CRITICAL EVALUATION AND APPLIED ASPECT OF SWABHAVOPARAMVADA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE THEORY OF INNATE DESTRUCTION.

Abstract

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and remains one of India’s traditional healthcare systems, as it is based on ancient writings that rely on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. As per Ayurvedic philosophy, we know that the leading cause of any disease is Imbalance in the body, and so the treatment pattern also includes lifestyle management with natural therapies to attain and regain the balance between the body, mind, soul, and Prakriti, i.e., environment. The theory of natural destruction or self-healing process is termed ‘Swabhavoparamvada,’ where the term ‘Swabhav’ means the nature of a substance and ‘Uparama’ implies destruction.¹ This theory states that the physiological events in our body are unavoidable. Kala, i.e., time moves continuously, passes away, and is irreversible. The wear-and-tear theory states that bodies wear out over time. This theory can easily make sense when considering inanimate objects, from cars to clothes, that wear out and become less functional with time. Jara (Old) and Mrityu (Death) are Swabhavik vyadhi (natural), and these cannot be stopped. Tear and wear are the law of nature. This means the dhatu of the body is destroyed naturally, and this cannot be controlled by any process indicating Swabhavoparamvada. Understanding the concept of Swabhavoparamvada is very important for a physician to advise a good diet and lifestyle in continuity along with necessary interventions.