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Kayachikitsa (Ayurvedic Internal Medicine)

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1. Introduction to Kayachikitsa

  • Definition:
  • “Kaya” = Body, “Chikitsa” = Treatment
  • Branch of Ayurveda dealing with diagnosis and treatment of systemic diseases through internal medicine.
  • Scope:
  • Focuses on holistic healing by balancing Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and improving Agni (digestive fire).
  • Combines preventive (Swasthavritta) and curative (Rogaprashamana) approaches.

2. Fundamental Principles

A. Tridosha Theory & Pathogenesis (Samprapti)

  • Diseases occur due to imbalance of Doshas leading to Ama (toxins) formation.
  • Six Stages of Disease (Shad Kriyakala):
  1. Sanchaya (Accumulation)
  2. Prakopa (Aggravation)
  3. Prasara (Spread)
  4. Sthana Samshraya (Localization)
  5. Vyakti (Manifestation)
  6. Bheda (Complications)

B. Role of Agni (Digestive Fire)

  • Types of Agni:
  • Jatharagni (Main digestive fire)
  • Dhatvagni (Tissue metabolism)
  • Bhutagni (Elemental digestion)
  • Impaired Agni → Ama → Disease

3. Diagnostic Methods (Nidana Panchaka)

  1. Nidana (Etiology) – Causes of disease (e.g., improper diet, lifestyle).
  2. Purva Rupa (Prodromal Symptoms) – Early signs.
  3. Rupa (Clinical Features) – Main symptoms.
  4. Upashaya (Diagnostic Tests & Relief Factors) – What alleviates/worsens symptoms.
  5. Samprapti (Pathogenesis) – Disease progression.

4. Treatment Approaches (Chikitsa Sutra)

A. Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification Therapy – Panchakarma)

TherapyDosha BalancedIndications
Vamana (Emesis)KaphaAsthma, Diabetes, Skin diseases
Virechana (Purgation)PittaLiver disorders, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity
Basti (Medicated Enema)VataArthritis, Constipation, Neurological disorders
Nasya (Nasal Therapy)Kapha/VataMigraine, Sinusitis, Paralysis
Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)PittaSkin disorders, Gout

B. Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative Treatment)

  • Herbal medicines (Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Triphala)
  • Diet (Ahara) & Lifestyle (Vihara) modifications
  • Yoga & Pranayama for stress management

C. Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)

  • Immunity boosters (Chyawanprash, Amalaki Rasayana)
  • Anti-aging (Ashwagandha, Shatavari)

5. Common Diseases & Ayurvedic Management

DiseaseAyurvedic NameDosha InvolvedTreatment Approach
DiabetesPramehaKapha/VataVirechana, Shilajatu, Bitter herbs
ArthritisAmavataVata-KaphaBasti, Guggulu, Nirgundi
PsoriasisEkakushthaPitta-KaphaVamana, Khadirarishta
IBS (Irritable Bowel)GrahaniVata-PittaHingvashtak Churna, Deepana herbs
HypertensionRakta Gata VataVata-PittaSarpagandha, Arjuna, Shirodhara

6. Key Ayurvedic Formulations

  • Triphala (Digestion, Detox)
  • Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Ulcers, Cough
  • Dashmoola – Pain, Inflammation
  • Arogya Vardhini – Liver disorders
  • Kaishore Guggulu – Joint pain, Gout

7. Modern Relevance of Kayachikitsa

  • Integrative Medicine: Used alongside modern treatments for chronic diseases.
  • Research Areas:
  • Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcumin) in inflammation.
  • Ashwagandha for stress and cortisol regulation.

8. Important Books & References

  • Charaka Samhita (Primary text for Kayachikitsa)
  • Ashtanga Hridaya (By Vagbhata)
  • Madhava Nidana (Disease diagnosis)

Exam Tips for Students:

✔ Focus on Nidana Panchaka, Shad Kriyakala, and Panchakarma.
✔ Remember classical formulations and their uses.
✔ Practice case-study analysis based on Dosha imbalance.