Article: A REVIEW ON HETUVIPARITA CHIKITSA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AYURVEDA AND CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17270

Pages: 163-166

Author: Tanvi Soni *, Hitesh Vyas, Nikita Gohel, Rinku Gulani

Abstract: Contemporary medicine has achieved significant success through standardized, symptom-oriented treatment protocols, especially in acute and infectious conditions, but it often overlooks individual variability and deeper etiological factors, leading to recurrence or incomplete cure. Ayurveda explains disease causation through Asatmyendriyartha Samyoga, Prajnaparadha, and Parinama, and emphasizes Hetuviparita Chikitsa-treating disease by counteracting its root cause. Unlike the disease-focused modern approach, Ayurveda prioritizes correction of faulty lifestyle, diet, and behavior, particularly Prajnaparadha, to restore systemic balance. Classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary medical literature were systematically reviewed to examine the principles of Hetuviparita Chikitsa and to enable a comparative analysis with modern treatment approaches. Ayurveda explains disease through the Karya–Karana Siddhanta, emphasizing that Dosha imbalance triggered by causative factors (Nidana) leads to pathology, and hence prioritizes Hetuviparita Chikitsa-counteracting the root cause to restore Dhatusamya. Classical texts highlight that removal of Hetu, particularly Prajnaparadha, is central to both treatment and prevention. In contrast, contemporary medicine largely focuses on pathogen eradication and symptomatic relief, which may result in recurrence after discontinuation of therapy. Thus, Ayurveda adopts a holistic, immunity-enhancing and causation-based approach, whereas modern medicine emphasizes acute intervention and disease control. Hetuviparita Chikitsa is a core Ayurvedic principle focused on restoring balance by correcting the root cause of disease. Although modern medicine is highly effective in acute and infectious conditions, its symptom-centered approach may overlook systemic harmony. An integrative approach combining Ayurvedic causative correction with modern medical advances can promote more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare.

Keyword: Ayurveda, Hetuviparita Chikitsa, Prajnaparadha