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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Ayurveda describes describes process of disease development in the unique way. Weakness of the body building tissues i.e. dhatus along-with vitiation of doshas is considered to be the primary step in development of any disease. Thus, Ayurveda lays great emphasis on maintaining high strength of all the Dhatus. Balam is the entity which represents this strength constituted by all 7 dhatus. This strength encompasses both aspects, physical as well as mental. Naturally, when this kind of strength (physical as well as mental) is present in body, it can fight against various diseases by its own. Appraising this role of Balam in protecting body from harmful factors, it is also correlated with immunity and immune system of the body. Ayurveda acharyas have advised to assess this Balam of the individual before planning treatment for anyone. While offering knowledge about measures to prevent and treat multiple diseases, Ayurveda acharyas have given great importance to maintenance of this Balam at each and every stage of clinical management as well as conducting surgical procedures.  

Ayurveda describes process of disease development in the unique way. Weakness of the body building tissues i.e. dhatus along-with vitiation of doshas is considered to be the primary step in development of any disease. Thus, Ayurveda lays great emphasis on maintaining high strength of all the Dhatus. Balam is the entity which represents this strength constituted by all 7 dhatus. This strength encompasses both aspects, physical as well as mental. Naturally, when this kind of strength (physical as well as mental) is present in body, it can fight against various diseases by its own. Appraising this role of Balam in protecting body from harmful factors, it is also correlated with immunity and immune system of the body. Ayurveda acharyas have advised to assess this Balam of the individual before planning treatment for anyone. While offering knowledge about measures to prevent and treat multiple diseases, Ayurveda acharyas have given great importance to maintenance of this Balam at each and every stage of clinical management as well as conducting surgical procedures.  

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

== 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>  

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 name=":1">Nath et al. CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF BALA (STRENGTH). UJAHM 2015, 03 (04): Page 103-108</ref>  

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

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

d. Swara varṇa Prasāda: Clear vocal tone and normal complexion  

d. Swara varṇa Prasāda: Clear vocal tone and normal complexion  

e. bāhya karaṇa: That is specific function of Vak: vachan (speech); Pani: Adana (swap over); Pada: Gaman (movement); Payu: Visarga (excretion); Upastha: Nandana (pleasure). f. Abhyantar karan: Srotra: Sabda(sound); Twaka: Sparsha(touch); Cakshu: Rupa(vision); Jibha: Rasa(taste); Nashika: Gandha(smell) etc. If all the above functions are normal, then we can say bala is in normal state. (Nath et al. CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF BALA (STRENGTH). UJAHM 2015, 03 (04): Page 103-108)

e. bāhya karaṇa: That is specific function of Vak: vachan (speech); Pani: Adana (swap over); Pada: Gaman (movement); Payu: Visarga (excretion); Upastha: Nandana (pleasure).  

 

f. Abhyantar karan: Srotra: Sabda(sound); Twaka: Sparsha(touch); Cakshu: Rupa(vision); Jibha: Rasa(taste); Nashika: Gandha(smell) etc. If all the above functions are normal, then we can say bala is in normal state.<ref name=":1" />

== Bala and immunity ==

== Bala and immunity ==

Internally bala is expressed through vyadhi kshamatwa. Vyadhi kshamatwa indicates the strength by which a person fights against the disease. Inside that is the process by which vyadhi prativandhyakatwa is provided33. modern science has also mentioned about immunity. Immunity can be defined as the self preparedness against invasion by microbes which also includes defense against non microbial antigens and malignancy. Classically it is divided into two categories. a. The non- specific immunity or the innate immunity is not affected by prior contact with the invader and it is effective against all without recognizing the specific identities of the enemies i.e Vyadhibala virudhitwa. It is composed of many factors. Firstly the constitutional factor due to which some individuals are more prone to some specific infections but others are not. b. The specific immunity: There is separate mechanism for each and every enemy (antigens).The weapon for one invader will not act against the other hence called specific. This immunity develops properly only when the body is exposed to the specific antigen. i. e. prior contact is essential, but the provision is inborn, means sahaja. The specific immunity may be active or passive. Active immunity is developed within the body by the lymphocytes against antigens introduced in to the body i. e. vyadhi utpada prativandhakatwa. The passive immunity occurs due to transfer or introduction of antibodies from outside. It is a readymade immunity and can act immediately but it is short lasting. (Nath et al. CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF BALA (STRENGTH). UJAHM 2015, 03 (04): Page 103-108)

Internally bala is expressed through vyadhi kshamatwa. Vyadhi kshamatwa indicates the strength by which a person fights against the disease. Inside that is the process by which vyadhi prativandhyakatwa is provided33. modern science has also mentioned about immunity. Immunity can be defined as the self preparedness against invasion by microbes which also includes defense against non microbial antigens and malignancy. Classically it is divided into two categories. a. The non- specific immunity or the innate immunity is not affected by prior contact with the invader and it is effective against all without recognizing the specific identities of the enemies i.e Vyadhibala virudhitwa. It is composed of many factors. Firstly the constitutional factor due to which some individuals are more prone to some specific infections but others are not. b. The specific immunity: There is separate mechanism for each and every enemy (antigens).The weapon for one invader will not act against the other hence called specific. This immunity develops properly only when the body is exposed to the specific antigen. i. e. prior contact is essential, but the provision is inborn, means sahaja. The specific immunity may be active or passive. Active immunity is developed within the body by the lymphocytes against antigens introduced in to the body i. e. vyadhi utpada prativandhakatwa. The passive immunity occurs due to transfer or introduction of antibodies from outside. It is a readymade immunity and can act immediately but it is short lasting.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

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