Jyotisha And Ayurveda (ज्योतिषम् आयुर्वेदश्च)

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Jyotisha and Ayurveda have been associated with each other since ancient times. Ayurveda is the ancient knowledge of life and longevity. The field of Ayurveda is vast including astrology in its fold. In Ayurveda, in addition to medicine, there is a system of treatment with gemstones and recitation of mantras under the Daivavyapashraya therapy. In the past, knowledge of Jyotisha was a prerequisite for a qualified physician. This made diagnosis easier. Jyotisha can better analyze the nature of the disease, the area of influence of the disease, the diagnosis, as well as the incubation period and causes of the disease.

To read this article in Hindi click on Jyotisha And Ayurveda (ज्योतिष एवं आयुर्वेद)

परिचय || Introduction

The diseases that arise in our life are the results of threefold karmas. The advent of diseases is the result of congenital disease, hereditary disease, and the resultant of Sanchita or accumulated karma. In Jyotisha, information regarding diseases can be obtained through the twelve zodiac signs, the nine planets, the twenty-seven constellations, etc. Each of the zodiac signs, planets, etc. located in the birth cycles represent some or other parts of the body. The planet, etc., which has an inauspicious effect, may result in causing disease on the organ concerned. In this regard, the study of Vimshottaridasha (or other types of dashas) derived on the basis of moon's phases is important. For the knowledge of jyotisha, the three points of the horoscope are studied.

• Lagna - Lagna represents the bodily features and outward personality

• Surya - Surya represents the subtle body/atma/self, Iccha-shakti or the power of desire, Tejas or brilliance and luminous nature.
• Chandra - The moon is related to the mind and inward personality, thoughts and emotions.

It is generally understood that Lagna represents the brain, the moon represents the mind, the abdomen and the senses, the sun represents the soul/self and the heart. An analysis of these three separately and their inter-relationships with each other is the key aspect. This study will prove to be very useful in the context of jyotisha and Ayurveda. By consulting a skilled astrologer not only is the situation clarified, diseases are cured with utmost ease as well (by Grahapreetikara dana, mantra japa, bathing with medicinal herbs, wearing gem stones etc.). Thus a skilled astrologer can become a guide for both the medical practitioner and the patient.

Uses of Jyotisha in Ayurveda

Jyotisha complements medical science. Without the knowledge of astrology, the time of preparation of the medicine cannot be ascertained. Astrology prescribes Muhurta for the preparation of medicines. By collecting and preparing the medicinal plant during the auspicious Muhurta, the medicinal properties gets influenced by specific planet rays and acquires special properties. Jyotisha is also helpful in knowing the cause, extent, and duration of the disease in the human body.

आतुरमुपक्रममाणेन भिषजायुरादावेव परीक्षितव्यम् | (सु.सं.सूत्रस्थानम् ३५/३)

Lord Dhanvantari said to Acharya Sushruta that -

आयुः पूर्व परीक्षेत् पश्चाल्लक्षणमादिशेत् | अनायुषां हि मनुष्याणां लक्षणैः कि प्रयोजनम् || (प्र.मा.१/३)

Meaning: Before starting treatment, the doctor should check the age of the patient. If longevity is remaining, treatment should be done considering the disease, season (climate), age, strength, and medicine.

औषधनिर्माणस्य सेवनस्य च मुहूर्तम् || Time to prepare and consume medicines

Medicines cannot be prepared with specific qualities at appropriate time without the help of Jyotisha. It is clear that by identifying the qualities and nature of the planets and preparing the medicine with herbs having the same qualities and nature, it becomes specifically beneficial in treatment. Vaidyas who are unfamiliar with the knowledge of Jyotisha cannot produce the effective and fully potent medicine, so it is necessary to have knowledge of both Jyotisha and Ayurveda. Muhurta has been prescribed by Jyotisha for the preparation of medicines and chemicals, consumption of medicines, surgery, and treatment modalities. The author of Muhurta Chintamani says -

भैषज्यं सल्लघुमृदुचरे मूलभे द्व्यङ्गलग्ने |

शुक्रेन्द्विज्ये विदि च दिवसे चापि तेषां रवेश्च |

शुद्धे रिष्फद्युनमृतिगृहे स्त्तिथौ नो जनेर्भे ||

By knowing the above-mentioned Nakshatra, Vara, Rashi, Tithi, Grahashuddhi, and the strength of the planets, it is said to be best to consume the medicines in such Ayuprada yoga. The author of Dipika is of the opinion that one should never start to consume medicines in the birth star or constellation.

