DEFINITION OF AROGYA IN THE CONTEXT OF ARISHTA

DEFINITION OF AROGYA IN THE CONTEXT OF ARISHTA (CHA.IN.12/87) – AS PER BAMS SYLLABUS

• The concept of Arogya (health) is central to Ayurveda.

• Charaka Samhita, especially in Indriya Sthana, emphasizes Arogya in contrast to Arishta Lakshana (indicators of impending death).

• In Cha.In.12/87 (Gomayachurniyam Indriya Adhyaya), Charaka defines Arogya not merely as absence of disease but as a state of physiological equilibrium and functional integrity of body and mind.

DEFINITION OF AROGYA AS PER CHA.IN.12/87

• The reference from Charaka Samhita, Indriya Sthana 12/87:

"दोषधातुमलक्रियाः प्रसन्न आत्मेन्द्रिय मनाः ।
स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥"
— Charaka Samhita, Indriya Sthana 12/87

MEANING

• A person is considered Swastha (healthy) when:

  • Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are in balance

  • Dhatus (body tissues) are functioning normally

  • Malas (waste products) are being eliminated properly

  • Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) is in a proper state

  • Atma (soul), Indriya (senses), and Mana (mind) are in a state of contentment or equilibrium

KEY COMPONENTS OF AROGYA IN THIS CONTEXT

• DOSHA SĀMYA: Balanced state of Vata, Pitta and Kapha ensures homeostasis in body

• DHATU SĀMYA: Proper nourishment and function of the seven body tissues – Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja and Shukra

• MALA MUKTI: Regular elimination of mala (waste) such as mutra (urine), purisha (faeces), and sweda (sweat)

• AGNIBALA: Proper function of Agni is essential for digestion, metabolism and immunity

• MANAS, INDRIYA & ATMA SANTULANA: Psychological well-being and functional clarity of senses along with spiritual balance

MODERN CORRELATION OF AROGYA (HEALTH)

• The WHO defines health as:
  "A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

• The Ayurvedic definition aligns with this holistic concept, including body, mind, and spirit.

MODERN COMPONENTS OF HEALTH (FROM MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCE)

• PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

  • Normal functioning of organs and systems

  • Adequate nutrition, physical fitness, absence of pathology

• MENTAL HEALTH

  • Emotional balance

  • Absence of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety

• SOCIAL HEALTH

  • Productive interpersonal relationships

  • Community participation and social responsibility

• SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

  • Sense of purpose and inner peace (parallels Atma Santulana in Ayurveda)

• ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

  • Clean air, water, sanitation and hygiene contribute to maintaining Arogya

RELEVANCE IN CONTEXT OF ARISHTA LAKSHANAS

• Indriya Sthana deals with prognostic signs indicating impending death (Arishta Lakshana)

• The verse (Cha.In.12/87) reasserts that in absence of such signs and in presence of the above balanced states, Arogya is said to prevail

• Hence, it is not only a diagnostic criterion but also a prognostic one

SUPPORTING REFERENCES FROM OTHER CLASSICAL TEXTS

• Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 15/41:
  "धातुसाम्यं मलक्षान्तिः स्नेहस्वेदोद्भवस्तथा ।
  सम्यग्निः सर्वकार्येषु इत्यारोग्यं समासतः ॥"

• Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 1/20:
  "समीक्ष्य हेतुलिङ्गौषधज्ञानं सम्यग्विधाय चिकीर्षितम् ।
  कार्यं चिकित्सं भिषजा व्याधेः परिहाराय भिषग्वरैः ॥"

AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MAINTAIN AROGYA

• Dinacharya (Daily routine)

• Ritucharya (Seasonal regimen)

• Sadvritta (Code of conduct)

• Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy)

• Aahara-Vihara (Balanced diet and lifestyle)