A Fundamental Study On The Concept Of Abhishyandi Karma & Its Effect On Srotas And Swasthya : A Protocol Review

Introduction

       Ayurveda, often called “the science of living”, has repeatedly demonstrated its efficacy for healthy individuals and communities grappling with diseases. Just as effective Communication and Cooperation are key for societal progress, similarly, our body functions through a set of complex structural & functional channels called ‘srotas’.  These channels are vital in transporting different biological substances and dhatus, transforming anatomical structure throughout the body.

        According to Acharya Caraka[1], “Without the help of the Srotas, no structure in the body can grow and develop or waste away and atrophy.” They exist in Sthula(macro) & Anu(micro).

        In addition, the body’s internal transportation system also serves as a platform for the function of other bio-factors, such as the three Doshas, the seven Dhatus, the Oja, and the Agni. One of the General symptoms of Srotodusti is“Sanga” or Obstruction. Any obstruction in the pathway/channels can result in multi-system disorders, as described in the classical text by different Acharyas. Understanding the fundamental basics of Srotas is essential, as without srotodusti (histopathology), no disease can occur.

        It is evident in Ayurveda texts that food has been claimed as biofuel, and one should be highly selective regarding food consumption, as everybody’s phenotype makeup is different. Not only food but also food processing, food combination, and food cultivation play important roles in maintaining homeostasis and healthy body tissues.

Unfortunately, the globalization of food has made global food easily available in kitchens. At the same time, the globalization of food has also imparted untoward effects on health maintenance.

        The “concept of Abhishyandi Karma” has been explained as an independent pharmacological action in the Ayurvedic classical text[2]. In simplest terms, “Abhishyandi” produces more moisture in the tissue, obstructs various channels, and leads to diseases in the long run.

        The 21st century has witnessed a surge in lifestyle-related disorders, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic digestive issues. These conditions are often linked to improper dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and the accumulation of toxins in the body. In Ayurveda, these factors can contribute to the vitiation of Srotas, the intricate network of channels responsible for transporting nutrients, energy, and waste products throughout the body. The globalization of food has further complicated this issue, with easy access to processed foods and dietary choices that may be high in Abhishyandi properties.

        Abhishyandi Karma refers to the action of substances that increase moisture and obstruct these vital channels. While modern medicine focuses on specific pathologies, Ayurveda provides a holistic understanding of how certain foods and habits can impede the flow within the body’s transport systems, leading to a cascade of health problems. Therefore, a deeper understanding of Abhishyandi Karma is crucial in today’s context. This study aims to bridge the gap between classical Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary health challenges by systematically analyzing the effects of Abhishyandi Ahara and Vihara on Srotas and Swasthya, ultimately contributing to the development of effective preventive and personalized lifestyle interventions.

Brief Literature Review

            This literature review delves into the Ayurvedic concept of srotas (body channels) and explores the Abhishyandi Guna (obstructive quality), highlighting its effects on bodily functions. According to the Sharangadhara Samhita[3], drug actions on srotas are categorized as Abhishyandi (causing obstruction due to qualities like heaviness and sliminess, e.g., curd) and Pramathi (clearing obstructions, particularly in the Rasavaha srotas). The Carakasamhita[4] identifies foods with picchila, guru, and snigdha (slimy, heavy, and oily) qualities as promoting kleda (moisture), leading to the obstruction of Rasavaha srotas. This is further elaborated by Acharya Dalhana in the SushrutaSamhita[5], who describes how Abhishyandi substances cause kleda in various body channels, mirroring modern concepts of food-induced cellular swelling and its role in metabolic disorders. Additionally, the Bhavaprakasha defines srotas as channels responsible for the movement of vital substances and classifies Abhishyandi foods as those that obstruct these microchannels, impairing digestion, metabolism, and leading to tissue malnutrition.

            Ayurveda views srotas as vital channels responsible for essential functions such as storage, secretion, absorption, transportation, elimination, and digestion. Disruption in srotas, known as Srotodushti, can be caused by improper diet and lifestyle, resulting in the vitiation of doshas and dhatus, leading to conditions such as increased flow, obstruction, or abnormal flow. These channels are classified into three groups: those responsible for the intake of environmental elements (Pranavaha, Annavaha, Udakavaha), those nourishing tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra), and the excretory channels (Swedavaha, Mutravaha, Purishavaha). Treatment for blocked channels includes purificatory therapies, palliative treatments, and psychotherapy for psychological blockages.

Research Question:

   What is Abhishyandi & what are its effects on different srotas & swasthya?

  Previous Research Work Done

   Related articles & thesis work done:

• Unwholesome Food Revisited- by Sabnis M, published in Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine. The article describes Certain food classifications, elaborated in the text, which play a big role in creating disease processes.
• Clinical Research: Provocative dietary factors in geriatric hypertension: A surveillance study- by Madhavi V. Jagtap, Yogesh S. Deole, Harimohan Chandola, B. Ravishankar, published in AYU: An International Quarterly Journal of Research In Ayurveda the study supported the fact that the dietary etiologic factors, such as excess intake of Abhishyandi dietary substances can lead to vitiation of Rakta Dhatu as well as Pitta Dosha in the body leading to disorders, such as Hypertension.
• Analysis Of Dyslipidemia As Per Ayurveda And Its Management By Hridya A, Published In International Journal Of Ayurveda And Pharma Research. The Reviewed Article States that Abhishyandi And Virudha Ahara, Along With a Sedentary Lifestyle, Is The Basic Attributing Factor Of Dyslipidemia.
• A Literary Review Of Oja And Visha Gunas By Mahendra B. Toshniwal, Ravindra P. Kulkarni, Sachin N. Hirekar, Published In Ayurline International Journal Of Research In Indian Medicine. The article states that Ghrita is Alpa Abhishyandi while drawing a comparative chart on Guna of Oja, & Visha.
• The Role of Pathya-Apathya in Psoriasis.to Kushtha – A literary review by Surajkumar Bangar, Ramesh Ujwale, and Bhagyashree Puranik published in Ayurlog National Journal of Research in Ayurved Science.
  1. The article states that milk and fish are Madhura, having Madhura Vipaka, and are Maha Abhishyandi. Though milk is Sheeta (cold) Virya (potency) while fish is

