Sanskrit Verse

सर्वदा सर्वभावानां सामान्यं वृद्धिकारणम्। ह्रासहेतुर्विशेषश्च प्रवृत्तिरुभयस्य तु॥

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 1/44)

Explanation

This is the foundational principle of Ayurvedic treatment. The ‘Samanya’ principle states that ’like increases like’ (e.g., consuming heavy foods increases the heavy Kapha dosha). The ‘Vishesha’ principle states that ‘opposites decrease or balance’ (e.g., consuming light foods will decrease Kapha). ‘Pravritti’ refers to the application of both principles to maintain balance.

Clinical Importance

Every Ayurvedic prescription, whether dietary or herbal, is based on this logic. To reduce a quality (Guna) that is in excess, one administers substances with the opposite quality. To nourish a deficient quality, one administers substances with a similar quality.