Ayurvediya Sarirakriya Vijnana

Preface

Having received the priviledge for teaching the subject of Kayachikitsa to the students of Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya has helped me appreciate the importance of the basic subject of Sharir Kriya the knowledge of Sharir Kriya acquired with respect to the point of view of Chikitsa helps the students reach a better understainging.

Without a thorough comprehension of the basic concepts of ‘Dosha-Dhatu mala’ in their normal balanced state, one is unable to detect any abnormality in the condition of these or any other bodily elements.

Shloka

The ‘svastha’ or the healthy state of being can be physically defined as the balanced state of the doshas in the body. Any imbalance in this state of doshas results in ill health and thence, arises the need for proper medical consultation and treatment. Thus, for offering apt medical treatment for diseases, which are the result of abnormal state of doshas, it is vital to first acknowledge the normal state of doshas. Hence, accurate discrement of the subject of kriya is vital in preparing a sound base for further studies in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine.

With the opportunity of teach Sharir Kriya as a subject, I also realized that the teaching of Sharir kriya subject combined with proper insights into Chikitsa also helps in better understanding of the fundamental concepts and philosophy of Ayurveda. This sole aim and a genuine concern towards the students of Ayurveda has initiated the writing of this volume of Sharir Kriya.

The book includes a detailed description of ‘Sharir Kriya’ as per the Ayurvedic philosophy, accompanied with an overview of the modern or allopathic subject of ‘physiology’ to complete the curriculum of the graduate course as dictated by the C.C.I.M. and accepted by the Ayurveda departments of various state universities. The book also includes as introduction to Yogashastra for a complete appreciation of the subject of Sharir Kriya.

The earlier texts on this subject authored by Vd. Mama Gokhale and Vd. S.G. Vartak provided valuable guidance in the writing of this book.

I wish to express deep appreciation for the efforts of Vd. Medha Joshi, Vd. Archana Barve and Vd. Nandini Dhargalkar, who have been helpful in the compilation of such a vast subject and also those of Vd. Priya Nene who has flawlessly translated the original Marathi version into the universal language of English.

A textbook of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, this book shall be of immense help to students, practitioners and professors a like to reach a better understanding of the Ayurvedic philosophy and to appreciate the knowledge stored in ancient Ayurvedic texts.

About the Author

Prof. Dr. Y. G. Joshi, a renowned physician in the field of Ayurveda was born on 12th April 1936, in Nipani, Maharashtra. He completed his basic education in Nipani and then acquired the graduate degree of ‘G.F.A.M.’ in the field of Ayurveda, from the Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Pune. He then went on to complete his post graduation ‘H.P.A.’ from Jamnagar, Gujrat.

Vd. Y.G. Joshi is the son of Vd. G.R. Joshi Panchanadikar. He finally elected to settle in the city of Pune which witnessed his growth from a young, budding Ayurvedic practioner to an eminent personality/authority in the field of Ayurveda. With immense dedication and a command over each of the topics, Vd. Joshi tutors for a varied range of subjects like. Sharir Kriya, which comprises of the fundamental principle of Ayurvedic Philosophy and Kaya chikitsa, which deals with the diagnosis and management of diseases. He sincere and consistent efforts in imparting information and knowledge regarding Ayurvedic concepts to students and laymen alike are well known. He has always been determined in creating an awareness for the science of Ayurveda in the minds of the general public and also in clearing the misconceptions regarding Ayurvedic concepts and philosophy from the minds of students and doctors from different medical pathies. He has voluntarily participated in lectures, forums and camps with the same aim and forethought in mind.

He joined the Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in 1961 as a lecturer and practicing physicians and has graced several positions of authority thereafter. He continues to practice Ayurvedic Medicine with the attached hospital and is equally active in his own private practice.

A brief overview of several responsible possible positions held/graced by Prof. Vd. Y.G. Joshi and his participation in important projects.