‘Ayurvedic approach to refine y-chromosome”

Genetics; a beautiful word with infinite questions and answers of the life on earth and universe. Modern medical sciences explain the life in definition of chromosomal bodies and genes 500 years back ago but ayurvedic medical sciences defined genetics in a deep form with the definition of VATA, PITTA AND KAPHA(VPK) 5000 years back ago. These VPK are the basic pillars of life whether its a human life or macro-micro organism life. Ayurved stated that every life has its different type of identities that we can name as PRAKRUTI.
Apart from other organisms, lets talk about human life that can be easily defined as DNA in medical terms. And in humans, male and females are differentiated on X and Y chromosome (male-XY/female-XX). Nowadays studies and research telling us that; “The human Y chromosome has lost its ability to recombine with its once homologous partner, the X chromosome, except in its pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) at the termini of the X and Y chromosomes. This has resulted in the majority of the Y chromosome’s gene content being inherited as a unit, known as the human MSY (male-specific region of the Y chromosome). Suppression of recombination occurred at five discrete time points, probably caused by inversions, that integrated each segment into the MSY and initiated the degradative processes that resulted in wide-spread gene deletion and loss. These evolutionary strata show a continuum of degeneration that is highly correlated with the age of X-Y gene pairs within each stratum. The oldest of which contains only four remaining genes, including the sex-determining factor SRY. The degenerative nature of the Y chromosome has led some researchers to suggest it may lose all functional genes and become extinct in as little as 5 million years, an evolutionary phenomenon that has been observed in other species. Recent research, however, suggests that the Y chromosome has maintained a stable assortment of genes for the last 25 million years through effective purifying selection on single-copy genes and intrachromosomal gene conversion of ampliconic sequences. Despite conflicting views on the terminal fate of the Y chromosome, functional specialization and biased gene retention, on the Y chromosome is believed to be unique in the genome and may have played an essential role in Y chromosome degeneration”.
As every chromosome consist of bunch of genes to transcript proteins and to initiate the human life same every cell and every tissue has its own VATA, PITTA AND KAPHA which initiate every element(PANCHMAHABHUT-5 basic elements), AGNI(digestive fire), DHATUS(digestive system to reproductive system), MALA(excretory products), INDRIYAN(nervous and sensory system), MANA(brain-heart balance) and AATMA(self consciousness of every single cell) from zygotic level to death which was told by ACHARYA SHUSRUT AND ACHARYA CHARAKA in a very deep clinical and scientific way.
Lets define characteristics properties of VPK(GUNA) to understand the ayurvedic approaches to genetic level;
1)Vata being formed of air and space is dry, cold, rough, light, clear, mobile, and subtle.
2)Pitta is formed of fire and water, and thus it is hot , light, sharp, oily, liquid, and mobil.
3)Kapha is formed of earth and water and is heavy, slow, smooth, oily, soft, stable, and cloudy.

1)Vata Body Type;
Individuals with Vata body type have a predominant Vata Dosha with more qualities and characteristics of Vata. People with Ayurveda body type of Vata are usually slim and energetic. They are usually creative individuals and can think out of the box. Their mood can often be influenced by the weather, as well as the food taken. The following are some of the powerful qualities of the Vata type body:
-Quick learner
-Creative minded
-Can multitask
-Kind by nature
-Flexible
-Slim
The counter qualities of the Vata constitution are:
-Emotional turmoil
-Susceptible to anxiety
-Sensitive to the cold weather
-Appetite can vary, and digestive concerns may crop up
-Poor blood circulation
-Sleep concerns

2)Pitta body type;
The pitta type body has a combination of fire and water characters. These are athletic individuals who are usually well-built. They have good leadership abilities and may appear aggressive by nature and goal-oriented. The strong qualities of the Pitta-type constitution are:
-Intelligence
-Quick learners
-Motivated and goal-oriented
-Strong leadership qualities
-Good circulatory system
-good metabolism
-Healthy skin and hair
-Determined and tenacious
The counter qualities of the Pitta-type body can be:
-Lack of patience
-May get into conflicts quickly
-May get hunger pangs and be subject to mood swings
-Sensitive to hot weather
-Common health concern faced is inflammation