व्याधीनां वर्गीकरणम् || Classification of diseases

Many concepts related to health are described as yogas in jyotisha shastra through planets, zodiac signs, and bhava (houses). Astrological texts, while taking diseases seriously, have first considered their distinctions. According to the Prashna shashtra, diseases are mainly classified into two types -

सन्ति प्रकार भेदाश्च रोगभेदनिरूपेण | ते चाप्यत्र विलिख्यन्ते यथा शास्त्रान्तरोदिताः |

रोगास्तु द्विविधा ज्ञेया निजागन्तुविभेदितः | निजाश्चागन्तुकाश्चापि प्रत्येकं द्विविधाः पुनः ||

निजा शरीर चित्तोत्था दृष्टादृष्टनिमित्तजाः | तथैवागन्तुकाश्चैवं व्याधयः स्युश्चतुर्विधाः || (प्रश्नमा. १२/१७-१९)

Which translates as : The classification of diseases are as follows: In various Shastras (Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Kaashyapa Samhita, Ashtanga Sangraha, Ashtangahrudaya, etc.), there are two types of diseases, based on Nija (internal) and Agantuka (external) factors and further these two types can be classified into two types each.

These diseases can be considered in detail as follows -

1. Sahaja Roga (निजरोगः) - Sahaja roga refers to those that are congenital i.e. present in the body at birth. These congenital diseases are also of two types - bodily and mental.
2. Agantuka Roga (आगन्तुकरोगः) - Agantuka roga refers to those diseases which arise after birth.

Infectious diseases are also of two types - Drushtinimittajanya - those which arise with visible causes and Adrushtinimittajanya - those which arise due to invisible causes.

We can consider these diseases in detail as follows:

Sahaja roga or diseases - Sahaja roja are those which are congenital i.e. these diseases are present in the physical body at birth. These congenital diseases are also of two types -

1. Physical - In congenital physical diseases some structural diseases like lameness, hunchback, blindness, dumbness, deafness, impotence, infertility, etc are congenital.
2. Mental - Some mental diseases like congenital mental illness, dullness, mania, and insanity are also congenital. All such diseases have been termed as congenital diseases.

Agantuka diseases are also of two types based on whether the cause of the disease are visible or invisible.

1. Drushtinimittajanya - Diseases caused by direct events such as visible reasons such as curses, abhichara, infections, epidemics, and accidents are called Drushtinimittajanya diseases.
2. Adrushtinimittajanya - Diseases whose cause is not directly visible are called Adrushtinimittajanya diseases.

The sun and other planets represent all the organs of the human body, metals, the tridoshas namely; Vata, Pitta, Kapha, etc., their internal structure and operational processes.

शरीराङ्गस्य अधिष्ठितग्रहः || Planets Ruling The Body Parts

Disease determination is based on the location of the sun and moon in the zodiac. However, the degree to which they independently influence specific organs or are likely to influence disease can be explained by the following table: -

Tabular information is missing

According to Jyotisha the different planets which influence specific bodily parts are as follows:

1. Sun - bone, bio-electricity, respiratory system.
2. Moon - blood, water, endocrine glands (hormones).
3. Mars - Liver, blood cells, digestive system.
4. Mercury - Nerve network located in each organ.
5. Jupiter - Nervous system, memory, intelligence.
6. Venus - semen, semen, phlegm, genitals.
7. Saturn - Central nervous system, mind.
8. Rahu and Ketu - internal spaces and apana-vayu (the air that governs eliminatory system) inside the body.

ज्योतिषे त्रिदोषः || Tridoshas in Jyotisha

According to Indian Darshanas, Ayurveda has been considered to be the origin with respect to the discussion on Tridoshas. It is also called Panchamaveda by some scholars. Ayurveda Shastra was created in response to the saying "Shareeram Vyaadhi Mandiram". There are many forms of medicine available today, but Ayurveda is the originator of all of these available forms. Ayurveda, allopathic, and homeopathic treatments are widely accepted throughout the country. The description of tridoshas is ubiquitous in Indian medicine, namely, diseases caused by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The medical science is based on these. Tridoshas are also discussed in Jyotisha. The science of planetary constellations is astrology. The importance of the Navagrahas is described in astrology. All these planets are associated with Tridoshas. Of these, some are Vataja (originated due to Vata), some are Pittaja (caused by Pitta), and some are Kaphaja (caused due to Kapha) -

• Vataj Planets - Shani, Rahu, Ketu
• Pittaj Planets - Surya, Mangal, Guru
• Kaphaj Planets - Shukra, and Chandra

Mercury is said to be Tatastha (Neutral). During the waning period of these planets or if they are not strong in the natal chart the corresponding Tridoshajanya diseases appear, which has also been experienced in practice.

