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=== Kapha as Balam ===

=== Kapha as Balam ===

Among 3 doshas controlling bodily functions, Kapha is the one that performs the function of strengthening and lubricating the body. Thus, 'Balam' also denotes the Kapha dosha in Prakrt awastha (normal state). Acharya Charaka has stated that role of Kapha dosha in balanced state or role of Ojus is same as Balam. Thus, Balam has also been defined as the kapha dosha in unaltered, non-vitiated or natural state.<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>प्राकृतस्तु बलं श्लेष्मा विकृतो मल उच्यते| स चैवौजः स्मृतः काये स च पाप्मोपदिश्यते||- (Char. Samh. 17.117)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 17 Sutra 117)</ref></blockquote>

Among 3 doshas controlling bodily functions, Kapha is the one that performs the function of strengthening and lubricating the body. Thus, 'Balam' also denotes the Kapha dosha in Prakrt awastha (normal state). Acharya Charaka has stated that role of Kapha dosha in balanced state or role of Ojus is same as Balam. Thus, Balam has also been defined as the kapha dosha which is in unaltered, non-vitiated or natural state.<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>प्राकृतस्तु बलं श्लेष्मा विकृतो मल उच्यते| स चैवौजः स्मृतः काये स च पाप्मोपदिश्यते||- (Char. Samh. 17.117)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 17 Sutra 117)</ref></blockquote>

== Role of Balam ==

== Role of Balam ==

Acharya Sushruta has clearly described various functions or effects of having balam. He has stated that, if an individual has enough strength then he can benefit in various ways<ref name=":0" /> as below,

Acharya Sushruta has clearly described various functions or advantages of having balam. <blockquote>तत्र बलेन स्थिरोपचितमांसता सर्वचेष्टास्वप्रतिघातः स्वरवर्णप्रसादो बाह्यानामाभ्यन्तराणां च करणानामात्मकार्यप्रतिपत्तिर्भवति ||२०|| (Sush. Samh. 15.20)<ref>Sushrut Samhita (Sutrastanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 20)</ref></blockquote>He states that, if an individual has enough strength then he can benefit in various ways<ref name=":0" /> as below,

* Nourishment and stability of Mamsa dhatu ( the muscular tissues of the body) can be  

* Nourishment and stability of Mamsa [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]] ( the muscular tissues of the body) can be obtained.

* Ability to perform various tasks efficiently

* An individual becomes capable of performing various tasks efficiently and uninhibitedly

* good complexion, clearness and pleasantness of voice along with

* One achieves good complexion as well as clearness and pleasantness of voice

* clear, efficient working of all the organs either external like Jnyaanendriya (sense organs) or Karmendriya (organs with motor functions) and internal like Manas (mind), Aatma (spirit), etc

* Excellent balam also facilitates clear, efficient working of all the organs either external like [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|Indriyas]] [Jnyaanendriya (sense organs) or Karmendriya (organs with motor functions)] and internal like [[Manas (मनः)|Manas]] (mind), Buddhi (Intellect) etc

 

== Classification of Balam ==

== Classification of Balam ==

Further Charaka also classifies Bala as three types namely  

The balam of the individual could have various aspects. Some individuals possess strength naturally while some may lack this strength even after following rigorous diet, exercise and use of medicines. Similarly role of Kala is also considered significant by Ayurveda in maintaining this strength of the individuals. Considering all these factors, Ayurveda acharyas have classified the Balam of an individual in 3 components. Acharya Charaka has mentioned 3 types of Balam <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutram 36)</ref>  as below,  

# Sahaja (natural), 

# Sahaja (Natural, Present right from the birth)  

# Kalaja (seasonal and age) and   

# Kalaja ( Present due to particular season and age) and   

# Yuktikrita (act of intelligence). (Char. Samh. Sutra. 11.36)

# Yuktikrita (Obtained by deliberate efforts to acquire strength like use of diet, exercise, medicines).  

Among the three, the Yuktikrita type is explained as the Bala that is developed by activities specially performed for increasing the same. These interventions include various exercises, Yoga, food articles and drugs having Rasayana (~a general tonic that nourishes all the tissues of the body) and Vajikarana (~an action that involves nourishment to the Shukra primarily) properties. According to Chakrapani, the food includes the articles like meat, ghee, etc. and activities includes rational practice of rest and exercise while Yoga refers to various medicinal preparations that are used in the treatment as Rasayana and Vajikarana. The concept is more towards the explanation of acquired immunity. This also tends towards the explanation of concept regarding bioenergy. In this context, Bala is considered as effect of the food, medicine or activities which are having the action of Balya.  

Ayurveda offers ways to improve Yuktikruta balam of an individuals. Also, under topics like [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rtucharya]] and Swasthavrtta, level of Kalaja balam has been explained. The methods to preserve balam which is lowered due to seasonal variations, have been mentioned. Multiple herbs, dietary components, activities and medicines that can enhance Balam of [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] have been described at places in classical Ayurveda treatises. At each and every point of describing any medical intervention, Ayurveda acharyas have given undisputed attention to balam of the patient and further management has been recommended on that basis. Such an approach in planning medicinal treatment while keeping an eye on strength of individual ensures safe and holistic healing with Ayurveda treatments. Various branches of Ayurveda like [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|Rasayana]] (Tonic that nourishes all the tissues of the body) and Vajikarana (Invigorating and aphrodisiac medicine) primarily focus on enhancing this Yuktikrita balam. In this context, Balam is considered as effect of the food, medicine or activities which are having the action of nourishment.

