Conceptual study on the ayurvedic aspect of allergy
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Conceptual study on the ayurvedic aspect of allergy
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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*Rajveer Sason
PG Scholar, PG Department of Agada Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Anshu Malviya
PG Scholar, PG Department of Agada Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Conceptual study on the ayurvedic aspect of allergy
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Allergy is described as a hypersensitive immune response in the body to foreign proteins, which can arise from hereditary factors or develop independent of genetic predisposition. It is primarily caused by an abnormal reaction to various allergens, resulting from the vitiation of bodily systems, particularly blood and Pitta dosha, alongside low immunity. In Ayurveda, allergy correlates with concepts such as Ama (toxins), Asatmya (intolerance), and Virudhahara (incompatible food). Various Ayurvedic texts and Acharyas (authorities) have elucidated causes and symptoms aligning closely with modern understandings of allergies.
Ama and Allergy
One of the foundational concepts associated with allergies in Ayurveda is Ama, which refers to the toxins produced due to poor digestion and low digestive fire. When digestion is insufficient, food remains undigested within the body, eventually accumulating as toxic material, adversely affecting vitality and resistance against allergens. The presence of Ama leads to vitiation of Rakta (blood) and Pitta or Kapha doshas, inducing a range of symptoms associated with allergic reactions. This concept underscores the importance of maintaining digestive health to prevent the formation of Ama and, consequently, allergic manifestations.
Asatmya and its Implications
Another significant concept in Ayurveda related to allergies is Asatmya, or intolerance. Asatmya describes the condition wherein the body is unaccustomed to certain stimuli, which could lead to allergenic reactions. The Ayurvedic texts emphasize that both Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) must be in harmony with an individual's constitution to avoid Asatmya. The concept of Asatmya not only includes dietary and lifestyle factors but also considers external conditions and seasonal changes, which can provoke inappropriate responses from the immune system, leading to allergic disorders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ayurveda considers allergies primarily as consequences of low immunity and the presence of Ama, arising from poor digestive health. The interplay of Ama and Asatmya forms the basis for understanding allergic conditions from an Ayurvedic perspective. By comprehensively addressing these concepts through appropriate dietary practices, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining the balance of the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), it is possible to mitigate allergic responses and promote overall health. Understanding these foundations offers a holistic approach to preventing and managing allergies, aligning with the natural intelligence of the body.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the Ayurvedic perspective on allergies and their causes?
In Ayurveda, allergies are linked to low immunity and the presence of Ama (toxins). These toxins are caused by poor digestion and imbalances in the body's doshas, leading to various allergic symptoms.
How does the concept of Ama relate to allergies?
Ama in Ayurveda refers to toxins that accumulate when digestion is weak. This accumulation can trigger allergic reactions by aggravating the body's doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha, resulting in various symptoms.
What role does Asatmya play in allergic reactions according to Ayurveda?
Asatmya represents intolerance to substances the body is unaccustomed to. In Ayurveda, exposure to these unknown allergens can provoke an immune response, thereby contributing to allergic reactions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conceptual study on the ayurvedic aspect of allergy�. 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) Allergy:
Allergy refers to an abnormal immunological response which causes diseases like asthma, eczema, and skin rashes. In Ayurveda, it is often linked to Ama (toxins) produced by low digestive fire, or other concepts like Asatmya and Virudhahara.
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to maintain health. It uses the concept of Satmya (compatibility) and addresses conditions like allergies through dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
3) Disease:
In Ayurveda, a disease is an imbalance in the body’s Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). For instance, allergy-related diseases result from vitiation of Pitta and Kapha due to toxins (Ama).
4) Satmya:
Satmya in Ayurveda refers to the compatibility of food and lifestyle habits with an individual's constitution. Incompatibility (Asatmya) can lead to health issues, including allergies.
5) Dushivisha (Dusivisa):
Dushivisha in Ayurveda denotes latent toxins that persist in the body in a dormant state. When conditions are favorable, these toxins can cause various diseases, including those allergy-related.
6) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda that represents stability and structure in the body. Its imbalance, often worsened by Ama, can lead to allergies.
7) Roga:
Roga means disease in Ayurveda. Allergies can be seen as specific types of Rogas caused by the imbalance of Doshas and Ama.
8) Substance:
In the context of allergies, a substance refers to allergens like pollen or certain foods that induce hypersensitive immune responses.
9) Ahara:
Ahara in Ayurveda means food. Virudhahara, or incompatible foods, are a significant cause of allergies due to their potential to produce Ama (toxins).
10) Desha (Desa):
Desha in Ayurveda refers to the geographical location or environment. Certain Deshas can influence the manifestation of diseases, including allergies.
11) Dhatu:
Dhatu are the seven tissues that make up the human body in Ayurveda. Toxins (Dushivisha) can vitiate Dhatus, leading to allergic symptoms.
12) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu, or seasons, are critical in Ayurveda as each season requires specific dietary and lifestyle adjustments (ritucharya) to prevent allergies and other diseases.
