THE CONCEPT OF SATMYA IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is the unique system of medicine covering all the aspects of life. Its holistic approach provides the positive health. It is specific in the sense of its valid and age old fundamental doctrines. It is not only concentrated on the treatment of diseases but has laid proper emphasis on the care of diseased one also. It advocates to examine the Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (morbidity), Sar (constitution of the dhatus), Samhanan (compactness), Praman (measurement), Satmya (suitability), Sattwa (psyche), Ahar-shakti (power of intake and digestion of food), Vyayam-shakti (power of exercise) and Vaya (age) of the patient before application of medicine. It is because the strong, moderate or mild medicines are advised according to the superior, medium and inferior strength of the patient as well as disease respectively. Satmya is one of the important considerable issues during application of medicine or diet. One of the significant causes behind different preparations of medicines and diet is Satmya. Diet or medicine which is not Satmya to a person should not be given reason being the substance which is not Satmya (suitable or accustomed) to one’s body may cause Asatmyaja-rogas (allergic diseases) to him. Satmya is that which being used constantly has wholesome effects. It is the synonym of the term ‘upashaya’. Asatmya or Anupashaya is opposite to the Satmya. It is of many types such as Okasatmya, Desha-Satmya, Ritu-Satmya, Vyadhi-Satmya, Dosha-Satmya, Prakriti-Satmya, Vaya-Satmya etc. A physician has to advise the diet or medicine considering all the Satmyas for the rational use. Out of all the Satmyas, Okasatmya is that which is suitable to the person because o