Abstract

PANCHAMAHABHUTA-STRUCTURE: FUNCTIONAL BASIS OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION IN AYURVEDA

Poonam Rathore* and Sudipta Kumar Rath

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Abstract

The ultimate aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person and prevent from disease. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda are responsible for the creation of this universe to physiological functions of the body, etiopathogenisis of a disease and the dravyas used for the treatment, all are originated from the Ayurvedic Adharbhuta Siddhanta (Panchamahabhuta). Everything in this universe is made up of five basic elements which are Akasha, Vyau, Agni, Jala, Prithvi and together they are termed as Panchamahabhuta. On the basis of Guna (Property) and Karma (Action), the Panchamahabhuta accomplish their functions. The present study is aimed to elucidate the concept of Panchamahabhuta in a systemic manner and its interrelation with other components of the body like Tridosha, Dhatu, Triguna, Rasa etc. This study, also concludes that each and every fundamental principle of Ayurveda is based on Panchamahabhuta theory.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Aadharbhut Siddhanta, Panchamahabhuta, Chikitsa.