Hetu (हेतु)

Hetu refers to the causative factors of a disease. Ayurveda classifies them into three main categories: 1. Asatmya Indri.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

त्रिविधो हेतुः असात्म्येन्द्रियार्थसंयोगः, प्रज्ञापराधाः, परिणामश्च।

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 1/54)

Explanation

Hetu refers to the causative factors of a disease. Ayurveda classifies them into three main categories: 1. Asatmya Indriyartha Samyoga (improper use of the senses, e.g., staring at bright lights or listening to loud music), 2. Prajnaparadha (intellectual error or ‘crimes against wisdom’, e.g., knowingly eating unhealthy food or suppressing natural urges), and 3. Parinama (effects of time, such as seasonal changes and aging).

Clinical Importance

Identifying the specific Hetu is the first and most crucial step in diagnosis (Nidana Panchaka). Removing the cause (Nidana Parivarjana) is the primary line of treatment for any disease.