Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (दैवव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा)

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Introduction

Daivavyapashrya chikitsa is one among three treatment modalities at a fundamental level described by Acharya Charaka. Daivavyapashraya chikitsa being foremost, followed by yuktivyapashrya and satvavajaya chikitsa (Cha.sut.11.45). in literal terms, daivavyapashraya chikitsa means spiritual therapy or divine therapy wherein there is use of mantra(chanting auspicious hymns), mani(wearing gemstones), homa(performing sacred fire ritual), etc as therapy. There are certain diseases wherein Acharyas have suggested this modality of treatment for better results like in Rajayakshma,(cha.chi.8.189) jwara(sush.ut.39).

Daiva means divine and Vyapashraya means dependent on, thus the treatment mode which depends on divine therapies or spiritual therapies is known as daivavayapashrya chikitsa.

Definition

Cha.sut.11.54

The treatment modality which is administered with the help of Mantra, Mani, Homa, Upavasa, etc as medicine is Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. It is one of the three treatment modes along with Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa and Satvaavajaya Chikitsa, which are two distinct concepts in Ayurveda

Methods of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa

तत्रदैवव्यपाश्रयंमन्त्रौषधिमणिमङ्गलबल्युपहारहोमनियमप्रायश्चित्तोपवासस्वस्त्ययनप्रणिपातगमनादि (cha.vi.8.87)

Mantra(hymns chanting), Mani(precious stones), Mangala(performing good deeds), Bali(sacrificial rites), Upahara, Homa(auspicious fire), Niyama, Prayaschitta, Upavasa(fasting), Svastayana, Pranipaata Gamana(visiting temples or sacred places).

These are the methods in which Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is applied during the treatment of certain diseases.

Chikitsa prakara (Treatment method)	Artha(meaning)
Mantra	Chanting sacred hymns
Mani	Precious stone
Aushadhi	Tying herbs
Bali	Oblation/ Sacrificial offering
Upahara	offering
Homa	Worshipping Agni
Niyama	observance
Swastayana	Chanting phrases
Upavasa	Fasting
Pranipata	Surrendering to God
Mangala	Good deeds
Yatra gamana	Visiting Pilgrimage

Mantra

Mantra chikitsa or chanting of certain auspicious hymns has been described in certain diseases.

In Unmada chikitsa, while administering ghee auspicious hymns are chanted along with it. Cha chi 21.33). Also, wearing certain precious stones, fasting, performing sacrificial fire as well as a part of treatment.(cha.ni.7,16)

While describing food etiquette Acharya Charaka has mentioned chanting mantras, having a bath, wearing precious stones, and many others.

Even while beginning the study of Ayurveda every student does mantra chanting and homa is performed for an auspicious start. (cha.vi.8.11)

In visha chikitsa tourniquet application is done while chanting mantras. (cha.chi.23.61)

While describing a medicinal preparation in visha chikitsa namely, mahagandhahasti agada, there is mention of beeja mantra, which is recited while preparing the recipe for better results. (cha.chi.23.89)

In management of wounds, certain mantras are chanted after cleansing and application of medicines. (sush.sut.5.17)

Mani dharana

To reduce the burning sensation in Jwara Vyadhi(fever), certain precious stones or Mukta(pearl) is worn along with other oral medications. (cha.chi.3.265)

In Raktapitta(hemorrhagic disorders), water is intaken which has been kept in contact with Vaidurya(cat’s eye), Mukta(pearl), and Gairik(ochre). Cha.chi.4.82 also, to reduce

To prevent the effects of poison or Visha, certain precious stones are worn like emerald and diamond. (cha.chi.23.253)

Bali

In the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions known as Graha Chikitsa precisely, Bali or sacrifice is performed on a certain day at a certain time. (Asht.utt.5.21)

There are certain grahas(psychiatric conditions) where in sacrifice or bali is performed of a certain flower, or food in order to restore health. (Asht.utt.5)

