PA02.01. Critical analysis of Doshik karma in twak

PURPOSE: In normalcy, dosha will be performing their own functions in their own specific site. In the verses related to the sthana of dosha we can easily find out that in all the 3 verses skin or the structure related to skin as the sthana of one or other dosha. By mentioning the various sthanas of the each dosha, different function performed by individual dosha in different sites has been emphasised. So there is the need to understand the hidden physiological aspects of dosha related to skin. METHOD: The bruhat trayi were scrutinised regarding the references for the sthana and karma of the dosha. Later, physiologico anatomical aspects of the skin were studied from modern physiology books. Later, supportive correlation was done between ayurvedic and modern views to build valid and reliable hypothesis regarding the physiology of the dosha in skin. RESULT: Among the list of vata stana the word ‘sparshanendriyam’ is used, which attributes all the sensory function to vata dosha. Among the list of sthanas of pitta dosha the word ‘sparshanam’ is used, by this acharyas intended to highlight the function of pigmentation. ‘Meda’ is considered as the sthana of kapha. This can be considered as the adipose tissue of skin/below skin, can also considered as the secretion from the sweat glands since sweda is mala of meda. Sweat maintains water balance which refers to kleda vidrathi function of sweda. In various conditions the cholinergic sympathetic nerves get stimulated and sweat is excreted out which is ksepta bahi malanam function of vata dosha. CONCLUSION: With respect to skin doshic physiology can be concluded as vata will be carrying out sensory functions and excretion of sweat, pitta will be carrying out function of pigmentation, kapha will carrying out the function of production of sweating which in turn maintains the water balance.