A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF MEDODHARA KALA WITH ITS CLINICAL ASPECTS: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

  • Unique Paper ID: 186260
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 6
  • PageNo: 813-820
  • Abstract:
  • In the realm of Sharira Rachana (anatomy) as delineated in the classical texts of Ayurveda, the concept of Kala plays a crucial role in understanding the internal structures of the human body. Kala is defined as a thin lining or interface that separates and protects various Dhatus and Ashayas within the body. Among the Saptakala described in Sushruta Samhita, Medodhara Kala is of significant importance, being responsible for the Dharana (holding) and Vyavahara (functional expression) of Meda Dhatu (adipose tissue). It is specifically located in the Vrikkas (kidneys), Udara Pradesh (abdominal region), and AsthiSandhis (bony joints), where Meda is abundantly present and functionally active. The concept of Medodhara Kala is not merely structural but also deeply functional, being intimately involved in the synthesis, storage, and metabolism of fat tissue, and by extension, in the regulation of Shariraja Bala (physical strength), Snigdhata (unctuousness), and Pushti (nourishment). In the present context of rising lifestyle disorders, the derangement of Meda Dhatu and dysfunction of Medodhara Kala can be clinically correlated with conditions like Sthaulya (obesity), Medoroga (dyslipidemia), Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes mellitus), and Metabolic Syndrome. This conceptual study aims to explore the Ayurvedic etymology, structural localization, and functional attributes of Medodhara Kala as described in classical texts, and to correlate these with modern anatomical and physiological interpretations of adipose tissue and lipid metabolism. A comprehensive review of classical compendia—Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—has been undertaken, along with insights from contemporary biomedical literature. Clinically, understanding Medodhara Kala helps in assessing Meda DushtiLakshanas (clinical features of adipose tissue vitiation), formulating Dosha-specific treatment protocols, and guiding the use of Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Shodhana (bio-cleansing therapies) such as Lekhana Basti, Udvartana, and Virechana, which directly influence the Meda Dhatu and its seat, the Medodhara Kala. The study concludes that Medodhara Kala is not just a structural lining but a vital functional entity with immense clinical relevance in both preventive and curative aspects of metabolic disorders. Further integrative and evidence-based research is warranted to validate the classical Ayurvedic concepts and establish their application in modern clinical practice.

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BibTeX

@article{186260,
        author = {Vd Devyani Gawale and Vd Kishorkumar Madavi},
        title = {A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF MEDODHARA KALA WITH ITS CLINICAL ASPECTS: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {813-820},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=186260},
        abstract = {In the realm of Sharira Rachana (anatomy) as delineated in the classical texts of Ayurveda, the concept of Kala plays a crucial role in understanding the internal structures of the human body. Kala is defined as a thin lining or interface that separates and protects various Dhatus and Ashayas within the body. Among the Saptakala described in Sushruta Samhita, Medodhara Kala is of significant importance, being responsible for the Dharana (holding) and Vyavahara (functional expression) of Meda Dhatu (adipose tissue). It is specifically located in the Vrikkas (kidneys), Udara Pradesh (abdominal region), and AsthiSandhis (bony joints), where Meda is abundantly present and functionally active.
The concept of Medodhara Kala is not merely structural but also deeply functional, being intimately involved in the synthesis, storage, and metabolism of fat tissue, and by extension, in the regulation of Shariraja Bala (physical strength), Snigdhata (unctuousness), and Pushti (nourishment). In the present context of rising lifestyle disorders, the derangement of Meda Dhatu and dysfunction of Medodhara Kala can be clinically correlated with conditions like Sthaulya (obesity), Medoroga (dyslipidemia), Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes mellitus), and Metabolic Syndrome.
This conceptual study aims to explore the Ayurvedic etymology, structural localization, and functional attributes of Medodhara Kala as described in classical texts, and to correlate these with modern anatomical and physiological interpretations of adipose tissue and lipid metabolism. A comprehensive review of classical compendia—Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—has been undertaken, along with insights from contemporary biomedical literature.
Clinically, understanding Medodhara Kala helps in assessing Meda DushtiLakshanas (clinical features of adipose tissue vitiation), formulating Dosha-specific treatment protocols, and guiding the use of Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Shodhana (bio-cleansing therapies) such as Lekhana Basti, Udvartana, and Virechana, which directly influence the Meda Dhatu and its seat, the Medodhara Kala.
The study concludes that Medodhara Kala is not just a structural lining but a vital functional entity with immense clinical relevance in both preventive and curative aspects of metabolic disorders. Further integrative and evidence-based research is warranted to validate the classical Ayurvedic concepts and establish their application in modern clinical practice.},
        keywords = {Medodhara Kala, Saptakala, Meda Dhatu, Sthaulya (Obesity), Medoroga (Dyslipidemia), Dosha-Dhatu Mala, Sharira Rachana, Kala Sharira, Meda Dushti, Shodhana Chikitsa, LekhanaUpakrama, Vrikkas (Kidneys), Udara Pradesh.},
        month = {November},
        }

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 6
  • PageNo: 813-820

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF MEDODHARA KALA WITH ITS CLINICAL ASPECTS: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

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