13) Food:
Specific foods can act as allergens or cause imbalances in the doshas leading to Ama production and subsequent allergic reactions.
14) Human body:
The human body in Ayurveda is maintained by the balance of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Allergies arise from dosha imbalances and the accumulation of Ama.
15) Samhita:
Samhita refers to ancient Ayurvedic texts that encapsulate Ayurvedic knowledge. They provide the conceptual framework for understanding and treating allergies.
16) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are energies that govern physiological and psychological functions in the body. Imbalance in these doshas can lead to diseases, including allergies.
17) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas associated with metabolism and digestion. Its aggravation, often in combination with vitiated Rakta, can cause allergic reactions.
18) Kala:
Kala refers to time, including seasons and daily cycles. Ayurveda advises specific routines (Dinacharya and Ritucharya) to balance doshas and prevent allergies.
19) Viruddhahara (Viruddha-ahara):
[see source text or glossary: Viruddha-ahara]
20) Ritusandhi (Rtusandhi, Ritu-sandhi):
Ritu-sandhi is the transition period between seasons. Failure to adjust dietary and lifestyle habits during this period can lead to Asatmyaja roga (allergies).
21) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha represents the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Balanced Tridoshas maintain health, whereas their imbalance can lead to allergies and other diseases.
22) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
[see source text or glossary: Sandhi]
23) Vihara:
Vihara refers to daily and seasonal activities and habits. Inappropriate Vihara, like improper sleep and activity patterns, can contribute to allergies.
24) Rakta:
Rakta, or blood, can become vitiated due to Ama (toxins) and contribute to Pitta-linked allergic responses like skin rashes and inflammation.
25) Blood:
Blood, referred to as Rakta in Ayurveda, can carry toxins (Ama) that trigger allergic reactions and diseases.
26) Anna:
Anna, meaning food in Ayurveda, is a significant factor in producing Ama when improperly digested, leading to allergic reactions.
27) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to the essence or juice of food and also one of the bodily tissues. Imbalanced Rasa can lead to the formation of Ama and subsequent allergies.
28) Fire:
[see source text or glossary: Fire]
29) Samyogaviruddha (Samyoga-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Samyoga-viruddha]
30) Deshaviruddha (Desaviruddha, Desha-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Desha-viruddha]
31) Matraviruddha (Matra-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Matra-viruddha]
32) Kalaviruddha (Kala-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Kala-viruddha]
33) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
34) Rajasthan:
[see source text or glossary: Rajasthan]
35) Aushadha (Ausadha):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadha]
36) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
37) Samyoga:
[see source text or glossary: Samyoga]
38) Jaipur:
[see source text or glossary: Jaipur]
39) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vyadhi]
40) Animal:
[see source text or glossary: Animal]
41) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: Indian]
42) Matra:
[see source text or glossary: Matra]
43) Kotha:
[see source text or glossary: Kotha]
44) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
45) Diet:
[see source text or glossary: Diet]
46) Satmyaviruddha (Satmya-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Satmya-viruddha]
47) Agniviruddha (Agni-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Agni-viruddha]
48) Hridviruddha (Hrdviruddha, Hrit-viruddha):
[see source text or glossary: Hrit-viruddha]
49) Agadatantra (Agada-tantra, Agadatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Agada-tantra]
50) Pratishyaya (Pratisyaya):
[see source text or glossary: Pratishyaya]
51) Indriyartha (Indriya-artha, Imdriyartha):
[see source text or glossary: Indriyartha]
52) Ahitahara (Ahita-ahara):
[see source text or glossary: Ahita-ahara]
53) Netraroga (Netra-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Netraroga]
54) Shiroroga (Siroroga, Shiras-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Shiroroga]
55) Amadosha (Amadosa, Ama-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Ama-dosha]
56) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
57) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
58) Samskara:
[see source text or glossary: Samskara]
59) Parihara:
[see source text or glossary: Parihara]
60) Prakriti (Prakrti):
[see source text or glossary: Prakriti]
61) Samcarin (Sancarin, Sancari, Samcari):
[see source text or glossary: Sanchari]
62) Indriya (Imdriya):
[see source text or glossary: Indriya]
63) Atisara:
[see source text or glossary: Atisara]
64) Trishna (Trsna):
[see source text or glossary: Trishna]
65) Koshtha (Kostha):
[see source text or glossary: Koshtha]
66) Prakopa:
[see source text or glossary: Prakopa]
67) Sparsha (Sparsa):
[see source text or glossary: Sparsha]
68) Vikriti (Vikrti):
[see source text or glossary: Vikriti]
69) Avipaka:
[see source text or glossary: Avipaka]
70) Kitibha:
[see source text or glossary: Kitibha]
71) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]
72) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
73) Shabda (Sabda):
[see source text or glossary: Shabda]
74) Vikara:
[see source text or glossary: Vikara]
75) Shotha (Sotha):
[see source text or glossary: Shotha]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 106]
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