Causes Of Diseases
Different systems of medicine approach diseases in differing ways. Here we take an objective look at three common approaches.
(I) As Per Modern Medicine
When human activity constantly disturbs the equilibrium (Homeostasis) symbolized by the balancing functions of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems, the hypothalamus, the endocrine system, and if the body is unable to endure the disturbing pressures, diseases will appear on the body. The disturbances taking place in the body and the mind make the internal systems and organs vulnerable to diseases. Modern Medicine, does not root out the causes of diseases. It tries to control only the symptoms associated with the diseases. As long as the causes of diseases are active in the body, there can not be a cure for the diseases. Treatment becomes a routine affair, e.g., regular pills for blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac problems, gastric disorders, hyperacidity, sleeplessness, swellings in the lower part of the body, water retention etc.(ii)As Per Yoga
The imbalances in the energy flow as reflected in the malfunctioning of the Ida and Pingala Nadis (Moon and Sun Nerve Currents – Please refer to Hatha Yoga) are the causes of diseases. When the Nadis (72,000 nerve channels or nerve currents) mal-function, its impact can be felt in the irregular shifting of the Sun and the Moon Nadis (one nostril open and the other partially closed). It occurs sometimes that the partially closed nostril will become fully closed and the breathing has to be carried out only through one nostril. In acute cases, both the nostrils will be closed and the breathing is carried out through the mouth. If such situations continue for long, the entire breathing process will become defective. The individual will not be able to inhale adequate amount of air or exhale the toxic air from the lungs completely. When body cannot get sufficient oxygen through respiration, the cellular functions will get disturbed at the micro level.. At the macro level, the organs will become inefficient to do their normal functions. The patient’s breathing pattern undergoes declining changes before or after the onset of diseases. For example, there are patients who (i) cannot inhale properly but can exhale (ii) cannot exhale properly but can inhale (iii) cannot inhale or exhale properly (iv) can use only the upper chest region for respiration (v) make relatively fast breathings with very negligible amount of air flow (vi) make throat breathings with mild sound instead of using the nasal tips or (vi) make the breathing through mouth due to acute nasal blocks. The breathing mechanism can determine the health of an individual. If this mechanism is working efficiently, the individual will enjoy physical and mental health. If the breathing is inefficient, the individual is likely to suffer from disturbances. Very poor breathings will make the body a breeding ground for diseases. There will be degeneration of the functional systems like the cellular, glandular, circulatory, digestive, neuro-muscular, excretory etc. and vital organs like brain, heart, lungs, liver, stomach, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, spleen etc. The diseases will start appearing on the body, one by one, connected with those functional systems or vital organs that are weak in the individual. Sage Vasishta says – “When the fixed mind is agitated, then this body also follows in its wake. And when the body is agitated, then there is no proper perception of things that are in one’s way, and Prana (vital energy) flies from its proper road (nerve channels) like an animal hit by, and reeling under the wound of, an arrow. Through such an agitation Prana (vital energy) instead of pervading the whole body steadily and equally, will vibrate everywhere at an unequal rate. Thereby the Nadis will not maintain a steady position but will quiver. The food which settles itself down in this body amidst such a commotion is transformed into incurable diseases. Thus through the primary cause (of the mind) is the disease of the body generated. If this primary cause be annihilated at its root, then all diseases will be destroyed.”As Per Ayurveda (Indian System Of Medicine)
The body is made out of Pancha Bhutas (Five Elements) – Prithvi (Earth), Ap (water), Tejas (fire), Vayu (Air), Akasha (Ether). The humors or vitiating agents (Doshas) are three – Vata (wind), Pitta (bile) Kapha (Phlegm). The body functions properly so long as these Bhutas or Dhatus (Elements or Constituents) are in proper proportions. When the proportions are either increased or decreased beyond normal levels, then their equilibrium gets upset which gives rise to diseases. The Dhatus are formed from the ingested food. The food after digestion is converted into a pure portion which is fit to be built into the system. There is another portion which is the refuse after the pure portion is drawn off. The impure portion is not fit to be built into the system but to be excreted. From the refuse of food arise among other things VATA, PITHA and KAPHA (Wind, Bile and Phlegm). VATA, PITTA and KAPHA (Wind, Bile and Phlegm) are considered primarily responsible for all the diseases of the body. They are called Tridoshas (three vitiators). The attributes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha when they are in abnormal states: Vata (Wind) – falling out, displacement, extension or enlargement, bursting of limbs, cheerlessness, joy, thirst, remorse, pain in the whole body, twitching, piercing pains, inflammations, painful sensations as if caused by the limb being tightly bound with cords, and fractures; also roughness of the skin, hardness of the limbs, and absence of activity, perforations in the limbs, redness of complexion, astringement taste in the mouth, tastelessness in the mouth, severe pains of a local character, sweating, sleep, contractions and numbness or paralysis of limbs. Pitta (Bile) – burning, warmth, suppuration, sweat, impurities, gangrenous ulcerations, secretions and redness. Kapha (Phlegm) – whiteness of complexion, cold, itching, dullness, heaviness, oiliness, loss of sensation, tightness as if bound with cords, a sense of sweetness and procrastination in respect of work. The treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at stabilizing the proportions of Dhatus (elements) in the human body and creating a balance in the production of Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Wind, Bile and Phlegm).Causes Of Diseases – A Sum Up
The imbalances in the production of Vata, Pitha and Kapha (Wind, Bile and Phlegm) can produce hundreds of symptoms in the body, both known and unknown to medical sciences. These symptoms appear in different combinations. It is humanly not possible to treat all of them individually. In fact, Modern Medicine attempts to single out these symptoms and proceed with the treatment. These medicines may further aggravate Vata, Pitha or Kapha, and produce serious reactions or side effects in the body. When the treatment does not produce any positive results, further tests, including the MRI Scanning, are carried out. The test results also may not be of much help in the process of treatment. Even surgeries are resorted to in many such cases without knowing the causes of such diseases. Majority of the patients afflicted with serious ailments are victims of improper administration of medicines.
