Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c10.23

c10.23

The derangement of the balance of *doṣas* is caused chiefly by unsuited diet, yet other conditions are also responsible for it. Thus *vāta* is deranged also by fight with strong people, excess in movements, in sexual intercourse or in study, tumbling, running, pressure, wounds, fasts, bath, swimming, keeping awake at night, carrying heavy load, riding on an elephant or horse, driving or walking and suppression of natural needs. *Pitta* is deranged by anger, grief, anxiety, exertion, fast, indigestion and sexual extravagance. *Kapha* is deranged also by sleep by day, want of activity and inertia. Besides, the seasons and daily changes of time and the various stages of digestion also influence the *doṣas*, as e. g. the *kapha* is deranged particularly in winter and spring, in the morning and evening and immediately after the meal. The derangement of *doṣa* is compared with the fermenting process. The *vāta* gives impetus and drives the *doṣas* around in the body in which they cause various pains and troubles according to the place of their appearance (Su 1.21). The therapy is aimed at allaying or suppression (*praśamana*) of the only or chiefly deranged *doṣa*.