Swadeshi Chikitsa Part 01 Dincharya Rutucharya Ke Aadhar Par - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Swadeshi Chikitsa Part 01: Dincharya Rutucharya ke Aadhar Par" by Rajiv Dixit:

This book, compiled and edited by Rajiv Dixit and published by Swadeshi Prakashan, is the first part of a series on "Swadeshi Chikitsa" (Indigenous Medicine) based on Ashtanga Hridayam, a seminal work by the great Ayurvedic expert Vagbhata. The primary aim of Ayurveda, as presented in this book, is to maintain the health of the healthy and to cure the sick. It emphasizes that a healthy life is a prerequisite for achieving wealth, happiness, and spiritual progress. The book argues that Ayurveda is the only system that guarantees a healthy life, unlike other systems that focus on treatment after illness.

The book is structured into six chapters:

1. Introduction to Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is presented as a sacred science originating from Lord Brahma, passed down through sages and masters like Daksha Prajapati, Ashwini Kumaras, Indra, and renowned Rishis like Charaka, Sushruta, Atreya, Punarvasu, and Kashyapa.
It introduces the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, focusing on the three doshas: Vata (wind), Pitta (bile), and Kapha (phlegm). These doshas, when balanced, maintain bodily functions, but when imbalanced, they cause disease.
The book explains the distribution of these doshas in the body (Vata below the navel, Pitta between the navel and heart, Kapha above the heart).
It details how Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dominate different stages of life (Kapha in childhood, Pitta in youth, Vata in old age) and different times of the day (Kapha in the morning, Pitta at noon, Vata in the evening).
The interplay of these doshas with the digestive fire (Jatharagni) is explained, highlighting how their imbalances affect digestion and the body's excretory functions.
The concept of Prakriti (individual constitution) based on the dominance of doshas from conception is discussed, emphasizing the importance of balance among all three doshas for optimal health.
The inherent properties (gunas) of Vata (dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, mobile), Pitta (slightly oily, sharp, hot, light, flowing, liquid), and Kapha (oily, cold, heavy, slow, smooth, stable) are described.
The seven dhatus (tissues) of the body (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra) and three malas (waste products: mutra, sakrut, sweda) are introduced, along with their susceptibility to dosha imbalances.
The principle of like increasing like and opposite decreasing opposite is explained in relation to doshas, dhatus, and malas.
The six tastes (rasas) – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent – are discussed, along with their impact on the doshas.
The concept of Vipaka (post-digestive effect of substances) as sweet, sour, and pungent is introduced.
The book explains how imbalances in time (Kala), objects (Artha), and actions (Karma) lead to disease, defining Ayog (improper intake/action) as the cause of disease, categorized into insufficient (Heena), improper (Mithya), and excessive (Ati) yogas.

2. Dincharya (Daily Routine):

This chapter focuses on establishing a healthy daily routine for maintaining well-being.
It stresses waking up during the Brahma Muhurta (around 4 AM) for optimal health and engaging in morning rituals like cleaning the teeth.
Detailed guidelines are provided for dantadhawan (teeth cleaning) using specific herbal twigs, emphasizing their astringent, pungent, and bitter tastes for gum health and saliva production.
Contraindications for teeth cleaning in certain ailments are mentioned, along with the importance of saliva for digestion.
The use of anjan (collyrium) for eye care, particularly Sauviraanjana, is recommended to protect the eyes from Kapha.
The benefits of Abhyanga (body oil massage) are highlighted, emphasizing its role in preventing premature aging, reducing fatigue, promoting well-being, and ensuring restful sleep. Specific focus is given to massaging the head, ears, and feet.
Contraindications for oil massage in conditions like Kapha-related diseases and indigestion are noted.
The benefits of Vyayama (exercise) are discussed, including increased lightness, strength, improved digestion, and reduction of fat. Various forms of exercise are implied.
Contraindications for exercise in certain individuals (children under 10, elderly, those with Vata/Pitta imbalance, indigestion) are outlined.
The chapter advises on exercising in moderation, adjusting intensity based on season and individual strength.
The harmful effects of Ativyayama (excessive exercise) are described, including increased thirst, tissue wasting, breathing difficulties, and various diseases.
The benefits of Udavartana (body powder massage) for reducing Kapha and improving skin health are mentioned.
The positive effects of Snana (bathing) on digestion, longevity, strength, and immunity are explained.
The proper way to bathe, advising against pouring hot water on the head, is emphasized.
Contraindications for bathing in specific diseases (facial paralysis, eye/ear/mouth diseases, diarrhea, indigestion) are listed.
The importance of eating only after proper digestion of the previous meal and not suppressing natural urges (Vata, Mala, Mutra, sneezing, thirst, hunger, sleep, cough, breathlessness, yawning, tears, vomiting, semen) is stressed.
The principles of righteous living (Dharma) are linked to overall well-being and happiness.
The book lists ten unrighteous actions (Papa Karma) concerning body, speech, and mind, advocating for their avoidance.
It emphasizes compassion and helping the needy, seeing all beings as oneself.
Respect for elders, divine beings, cows, Brahmins, physicians, and guests is advised.
The importance of maintaining equanimity in pleasure and pain, avoiding envy, speaking truthfully and kindly, and cultivating a pleasant demeanor is highlighted.
The text advises against being overly trusting or suspicious, and against harboring enmity.
Personal hygiene, including cleanliness of hair, nails, beard, and body cavities, along with appropriate attire, is stressed.
Practices like covering the mouth while sneezing or yawning, avoiding forceful cleaning of nasal passages or ears, and maintaining proper posture are recommended.
The importance of stopping activities before exhaustion, avoiding sleeping under trees at night, not looking directly at the sun, not carrying heavy loads on the head, and avoiding looking at impure objects is stated.
Prohibitions against alcohol trade, consumption, and exposure to direct wind, sun, dust, and dew are mentioned.
Avoiding uncomfortable seating, sleeping positions, staying away from enemies of kings, dangerous animals, and poisons is advised.
Avoiding service to the wicked, quarreling with superiors, and engaging in activities like eating, sex, sleeping, studying, or contemplation during twilight hours is recommended.