वातजन्य व्याधयः || Vata-janya diseases

Vata-janya diseases are caused by the malefic influence of Shani, Rahu, Ketu. In the Charaka Samhita of Ayurveda, eighty types of these vata diseases are described. There are many classifications and sub-classifications of these eighty types of Vata diseases too, on which medical science is based. In this context, the names of these 80 types of vata diseases are being collected from the Charaka Samhita and given below -

• १. नखभेद (Cracking of nails)
• २. व्यवाई / विपादिक (Cracking of soles)
• ३. पादशूल (Pain in the foot)
• ४. पाद भ्रंश (Foot drop)
• ५. पाद सुप्तता (Numbness in feet)
• ६. वात खुड्डता (Pain in ankle region)
• ७. गुल्मग्रह (Stiffness in ankle region)
• ८. पिण्डिकोद्वेष्टन (Cramps in calf muscle)
• ९. गृध्रसी (Sciatica)
• १०. जानुभेद (Tearing pain in knee)
• ११. जानुविश्लेष (Dislocation of knee joint)
• १२. उरुस्तम्भ (Stiffness in thigh)
• १३. उरुसाद (Loss of movement in thigh)
• १४. पाङ्गुल्य (Paraplegia)
• १५. गुदभ्रंश (Prolapse of rectum)
• १६. गुदार्ति (Pain in anus)
• १७. वृषणोत्क्षेप (Pain in scrotum)
• १८. शेफस्तम्भ (Stiffness in penis)
• १९. वङ्क्षणानाह (Sprain in groin)
• २०. श्रोणिमेद (Pain in pelvic region)
• २१. विड्भेद (Diarrhoea)
• २२. उदावर्त (Reverse direction of vata)
• २३. खञ्जता (Limping)
• २४. कुब्जता (Kyphosis)
• २५. वामनत्व (Dwarfism)
• २६. त्रिकग्रह (Stiffness in sacral region)
• २७. पुष्टग्रह (Stiffness in back region)
• २८. पार्श्वावमर्द (Compression in sides)
• २९. उदरावेष्ट (Twisting pain in abdomen)
• ३०. हृन्मोह (Cardiac dysfunction)
• ३१. हृदद्रव (Tachycardia)
• ३२. वक्षोघर्ष (Rubbing pain in chest)
• ३३. वक्षोपरोध (Constriction in chest)
• ३४. वक्षस्तोद (Pain in chest)
• ३५. बाहुशोष (Wasting of arm)
• ३६. ग्रीवास्तम्भ (Stiffness in neck)
• ३७. मन्यास्तम्भ (Torticollis)
• ३८. कण्ठोध्वंस (Hoarseness of voice)
• ३९. हनुभेद (Cracking Pain in jaw)
• ४०. ओष्ठभेद (Cracking Pain in lips)
• ४१. अक्षिभेद (Cracking Pain in eyes)
• ४२. दन्तभेद (Cracking Pain in teeth)
• ४३. दन्तशैथिल्य (Loose teeth)
• ४४. मूकत्व (Aphasia)
• ४५. वाक्संग (Stammering speech)
• ४६. काषायस्यता (Astringent taste in mouth)
• ४७. मुख शोष (Dryness in mouth)
• ४८ अरसज्ञता (Loss of taste sensation)
• ४९. घ्राणनाश (Loss of smell sensation)
• ५०. कर्णशूल (Earache)
• ५१. अशब्दश्रवण (Tinnitus)
• ५२. उच्चैश्रुति (Hard of hearing)
• ५३. बहरापन (Deafness)
• ५४. वर्त्मस्तम्भ (Stiffness in eyelids)
• ५५. वर्त्मसंकोच (Entropion)
• ५६. तिमिर (Loss of vision)
• ५७. नेत्रशूल (Pain in eyes)
• ५८. अक्षिब्युदास (Squint eye)
• ५९. ब्रूव्युदास (Twisting in eyebrows)
• ६०. शंखभेद (Pain in temporal region)
• ६१. ललाटभेद (Pain in frontal region)
• ६२. शिरःशूल (Pain in head)
• ६३. केशभूमिस्फुटन (Cracking of scalp)
• ६४. आदिंत (Fascial paralysis)
• ६५. एकाङ्गरोग (Monoplegia)
• ६६. सर्वाङ्गरोग (Paraplegia)
• ६७. आक्षेपक (Clonic convulsion)
• ६८. दण्डक (Tonic convulsion)
• ६९. तम (Feeling of darkness in front of eyes)
• ७०. भ्रम (Giddiness)
• ७१. वेपथु (Tremor)
• ७२. जम्भाई (Yawning)
• ७३. हिचकी (Hicough)
• ७४. विषाद (Depression or Asthenia)
• ७५. अतिप्रलाप (Excessive delirium)
• ७६. रुक्षता (Roughness)
• ७७. परुषता (Courseness)
• ७८. श्यावारुणावभासता (Reddish black appearance)
• ७९. लाल शरीर (Reddish appearance)
• ८०. अस्वप्न (Insomnia) अनवस्थितचित्तत्वं (Unstable mind)

