European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PANCHAMAHABHUTA SIDDHANTA AND CHIKITSA-A BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Bhardwaj Vikas*, Sharma Pankaj and C. Sahana

ABSTRACT

Despite rich history and plentiful references in Samhitas, the concept of Panchamahabhutas is poorly understood, occasionally considered and rarely practiced. Ayurveda treatment principles are based on correcting the imbalances of Panchamahabhutas in the body. Thus it becomes very important for us to understand the concept of Panchamahabhuta, especially with an approach of treatment perspective. Since the human body and the nature are both created from the Panchamahabhutas, Ayurveda considers all substances found in the nature as medicine; provided that it is used for explicit indications and with suitable formulations. Therefore, it utilizes a wide range of materia medica mostly natural products viz. herbs, minerals, animal products and marine originates. They are used for indications in different conditions of health and disease. This review article intends to demonstrate how Panchabhautika Chikitsa is conceptualized and practiced in various disorders.

Keywords: Panchamahabhuta, Chikitsa, Ayurveda, Samhita.