Protocol for an Observational Study on the Correlation Between Dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi and Taste Preferences (Shad-Rasa) as Preventive Measures in Ayurveda

Introduction

In Ayurveda, the body’s balance is regulated by three primary dosha—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these dosha are disturbed, they result in imbalances that can lead to a variety of health issues. Among the most commonly observed imbalances are Kshaya (reduction) and Vriddhi (increase), which directly affect an individual’s physiological functions. These imbalances are also believed to influence sensory perceptions, including the preference or aversion towards specific tastes, referred to as Shad-Rasa.

The six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—are fundamental components of Ayurveda dietary recommendations. Ayurveda posits that consuming the appropriate tastes in accordance with an individual’s dosha constitution plays a key role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Therefore, understanding how dosha imbalances relate to taste preferences could enhance the precision of Ayurveda treatments, particularly in preventive care.

This study seeks to explore the relationship between dosha imbalances (Kshaya and Vriddhi) and the liking or aversion towards the six tastes. The findings could provide insights into how Shad-Rasa can be strategically incorporated into dietary recommendations for individuals based on their dosha imbalances, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

Aim and Objectives:

Aim:

To explore the correlation between dosha imbalances (Kshaya and Vriddhi) and individuals’ preferences (aversion or liking) towards the six tastes (Shad-Rasa) and to assess its applicability as a preventive measure in Ayurveda treatment.

Objectives:

Primary Objective:

• To determine the correlation between individuals’ aversions/likings towards specific Shad-Rasa and their dosha imbalances (Kshaya-Vriddhi).

Secondary Objectives:

• To evaluate the Kshaya (decrease) and Vriddhi (increase) of dosha in healthy individuals using a validated Vikriti measuring scale [6].
• To develop and validate a questionnaire based on the six tastes (Shad-Rasa) as described in Ayurveda classical texts.
• To assess the aversion and liking of specific Shad-Rasa in individuals.
• To apply the findings as preventive measures for personalized treatment in Ayurveda, optimizing dietary recommendations and therapeutic interventions.

Research Question

Is there a significant correlation between the aversions/likings of specific Shad-Rasa and the Kshaya-Vriddhi (increase or decrease) of dosha in individuals?

Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H₀):

There is no significant correlation between dosha imbalances (Kshaya-Vriddhi) and the aversion or liking towards the six tastes (Shad-Rasa).

Alternate Hypothesis (H₁):

There is a significant correlation between dosha imbalances (Kshaya-Vriddhi) and the aversion or liking towards the six tastes (Shad-Rasa).

Methodology

This study will be divided into three main phases:

1. Participant Recruitment:

A total of at least 100 healthy individuals will be recruited for this study. Participants will be selected based on the SAS criteria for healthy individuals, as defined by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS). The inclusion criteria will ensure that only individuals who are considered physiologically balanced, without any significant health concerns, are chosen.

2. Dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi Assessment:

The assessment of dosha imbalances (Kshaya and Vriddhi) will be conducted using a validated scale. The Kshaya-Vriddhi of the dosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the recruited individuals will be evaluated using a detailed proforma based on the Vikriti scale of tridosha diagnosis, a comprehensive tool that helps in determining the imbalances of each dosha. The evaluation will take into account the physiological, psychological, and behavioral characteristics that indicate dosha imbalances.

3. Development and Validation of Questionnaire on Shad-Rasa:

A questionnaire will be designed to assess the participants’ aversion or liking towards the six tastes (Shad-Rasa) as described in Ayurveda classical texts. An extensive literature review will be conducted to identify references and detailed descriptions of Shad-Rasa, including their definitions, qualities (Guna), and actions (Karma) as per Ayurveda principles. Consultations with expert Ayurveda physicians will be conducted to ensure that the questionnaire accurately reflects the understanding of these tastes in the context of dosha imbalances. The final questionnaire will consist of items that explore the relationship between individual preferences for each Shada-Rasa and the corresponding dosha status (whether the dosha is in Kshaya or Vriddhi).

After evaluating the Kshaya-Vriddhi of dosha, the study will proceed as follows:

1. Assessment of Aversion:

Individuals will be asked, based on the questionnaire, whether they have developed an aversion to any specific Rasas among the six tastes (Shad-Rasa).

2. Assessment of Liking:

Individuals will be asked, based on the questionnaire, whether they have developed a liking for any specific Rasas among the Shad-Rasa.

