Importance and Utility of Trisutra in Teaching, Research and Clinical Practice

The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of individuals. It is accomplished through the two objectives; curing disease in the diseased and preventing disease in the healthy. For this purpose Ayurveda, the science of life is presented in the form of Trisutra (three aphorisms). They are Hetu (etiological factors), Linga (symptomatology) and Oushadha (therapeutics). The causative factors for the derangement of health and its reversal are coming under the purview of Hetu. Generally, excess, deficient and wrong union of sense objects, action and time result in diseases and health is the outcome of their proper union. Linga represents the clinical features of health and disease. Oushadha include drugs, therapies, wholesome diet and lifestyle which are intended to cure the disease and promote health. The entire Ayurveda is coded in these three aphorisms, hence it is known as Trisutra Ayurveda. The term Triskanda (three pronged) is synonymously used with Trisutra. The present knowledge of Ayurveda was evolved by the decipherment and elaboration of Trisutra through continuous research processes. Ayurveda compendia were designed in the order of Trisutra, Hetu, Linga and then Oushadha for the effective teaching and learning. Trisutra forms the ground for research in Ayurveda. Fundamental and applied researches in Ayurveda are primarily based on these three principles. Thorough understanding of Trisutra is essential for the accurate diagnosis of diseases and planning of effective management for them

Critical Study on Role of Nidan in Causation of Disease w.s.r. to Pandu

In the genesis of a disease, Nidan or Hetu (causative factors) play the most crucial role. When vitiated Doshas afflict Dhatus- this conglomeration leads to a state of Vikriti (disequilibrium) in our body which further leads to genesis of one or more disease. In respect of any disease, the role of Hetu can be divided in to three pathways- Dosha Prakopan (vitiation of Doshas by Hetu), Kha Vaigunya (impairment of channels by Hetu) and Dhatu Dusti (vitiation of Dhatus by Hetu). The role of any causative factor in relation with genesis of a particular disease can be viewed in respect with any of these three pathways. In this article, the authors have made an effort to explain the role of Hetu in light of above mentioned concept. To understand it better, we have taken an example of Pandu. Pandu is a disease which has been described with great importance in all major and minor texts of Ayurveda. It is caused by vitiation of Pitta Dosha, mainly Sadhak Pitta and affliction of mainly Rakta Dhatu. The role of each and every Hetu in genesis of Pandu has been explained through their role in Dosha Prakopana (vitiation of Pitta Dosha), Dhatu Dusti (Rakta Dusti) and Kha Vaigunya (impairment of channels).