Article: PANCHAMAHABHUTA AND ITS CLINICAL UTILITY IN DISEASE MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.164156

Pages: 190-197

Author: Ridhima Gupta *, Manjry Anshumala Barla, Rakesh Roushan

Abstract: A concept that forms the cornerstone for other principles is the Theory of Panchamahabhuta. It is a foundational and pervading principle of Ayurveda. It is seen that there is a strong similarity between Panchamahabhuta and components of the universe. Panchamahabhutas are important components of the body both for physiological functions and in the pathogenesis of the disease as all the living and non-living objects in the universe are made up of Panchamahabhuta i.e. Prithvi, Jala, Agni, Vayu, and Akash. Each Mahabhuta along with their guna, rasa, karma and clinical importance, has been explained. However, acharyas have not mentioned the Dravya made up of only Akash or Vayu or Agni or Jala or Prithvi Mahabhuta. These Panchamahabhutas act as a Karan Dravya. Karya Dravyas are made based on the permutation and combination of panchamahabhuta. In this paper, emphasis has been given on genesis of Panchamahabhuta, and its relationship with other fundamentals like Dosha (humours), Trigunas, Dhatu, Updhatu, Rasa, Garbhotpatti (embryonic development), Prakriti, Sharir, Marma, diagnostic methods and Samskar (biotransformation). Ayurveda treatment principles (shodhana and samshamana) are based on correcting the imbalances of Panchamahabhuta in the body as per the samanya vishesh Siddhant. This paper decodes the concept of panchamahabhuta with a special emphasis on the applied aspect in the management of the disease. Through this review article, efforts have been made to find out whether the theory of panchamahabhuta has a definite role in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Keyword: Panchamahabhuta, Chikitsa, Diagnosis, Five elements, Biotransformation, Siddhanta