3. Rutucharya (Seasonal Regimen):

This chapter details seasonal practices for maintaining health throughout the year.
It explains the division of the year into six seasons (Ritus) based on the progression of the sun, with two months per season. The seasons are Shishira (late winter), Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), and Hemanta (early winter).
The year is also divided into two halves: Uttarayan (Sun's northward journey, comprising Shishira, Vasanta, Grishma) and Dakshinayan (Sun's southward journey, comprising Varsha, Sharad, Hemanta). Uttarayan is considered Adana Kala (period of energy withdrawal), leading to reduced strength, while Dakshinayan is Visarga Kala (period of energy release), leading to increased strength.
The book explains the dominance of specific tastes (rasas) in different seasons and their impact on doshas and strength.
Detailed seasonal regimens are provided for each of the six seasons, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and remedies.
- Hemanta (Early Winter): Emphasizes strengthening digestive fire, consuming sweet, sour, and salty tastes, having warm baths, oil massage, and engaging in moderate wrestling.
- Shishira (Late Winter): Similar to Hemanta, with an emphasis on protecting against increased cold and dryness.
- Vasanta (Spring): Focuses on pacifying Kapha, which accumulates in winter, through emetics, nasal administration (nasya), light and dry foods, exercise, and massage.
- Grishma (Summer): Recommends consuming sweet, light, cooling, and liquid foods, avoiding strenuous activity, and staying in cool environments.
- Varsha (Monsoon): Advises strengthening digestive fire, consuming old grains, easily digestible soups, and processed liquids, avoiding river water, excessive exercise, daytime sleep, and excessive sun.
- Sharad (Autumn): Focuses on pacifying Pitta, which accumulates in monsoon, through bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes, purgation, bloodletting, and light foods.
The concept of Ritu Sandhi (transition period between seasons) is explained, emphasizing gradual adaptation to the new season's regimen to avoid illness.

4. Causes of Disease:

This chapter delves into the origins of diseases.
It reiterates the importance of not suppressing natural urges, listing 13 such urges and the diseases that can arise from their suppression.
Specific diseases and their causes related to the suppression of each urge are detailed, along with their treatments. For example, suppression of downward Vata can lead to abdominal pain, urinary retention, eye diseases, and heart problems.
The book explains how certain actions, like eating at improper times, consuming incompatible foods, and engaging in excessive or insufficient activities, lead to dosha imbalances and disease.