3. Correlation Analysis:

A correlation will be drawn between the individuals’ aversions and likings towards specific Rasas and the particular dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi of each subject. This analysis will identify patterns that link dosha imbalances with taste preferences.

4. Preventive Measure Application:

Based on the correlation findings, these preferences and imbalances will be used as a preventive measure to guide Ayurveda treatment. Personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations will be suggested to the participants based on their dosha imbalance and taste preferences.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Subjects aged between 18 and 40 years, irrespective of gender, caste, race, and socioeconomic status.
2. Subjects who are willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Patients below 18 years or above 40 years of age.
2. Patients who are not willing to participate in the study.
3. Patients with functional abnormalities such as smell and taste disorders, anosmia, ageusia, any congenital disorders, or any other medical condition that affects taste.
4. Patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or systemic diseases like bronchial asthma.
5. Pregnant or lactating women, and patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Addison’s disease, Graves’ disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, hyper or hypothyroidism, or any other chronic disorder.
6. Habitual smoking, drinking, or a history of any substance abuse.

Source of Data

1. Literary Source

1. • Relevant information will be gathered from Ayurveda classics, commentaries, and modern literature. The data will be systematically compiled and analyzed.
   • Key reference: Patil SS et al., Development and validation of Vikriti measuring scale – A pilot study, IJAM KLEU, 2021, 2(2), 78-85.
   • Research articles and reviews on dosha assessment, the significance of Shad-Rasa, and their role in Ayurveda diagnosis and treatment.

2. Clinical Source

1. • Participants will be recruited from various sources, including the college campus, hospital, or external locations. Only individuals who voluntarily agree to participate by signing an informed consent form and are willing to cooperate throughout the study will be selected.

Data Analysis

1. Subjective Criteria

1. • Vikriti Assessment: Evaluation of Dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi using the Tridosha diagnosis scale.
   • Questionnaire Development and Validation: Creation and validation of a questionnaire to assess participants’ preferences and aversions to specific Rasa.

2. Objective Criteria

1. • Vikriti Measurement: Quantitative assessment of Dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi using the validated Vikriti measuring scale.
   • Statistical Analysis: Correlation analysis between Dosha states and rasa preferences/aversions using appropriate statistical tools.

Preventive Measures

• Dietary Recommendations: Personalized dietary adjustments based on dosha imbalances and taste preferences.
• Preventive Strategies: Dosha-specific guidelines and seasonal adjustments for maintaining balance.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for daily routines and regimens to support overall health.

Anticipated Outcomes

• A correlation will be established between individuals’ specific aversions and preferences for particular Rasas (tastes) and the Dosha Kshaya-Vriddhi (imbalance) in each participant. This will help clarify the connection between taste preferences and doshic imbalances, offering insights into individualized health patterns.
• The study aims to identify early indicators of dosha imbalances through taste preferences. This approach will provide an opportunity for early interventions before the onset of disease, supporting the modern healthcare shift towards preventive care rather than reactive treatment.

Expected Outcomes

• The findings will facilitate the development of a more targeted and personalized approach in Ayurveda dietary recommendations and treatments based on taste preferences, enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions.
• The study will offer preventive measure applications, allowing Ayurveda to take a more proactive role in maintaining health and preventing disease by leveraging early detection of dosha imbalances through taste preferences.

Significance of the Study

• Ayurveda, despite its ancient roots, continues to provide valuable insights into personalized healthcare. This study highlights the potential of Ayurveda in not only treating ailments but also preventing them by identifying early signs of dosha imbalances. By integrating modern research methods with traditional knowledge, this study will contribute to bridging the gap between Ayurveda practices and contemporary preventive medicine, thus promoting holistic and personalized healthcare.

Table 1: Timeline of the Proposed Research Work

Funding and Conflicts of Interest:

No external funding was received for this study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References:

 [1] Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, Ayushkamiyamadhyaya, 1/14-16, Available from https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read (Accessed on 11 January, 2025)

[2] Charak Samhita, Sutrasthana, Dirghanjivitiyamadhyaya, 1/66, Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read (Accessed on 11 January, 2025)

[3] Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, Doshahivijyaniyamadhyaya, 11/42, Available from https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read (Accessed on 11 January, 2025)

[4] Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthana, Vranaprashnamadhyaya, 21/36, Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 11 January, 2025)

[5] Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthana, Vranaprashnamadhyaya, 21/39, Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 11 January, 2025)

[6] Patil SS et al., Development and validation of Vikriti measuring scale – A pilot study, IJAM KLEU, 2021, 2(2), 78-85.