Abstract

CONCEPTS OF ASTHI SHARIR (OSTEOLOGY) IN AYURVEDA

Soni Gaurav*, Manohar. J and Lahange Sandeep

Abstract

Ancient seers of Ayurveda have classified the elements of the body under three fundamental components- Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. Among these basic elements Dhatus are especially meant for Dharana & Poshana of Sharira. When all the above factors act in harmony, it is defined as Swastha (health). Asthi is the hard part which forms framework of body, which supports the body just like trees stands on support of their inner wood. Knowledge of Asthi can be traced back from Vedas passing chronologically down to Samhitas. But the scholars preoccupied themselves with only hard parts of human skeleton. There is enough evidence of knowledge of Asthi Sharir (osteology) in the ancient India but in Sutra Rupa or in dispersed form. Starting from Pre-Vedic period, Vedic Period and Samhita-kalin period all have somewhat description of Asthi Sharir but not in mannered way. Due to different principles, faiths and way of learning, there may be some differences or lacunas from present day knowledge. Collection and critical analysis of various concepts related to Asthi Sharir as per modern headings like definitions, constituents, embryology, types, uses and clinical aspects. Thus an effort is undertaken to understand Asthi Sharir and its concepts in scientific way. Though there may be some differences or lacuna’s from now a day knowledge but, we can have proud on our glorified past of knowledge in every medicinal field especially in Asthi Sharir knowledge.

Keywords: Asthi Sharir, Asthi Dhatu, Asthi Prakara, Osteology.