smooth, strong, and good-looking skin, delaying the signs of aging.
55) Prasrita (Prasrta, Prashrita):
Prasrita refers to a measure in Ayurvedic texts for medicinal preparations.
56) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to signs or symptoms. In Ayurveda, good Lakshana like firmness and clear skin are signs of health.
57) Gandusa (Gandusha, Gamdusa, Gamdusha):
Sneha Gandusha or oil pulling imparts stoutness and health to the face, improving its appearance.
58) Shashthi (Sasthi, Sashthi):
Shashthi is one of the six layers of the skin as described in Charaka Samhita.
59) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine often involves using herbs, oils, and therapies that enhance health and complexion.
60) Sweating (Sweat):
Varnya herbs can alleviate excessive sweating and are used to treat skin disorders, improving complexion.
61) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language in which Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita, are written.
62) Pancami (Pamcami):
Panchami refers to the fifth layer of the skin in Ayurvedic anatomy.
63) Madhura:
Madhura Rasa or sweet taste is beneficial for the skin, promoting a good complexion.
64) Vrishya (Vrsya):
Vrishya Ghrita, taken with Shastika rice, is noted for enhancing strength, voice, and complexion in Ayurveda.
65) Utpatti:
Utpatti refers to the origin or development. Skin develops various characteristics intrauterinely as per Charaka.
66) Snigdha:
Snigdha refers to unctuous or oily properties, crucial for healthy, smooth, and glowing skin in Ayurveda.
67) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna is a type of natural skin complexion mentioned under Prakrita Varna in Ayurveda.
68) Madhuka:
Madhuka is a herb topically beneficial for eyes, hair, and complexion, treating skin pigmentation issues.
69) Varana:
Varana or complexion includes various attributes like color, radiance, and texture.
70) Akasha (Akasa):
Akasha Mahabhuta relates to space, one of the five elements, imparting qualities like being a conduit for sweat.
71) Mantha (Mamtha):
Sadya Santarpana Mantha, a quick nourishing preparation, improves complexion in Ayurveda.
72) Khadga:
Khadga Mansa (meat) is noted for its promissory effects on skin complexion in Ayurvedic dietetics.
73) Laksha (Laksa):
Laksha is an ingredient in Ayurvedic Lepa used to cleanse and promote skin health.
74) Vyanga (Vyamga):
Neelinyadya Ghrita is used to treat Vyanga, skin conditions like pigmentation issues.
75) Sthira:
Sthira, meaning stable or firm, describes qualities necessary for healthy skin as per Ayurvedic principles.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 114]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Critical Review of Charaka Samhita: Varnya - Ahara, Vihara, Aushdha.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Vihara, Shodhana, Ayurveda, Lepa, Nasya, Tridosha, Rasayana, Tailabhyanga, Charakasamhita, Dadhisara, Twacha, Vayasthapana Mahakashaya, Varnya Mahakashaya, Varnya Ahara.