Samprapti (सम्प्राप्ति)

Sanskrit Verse

यथा दुष्टेन दोषेण यथा चानुविसर्पता। निर्वृत्तिरामयस्यासौ सम्प्राप्तिर्जातिरागतिः॥

— (Charaka Samhita, Nidanasthana 1/19)

Explanation

Samprapti is the pathogenesis, or the step-by-step process of how a disease develops. It describes the journey of the aggravated Doshas from their site of origin, their movement through the Srotas, their lodging in a weak Dhatu, and the final manifestation of symptoms. It is often described in six stages (Shat Kriya Kala).

Clinical Importance

Understanding the Samprapti is more important than just naming the disease. It allows the physician to interrupt the disease process at its source. ‘Samprapti Vighatana’ (breaking the pathogenesis) is the primary aim of Ayurvedic treatment.