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The word 'Bala' refers to the strength of the body. It also indicates ability of the body or part of the body to protect oneself against various harmful factors. In Ayurveda, some of the body components have also been called as Balam owing to their desirable attributes and function of protecting body against multiple stressors. It is considered as the key factor in making body susceptible to diseases causing agents and allowing diseases to develop in the body or mind. Thus, one can find that term 'Bala' is frequently used to indicate Vyadhikshamatwa (immunity) of the individual in addition to the strength.  

The word 'Bala' refers to the strength of the body. It also indicates ability of the body or part of the body, to protect oneself against various harmful factors. In Ayurveda, some of the body constituents have been called as Balam owing to their key role in protecting body against multiple stressors. Imbalance of these is supposed to play the key role in making body susceptible to harmful agents and vulnerable to diseases of body as well as mind. Thus, one can find that, term 'Bala' which literally means strength is also used interchangeably with Vyadhikshamatwa which refers to the immunity of the individual.  

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Ayurveda describes describes process of disease development in 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 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 physical as well as mental. Naturally, when this strength 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 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 ==

The balam of the individual could have various aspects. Some individuals possess strength naturally while some may lack this strength even after following rigorous diet, exercise and use of medicines. Similarly role of Kala is also considered significant by Ayurveda in maintaining this strength of the individuals. Considering all these factors, Ayurveda acharyas have classified the Balam of an individual in 3 components. Acharya Charaka has mentioned 3 types of Balam <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutram 36)</ref>  as below,   

The balam of the individual could have various aspects. Some individuals possess strength naturally while some may lack this strength even after following rigorous diet, exercise and use of medicines. Similarly role of Kala is also considered significant by Ayurveda in maintaining this strength of the individuals. Considering all these factors, Ayurveda acharyas have classified the Balam of an individual in 3 components. Acharya Charaka has mentioned 3 types of Balam <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutram 36)</ref>  as below,   

# Sahaja (Natural, Present right from the birth)   

# Sahaja (Natural, Present right from the birth)   

# Kalaja ( Present due to particular season and age) and   

# Kalaja (Present due to particular season and age) and   

# Yuktikrita (Obtained by deliberate efforts to acquire strength like use of diet, exercise, medicines).   

# Yuktikrita (Obtained by deliberate efforts to acquire strength like use of diet, exercise, medicines).   

Ayurveda offers ways to improve Yuktikruta balam of an individuals. Also, under topics like [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rtucharya]] and Swasthavrtta, level of Kalaja balam has been explained. The methods to preserve balam which is lowered due to seasonal variations, have been mentioned. Multiple herbs, dietary components, activities and medicines that can enhance Balam of [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] have been described at places in classical Ayurveda treatises. At each and every point of describing any medical intervention, Ayurveda acharyas have given undisputed attention to balam of the patient and further management has been recommended on that basis. Such an approach in planning medicinal treatment while keeping an eye on strength of individual ensures safe and holistic healing with Ayurveda treatments. Various branches of Ayurveda like [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|Rasayana]] (Tonic that nourishes all the tissues of the body) and Vajikarana (Invigorating and aphrodisiac medicine) primarily focus on enhancing this Yuktikrita balam. In this context, Balam is considered as effect of the food, medicine or activities which are having the action of nourishment.   

Ayurveda offers ways to improve Yuktikruta balam of an individuals. Also, under topics like [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rtucharya]] and Swasthavrtta, level of Kalaja balam has been explained. The methods to preserve balam which is lowered due to seasonal variations, have been mentioned. Multiple herbs, dietary components, activities and medicines that can enhance Balam of [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] have been described at places in classical Ayurveda treatises. At each and every point of describing any medical intervention, Ayurveda acharyas have given undisputed attention to balam of the patient and further management has been recommended on that basis. Such an approach in planning medicinal treatment while keeping an eye on strength of individual ensures safe and holistic healing with Ayurveda treatments. Various branches of Ayurveda like [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|Rasayana]] (Tonic that nourishes all the tissues of the body) and Vajikarana (Invigorating and aphrodisiac medicine) primarily focus on enhancing this Yuktikrita balam. In this context, Balam is considered as effect of the food, medicine or activities which are having the action of nourishment.   

== 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. In 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 theprovision 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. (Nath et al. CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF BALA (STRENGTH). UJAHM 2015, 03 (04): Page 103-108)

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

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