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 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.  

The word Balam has been used invariably for strength of mind, body and its components. It also stands for immunity and immune system in normal state.<ref name=":0">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</ref> From the clinical perspective, Balam has been correlated with 2 entities viz. normal Kapha dosha and Ojus present in the body.  

=== Ojus as Balam ===

=== Ojus as Balam ===

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>

According to Acharya Sushruta, 'Balam' is the synonym of 'Ojus'. Ojus is the quintessence of all 7 dhatus. It is also known as bioenergy or body component that helps in sustaining 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 || (Sush. Samh. 15.19)<ref>Sushrut Samhita (Sutrastanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 19)</ref></blockquote>

=== Kapha as Balam ===

=== Kapha as Balam ===

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>

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>

== Role of Balam ==

== Role of Balam ==

According to Acharya Sushruta, “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)

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,

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

* Ability to perform various tasks efficiently

* good complexion, clearness and pleasantness of voice along with  

* 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

तत्र बलेन स्थिरोपचितमांसता सर्वचेष्टास्वप्रतिघातः स्वरवर्णप्रसादो बाह्यानामाभ्यन्तराणां च करणानामात्मकार्यप्रतिपत्तिर्भवति ||२०|| (Sush. Samh. Sutrastanam 15.20)

तत्र बलेन स्थिरोपचितमांसता सर्वचेष्टास्वप्रतिघातः स्वरवर्णप्रसादो बाह्यानामाभ्यन्तराणां च करणानामात्मकार्यप्रतिपत्तिर्भवति ||२०|| (Sush. Samh. Sutrastanam 15.20)