Abstract

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF IMMUNITY AS VIKARA VIGHAT BHAVA

Dr. Abhishek Singh Panwar*, Dr. Kamal Nayan Dangwal, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Dr. Shashi Kant Tiwari

Abstract

In the contemporary era, characterized by fast-paced lifestyles and increasing environmental challenges, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence of communicable diseases and autoimmune disorders. While modern medicine has developed a complex understanding of the immune system, Ayurveda offers its own conceptual framework to explain the body's defence mechanisms. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the ultimate goal of any medical system is the attainment and maintenance of health, which is achieved through the equilibrium of bodily constituents. Health (Swasthya) is defined as a state of balance among the Doshas (biological energies), Agni (digestive/metabolic fire), Dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste products), along with the harmony of the mind, senses, and consciousness (prasanna atma indriya manah). One of the foundational concepts in Ayurveda related to immunity is Vikara Vighata Bhava, which refers to the inherent resistance of an individual against disease formation. This principle explains the variability in disease susceptibility among individuals based on multiple factors such as Nidana (causative factors), Dosha (vitiated bio-elements), and Dushya (affected tissues). The presence (bhava) or absence (abhava) of these pathological factors influences the body's ability to resist disease. This article aims to explore the concept of Vikara Vighata Bhava in relation to human immune status, bridging Ayurvedic thought with contemporary understanding of immune function.

Keywords: 10.20959/wjpr202515-37752