ABSTRACT |
| Introduction- Shatkriyakala is a fundamental Ayurvedic concept describing the sequential stages of disease development arising from doshic imbalance. It enables early detection of pathological changes before clinical manifestation and supports preventive and stage-wise therapeutic intervention. With the increasing burden of lifestyle and chronic disorders, understanding this model is vital for effective and integrative disease management. Methods- A comprehensive literary review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts including Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Relevant references were critically analyzed to understand the concept, clinical relevance, and progressive nature of Shatkriyakala. Correlations with contemporary medical concepts were explored. Four clinical conditions— Hemorrhoids (Arsha), Fistula-in-Ano (Bhagandara), Appendicitis (Undukpuch shoth), and Cholecystitis (Pittashaya Shoth)—were reviewed for stage-wise clinical implications. Results- The six stages—Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthanasamsraya, Vyakti, and Bheda—demonstrated a systematic progression from subtle doshic imbalance to established disease and complications. Early stages were largely reversible through dietary regulation, lifestyle modification, and preventive therapy, whereas advanced stages required pharmacological intervention, Panchakarma, or surgical treatment. Stage-wise clinical application revealed that early Arsha responded to conservative therapy while advanced cases required hemorrhoidectomy; Bhagandara progressed from abscess to tract formation requiring drainage and definitive surgery; Appendicitis evolved from early inflammation to perforation necessitating emergency surgery; and Cholecystitis progressed from biliary colic to suppuration requiring cholecystectomy. Strong parallels were observed with modern concepts such as inflammation, localization, abscess formation, and chronic disease progression. Discussion and Conclusion- Shatkriyakala provides a structured and clinically applicable model for understanding disease pathogenesis. Its stage-wise approach facilitates early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prevention of complications. Integration of this framework into clinical practice strengthens Ayurveda’s preventive philosophy and supports the development of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to standardize its diagnostic application for broader clinical use. Keywords- Shatkriyakala, Six staged disease progression, Appendicitis, Haemmorrhoids, Arsha, Fistula-in-Ano, Bhagandara, Undukpuch shoth,Cholecystitis ,Pittashaya Shoth |