Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta
- The Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta is a foundational theory in Ayurvedic science, rooted in understanding the interactions between the body, mind, and environment.
- It explains how balance and imbalance occur and offers a systematic approach to treatment.
- This doctrine is built on the interaction of two core principles:
- Samanya (similarity) and Vishesha (dissimilarity).
- Samanya Vishesha Siddhantha is based on the qualities of substances which either increase or decrease the quality and quantity of Dravya Substance), quality (Guna), and action (Karma).
- Together, they are more commonly applied in treatment protocols and dietary advice for any given pathological/physiological state of the body in order to reverse the disease or to protect the health of the healthy individual.
Theory of Homogeneity (Samanya Siddhantha)
- Samanya signifies homogeneity, and its essential function is to increase or amplify certain qualities.
- It implies that substances with similar properties to those in the body will enhance or elevate those qualities when consumed or applied.
- Samanya is derived from the notion that “like increases like” (Sadrishya Sadharmya Vriddhi), one of the key principles in Ayurveda.
- It denotes that anything that has similar qualities (Guna) to the body or any of its components will augment those qualities.
Therapeutic Significance :
- Samanya is applied to nourish and replenish bodily tissues (Dhatus), support growth, and correct deficiencies.
- It is particularly used in cases where there is depletion or weakness, such as after chronic illness or in cases of malnutrition.
- For example, individuals with a Vata imbalance, characterized by lightness, dryness, and coldness, are prescribed heavy, unctuous, and warm substances to bring Vata back to normalcy.
- The consumption of Snigdha (unctuous) and Guru (heavy) foods like ghee or milk helps to strengthen and nourish weakened tissues in individuals with depleted Dhatus.
- In conditions of emaciation (Karshya), nourishing treatments like Brimhana (bulk-promoting therapies) are employed. These therapies involve foods and herbs that possess similar qualities to the depleted tissue, ensuring a regenerative effect.
Classification
They are classified 3 types
- Guna Samanya –
- Guna Samanya refers to the principle that the qualities of substances can be used to increase or decrease similar qualities in the body based on 20 qualities (Gurvadi / Shareerika gunas)
- Refers to consumption of Dravyas possessing the same qualities, i.e. milk and Ghee improve the state of Shukra dhatu (Semen) since milk and Ghee have same qualities as that of Shukra dhatu.
- Dravya Samanya –
- Dravya Samanya means “substance” or “matter.”
- Refers to the concept that similar types of substances can increase the similar substances in the body.
- Dravya samanya means consuming the same Dravya.
- Example: Consumption of flesh increases Muscle bulk (mamsa dhatu), Consuming foods rich in the earth and water elements, such as sweet and heavy foods like grains, will increase the kapha dosha (which is also made of earth and water), Eating foods with fire and air elements will increase pitta or vata respectively.
- Karma Samanya –
- Karma refers to “action” or “function.” Karma Samanya emphasizes that actions or activities can have a similar effect on the body.
- In this context, Karma can refer to both the internal metabolic functions of the body as well as external actions (such as exercise, yoga, or lifestyle habits).
- The principle is that similar actions or processes will amplify or maintain the corresponding functions in the body.
- For example: Performing physical exercises that heat the body, like running or sun salutations, will increase the Pitta (heat) in the body.
- Sedentary habits, which reduce movement, may increase the Kapha (heaviness or sluggishness). Sleeping increases Kapha since sleep (Nidra) as Karma possesses predominance of Kapha.
Theory of heterogeneity (Vishesha) :
- Vishesha denotes heterogeneity or dissimilarity, and its function is to reduce or diminish excesses in the body.
- It embodies the concept of using opposite qualities to bring balance.
- The phrase “opposites neutralize each other” (Vipareeta Guna Abhivyakta) forms the core of Vishesha action.
- The concept of Vishesha is rooted in the understanding as mentioned in the Charaka, Sushrutha, and Ashtanga Hrdaya that imbalance or disease mostly arises from an excess of specific qualities.
- To restore harmony, it is necessary to introduce opposing qualities that counterbalance the excess. For example, Pitta dosha, characterized by heat, sharpness, and intensity, can be balanced by cold, mild, and soothing treatments.
Therapeutic Significance:
- Vishesha is employed when there is an over-accumulation or aggravation of any dosha, qualities.
- This principle is most often used in Shamana chikitsa (palliative therapy) or Shodhana chikitsa (purificatory therapy) to eliminate or pacify excess elements.
- In cases of high Pitta disorders, characterized by excessive heat, the use of cold, sweet, and cooling substances like sandalwood (Chandana), milk, or cooling diets is advised to reduce the heat.
- In managing conditions like hyperacidity (Amla Pitta), characterized by an excess of heat and acidity, herbs and foods with cooling, alkaline, and soothing properties such as Shatavari or Amalaki are used to counteract the heat and restore balance.
Classification of Vishesha :
Just like Samanya, Vishesha is also of 3 types –
- Guna Vishesha –
- Guna Vishesha deals with the qualities or attributes of substances. As per this principle, if a certain quality is in excess within the body and causing an imbalance, the opposite quality should be applied to neutralize or diminish it.
- Example: Use of oil, ghee, and honey for the increase of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha respectively.
- Dravya Vishesha –
- Dravya Vishesha refers to the substances or matter that are used to balance the body’s internal environment.
- Here, the principle of dissimilarity is applied by using substances that have opposing elemental properties to reduce excess doshas or unwanted qualities in the body.
- The utility of Dravya Vishesha in Ayurveda is in selecting the right herbs, foods, and treatments that possess opposite qualities to those causing an imbalance in the body. This ensures that the doshas return to their natural state, maintaining health.
- Example: When pitta dosha (fire and water elements) is aggravated, resulting in symptoms like excess heat, inflammation, or acidity, a practitioner may prescribe foods and herbs that are cooling and contain the air or earth elements (like cooling herbs such as coriander or aloe vera) to counteract the heat.
- In the case of Vata dosha excess, characterized by dryness and lightness (air and ether elements), oily, heavy, and nourishing substances that contain Earth and Water elements (like sesame oil or ghee) are used to pacify Vata.
- Karma Vishesha –
- Karma Vishesha focuses on the actions or functions that can bring balance to the body by opposing actions or processes that are in excess.
- By applying actions that are opposite to those that cause imbalance, Karma Vishesha seeks to restore equilibrium.
- Karma Vishesha emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices, habits, and daily routines.
- Example: If a person’s lifestyle is too sedentary and leads to increased kapha dosha (characterized by heaviness, sluggishness, and lethargy), the opposite action would be to encourage physical activity like exercise, yoga, or any form of dynamic movement to reduce the Kapha and bring lightness to the body.
- If a person is overly active (mentally or physically), leading to a Vata imbalance (restlessness, anxiety, and dryness), the opposite action would be to prescribe rest, relaxation, and grounding activities, such as meditation or calming pranayama, to stabilize and soothe the nervous system.
Summarization
- The Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta serves as a comprehensive approach in Ayurvedic science to maintain health and manage disease.
- Samanya (similarity) is essential in nurturing and building the body, while Vishesha (dissimilarity) ensures balance and reduction of excess.
- Together, they form the cornerstone of Ayurvedic philosophy, guiding practitioners in both preventative and curative treatments, tailored to the individual’s unique needs and constitution.
- This doctrine offers profound insights into maintaining harmony between the body and nature, ensuring both longevity and wellness.