Rachanatmakand KriyatmakReview of Twachain Ayurveda with Reference to Skin

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In Ayurvedic text, extensive description of Twak is available, mainly in the Rachana Sharir (Anatomy), Kriya Sharir (Physiology), Vikritivingnana (Pathology) and Chikitsa Vingnana (Clinical Medicine). Twak, the human skin is the outermost covering of the body and largest organ in both surface area and weight. Twacha is derived from “Twach Samvarane” Dhatu meaning the covering of the body. In different Ayurvedic texts, Twak, Twacha or Charma word is used for skin. Different Acharya have given different theory regarding Twacha Uttapati, Twacha Stara and Twacha related diseases. Skin is one of the five Gyanindriya, measured as Upadhatu of Mamsa Dhatu. It is responsible for Sparsha Gyan(touch sensation). Skin is taken as First Line of Defense because skin provides a protective barrier against thermal, mechanical, physical Article Info