Page 19 - NAMAH-Jan-2023

Namah A Critical review of Kala (Time) in Ayurveda
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transformation in the universe. They are Pañca velocity and dryness in the air dehydrates
Tanmatras (subtle forms of five elements) — the body. Deha Bala (strength) is reduced
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AAkassa (Ether), Vaayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala gradually. The three RRtus of this phase
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(Water) Prrthvıi (Earth) with Mana (Mind), are: Sisira (peak-Winter), Vasanta (Spring),
AAtmaa (Consciousness), Kaala (time) (2) and Grısma (Summer). Uttarayana Kala brings an
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Dissa (space). increase in Tikta (bitter), Kasaya (astringent),
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and Katu (pungent) Rasas (taste), respectively.
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Karya (effectual) — all the visible and invisible b. Dakshinayana (Visarga Kaala) — the southern
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matter of the universe constituted from hemisphere of the earth faces the Sun and
Karanna Dravyas are Kaarya Dravyas. These are the intensity of heat drops down in the
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innumerable. northern hemisphere. Clouds, wind and
rain (Meghvaata) bring it down further. The
Kaala was characterised by Maharssi Sussruta three RRtus in this phase are Varssa (rainy
as Swayambhu (it originated itself), Anadi- season), SSarada (Autumn), and Hemanta
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madhyanidhanah (it is without beginning, peak early Winter) (7).
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and end). It is mobile in the Sukssmatama Kalaas Snighta (unctuousness) sets in the atmosphere
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(does not stop in the subtlest fractions) (3). and Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Madhura
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(sweet) Rasas are predominant. Deha Bala
According to AAcarya Caraka, Kaala is the (strength) increases gradually.
process of Parinama (transformation) (4). Since
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Ayurveda is a science of life, the division of 2. Avasthika Kala or AAturavastha (the state of
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Kala is important. It finds application in various a disease in a patient):
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ways pertaining to wellness and illness. Avasthika Kala is the Vyadhi Avastha or a particular
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stage of the disease in a patient. Time assumes
On a broader scale, Kala can be divided as: a lot of importance in treatment. The concept
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Nityag Kaala (general scale of time as day- of Kala and Akala in treatment is very relevant
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night, seasons, etc.) and in a definite wedge (8).
as the stages of disease called Avasthika Kaala
(5). 3. SSattvekssa Kaala (six observatory aspects of
time):
1. Nityag Kala (natural cycles): The six cardinal signs that are monitored,
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Nityag can be compared to Dainika Avastha before administering medicines to a patient,
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(day and night), RRtu Cakra (seasons), Ayanas are: Dina (time of the day), Rogi (patient), Ausadha
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(half of sidereal year) and Varsh (sidereal (medicines), Vyadhi(disorder), Jırna Laksana (signs
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year). By following the dictums of Dincharyaa of digestion of Ausadha or Ahara) and Rtu (9).
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and RRtucharya, the body functions remain in
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sync with the external environment, which All of them in some way or the other pertain
remain healthy. to a certain time-frame.
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a. Uttarayaana (Aadaan Kaala) — during this 4. Satkriya Kala (stages of disease pathogenesis):
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time, the northern hemisphere of the earth Sussruta has divided the entire process of
faces the sun. The intensity of heat, wind pathogenesis of the disease into six stages
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