Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Ayurvedic Doctor Shares The First Cause Of All Sickness

Most of our health issues tend to be blamed on external factors, even when we consistently work to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infections, viruses, and other ailments. But according to <span>Ayurveda</span>, the traditional Indian medical system, disease is not just a function of encountering germs, it is largely due to the inability of the body to resist. This fundamental understanding reorients our minds from external vulnerabilities to internal power and harmony.

Ayurveda, derived from Sanskrit terms Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge), is an overall medicinal science dealing with the synergistic harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. Different from the so-called modern medicine, which involves mainly treating a disease, Ayurveda favors prevention via well-balanced lifestyle.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the human body is made up of doshas (bioenergies), dhatus (tissues), mala (waste), and agni (digestive fire). The smooth functioning of these components defines overall well-being, and any imbalance of them results in disease.

<h2>What is the Root Causes of Disease?</h2>

Famous Ayurvedic physician Nidhi Pandya recently went online to voice her opinion on the root cause of all illness. In contradiction to the common assumption, she said that food is the last thing on the list. Rather, she highlighted deeper, usually ignored lifestyle patterns that jeopardize health:

6. Eating stale, packaged, and processed food

This finding complements the basic Ayurvedic concept that disease is not only a physiological disturbance but also a reflection of mental, emotional, and environmental derangements.

<h2>Ayurvedic View of Disease Etiology</h2>

According to Ayurveda, our internal environment continuously interacts with the outside world. Disruption in this equilibrium results in disease, which can be divided into two categories:

<strong>Agantuk (External) Factors:</strong> Environmental toxins, microbes, seasons, and lifestyle habits.

<strong>Nija (Internal) Factors:</strong> These are a result of imbalances in doshas, faulty digestion, and the buildup of toxins (ama).

Acharya Charak, one of the founders of Ayurveda, wrote in the Charak Samhita that disease (vyadhi) arises when mental and physical disturbances create discomfort.

<h2>Stages of Disease Progression in Ayurveda</h2>

Ayurveda identifies six clear stages of disease development. Identifying these stages enables early treatment and complete healing.

Disease arises when one or more doshas accumulate as a result of bad diet, stress, or environmental contact. Each dosha has a natural "home":

<ul><li>Vata accumulates in the colon, nerves, and channels of the body.</li><li>Pitta accumulates in the digestive tract, eyes, and skin.</li><li>Kapha accumulates in the chest, joints, and circulatory system.</li></ul>

At this level, the collected dosha changes in quality and develops the potential to move from its natural place. Excess Pitta, for example, might lead to acidity and inflammation.

Now, the diseased dosha spreads all over the body and destroys equilibrium. The symptoms are still mild but perceivable—weariness, slight pains, or a feeling of restlessness.

<h4>4. Localization (Sthana Samshraya)</h4>

The dosha comes to rest in weak or compromised locations, causing the first specific signs of disease. For instance, Kapha settling in the respiratory tract can cause congestion.

The disease is now fully established, with distinct and recognizable signs. The disturbance of tissues and organ function causes acute health problems such as colds, digestive problems, or inflammatory diseases.

If not treated, the disease is either chronic or irreversible, which compromises the healing ability of the body. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases occur in this terminal stage.

<h2>Role of Agni in Health and Disease</h2>

A pillar of Ayurveda is Agni, the digestive fire that helps break down food and transform it into energy. Good Agni means effective digestion, immunity, and energy, whereas poor Agni causes toxin accumulation (ama), the basis of most illnesses.

<strong>How to make Agni stronger:</strong>

<ul><li>Consuming freshly prepared, nutrient-rich food</li><li>Eating mindfully</li><li>Adding digestive spices such as ginger, cumin, and turmeric</li><li>Steering clear of cold, stale, and over-processed food</li><li>Taking regular physical exercise</li></ul>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Disease Prevention</span> as per Ayurveda</h2>

Considering the complex interdependence of lifestyle and health, Ayurveda advocates a holistic regimen of wellness. Some of the preventive measures are:

<strong>Vata: </strong>Keep warm, adhere to a routine schedule, and eat grounding foods.

<strong>Pitta:</strong> Shun excessive heat, eat cooling foods, and deal with stress.

<strong>Kapha: </strong>Be active, cut down on heavy foods, and adopt stimulating activities.

<ul><li>Meditation and mindfulness assist in soothing the nervous system.</li><li>Deep Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) increase oxygenation and detoxification.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Regular sleep time synchronizes the body's natural rhythm.</li><li>Ayurveda advises sleeping earlier than 10 PM to enhance natural healing processes.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi build immunity and alleviate stress.</li><li>Turmeric and Triphala support digestion and detoxification.</li></ul>

Ayurveda focuses on seasonal cleansing therapies such as oil massage, fasting, and herbal treatments to remove toxins.

Conventional medicine tends to treat symptoms more, while Ayurveda seeks to treat the cause. It is only with an understanding of the deeper relation between lifestyle and health that diseases can be avoided before they show up. What Dr. Nidhi Pandya emphasized is that the actual cause of ill health is not external exposure but internal weakness.

