Philosophical Writings

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

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Philosophical Writings
may be in deficiency or in excess. Cakarapani explains not every kind of excess or deficiency, but only what produces a disease or disturbance of the equilibrium; It is only when such deficiency or excess produces affections on the body that it is called vitiators (Dhatu-vaisamya). A man is said to be unhealthy or to be in a state of disturbed equilibrium (Dhatu-vaisamya) when symptoms of disease (Vikara) are seen.10 More than once in this paper we have said that the disharmony or imbalance is the root cause of the disease. Why does disequilibrium take place? Caraka, while replying to this question, has said: “The cause of it is disturbing the nature's orderliness (a-dharma), and the root of this disturbance is malfunction of or lack of intellect, will and continuous alertness". According to the Indian medical science the individual is fully responsible for disease and calamities that occur both in the individual and in the universe. “At one place it is said that no disease will occur so long as a person takes proper nourishment, food and drink in proper measure and at proper time”. “At another place it is stated that formerly there were no diseases and men used to live for the full span of a hundred years; but those who happened to get more comforts and conveniences went on using more and more to satisfy their senses. By over eating, being over weight, ‘over enjoyment, idleness, cheating, anger, violence, etc., the blood gets vitiated by strong impulses, the heart gets agitated, the brain and the nervous system suffer a shock. This way the diseases increase and multiply".12
"Ayurveda has given three general causes of disease. The improper engagement of the senses in their sense object, the effect of the cycle of time, and the history of the life struggles and of various actions of previous births of individuals and societies”.13 "Ayurveda explains health and disease in a very systematic, coherent and logical manner”.!+ 6. Diagnosis, Treatment and Medicine.
Indian medical science in general and Ayurveda in particular do not seem to think that diagnosis means only naming the disease;