KAA 201 - Ayurvedic Anatomy + Physiology Flashcards
The goal of Ayurveda is
Preserve the health of the healthy person and treat the disease by taking care of the
cause of the disease
Ayurveda looks at the body more as a
Functional aspect
There are some discrepancies in counting bones, joints etc. because
Caraka and Suśruta look at the body differently
Why is it important to know the meaning of the word kāya (anabolism /agni)
We must maintain the balance between dhātu building and dhātu break down to maintain health
Why is it important to know Prakṛti when you will be treating Vikṛti?
Vikṛti is imbalance of doṣa. Treatment is to bring that imbalance back to original
balance. Unless you know original balance, you can’t achieve that state. To use right herbs you must know the prakṛti
Why do you have to know the subtle body in detail to understand Śārīra?
The subtle body is an energetic field, which provides energy to the physical body. Sense organs and organs of actions are connected thru nāḍī in the subtle body, and we
see the effects of one on other. Mind controls the body, the knowledge of pañcakośa is very important in treating the
diseases
Why is pathology important?
Ayu. Pathology is based on doṣa aggravation and weakness in dhātu. Body is made up of dhātu, so it is important to know how the disease process progresses
What is the definition of Śāṛīra?
- that which is constantly growing
- that which is constantly being nourished by food etc
- that which hosts cetana (soul)
Which is the mūlasthāna (root) of prāṇavaha srotas?
Hṛdaya (heart)
The number of additional srotas in female is
3
The size of Hṛdaya marma
4 anjali
What is the role of Vāyu mahābhūta in the development of the fetus?
Vāyu mahābhūta is involved in vibhājana kārya or division – ensures the continued
multiplication of the cells as the fetus grows.
How can we correlate Pañca mahābhūtas, the five existents with the three mental attributes?
Ether = sattva
Air = rajas
fire = sattva + rajas
Water = sattva + tamas
Earth = tamas
What are the factors responsible for the formation and quality of Garbha (Fetus)? Why?
The four factors that are essential for the formation of and which influence the quality of the garbha
(fetus) are: Ṛtu, Kṣetra, Ambu, Bīja. This is a beautiful simile where the process of conception has been
likened to the implantation and growth of a seed in a field. When the seed is healthy, the soil is fertile,
the weather is optimal, irrigation is sufficient and appropriate, then proper sprouting of the seed ensues,
and a healthy plant is assured. Similarly, for a healthy conception (garbha-dhāraṇā) and fetus, the ovum
and sperm should be of high quality, uterine environment and reproductive health have to be optimal,
and optimal nourishment and health of the mother must be ensured
what are the four essential components of Garbha nirmāṇa (for conception)?
Ṛtu (season), Kṣetra (area/region), Ambu (water/nourishment) and Bīja (seed)
