Pathogenesis In Ayurveda & Stages Of Samprapti

Pathogenesis in Ayurveda

Ayurveda includes some handy models for pathogenesis. Though useful, these models are not fully expressive of all possible pathogenesis. Frequently, pathogeneis does not neatly fit into the theoretical model.

Model #1 - Stages of Samprapti

• Stage 1 - Sanchay - Accumulation (exposure but body not yet reacting - ex: walking out in the cold)
• Stage 2 - Prakop - Aggravation (body beginning to react - ex goosebumps)
• Stage 3 - Prasara - Spreading (becoming systemic - ex: high cholesterol)
• Stage 4 - Sthana Samsraya - Deposition (beginning to affect tissue - ex: cheeks turning red in the cold)
• Stage 5 - Vyakti - Manifestation (medical disease condition that is not yet degenerative - ex: bronchitis)
• Stage 6 - Bhedana - Differentiation (different in form, degenerative conditions - ex: emphysema)

Model #2 - Successive Dhatus

Under this model, imbalance starts in rasa, and continues through each of the dhatus rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra

Pathogenesis in Metabolic / Biocharacteristics Medicine

For a fully expressive pathogenesis model, see pathogenesis across biocharacteristics systems.

Stages of Disease on Joyful Belly

The Joyful Belly website uses a slightly different system in order to simplify understanding for our end uses.

Stage 0 - Potential Cause

Stage 1 - Affecting Digestion

If you have symptoms in this category, your body is sending you a warning sign. Since digestion is so metabolically intensive and sensitive to stress and emotions, the earliest warning signs of imbalance usually appear in the digestive tract first. You may have gas and bloating, for example, or acid reflux. Ayurveda recommends paying careful, close attention to warning signs. They indicate that an imbalance is starting to accumulate. Correct these warning signs before they accumulate further and weaken your body's resistance. This is usually accomplished by removing diet and lifestyle habits that aggravate your imbalanced doshas and biocharacteristics.

Stage 2 - Affecting Blood & Emotions

Affecting Blood: Initially, imbalances are localized, often in the digestive tract. As an imbalance grows, it starts to affect your body systemically, via the blood. If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are starting to spread, have entered the bloodstream, and are now systemic. Pay particular attention to the biocharacteristics, tastes, and doshas out of balance systemically, so you know how to strengthen your body as a whole, and reduce physical stress on your organs. At this stage of imbalance you will begin to experience generalized discomfort, imbalanced emotions, and may develop sensitivities to temperature. It may take several weeks of strict adherence to a specific remedial diet to clear blood level imbalances. Blood cleansing herbs may reduce symptoms. A several day cleanse may shorten the recovery time.

Stage 3 - Attacking Tissue

If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are becoming stronger and weakening your body's resistance. Most people have a weakness in one or more organs. These areas of weakness are the 'weak link in the chain.' They are first to succumb when an imbalance reaches a tipping point. Repairing imbalances in this category often represent your last opportunity to prevent disease. At any moment, these imbalances could overwhelm weakened tissue and develop into a disease. You may feel pain or discomfort in the weakened area. At this stage you will need to support the weakened tissue with specialized foods and herbs for the weakened tissue.

Stage 4 - Tissue Disease

If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development.

Stage 5 - Constitutional Sign

Signs in this category are unchanging throughout your life, and indicate your constitution (prakruti)

Stage 6 - Sign of Health

Signs in this category indicate health, resiliency, or balance.