"Digestion and Metabolism in Ayurveda" is one of the scholarly works written by Prof. C. Dwarakanath. The textual matter presented in this book is of high standard and thus written to meet the needs of Ayurvedic Teachers and Research workers involved in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The Knowledge of the fundamentals of Ayurveda is a prerequisite to understand the concepts explained in this book.
This work is a critical Scientific apprisal of the Classical Ayurvedic concepts of Physiology and Biochemistry of digestion and metabolism. Ayurvedic concepts of Jatharagni, Dhatwagni and, Bhutagni pakas involved in digestion and metabolism in the body are explained in the light of the contemporary modern Medical and allied sciences wherever possible and, without altering the Original Meaning as envisaged in Ayurvedic classical texts.
According to Ayurveda, food and its utilisation in the body forms fundamental basis of Health and Disease and, in this context Caraka says, "The human body is a Product of food". The therapeutic principles in Ayurvedic system of Medicine aims to correct the deranged "Agni" in the body which is responsible for digestion and metabolism.
Ayurveda describes thirteen types of Agni viz Jatharagni (one), Dhatwagni (seven types), and Bhutagni (five types) Which carry out the functions of digestion and metabolism at different levels in the body. Prof. Dwarkanath has dealt the entire subject matter in six sections and, vividly described the concepts of Anatomical and Physiological Components involved in digestion and metabolism, Dhatwagnipaka, Dravya Nistapaka, the role of Kayagnipaka, Rasa - Guna Virya-Vipaka in metabolism, srotas (micro channels in the body) and metabolism, and the inter-relationship of Antaragni and Kayacikitsa (Internal Medicine).
The striking feature in this book is that the author has extensively quoted authentic Ayurvedic references from Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, Astanga Sangraha, Astanga Hrdaya and, commentaries on these classical Ayurvedic texts. Also we find references from other Ancient Books whose concepts are useful to understand the Ayurvedic system of medicine. This reveals the versatility of the author, and the depth in which he dealt the subject matter.
The book is an authentic reference text book on Ayurvedic concepts of digestion and metabolism and, is useful to Ayurvedic teachers, physicians, postgraduate students of Ayurveda and, research scholars interested in Ayurvedic system of medicine. As this is in English language, it is immensely useful to international readership. The book is an asset to one's personal Library too. |
