Diseases
Six Stages of Diseases
Introduction to Pathogenesis (Samprapti)
Samprapti - Pathogenesis
The focus of Ayurvedic medicine is prevention
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In order to practice prevention effectively, it is important to understand the definition of Vyadhi, which translates to “disease”
Key concepts:
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Ayurveda recognizes Six Stages of Pathogenesis (Shad Kriyā Kāla)
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Each stage offers an opportunity to take action to prevent imbalance from advancing to the next stage
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The further an imbalance progresses, the more difficult it is to treat
Unveiling the Six Stages of Disease:
A Detailed Journey
Stage 1
Accumulation
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Samchaya
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In this stage doshas accumulate in their own seats due to contact with or exposure to causative factors (dietary, lifestyle, mental, environmental, etc.) that are similar to attributes of the doshas.
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Inner intelligence tries to self-heal by two inner healing mechanism:
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Aversion to similar
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Desire for opposite
Stage 2
Aggravation
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Prakopa
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In this stage doshas increases further in its own seat due to continued exposure to causative factors.
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Vata Prakopa: Abdominal cramps/gas, increased peristalsis, gurgling sounds.
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Pitta Prakopa: Sour eructation, increase of sourness in the alimentary tract, burning around navel.
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Kapha Prakopa: Aversion to food, nausea, heaviness in the chest
Stage 4
Localization
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Sthana Samshraya
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In this stage early or preliminary symptoms that are produced by doshas which have become localized in specific places, which indicate oncoming disease. These symptoms are often generalized (felt all over the body), ill-defined, and relatively mild.
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Significance of Purva Rupa Preventative: By recognizing prodromal symptoms and taking appropriate measures, the onset of the future disorder may be prevented.
Stage 3
Dissemination
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Prasara
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In this stage doshas increases so much that it overflows and starts spreading to seats of other doshas (e.g., Kapha moving to Pitta seat; Pitta moving to Kapha seat; Pitta moving to Vata seat, etc.)
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Vata Prasara: Reverse movement of Vata; belching.
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Pitta Prasara:Feeling hot, burning sensations.
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Kapha Prasara:: Loss of appetite, indigestion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting
Stage 3
Dissemination
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Prasara
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In this stage doshas increases so much that it overflows and starts spreading to seats of other doshas (e.g., Kapha moving to Pitta seat; Pitta moving to Kapha seat; Pitta moving to Vata seat, etc.)
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Vata Prasara: Reverse movement of Vata; belching.
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Pitta Prasara:Feeling hot, burning sensations.
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Kapha Prasara:: Loss of appetite, indigestion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting
Stage 4
Localization
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Sthana Samshraya
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In this stage early or preliminary symptoms that are produced by doshas which have become localized in specific places, which indicate oncoming disease. These symptoms are often generalized (felt all over the body), ill-defined, and relatively mild.
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Significance of Purva Rupa Preventative: By recognizing prodromal symptoms and taking appropriate measures, the onset of the future disorder may be prevented.
Stage 5
Manifestation
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Vyakti
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In this stage, if proper treatment is not undertaken during the localization stage, the abnormalities become further aggravated.
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They clearly manifest characteristic features of the disorder; hence this stage is named Vyakti (“clear manifestation”).
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These features are “signs and symptoms of a disorder that are well-defined and clearly recognizable (Rupa or Lakshana),
Stage 6
Complication
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Bheda
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Good health is sustained by the harmonized and synchronized functioning of various organs and systems which are interrelated.
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When imbalances causing any disorder go beyond an individual organ or organ system, the disorder becomes serious and complicated.
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Signs and symptoms here are more profound and unpredictable and carry a less favorable prognosis.
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In this stage, Ayurveda mostly offers management rather than curative treatment in this stage.
