Changes

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

The word Bala has been used invariably for strength of mind body and its components. the word Bala is synonymously used for normal Kapha dosha (~the factor primarily responsible for strengthening and lubricating the body) and Ojus (~bioenergy or body component that helps in sustaining of life). It also stands for immunity and immune system in normal state.(Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80–84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796)

The word Bala has been used invariably for strength of mind body and its components. the word Bala is synonymously used for normal Kapha dosha and Ojus (~). It also stands for immunity and immune system in normal state. (Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80–84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796). From the clinical perspective, Balam has been correlated with 2 entities in the body and defined on that basis.

=== Ojus as Balam ===

=== Ojus as Balam ===

According to Sushruta, “Bala” is defined as “the factor due to which one obtains the nourishment and stability of Mamsa dhatu (~the muscular tissues of the body), ability to perform various tasks efficiently, good complexion, clearness and pleasantness of voice along with clear and 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” (Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80–84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796)<blockquote>तत्र रसादीनां शुक्रान्तानां धातूनां यत् परं तेजस्तत् खल्वोजस्तदेव बलमित्युच्यते, स्वशास्त्रसिद्धान्तात् ||१९|| (Such. Samh. Sutrastanam 15.19)</blockquote>

According to Acharya Sushruta, 'Bala' is the synonym of 'Ojus' which is the quintessence of all 7 dhatus. It is also known as bioenergy or body component that helps in sustaining of life. It is formed at the end of dhatu level pachana (metabolism) and it is believed to be teja (quintessence or cream) of all these dhatus.<blockquote>तत्र रसादीनां शुक्रान्तानां धातूनां यत् परं तेजस्तत् खल्वोजस्तदेव बलमित्युच्यते, स्वशास्त्रसिद्धान्तात् ||१९|| (Sush. Samh. Sutrastanam 15.19)</blockquote>

=== Kapha as Balam ===

=== Kapha as Balam ===

The word “Bala” also denotes the normal “Kapha dosha” as it has the function of providing Bala for the body normally. It is also considered as “Oja” by Charaka. (Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80–84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796)<blockquote>प्राकृतस्तु बलं श्लेष्मा विकृतो मल उच्यते|स चैवौजः स्मृतः काये स च पाप्मोपदिश्यते||११७|| (Char. Samh. Sutra. Adhyaya 17 Sutra 117)</blockquote>

The word 'Bala' also denotes the Kapha dosha in Prakrt awastha (normal state), as among 3 doshas controlling bodily functions, Kapha is the one that performs the function of strengthening and lubricating the body. Acharya Charaka has stated that Kapha dosha in unvitiated normal state or Ojus is same as Balam. Thus, Balam has been defined as the kapha dosha in unaltered, non-vitiated or natural state. (Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80–84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796)<blockquote>प्राकृतस्तु बलं श्लेष्मा विकृतो मल उच्यते|स चैवौजः स्मृतः काये स च पाप्मोपदिश्यते||११७|| (Char. Samh. Sutra. Adhyaya 17 Sutra 117)</blockquote>

 

 

== Classification of Balam ==

== Classification of Balam ==