Sanskrit Verse

अतिदीर्घश्चातिह्रस्वश्चातिगौरश्चातिकृष्णकः। अतिस्थूलश्चातिकृशश्चातिलोमा चालोमकः॥

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 21/3)

Explanation

These are the eight ‘despised’ or undesirable physical constitutions that are prone to disease and considered to have a lower quality of life. They are: Ati-Dirgha (too tall), Ati-Hrasva (too short), Ati-Gaura (too fair), Ati-Krishna (too dark), Ati-Sthula (obese), Ati-Krisha (emaciated), Ati-Loma (excessively hairy), and A-Loma (hairless).

Clinical Importance

This concept highlights that extreme physical characteristics are deviations from the balanced state of health. It particularly emphasizes the health risks associated with obesity (Ati-Sthula) and emaciation (Ati-Krisha), which require specific management.