VYADHI JANAKA HETU

VYADHI JANAKA HETU (CAUSES OF DISEASE)

• In Ayurveda, Hetu refers to the causative factors responsible for the origin of disease.

• Understanding Hetu is essential for Nidana (diagnosis) and Chikitsa (treatment planning).

• These are described primarily in the Nidana Sthana of classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.

TYPES OF VYADHI JANAKA HETU

1. ASATMYA INDRIYARTHA SAMYOGA (IMPROPER CONTACT OF SENSE ORGANS WITH OBJECTS)

• Definition: Improper contact of sense organs (Indriya) with their objects (Artha) either in excess, absence, or inappropriate manner.

• Subtypes:

  • Ati Yoga – Excessive use

  • Heena Yoga – Inadequate use

  • Mithya Yoga – Improper or perverse use

Contemporary Correlation:

• Continuous loud noise exposure → Hearing loss

• Overuse of screens → Eye strain, insomnia

• Addiction to loud music, junk food, strong perfumes → Mental and physical imbalances

Sanskrit Shloka:

2. PRAJNAPARADHA (INTELLECTUAL BLASPHEMY / MISUSE OF INTELLECT)

• Definition: Volitional transgression where one knowingly engages in unwholesome acts.

• Examples: Unethical conduct, ignoring health advice, knowingly consuming harmful substances.

• Considered the root cause of all diseases because it leads to improper lifestyle and habits.

Contemporary Correlation:

• Smoking despite knowing its risks

• Irregular sleeping and eating habits

• Overworking or extreme stress ignoring body signs

Sanskrit Shloka:

3. PARINAMA / KALA (EFFECT OF TIME/SEASONAL FACTORS)

• Definition: Natural transformations and influences caused by seasonal changes or passage of time.

• Seasonal variation may aggravate Doshas if Ritucharya is not followed.

• Influence of age, seasonal changes, time of day, and life stages.

Subtypes:

• Kaala (Time/Season) – e.g., Vata aggravates in Varsha Ritu

• Kshana Kaala – Circadian rhythm (day-night cycle)

• Avastha Kaala – Age-related changes

Contemporary Correlation:

• Allergies/asthma exacerbated in spring or cold weather

• Jet lag due to circadian disruption

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter

Sanskrit Shloka:

4. AAHARA (DIETARY FACTORS)

• Improper diet is a major cause of disease.

• Types:

  • Viruddha Aahara – Incompatible food combinations

  • Ajirna Bhojana – Eating during indigestion

  • Atyaahara – Overeating

  • Heena Aahara – Insufficient food

Contemporary Correlation:

• Junk food → Obesity, Diabetes

• Milk + fish → Skin disorders (Viruddha Aahara)

• Skipping meals → Gastric ulcers

Sanskrit Shloka:

5. VIHARA (LIFESTYLE AND BEHAVIORAL CAUSES)

• Improper daily routine and behavior contribute to disease.

• Includes sleep habits, physical activity, hygiene, sexual habits, etc.

• Leads to Dosha aggravation when not aligned with Ayurvedic principles.

Contemporary Correlation:

• Sedentary lifestyle → Obesity, Diabetes

• Lack of sleep → Mental disorders, immunity issues

• Irregular sexual activity → Reproductive disorders

6. JANMAJA / SAHAJA HETU (GENETIC OR CONGENITAL CAUSES)

• Definition: Factors present since birth due to defective sperm/ovum or intrauterine factors.

• May also include karmic and hereditary influences.

Contemporary Correlation:

• Congenital heart disease

• Genetic disorders like Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia

7. DAIVIKA HETU (DIVINE OR UNKNOWN CAUSES)

• Diseases caused by unknown, karmic, or divine forces.

• May include infectious diseases, epidemics, mental illnesses that arise without clear cause.

Contemporary Correlation:

• Autoimmune disorders (unknown etiology)

• Sudden psychiatric illnesses

• COVID-19 or other unexplained viral pandemics

Sanskrit Shloka:

(Charaka Samhita)

8. AAGANTUKA HETU (EXTERNAL OR TRAUMATIC CAUSES)

• External factors like trauma, injuries, poisoning, animal bites, weapons, etc.

• Sudden onset diseases due to external invasion.

Contemporary Correlation:

• Road traffic accidents

• Poisoning or drug overdose

• Burns or physical assault

9. DOSHA-UBHAYA-SAMYOGA HETU (MIXED OR COMBINED FACTORS)

• Diseases occur due to simultaneous involvement of multiple factors like Dosha + Aahara + Vihara.

Example:

• A person with poor diet, high stress, and seasonal exposure may develop metabolic syndrome.