VIKARA VIGHATA BHAVA

VIKARA VIGHATA BHAVA AND ABHAVA IN RELATION TO VYADHIKSHAMATVA

INTRODUCTION TO VIKARA VIGHATA

• Vikara Vighata refers to the factors that resist or obstruct the manifestation of diseases (Vikara).

• These factors are protective in nature and promote Vyadhikshamatva (immunity or resistance to disease).

• It includes both Bhava (presence of protective factors) and Abhava (absence of causative/pathogenic factors).

• This concept plays a vital role in preventive and promotive healthcare in Ayurveda.

VIKARA VIGHATA BHAVA (PRESENCE OF RESISTANT FACTORS)

• Bhava means presence. Vikara Vighata Bhava includes factors which, when present, oppose disease formation.

• These may include:

  • Ojas (Vital essence)

    • Acts as the core of immunity and strength.

    • प्राणस्तत्र प्रतिष्ठितः॥
      (The life resides in Ojas – Charaka Samhita)

  • Bala (Strength or vitality)

    • Both Sahaja (natural), Kalaja (seasonal) and Yuktikrita (acquired) forms help resist disease.

  • Agni (Digestive and metabolic fire)

    • A balanced Agni prevents the formation of Ama (toxins), which is a major cause of disease.

  • Samyavastha of Doshas, Dhatus and Malas

    • Their proper balance maintains health and resists Vikara formation.

  • Satmya (Adaptation)

    • Suitable dietary and environmental adaptation help in resisting the ill effects of external factors.

  • Sattva (Mental strength)

    • A stable mind helps in combating disease, especially in psychosomatic disorders.

VIKARA VIGHATA ABHAVA (ABSENCE OF CAUSATIVE FACTORS)

• Abhava means absence. Vikara Vighata Abhava includes the non-existence or removal of pathogenic factors, thus resisting disease development.

• Key elements of Vikara Vighata Abhava include:

  • Absence of Nidana (Causative factors)

    • If the causes (like unhealthy diet, habits, pollution, etc.) are avoided, disease doesn’t manifest.

  • Absence of Hetusevana Kala (Exposure timing)

    • Disease doesn’t occur if the causative factor is not encountered at a susceptible time.

  • Absence of Kriyākāla progression

    • Disease fails to establish if it is intervened early in Samprapti stages.

  • Proper Vyavahara (Conduct)

    • Living in accordance with Dina-Ritu-Achara, ethical conduct, and discipline prevents disease.

RELATION OF VIKARA VIGHATA TO VYADHIKSHAMATVA

• Vyadhikshamatva is the body’s natural or acquired resistance to disease.

• The concept of Vikara Vighata is closely linked to Vyadhikshamatva.

  VIKARA VIGHATA BHAVA AND VYADHIKSHAMATVA:

  • Presence of Bala, Ojas, Sattva, and Agni strengthens Vyadhikshamatva.

  • These enhance the innate immune response and prevent disease from taking hold.

  VIKARA VIGHATA ABHAVA AND VYADHIKSHAMATVA:

  • Avoiding Nidana and Kriyākāla progression reflects proactive immunity.

  • It shows preventive aspects of Vyadhikshamatva.

RELEVANT SANSKRIT SHLOKAS

• बलमूलं हि जीवानां बलमूलं च जीवितम्।
  बलहीनं शरीरं हि न शात्रुं न च शोभते॥
  (Strength is the root of life; a body without strength cannot face adversities nor remain graceful – Charaka Samhita)

• ओजो नाम्ना परं तेजो धातूनां उत्कटं यदः।
  सर्वेषां धारणं तेन सर्वेषां जीवनं स्मृतम्॥
  (Ojas is the supreme essence of all dhatus; it sustains and gives life to all – Ashtanga Hridaya)