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Most of our health issues tend to be blamed on external factors, even when we consistently work to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infections, viruses, and other ailments. But according to Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, disease is not just a function of encountering germs, it is largely due to the inability of the body to resist. This fundamental understanding reorients our minds from external vulnerabilities to internal power and harmony.Ayurveda, derived from Sanskrit terms Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge), is an overall medicinal science dealing with the synergistic harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. Different from the so-called modern medicine, which involves mainly treating a disease, Ayurveda favors prevention via well-balanced lifestyle.In Ayurvedic philosophy, the human body is made up of doshas (bioenergies), dhatus (tissues), mala (waste), and agni (digestive fire). The smooth functioning of these components defines overall well-being, and any imbalance of them results in disease.What is the Root Causes of Disease?Famous Ayurvedic physician Nidhi Pandya recently went online to voice her opinion on the root cause of all illness. In contradiction to the common assumption, she said that food is the last thing on the list. Rather, she highlighted deeper, usually ignored lifestyle patterns that jeopardize health:1. Existing in perpetual fear2. Inadequate sleep3. Incorrect breathing patterns4. Undernourishment5. Overwork and chronic stress6. Eating stale, packaged, and processed foodThis finding complements the basic Ayurvedic concept that disease is not only a physiological disturbance but also a reflection of mental, emotional, and environmental derangements.Ayurvedic View of Disease EtiologyAccording to Ayurveda, our internal environment continuously interacts with the outside world. Disruption in this equilibrium results in disease, which can be divided into two categories:Agantuk (External) Factors: Environmental toxins, microbes, seasons, and lifestyle habits.Nija (Internal) Factors: These are a result of imbalances in doshas, faulty digestion, and the buildup of toxins (ama).Acharya Charak, one of the founders of Ayurveda, wrote in the Charak Samhita that disease (vyadhi) arises when mental and physical disturbances create discomfort.Stages of Disease Progression in AyurvedaAyurveda identifies six clear stages of disease development. Identifying these stages enables early treatment and complete healing.1. Accumulation (Sanchaya)Disease arises when one or more doshas accumulate as a result of bad diet, stress, or environmental contact. Each dosha has a natural "home":Vata accumulates in the colon, nerves, and channels of the body.Pitta accumulates in the digestive tract, eyes, and skin.Kapha accumulates in the chest, joints, and circulatory system.2. Aggravation (Prakopa)At this level, the collected dosha changes in quality and develops the potential to move from its natural place. Excess Pitta, for example, might lead to acidity and inflammation.3. Dissemination (Prasara)Now, the diseased dosha spreads all over the body and destroys equilibrium. The symptoms are still mild but perceivable—weariness, slight pains, or a feeling of restlessness.4. Localization (Sthana Samshraya)The dosha comes to rest in weak or compromised locations, causing the first specific signs of disease. For instance, Kapha settling in the respiratory tract can cause congestion.5. Manifestation (Vyakti)The disease is now fully established, with distinct and recognizable signs. The disturbance of tissues and organ function causes acute health problems such as colds, digestive problems, or inflammatory diseases.6. Chronicity (Bheda)If not treated, the disease is either chronic or irreversible, which compromises the healing ability of the body. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases occur in this terminal stage.Role of Agni in Health and DiseaseA pillar of Ayurveda is Agni, the digestive fire that helps break down food and transform it into energy. Good Agni means effective digestion, immunity, and energy, whereas poor Agni causes toxin accumulation (ama), the basis of most illnesses.How to make Agni stronger:Consuming freshly prepared, nutrient-rich foodEating mindfullyAdding digestive spices such as ginger, cumin, and turmericSteering clear of cold, stale, and over-processed foodTaking regular physical exerciseDisease Prevention as per AyurvedaConsidering the complex interdependence of lifestyle and health, Ayurveda advocates a holistic regimen of wellness. Some of the preventive measures are:Balancing the DoshasVata: Keep warm, adhere to a routine schedule, and eat grounding foods.Pitta: Shun excessive heat, eat cooling foods, and deal with stress.Kapha: Be active, cut down on heavy foods, and adopt stimulating activities.Prioritizing Mental Well-beingMeditation and mindfulness assist in soothing the nervous system.Deep Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) increase oxygenation and detoxification.Quality SleepRegular sleep time synchronizes the body's natural rhythm.Ayurveda advises sleeping earlier than 10 PM to enhance natural healing processes.Herbal SupportAdaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi build immunity and alleviate stress.Turmeric and Triphala support digestion and detoxification.Detoxification (Panchakarma)Ayurveda focuses on seasonal cleansing therapies such as oil massage, fasting, and herbal treatments to remove toxins.Conventional medicine tends to treat symptoms more, while Ayurveda seeks to treat the cause. It is only with an understanding of the deeper relation between lifestyle and health that diseases can be avoided before they show up. What Dr. Nidhi Pandya emphasized is that the actual cause of ill health is not external exposure but internal weakness.