Sanskrit Verse
मातृजः पितृजः आत्मजः सात्म्यजः रसजः सत्त्वजश्चेति षड् भावाः।
— (Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana 3/3 - Interpreted)
Explanation
These are the six procreative factors responsible for the formation and development of the fetus. They are: Matrija (derived from the mother, e.g., soft tissues), Pitrija (derived from the father, e.g., hard tissues), Atmaja (derived from the soul, e.g., consciousness, lifespan), Satmyaja (derived from the mother’s assimilated diet during pregnancy), Rasaja (derived from the nourishing fluid of the mother), and Sattvaja (derived from the mind).
Clinical Importance
This concept explains the holistic nature of embryological development. It highlights the importance of the parents’ physical health, mental state, and the mother’s diet during pregnancy in determining the health of the child.