VYADHI KSHAMATVA

VYADHIKSHAMATVA

• Vyadhikshamatva is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that refers to the body's natural ability to resist diseases and maintain health.
• It can be correlated with the concept of immunity in modern science.
• The term is derived from two words: "Vyadhi" meaning disease and "Kshamatva" meaning resistance or tolerance.
• Thus, Vyadhikshamatva denotes the strength of an individual to combat diseases.

DEFINITION OF VYADHIKSHAMATVA

• The ability of the body to prevent the onset of disease or to resist the progression of disease.

• Includes both Vyadhi-utpada-pratibandhakatva (preventive resistance) and Vyadhi-bala-virodhitva (curative resistance).

📜 आत्मसंयोगं आयत्तं व्याधिक्षमत्वं इति।
(The ability to resist disease is dependent on the integrity and balance of the body and mind.)

TYPES OF VYADHIKSHAMATVA

1. SAHaja (INNATE IMMUNITY)

• Natural resistance present from birth.

• Dependent on genetics, constitution (Prakriti), and inherited strength.

• Provides general protection against commonly occurring infections.

📜 सहजं च यथाजातं स्वभावात् सम्प्रदायिकम्॥
(The immunity which is naturally present from birth is known as Sahaja Vyadhikshamatva.)

2. KALAJ (TIME-DEPENDENT IMMUNITY)

• Varies according to age, season, and diurnal rhythm.

• Immunity may decrease during Ritu Sandhi (seasonal transitions), old age, and during certain phases of day or night.

• Based on adaptability of the body to external changes.

3. YUKTIKRUTA (ACQUIRED OR ARTIFICIAL IMMUNITY)

• Developed through proper diet, regimen, Rasayana therapy, and vaccination.

• Can be enhanced by conscious efforts such as lifestyle modifications and intake of immune-boosting herbs.

📜 युक्त्या सम्यग्धारणाद्बलवृद्धिः।
*(Through proper means and logic, immunity and strength can be enhanced.)

FACTORS AFFECTING VYADHIKSHAMATVA

1. DOSHIC BALANCE

• Balanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha promote good immunity.

• Doshic vitiation leads to decreased resistance.

2. AGNI (DIGESTIVE FIRE)

• Strong Agni helps in proper digestion and metabolism, which supports good immunity.

• Weak Agni leads to formation of Ama (toxins), reducing immunity.

📜 बलं अग्निः। अग्निबलात् बलं देहस्य।
*(Agni is strength. The body’s strength depends upon the strength of Agni.)

3. OJAS (ESSENCE OF ALL DHATUS)

• Ojas is the ultimate vital essence that supports immunity.

• It is of two types: Para Ojas (8 drops in the heart, sustaining life) and Apara Ojas (circulating in the body, supports immunity).

📜 ओजः सर्वधातूनां सारतमम्।
*(Ojas is the essence of all the Dhatus.)

4. DHATU SAARATA (QUALITY OF BODY TISSUES)

• Well-nourished and strong Dhatus help in building resistance against diseases.

5. PRAVARA PRAKRITI (STRONG CONSTITUTION)

• People with Kapha-dominant or well-balanced Prakriti generally have better immunity.

6. AHARA AND VIHARA (DIET AND LIFESTYLE)

• Balanced, wholesome diet and disciplined lifestyle strengthen immunity.

• Rasayana drugs like Amalaki, Guduchi, Haritaki enhance Vyadhikshamatva.

CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION OF VYADHIKSHAMATVA

1. VYADHI UTPADHA PRATIBANDHAKATVA (PREVENTIVE IMMUNITY)

• Prevents the onset of disease even when exposed to causative factors.

2. VYADHI BALA VIRODHITVA (CURATIVE IMMUNITY)

• Controls the severity and progression of disease.

IMPORTANCE OF VYADHIKSHAMATVA IN AYURVEDA

• Fundamental in preventive medicine.

• Core concept in Rasayana Chikitsa.

• Important for Swathya Rakshana (maintenance of health) and Atura Vyadhi Pratighata (resistance to disease).

📜 स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं।
*(Preservation of health in the healthy and treatment of disease in the sick.)

MODERN CORRELATION

• Correlates with concepts of Innate Immunity and Acquired Immunity in modern immunology.

• Emphasizes holistic health: physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

• Ayurveda stresses immunomodulation through herbs, diet, and lifestyle.

VYADHIKSHAMATVA AND RASAYANA THERAPY

• Rasayana therapy is the Ayurvedic strategy to improve Vyadhikshamatva.

• Enhances:

  • Ojas

  • Agni

  • Dhatu Saarata

  • Mental health

• Common Rasayana Dravyas:

  • Amalaki

  • Guduchi

  • Ashwagandha

  • Haritaki

  • Shatavari