A Gandha prepared of kumkuma, Kesar is kept in a pot where four paths or roads meet together in a place where there is no residency and offered Bali to grahas (the concept that can be mildly co-related with psychosomatic disorders). (sush.sutra.60.31)

One has to sacrifice Snana(bath), vastra(clothes), aahara(food) as well in certain psychiatric conditions until the expected results are seen.(Asht.utt.5.22)

Homa

Homa or Auspicious Fire rites are performed after the completion of Virechana Karma on the day of favorable Nakshatra(right alignment of stars according to hindu calender). This also is a method of purification therapy. (cha.sut15.17)

Ayurveda is the only science that applies practices like homa, mangala, bali, mantra, upavasa, etc as treatment methods as and when necessary along with oral administration of medicines.

(cha.sut.30.21)

If homa is performed improperly can cause unmada (a psychological disorder described in Ayurveda).(cha.nida.7.14) .although it also is therapeutic in the treatment of certain types of Unmada.

As a part of treatment, Homa is described in Jwara Roga(Disease concerning fever). (cha.chi.3.314)

Homa is performed by the person who is undergoing the therapy of Vamana for a smooth panchakarma procedure.

Upavasa

Upavasa in literal terms means fasting. As a mode of treatment without the usage of drugs, as a part of Langhana therapy(therapeutic fasting) Upavasa is indicated.

In Raktaja Roga(blood vitiation-related disorders), Upavasa is indicated along with purgation and other therapies. (cha.sutr.24.18)

In the management of Amaja disorders, Upavasa is advised after the elimination of doshas through emesis. (cha.vi.2.13)

When Upavasa is done in pregnancy it leads to underdeveloped childbirth. (cha.sha.8.26)

In certain types of Dhatuja Jwara, Upavasa is advised. (cha.chi.3.316)

Niyama

The social code of conduct or social wellbeing is termed Niyama.

Niyama is also an eminent skill or character of Pranabhisara(the one who saves life). (cha.sutr.29.7)

In yoga Darshana, five types of Niyama are explained, shoucha(hygiene), santosha(satisfaction), tapa(austerity), swadhyaya, ishwara pranidhana(praying). http://ijapc.com/upload/MNAPC-13-I3-59-P-220-226.pdf

Niyama is a treatment aspect as well along with matra, mani, etc as Daivavyapshraya chiktsa.

In Satyuga(one among four Yug according to Hindu dharma), people followed the rules of social wellbeing or Niyama along with fasting, moral discipline, etc, and thus the life span or the quality of life, quality of the surrounding environment was excellent. (cha.vim.3.28)

Oshadhi

Binding certain medicinal plants or roots in the form of poultice or pottali around the affected part is known as oshadhi chikitsa as a part of daiva vyapashraya chikitsa.

There is mention of wearing aushadhas along with mani in certain type of Jwara Roga(fever) as treatment.(cha.chi3.309)

In children Brahmi, vacha etc are worn around neck, hand to boost immunity, and overall health.(asht.utt.1)

Pranipaata

Namaskara or joining hands indicated surrendering oneself to deva(god),guru.

Surya namaskara also being one aspect of pranipaata has wide spread advantages.

Need of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa

Daiva means one's deeds, which are weak or strong in humans and are manifested perpetually. The effects of this daiva are manifested in a congenial environment. Thus, these factors determine the life span of an individual. (Cha.vim.3.35)

Any disease manifestation occurs as a result of karma(past life deeds) and so does human life, thus,  these aspects are managed with Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa to reduce the suffering. (cha.sut.25.19)

In Kurmapurana, Mani’s were created with the help of seven different rays of light originating from seven planets, thus each ray depicts different energy which when worn influences in a certain way.

http://ijapc.com/upload/MNAPC-13-I3-59-P-220-226.pdf

There also are certain therapies which mildly corelate with Daivavyapashraya chikitsa, like hypnotherapy, behavioural therapy, crystal therapy,reiki, pranic healing etc.