ABSTRACT |
| According to Ayurveda, healthy human body represents an equilibrium state among Dosha, Dhatu, Agni and Mala accompanied with a pleasant Atma, Indriya and Mana. An imbalanced state of all or any of these is considered as pathological condition. The significance of Mala is equivalent to that Dosha, Dhatu and Agni. In Ayurveda, the human body and the universe are composed of five elements -Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space collectively known as the Panchamahabhutas. Constipation is defined as the incomplete and infrequent evacuation of hard stools. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Malavashtambha due to similarities in causes and symptoms. Classical Ayurvedic texts do not recognize Malavashtambha as a standalone disease; rather, it is seen as a symptom of various diseases or may appear as a single complaint. The causative factors of Malavashtambha can be analyzed based on Dosha predominance and their inherent qualities, such as Laghu, Ruksha, and Kharatva, which also help to determine the involvement of predominant Mahabhuta in pathogenesis. This review paper aims to explore the Hetu, Samprapti and Chikitsa of Malavashtambha through the framework of Panchabhautik Siddhanta. Understanding this concept is essential for effective disease prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Key words- Constipation, Goksheer, Malavashtambh, Panchmahabhuta. |