== Balya as karmas in Ayurveda ==

== Balya as karmas in Ayurveda ==

The action Balya is defined as “Balaaya hitam balyam” which refers to substances those are beneficial and tend to increase Bala of an individual.[7]

The pharmacodynamic activities of herbs have been described under Dravya karmas (actions of medicinal substances) in Ayurveda. One of these actions is named as  Balya. Balya is defined as 'that which is beneficial and tend to increase Balam of an individual'.<ref name=":0" /> Balya herbs, medicinal substances, foods and activities improve the strength by nourishing all dhatus which form all organs and systems of the body.  

Balya action possesses different dimensions which are to be assessed to ascertain complete action with respect to a given drug.  

[[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidyas]] make use of Balya medicines and advice Balya activities and diet during and after the treatment in order to regain the lost strength of shariram (body) after combating an illness. This helps to keep individual healthy, fit, devoid of harmful side effects caused by strong medicines and also helps to make one immune in order to prevent recurrence of similar diseases. Emergence of concepts of nutritional supplements in the contemporary science share similar ground however the approach of Ayurveda is more holistic and tailored to the needs of an individual.  

 

Emergence of concepts of immunity, bioenergy and nutritional supplements in the contemporary science have given an opportunity for scientific validation of concept of Bala and related Balya action.

=== Strength promoting drugs (Balya dravya) ===

=== Strength promoting drugs (Balya dravya) ===

Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Guduchi, Endri (Bacopa monnieri), Rushabhi (Mucuna prurita), Nikochaka Payasya, Katuki, Ripened fruit of mango, Rushyaprokta, Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberose), Vatam (almond) Akshotaka, nikochaka (pista), Bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica ofcinalis), Bibhitaki

Herbs like Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Payasya, Katuki, Ripened fruit of mango, Vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberose), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica ofcinalis), Bibhitaki <ref name=":0" /> are known to display Balya action when consumed in authentic way under the supervision of a learned Vaidya. Many of these herbs are well-known rejuvenator herbs and thus provide strength by nourishing all dhatus. However, these miraculous herbs may not show desired effects when used in an irrational way. One should take these at appropriate time, stage, in proper dosage followed by specific Anupana (Adjuvant) which are decided after thorough assessment of an individual by Vaidya.

== Assessment of Balam ==

== Assessment of Balam ==

Since balam of the individual should be assessed before planning any Ayurveda treatment, one needs to know the method to assess this balam. Methods of examination of bala is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts and it is mostly based on anumana pramana ( inference). Vyayamashakti (The capacity of exercising) is considered to be the parameter for assessment of balam. Details on Vyayama, its benefits, the symptoms observed after completing exercise equivalent with level of balam have been described in classical treatises. Similarly a guideline to asses Manasika balam (strength of mind) can also be found in Ayurveda literature. It is said that Manasika bala is can be understood by knowing the level of Utsaha (Enthusiasm) in individual.<ref>Nath et al. CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF BALA (STRENGTH). UJAHM 2015, 03 (04): Page 103-108</ref>

 

Methods of examination of bala is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts, is mostly based on anumana pramana(inference).  

 

1. Deha bala : Deha bala is examined by i. Vyāyāma śakti19: It is also explained through the samyak lakshana of vyāyāma (sign of appropriate exercise)20 . a. Sweda gamana: Perspiration. b. Swas vriddhi: Enhanced respiration. c. Gatra laghava: Lightness of the body. d. Hridaya uparodha: Inhibition of the heart and such other organs of the body.  

 

2. Mānasika bala is examined by - Utsāha (Enthusiasm)21:

 

3. Deha and manashik bala: Prakrita doshas (normal humor) are the bala, so prākrita doshas can be explained only through their karma (action) and Rakta is also responsible for the formation of bala. Hence Viśuddha rakta can be explained through its karma (action). Some karma(action) responsiblefor deha bala (physical strength) and some are for manashik bala (mental strength). i. Karma (action) of vata dosha22: a. Utsāha: Enthusiasm; b.Ucchvāsa: Inspiration; c. Niśwāsa: Expiration; d. Cheṣṭa: Movements; e. Sama dhātu gati: Normal metabolic transformation of dhātus; f. Mala mutrādi gati : Proper elimination of excreta ii. Karma(action) of pitta dosha23: a. Darśana: Good vision; b. Pachana: proper digestion; c. Ushna: normal temperature; d. Kshudha: Hunger; e. Trishṇa: Thirst; g. Śarīra mriduta: Softness of the body; h. Prabha: Lusture; i. Prasāda: Happiness; j. Medha: Intelligence iii. Karma (action) of sleshma dosha24: a. Sneha: Unctuousness; b. Sandhi bandha: Cohesion; c. Sthirata: Steadiness; d. Guruta: Heaviness; e. Vrishata: Virility; f. Śāririk bala: Strength; g. Kshama: Forbearance; h.Dhriti: Patience; i.Alobha: Altruism. iv. Karma (action) of Rakta dhatu25: a. Varna Prasāda: proper complexion; b. Māmsa puṣṭi: Nourishment of māmsa dhātu; c. Jīvan dān (sustain life).

=== The normal state of bala constitutes the following sign in an individual ===

=== The normal state of bala constitutes the following sign in an individual ===