3)Kapha body type;
The Kapha body type is earthy with the water element in it. This makes them grounded and more stable. These are powerful individuals and caring by nature. They not only get things done but help and support others too.
Common qualities of individuals with Kapha body constitution are:
-Caring in nature and showing empathy
-Trust others
-Calm, composed, and patient
-Wise and mature
-Happy
-Strong bones and joints
-Immunity is usually strong
The counter qualities of the Kapha Ayurveda body type are:
-Slow metabolism can make them sluggish
-They can end up gaining weight fast
-Tend to oversleep
-Prone to developing respiratory concerns
-Higher risk of heart diseases
-Need motivation or may get depressed
Apart from the three ayurvedic body types described, the other body types can be Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Vata, Pitta-Kapha, Kapha-Pitta, etc. The combination occurs when more than one Dosha is dominant. The qualities of body type in Ayurveda are also a combination of two different types.
So these VPK body types can easily tells us how the body works with these basic life pillars. Let us understand what functions they have inside the body. These pillars when are in balance form known as GUNA but when these pillars are in unbalance form then known as DOSHAS which we can say ‘A DISEASE’.
1)Vata Functions;
Vata handles all movements within the body. It is typically present in the lower abdominal region below the navel.
Vata helps ensure the smooth functioning of processes such as respiration and maintains the health of Dhatus or tissues, also managing all natural urges like hunger, thirst, urination, excretion, sleep, etc.
Vata ensures the smooth functioning of the heart, contractions of muscles, the flow of blood, and communication from the brain through the nerves to the entire body.

2)Pitta Functions;
Pitta handles the body’s metabolism and smooth functioning of the digestive system.
It is believed to be located above the navel’s upper abdominal region.
Pitta is associated with fire, ensuring normal body temperature. It creates intelligence and bodily luster. It is associated with transformation and thus governs emotions and experiences.

3)Kapha Dosha’s Functions;
Kapha provides the body with vigor, vitality, and immunity. It is believed to be in the chest region.
It can ensure the stability and strength of the bodily structure. Since it has the water element, it hydrates the tissues and cells. It also keeps the skin moisturized. It offers lubrication of the joints, allowing them to function well.
So these proofs that every pillars (GUNA) has its own properties/functions that works throughout the life. As these pillars initiate life, when these pillars get unbalanced/vitiated, they give different types of diseases as given below;
1)Effects of Vitiated Vata;
When the Vata Dosha is vitiated, it may cause metabolic or pathological dryness in the body. If the Vata levels fall below the optimum level, one may feel weakness, speech-related concerns may crop up, and a state of confusion may also be induced.
Any vitiation or imbalance in the Doshas should be corrected. There are different ways of doing this. Medication using herbal Ayurvedic remedies, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, exercise, practicing Yoga and Pranayama, and undergoing therapies can help correct Dosha vitiation.

2)Effects of Vitiated Pitta;
Vitiation in the Pitta Dosha leads to inflammatory reactions within the body. This affects organs across the body.
On a mental level, the Pitta imbalance can lead to a negative state of mind, creating jealousy, frustration, anger, and a tendency to criticize others. Vitiation can affect digestion and it can lead to excessive hunger and thirst. Discoloration of skin and discoloration in the urine and stools can occur. It can also cause sleeplessness.
Exposure to hot weather, the heat of the sun, and hot food can aggravate Pitta. Sour, salty, and pungent foods worsen Pitta Dosha. Spicy food and potatoes can vitiate this Dosha.

3)Effects of Vitiated Kapha
Kapha Dosha vitiation causes congestion in the tissues and organs of the body. Apart from physical stagnation, it also causes stagnation of the mind and coldness.
Body flabbiness and white skin coloration are some effects of this imbalance. Breathing problems are commonly caused by Vata imbalance. While the other two Doshas when vitiated cause sleeplessness, Kapha vitiation causes lethargy and excess sleep. It causes excessive possessiveness, stubbornness, and resistance to change on the mental plane.
Cold and wet weather, and heavy and fatty foods (including oils, nuts, and processed foods) can aggravate this Dosha.

So modern medical sciences cannot explain every gene function on a chromosome but i think ayurvedic samhitas explained every function of every gene through VPK pillars. To nourish and save the diminish evolution of chromosomal depression, ASHTANG HRUDYA a specialty of ayurvedic medical sciences defines Dincharya and Ratricharya to prevent the prevention of unbalance VPK on chromosomal level. In ayurvedic era people used to live 500 years using ayurvedic regimens mentioned in scripts. But nowadays a adult man use to live upto or around 50 years. If todays men follows the astang regimen with ayurvedic drugs he can easily rejuvenate and nourish his body on chromosomal level. ACHARYA CHARAK mentioned in his 1st two chapters about rejuvenation and how to live long (RASYANAM AND BAJIKARAN).


THREE PILLARS –

“AYURVEDIC MEDICAL SCIENCES GIVES US THE IDEA THAT HOW WE CAN NOURISH OUR CELLULAR NUTRITION THROUGH WHICH THE MAINTENANCE OF LIFE BEING STABLE THROUGHOUT 500-1000 YEARS IN SUCH DISEASES ERA”.

Contributor- Dr. Mohit Sandhu

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