These are mainly diseases caused by Vata (air element). If the planets Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are weak and malefic, the occurrence of the above mentioned diseases is certain.

पित्तजन्य व्याधयः || Pitta-janya Diseases

There are 40 types of Pittajanya diseases. According to Jyotisha shastra, when there is an indication of weak potency and malefic influence of Sun, Mars and Jupiter, they are afflicted by the below listed pathologies (diseases), whose nomenclature is as follows -

• १. ओष (Heating)
• २. प्लोष (Scorching)
• ३. दाह (Burning)
• ४. दवधु (Intense heat)
• ५. धूमक (Fuming)
• ६. अम्लक (Hyperacidity)
• ७. विदाह (Burning in Mahastrotasa)
• ८. अन्तरदाह (Internal Burning)
• ९. अंशदाह (Burning sensation in arm)
• १०. उष्माधिक्य (Hyperthermia)
• ११. अतिश्वेद (Excessive sweating)
• १२. अङ्गगन्ध (Foul smell in body)
• १३. अङ्कावदरण (Tearing of body parts)
• १४. शोणितक्लेद (Retension of metabolites in blood)
• १५. मांस क्लेद (Retension of metabolites in muscles)
• १६. त्वक्टाह (Burning sensation in skin)
• १७. त्वगवदरण (Cracking of skin)
• १८. चरमावदरण (Thickness of skin)
• १९. रक्तकोष्ठ (Urticarial patches)
• २०. रक्तविस्फोट (Pustules)
• २१. रक्तपित्त (Bleeding disorders)
• २२. रक्तमण्डल (Hemorrhagic rounded patches/echymosis)
• २३. हरितत्त्व (Greenishness)
• २४. हारिद्रवत्व (Yellowishness)
• २५. नीलिका (Blue moles)
• २६. कथ्या (Furunculosis)
• २७. कामला (Jaundice)
• २८. तिक्तास्यता (Bitter taste in mouth)
• २९. लोहितगन्धास्यता (Blood-like smell from oral cavity)
• ३०. पूतिमुखता (Foetid smell from oral cavity)
• ३१. तृष्णाधिक्य (Increased thirst/Polydipsia)
• ३२. अतृप्ति (Loss of contentment)
• ३३. आस्यविपाक (Stomatitis)
• ३४. गलपाक (Inflammation of throat)
• ३५. अक्षिपाक (Inflammation of eyes)
• ३६. गुदपाक (Inflammation of anus)
• ३७. मेढ्रपाक (Inflammation of penis)
• ३८. जीवादानं (Discharge of pure blood)
• ३९. तमः प्रवेश (Darkness in front of eyes)
• ४०. नेत्रमूत्रवर्चस्त्वं हरा वर्ण या पीला वर्ण (Green-yellow discoloration of eyes, urine, stool)

Guru (Jupiter), Surya (Sun), and Mangal (Mars) cause these diseases, therefore, it is necessary to diagnose and treat or solve these during the waning effect of these planets.