Lacuna & Gap Analysis

• References to the term “Abhishyandi”, can be traced in different Samhitas, but in other contexts relatively.
  • : Diwaswapna as vihaaraj, dadhi sevan as aaharaj.
  • Dadhi as “MahAbhishyandi”, ghrta as “alpa Abhishyandi”, etc.
• Definition of Abhishyandi (as per Ayurveda Acharyas):
  • The Dravya that obstructs the Rasavaha siras(channels of propagation of plasma/ECF) due to its Picchila, Guru guna producing heaviness (Gurutwa) in the body is known as “Abhishyandi” e.g., dahi (curd). But the term Abhishyandi can be traced in pathya-apathya, nidana for diseases related to srotas other than Rasavaha srotas.

   Aim:

The study aims to analyze the effects of different Abhishyandi Ahara and Vihara on srotas and swasthya by compiling information from Ayurvedic literature as well as relevant materials online.

Objectives:

1. Primary Objective:

• To compile available information related to the scope of Abhishyandi, understanding, and relevance within Ayurvedic literature.

(Example: Chikitsa upayog guna, role in Roga utpatti, etc.)

• To provide a list of Ahara-Viharas that has a similar biological effect to Abhishyandi on

2.     Secondary Objectives:

·         Explain the action behind Abhishyandi karma in terms of modern pharmacology.

·         To provide a comprehensive guideline on the concept of Abhishyandi: dos & don’ts. which may cause abnormality in srotas as a preventive and curative measure for practitioners and patients.

Materials:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Caraka Samhita
2. Sushruta Samhita
3. Ashtanga Hridayam
4. Ashtanga Sangraha
5. Sharangdhar Samhita
6. Madhava Nidana
7. Bhav Prakash
8. Nibandha Sangraha Commentary of Dalhana on Sushruta Samhita
9. Chakrapani commentary of Chakradatta on Caraka Samhita
10. Sarvanga Sundara commentary of Arundatta on Astanga Hrdaya
11. Journals, PubMed, Google Scholar.

Exclusion Criteria:

All other books/commentary of Brihattrayee, and Laghu Trayee, except those mentioned in the inclusion criteria. Books available in regional languages. Manuscripts of the books mentioned above will be excluded from the present work.

 Methodology

The study consists of:

1. Identification: Identify references related to Abhishyandi in the Samhitas.
2. Compilation: Compile each reference and context relevant to the topic and list the Ahara and Vihara responsible for the etiology of different srotas/ diseases according to classical references mentioned in various Ayurvedic Samhitas.
3. Analysis & Organization: Organize knowledge in order of srotas as described in the classical text by chart illustration.

Prototype of Reference Information for structured format of data extraction:

1. Reference information

• Source Type (Classical Text/Commentary/Research Article):
• Title:
• Author(s)/Translator(s)/Commentator(s):
• Text Name/Journal:
• Edition/Publication Year:
• Volume/Chapter/Page Number:
• Specific Verse/Passage (Sanskrit):
• Specific Verse/Passage (English Translation):
• Any other relevant details:

1. Abhishyandi Karma Details

• Definition of Abhishyandi:
• Qualities (Guna) of Abhishyandi Dravya:
• Specific Abhishyandi Dravya mentioned (Ahara/Vihara):
  • Name of Dravya:
  • Part used:
  • Preparation/Processing:
• Context of Abhishyandi reference (e.g., Pathya-Apathya, Nidana):

III. Effects on Srotas

• Srotas mentioned to Abhishyandi:
  • Srotas Name (Sanskrit):
  • Srotas Name (English):
• Nature of Effect on Srotas:
  • Increased flow (Atipravrutti):
  • Obstruction (Sanga):
  • Nodules (Siragranthi):
  • Diversion of flow (Vimargagamana):
  • Other (specify):
• Description of the effect on Srotas:
• Dosha involvement:

1. Effects on Swasthya (Health) and Disease

• Swasthya (Health) implications:
• Disease(s) mentioned about Abhishyandi:
  • Disease Name (Sanskrit):
  • Disease Name (English):
• Symptoms described:
• Pathophysiology described:

1. Modern Correlation (If Applicable)

• Modern pharmacological concept related to Abhishyandi:
• Possible mechanism of action:
• Relevant biomarkers/physiological changes:

1. Additional Information

• Any other relevant information:
• Researcher’s Notes/Interpretation:
• Quality Assessment of Source (if applicable):

This structured form will help extract relevant data in a systematic and organized manner, facilitating the analysis and synthesis of information for the study.

4. Fill in the gap: to establish a correlation between Abhishyandi and its action on srotas individually.

• Study Design: Qualitative Research Design