ABSTRACT
Agni has an important role to play in the physiological functioning of the body. It varies with the bodily constitution of individuals, season, age, and other factors. The uniqueness of each individual is determined by the Prakriti which deals with somatic and psychic development. The Prakriti directly impacts Jatharagni and determines the type of Jatharagni. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthy students from both genders aged between 18 and 30 years. Jatharagni and Prakriti were evaluated using the Jatharagni Assessment Questionnaire (JAQ) and a 62-item self-assessment questionnaire validated in previous study. The results indicate that there is a significant association between the types of Prakriti and the types of Jatharagni χ2 (6) = 155.14, (p = .001). The post-hoc analysis revealed that Vatapitta is associated with the dominance of Teekshnagni, Vatakapha is associated with the dominance of Mandagni, and Kaphapitta is associated with the dominance of Vishamagni. The result indicates a statistically significant association between types of Prakriti and Jarana Shakthi (Likelihood Ratio (4) = 27.010, p = .001). The study establishes a significant association between Agni and Dvandvaja Prakriti. Vatapitta Prakriti individuals had Teekshnagni, Vatakapha Prakriti individuals had Mandagni and Kaphapitta Prakriti had Vishamagni. Though the results were promising, the analysis should be done with a larger sample size in different populations.
ABSTRACT
Nidra (sleep), Ahara (food) and Brahmacharya (abstinence) are the three sub-pillars of health and alterations in these basic pillars of health can lead to mortality and morbidity. Among these, Nidra has a critical role in the biological and psychological functioning of the body. The circadian rhythm is the physiological machinery that controls and regulates physiological activities throughout the 24 hours in conjunction with the day and night. The synchronicity of the circadian rhythm and adequate sleep is essential for maintaining normal physical and mental health. This study, therefore, was undertaken as a descriptive cross-sectional survey to evaluate the impact of Ratrijagarana (night wakefulness) on Manasika Bhava (mental characteristics) among industrial workers aged between 19 and 25 years from both genders. Maniasika Bhavas were assessed using Manasa Bhava Pariksha (MBP), a 20 item questionnaire. The results indicate a substantial change in Mana (non-distracted mind), Chinta (anxiety/worry), Dhairyam (courage), Harsha (joy), Veeryam (energy), Shraddha (desire), Medha (intelligence), Avasthaana (stability of mind), Vignyaana (knowledge), Sanjna (recognition), and Smriti (memory). Among these, Sanjna, Medha and Mana and Veeryam are most affected, with positive ranks scoring 115, 107 and 104. Vignyaana, (χ2(6) = 162.031; p = .001) Veerya (χ2(4) = 12.688; p = .013) and Shraddha (χ2(6) = 12.558; p = .05) also showed significant association with sleeping hours per day. These encouranging results need further corroboration through future studies with larger sample size and diverse populations.