कफजन्य व्याधयः || Kaphajanya Diseases

Kaphajanya Diseases are caused by the influence of the Moon and Venus. Chandra (Moon) and Shukra (Venus), both of these planets have cooling properties. There are 20 types of Sheetavyaadhi diseases as has been discussed and described in Ayurveda by Maharishi Charaka in the 20th chapter of Charaka Samhita. There are many sub-classifications of these diseases which have been discussed in detail in Ayurveda Shastra. These diseases are given as per context herein below -

• १. तृप्ति (Contentment)
• २. तन्द्रा (Drowsiness)
• ३. निद्राधिक्य (Excess Sleep)
• ४. स्तैमित्य (Rigidity/Immobility)
• ५. गुरुगात्रता (Heaviness in body)
• ६. आलस्य (Lassitude)
• ७. मुखमाधुर्य (Sweet taste in mouth)
• ८. मुखस्राव (Salivation)
• ९. श्लेष्मोगिरण (Expectoration of mucous)
• १०. मलस्याधिक्य (Excess accumulation of waste products)
• ११. बलासक (Loss of strength)
• १२. अपचन (Indigestion)
• १३. हृदयोपलेप (Adherence of waste surrounding heart)
• १४. कण्ठोपलेप (Adherence of waste surrounding throat)
• १५. धमनीप्रतिचय (Adherence of waste in blood vessels/atherosclerosis)
• १६. गलगण्ड (Goiter)
• १७. अतिस्थौल्य (Morbid obesity)
• १८. शीताग्निता (Decreased agni)
• १९. उदर्द (Urticarial rashes)
• २०. श्वेतावगासता (मूत्र, नेत्र का श्वेत होना)(Pale look, white discolouration of urine, eyes)

On the basis of these facts, both Ayurveda and Jyotisha have an identifiable relationship. Therefore, if medical and astronomical sciences are combined additional benefits can be provided. The planets and zodiacs are all associated with tridoshas. In Sanskrit, the Linga Bheda Prasanga describes three genders -

1. Stree lingam (Feminine gender)
2. Pumlingam (Masculine gender)
3. Napunsaka lingam (Neuter gender)

Among the planets Budha (Mercury) is considered as neuter gender. It (Mercury) takes on the properties of the planet with which it resides and gives results according to the properties of that particular planet. Therefore, during the waning position of Mercury, its associate resident planet's position and properties should be considered, before making decisions about diseases and its results. Considering its associated planet's properties, the three doshas of Vaata-Kapha-Pitta should be analysed before giving out a solution based on the location of Mercury. Pluto was believed to be Budha according to some scholars. Therefore, based on the planetary situation its quality, temperament, the treatment modality has to be defined.

स्वास्थ्य विचार की ज्योतिषीय उपयोगिता Utility of Jyotisha in health

There is immense utility of astrology in the course of health matters.

विमर्शः || Discussion

In Vedic philosophy, the doctrine of "Yatha Pinde Tathaa Brhamaande" has been practiced since ancient times. This theory explains the fact that the same principles that operate in the various activities of luminous bodies within the solar system govern the unit of the solar system located in the body of the creature. As Lord Shri Krishna says in the Gita -

गामाविश्य च भूतानि धारयाम्यहमोजसा | पुष्णामि चौषधिः सर्वासोमो भूत्वा रसात्मकः. || (श्री.भ.गी.१५/१६)

The medicinal plants and their alchemical properties are under the influence of the rays of Soma (Moon). It is in common experience that medicines undergo lot of changes at night that does not happen during the day. The Moon is our neighbouring planetary body. Thus, the Moon accounts for the largest gravitational pull of the planets on us. Jyotish Acharyas have properly investigated the causes of diseases and their cures. The effect of planets definitely have an influence over man. Planets have mutual friendly/enemical relationships and accordingly influence each other. Due to the adverse influence of the planets, the native suffers from various diseases and due to the favourable influence of the planets achieves happiness and prosperity. Therefore, in order to remove the adverse effect, various types of treatments have been mentioned by Acharyas of astrology. We find the influence of moon on the human body in the following ways

• The effect of the moon itself makes the circulatory system of our body abnormal.
• It is because of the moon that mental disorders like mania, epilepsy, and physical disorders like blood pressure, anemia, and rheumatism are at their peak on the full moon days compared to other occasions.
• Brihatjataka author Varahamihira also considers the rutudharma necessary for conception is influenced by the two planets, Mars and the Moon.