Vikrit Vyadhi Vigyaniya Sharir: An Ayurvedic View on Types and Causes of Disease

There are many theories in Ayurveda which relate to living healthily and being well. The way an individual is healthy will depend on how closely they live out their daily regimen and the balance they bring to their life. How an individual functions physically is based on the specific structures of the body. When there are structural defects in these organs the way they normally function is impacted, which in turn leads to various conditions and the existence of congenital abnormalities. In order to identify, treat, and manage these types of abnormalities, an individual will need to have a thorough understanding of how the anatomical structures of the body work. Ayurveda describes numerous conditions which are the result of abnormal or congenital physical structures. Classical texts elaborate on the Pitr'a, Matar'a, Atm'a, Sattv'a, Satmy'a and Rasa as all of these contribute to the proper development of the physical structures of the body. If there is any aberration or Dosha in any of these factors, it will create abnormal development and anatomical conditions. The purpose of this article is to study, from both the Ayurvedic perspective and the modern perspective, anatomical abnormalities of different organs.