5. Knowledge of Dietetic Substances (Part 1 - Liquids):

This extensive chapter details the properties and therapeutic uses of various liquid substances, with a strong emphasis on water.
Water (Toya): Described as life-sustaining, cooling, heart-friendly, intellect-enhancing, light, and pure when obtained from celestial sources. It emphasizes that water's suitability depends on place and time. The identification of pure water through the "Gaanga water" test (keeping cooked rice in the water) is explained.
Other Waters: Prohibits drinking sea water (except in Ashwin), stagnant water, water contaminated with algae or vegetation, water not exposed to sun, moon, or wind, and water that is thick, heavy, foamy, or infested with organisms.
Rivers: Describes the properties of river water based on their source and flow, favoring fast-flowing, clear water from mountains over slow-moving or contaminated water. The specific effects of water from different mountain ranges on health are discussed.
Wells, Ponds, etc. (Kupa, Tadaga): Discusses the qualities of water from various sources, influenced by their location and the properties of the soil. Sweet well water is considered beneficial for all three doshas.
Water Consumption: Provides guidelines on when and how much water to drink, advising against drinking during meals, especially in large quantities, to maintain digestive fire.
Temperature of Water: Explains the benefits of warm water for digestion, throat health, and clearing blockages, while cold water is beneficial for reducing thirst, heat, and certain diseases.
Milk (Dugdha): Details the properties of milk from different animals (cow, buffalo, goat, camel, mare, donkey), highlighting cow's milk as the most beneficial, being vitalizing, promoting intellect, strength, and acting as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Curd (Dadhi) and Buttermilk (Takra): Discusses the properties of curd and buttermilk, with buttermilk being favored for its lightness, digestive properties, and therapeutic benefits for various diseases.
Butter (Navanita) and Ghee (Ghrita): Explains the properties of fresh butter and ghee, with ghee being considered the supreme among fats, promoting longevity, intellect, and having healing properties, especially aged ghee for specific neurological and other conditions.
Sugarcane Products: Discusses the properties of sugarcane juice (Ikshu Rasa), jaggery (Phanita), molasses (Matsyandika), and sugar (Khanda, Sita), detailing their effects on doshas and health.
Honey (Madhu): Describes honey as beneficial for eyes, a natural expectorant, cooling, and a remedy for various cough, respiratory, digestive, and skin ailments, while also noting its potential to aggravate Vata.
Oils (Taila): Discusses the properties of various oils, primarily sesame oil, highlighting its benefits for skin and its ability to pacify Vata and Kapha. Castor oil is noted for its strong laxative properties.
Animal Fats and Marrow (Vasa, Majja, Meda): Briefly mentions their properties as Vata-pacifying and Vata-Kapha-increasing.
Other Oils: Details the properties of oils from mustard, niger, linseed, castor, neem, etc., with their specific therapeutic uses and potential side effects.
Urine (Mootra): Discusses the properties of urine from various animals, including humans, noting its general Vata-Kapha pacifying and Pitta-aggravating nature, and its therapeutic uses in specific conditions.
Conclusion of Liquid Substances: Briefly touches upon the classification of various liquid consumables.

6. Knowledge of Food Grains (Part 2 - Solids):

This chapter focuses on the properties and benefits of various solid food substances.
Cereals (Shuka Dhanya): Details the properties of different types of rice, with red rice (Rakta Vrihi) being considered superior. It explains that older grains are lighter and easier to digest than new ones. Barley (Yava) is described as beneficial for digestion, pacifying all three doshas, and promoting strength and vitality.
Legumes (Shimbi Dhanya): Discusses the properties of various lentils and beans, with mung beans (Mudga) being considered the most easily digestible and beneficial for most conditions. Horse gram (Kulattha) is noted for its heat-generating and stone-dissolving properties.
Processed Grains (Kruta Anna): Explains the digestive properties of various preparations like Manda (thin gruel), Peya (thick gruel), Vilepi (very thick gruel), and Odana (cooked rice), emphasizing that lighter preparations are beneficial after detoxification therapies or during illness.
Vegetables (Shaka): Lists numerous vegetables and their properties, highlighting beneficial ones like fenugreek leaves (methi), spinach (palak), bottle gourd (lauki), pointed gourd (parval), and bitter gourd (karaila), while cautioning against certain types like raw brinjal or overly fibrous greens.
Fruits (Phala): Discusses the properties of various fruits, categorizing them based on their taste, digestive effects, and impact on doshas. Grapes are considered the best fruit, followed by pomegranates.
Salt (Lavana): Describes the properties of different types of salt, with rock salt (Saindhava) being considered the best, followed by common salt, sea salt, etc., each having specific benefits and contraindications.
Alkalies (Kshara): Explains the potent properties of various alkaline substances, their uses in breaking down bodily accumulations and their potential toxicity.
Other Important Ingredients: Briefly touches upon ingredients like asafoetida (Hingu), haritaki (Harad), amla (Amla), bibhitaki (Baheda), triphala (a combination of these three), ginger (Ardraka), turmeric (Haridra), and spices like black pepper (Maricha), long pepper (Pippali), and dry ginger (Shunthi), highlighting their medicinal properties.

The book concludes with a testament to the author's dedication and the vision of a Swadeshi Research Center in Sevaagram, Wardha, to promote indigenous knowledge and self-reliance. It emphasizes that Rajiv Dixit's legacy lives on in the pursuit of a "Swadeshi Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).