Vyadhi Kshamatva (व्याधि क्षमत्व)

Vyadhi Kshamatva is the Ayurvedic concept of immunity. It is defined in two ways: 1. Vyadhi Bala Virodhitvam (the capaci.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

व्याधिक्षमत्वं नाम व्याधिबलविरोधित्वं व्याध्युत्पादप्रतिबन्धकत्वमिति यावत्।

— (Chakrapani commentary on Charaka Sutra 28/7)

Explanation

Vyadhi Kshamatva is the Ayurvedic concept of immunity. It is defined in two ways: 1. Vyadhi Bala Virodhitvam (the capacity of the body to resist the strength of a manifested disease) and 2. Vyadhi Utpada Pratibandhakatvam (the capacity to prevent the manifestation of a disease in the first place). It is directly related to the quality of Ojas.

Clinical Importance

This concept is the basis of Ayurvedic immunology. Rather than focusing only on killing pathogens, Ayurveda emphasizes strengthening the host’s own defense mechanisms (Bala and Ojas) so that disease does not take root. Rasayana therapies are primarily aimed at enhancing Vyadhi Kshamatva.